Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.
Latest articles by Philip Michaels
iOS 18 adds a new way to keep your apps private — here's how to lock and hide your iPhone apps
By Philip Michaels published
In iOS 18, you can lock apps so that they can only open with Face ID. You can even hide those apps from your iPhone home screen for added security.
The best 5G phones in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best 5G phones deliver faster downloads, lower latency and a lot more. Here are the 5G-capable phones worth your attention.
The Google Pixel 9 has lots of AI features — but Pixel Screenshots looks like a game changer
By Philip Michaels last updated
Pixel Screenshots looks like a top addition to Google's new flagships
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: All the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung is already at work prepping the next premium flagship for its lineup. Here's what we've heard about the Galaxy S25 Ultra ahead of its 2025 launch.
Best Verizon phone plans for 2024: Unlimited, prepaid and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best Verizon phone plans available, whether you’re looking for an unlimited plan, prepaid or a family plan.
Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro — here's what's different
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our Google Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro looks at how Google's entry-level flagship differs from the Pro version now that they have the same sized screens.
Best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases can keep your precious iPhone looking like new, especially if you happen to drop it.
Google Pixel 9 — 6 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Wondering whether to buy a Pixel 9? These are the arguments for and against Google's entry-level flagship phone.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold unveiled with drastic redesign and new AI powers
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google's foldable has larger screens, thinner profile and new features powered by the Tensor G4. Here's everything Google announced about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Best foldable phones of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
More phone makers than ever are coming out with devices you can fold into more compact designs. These are the best foldable phones we’ve tested.
Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL announced — here’s everything that’s new
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google gives its smartphone lineup new AI powers, with the introduction of the Pixel 9 lineup. Find out more about the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is here — everything you need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is official. Here's what it costs and how it differs from the Pixel Fold that came before it.
iPhone 16 Pro rumors — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 16 Pro won't arrive until the fall, but that's not stopping rumors from appearing now. Here's what we know so far about the iPhone 16 Pro.
Made by Google event 2024 — the 5 biggest Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 questions
By Philip Michaels published
We have a good idea about what Google will announce at Tuesday's Made by Google event, but we still have questions about the upcoming Pixel phones and watches.
iOS 18 lets you take a break from closing your Move ring — here's how to pause activity streaks
By Philip Michaels published
You no longer have to worry about losing your iPhone Fitness app activity streak if you need to take a day off from workouts. iOS 18 adds the ability to pause your Move ring activity.
Google Pixel 9 Pro could be the star of the show at Made by Google — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
We're expecting lots of different devices at the Made by Google event on August 13. But the Pixel 9 Pro could be the most exciting one of all.
iPhone 16 ship date won't be affected by Apple Intelligence — why that's the right move
By Philip Michaels published
It's clear that Apple Intelligence won't be part of the initial iOS 18 release, arriving later with iOS 18.1. But that shouldn't stop Apple from getting out the iPhone 16 on time.
Best cell phone plans in 2024: The best options for your monthly phone service
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best cell phone plan for your needs? We’ve rounded up the best choices for family plans, unlimited data and low-cost plans from prepaid carriers.
The Disney Plus/Hulu/Max bundle sounds great — but I'm never going to subscribe
By Philip Michaels published
A bundle packaging together Disney Plus and Hulu with Max sounds like a great deal. But the way streaming services handle pricing make it hard to commit to these kinds of bundles.
Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which Android phone will be tops?
By Philip Michaels published
With the Pixel 9 Pro set to debut this month, we take a look at how Google's top flagship could fare against the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
iPhone 15 is outselling the iPhone 14 — why that's happening and what it means for the iPhone 16
By Philip Michaels published
Apple says that iPhone 15 sales are ahead of where the iPhone 14 was at the same point in their release cycle. The reasons why bode well for this fall's iPhone 16 release.
Best Android apps in 2024
By Philip Michaels, John Velasco last updated
There are plenty of apps in the Google Play store, but we tracked down the best Android apps that deserve a place on your smartphone.
Best mobile hotspots in 2024
By Jeffery Battersby last updated
These are the best mobile hotspots for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
Best phone carriers of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Trying to find the best phone carrier for your wireless service? Here's how the top providers rank based on data speeds, phone selection and more.
OnePlus Open Apex Edition unveiled — new AI photo tools and a stunning color
By Philip Michaels published
OnePlus plans to release a variant of its OnePlus Open foldable phone, with more details coming on August 7. But the new phone features a red exterior and new AI photo features, OnePlus says.