John Velasco
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Retired YouTuber, Senior Editor at @TomsGuide & Co-founder of @RedBankPulse. Formerly @spydotcom @DigitalTrends @PhoneArena @AndroidAuth @vrsourcecom
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Articles by John Velasco
I shot 200 photos with the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra — here’s the winner
Now this is the matchup I’ve been waiting for: a battle that without question will determine which is the best camera phone. While my iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra face-off gave the overall win to Apple, I’m strictly going to focus on their camera performance here. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has kept the top spot for most of the year, beating out strong challengers like the Pixel 11 Pro XL and OnePlus 15.
I shot 200 photos with the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra
Now this is the matchup I've been waiting for: a battle that without question will determine which is the best camera phone . While my iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra face-off gave the overall win to Apple, I'm strictly going to focus on their camera performance here. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has kept the top spot for most of the year, beating out strong challengers like the Pixel 11 Pro XL and OnePlus 15 .
I shot 200 photos with the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra — here’s the winner
16 hours ago I know why they ask, but I still wish they didn’t need my phone number. A man walks into a restaurant. He doesn’t have a reservation, but that shouldn’t be a problem; there are ample seats at the bar, visible just over the hostess’s shoulder. “Of course,” she says, smiling. “We can seat you right …
I just installed watchOS 27 and instantly regretted it — here's why
I'm the type of person who turns on automatic updates for all of my gadgets, especially my iPhone and Apple Watch, seeing that they go hand-in-hand. So, when I saw the notification for the official watchOS 27 update pop up, I immediately scheduled it to install overnight. As much as the new software brought critical security updates to my Apple Watch, my excitement was aimed at all the new features it introduced — like the new single-tap gesture control.
I drove the Cadillac CT5 and BMW M2 for a week — here's the luxury performance car I recommend
With sticker prices well past the six-figure mark, the 2026 BMW M2 Coupe CS and 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing aren't built for the average commuter. Instead, they're high-performance machines engineered for driving enthusiasts and hardcore car buffs who want an upscale, ostentatious edge without letting go of their youthful side. On paper, they share a remarkably similar recipe despite their different body styles.
Why I changed my mind on the iPhone Duo's nano-texture display
Ever since Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo last month, just about everyone who's seen and held it hasn't stopped raving about the hardware. Between its thin profile and that seamless-looking inner display, the iPhone Duo could really be the one to convince people to make the upgrade to a foldable phone Yet, there's one particular characteristic that has been stealing the conversation: the nano-texture coating on its 7.6-inch main display.
I tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max — should you upgrade?
Around this time of year, many iPhone owners ask themselves the same question: is it time to upgrade? That's what I set out to answer in my iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max face-off. The two-year gap between models might tempt some current 16 Pro Max owners to make the jump, even though I generally recommend waiting at least three years.
iPhone duo: 7 features you're giving up by not buying the iPhone 18 Pro Max
I've spent the last couple of weeks testing both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max , which revealed some of their biggest upgrades — like the class-leading performance of the A20 Pro chip and improved battery life . But with the launch of the iPhone Duo right around the corner, plenty of people are likely still undecided about which one they should buy. The fact that the Duo is Apple's first-ever foldable device is appealing all on its own.
iPhone Duo: 7 features you’re giving up by not buying the iPhone 18 Pro Max
3 hours ago A new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K are also coming. Apple just had a very busy September, but from what we're hearing, the company plans to continue launching new products in quick succession over the next couple of months. Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, launches this October, and it …
I captured astrophotography with the Pixel 11 Pro XL — here's the results
Ever since the Pixel 9 Pro XL , Google's flagships have consistently impressed me with their astrophotography performance — and the latest Pixel 11 Pro XL is shaping up to be no exception. That's largely down to its updated Night Sight engine, which directly dictates how effectively it navigates the nuances of night-sky imaging. But that effortless automation is precisely one of the biggest strengths of shooting on the Pixel: all the heavy processing happens silently in the background.
Pixel 11 phone will use AI to make phone calls for you
I've said it countless times: when it comes to genuinely useful AI tools, Google's Pixel phones consistently set the benchmark. I thought past efforts such as Call Screen , Voice Translate, and Gemini Live showcased the power of what AI could do, but this latest Gemini Intelligence feature coming to Pixel 11 phones is yet another addition that proves how far AI assistants have come.
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. 17 Pro Max: Here's the winner
If there's one phone I saw out in the wild more than any other this past year, it was easily the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max . As tempting as it is to credit that eye-catching finish alone, Apple backed up the fresh coat of paint with substantial hardware improvements and top-tier performance that drove people to buy it . Now that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is officially here, Apple has to convince those same owners that it's time to move on.
I put the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
When Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra earlier this year, it set the benchmark for every other contender gunning to be the best phone around. Now that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is finally here, Apple has a lot to prove to dethrone its rival. That's why I'm exploring one of the most heated matchups in tech right now: an iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra face-off.
I put the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S26 Ultra through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
Apple Watch 1 day ago Review: Apple Watch Series 12 WIRED - Boutayna Chokrane • 1d After wearing it day and night for a week, I found that better health tracking, faster charging, and a simpler interface make Apple’s latest … Technology 10 hours ago Apple Intelligence has 20+ brand new features in iOS 27, here’s the full list 9to5Mac - Ryan Christoffel • 10h iOS 27 is here, and many of its new features are powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence.
IPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: Should you upgrade?
People are holding onto their phones much longer than ever before, which isn't surprising given how prices keep rising. That's at the heart of this iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison, as it raises the question of whether you should upgrade to the latest flagship. I've said countless times that three years should be the bare minimum to wait before upgrading your phone.
iOS 27 is live — here's how to download and install it now
4 hours ago Of two minds about upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro from your current iPhone? While the newest iPhone packs some compelling upgrades, it may not be worth the higher price tag. Plus, wanting an upgrade and needing one are two different things. With the 20th-anniversary iPhone rumored for next year, you …
iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max — here’s the one I recommend
iPhones 1 day ago I played with Apple’s new iPhones. Here’s what surprised me most. Mashable • 1d Bridget Carey goes hands-on with the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro and shares what surprised her most. Spending time with the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro has Bridget Carey rethinking what’s important in an iPhone upgrade. Following Apple's big September iPhone event, Carey breaks down the standout … Wearables 3 hours ago Why Apple Needed to Reboot Its Health App The Wall Street Journal.
iPhone duo: Analysts react to Apple's first foldable
There's no doubt about who the star of Apple's September 9 launch event turned out to be. With new CEO John Ternus reviving the company's trademark “One More Thing…” announcement to show off the new iPhone Duo , analysts are agreed that Apple's first attempt at a foldable phone is definitely one to watch.
A20 Pro chip: why it's such a big deal for the iPhone Ultra and 18 Pro Max
Every silicon cycle promises incremental gains in speed and efficiency, but Apple's upcoming A20 Pro could mark a genuine architectural leap. As we head into Apple's “Surprise and Shine” event this week in Cupertino, all eyes are locked on the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max — and specifically, whether the shift to TSMC's rumored 2-nanometer process lives up to expectations.
iPhone Ultra battery: Here's what we know so far
Everything about the iPhone Ultra is going to be scrutinized under a much larger magnifying glass, so Apple can't afford to gloss over some of the foldable's biggest rumored features. One of the greatest areas of concern centers on battery life, given that it's tipped to become the thinnest iPhone ever. Delivering all-day endurance in a foldable is notoriously difficult, especially when you factor in that these devices have expansive main displays compared to traditional slates.
iPhone Air 2 rumors — 5 biggest expected upgrades
When I first got my hands on the iPhone Air , I was instantly head over heels for its rail-thin construction — but my admiration faded the more I used it. While its refined design clearly deserves praise, the compromises I soon found with it quickly became impossible to ignore. In fact, I've previously argued that the standard iPhone 17 was the superior phone between the two. With the iPhone Air 2 , Apple clearly knows it has to redeem itself in a big way.
iPhone Ultra price rumors — how much Apple's first foldable could cost
Apple is clearly late to the foldable game, but with its “surprise and shine” event a little over a week away, the buzz around the iPhone Ultra is kicking into high gear. While the prospect of Apple's first foldable device hitting the market is genuinely exciting, there's one thing I can't shake: its rumored price. That's because I've tested many of the best foldable phones around, including recent releases like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro Fold .
iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — here's the flagship foldable I'd recommend
This has been an amazing year for foldables. Now more than ever, fierce competition is forcing phone makers to innovate at a rapid pace. With the iPhone Ultra poised to make its debut at Apple's upcoming “surprise and shine” event in just over a week, it will no doubt go toe-to-toe against the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra That's why I'm exploring the iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra matchup, breaking down what the latest leaks and rumors reveal about Apple's upcoming foldable.
iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — here's the flagship foldable I'd recommend
By now, you may have heard the news already: the OnePlus brand is leaving the US, seemingly for good. It comes as a shock to many. OnePlus exploded …
Audi Q6 e-tron vs. BMW iX: Here's the mid-size luxury EV SUV I recommend
When it comes to luxury vehicles, the matchup I frequently scrutinize is Audi versus BMW. These German powerhouse automakers have plenty of models that combine cutting-edge hardware with intricate design, but for this face-off, I'm looking at the 2027 Audi Q6 e-tron Premium quattro and the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 Priced similarly around the $80,000 mark, these two mid-size SUVs offer future-proof tech with their all-electric drivetrains.
Google Pixel 11 review: Lackluster upgrades that cost $100 more
Design 4 hours ago Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: No reason to upgrade just yet androidcentral.com - Harish Jonnalagadda • 4h The Pixel 11 Pro has a few upgrades, but not enough to justify switching from the excellent Pixel 9 Pro. Google Pixel 11 Pro vs.
I tried this MagSafe game controller and it puts other Bluetooth gamepads to shame — plus it’s $20 off right now
Fitbit 1 hour ago Fitbit founders launch Luffu Link, an LTE health and safety band TechCrunch - Aisha Malik • 1h Luffu, a new startup from Fitbit’s co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman, on Tuesday launched Luffu Link, an LTE-enabled health and safety band designed to monitor the wearer’s overall health, both physical and mental.
iPhone 18 Pro Max — I asked pro photographers what they really think of a variable aperture camera
13 hours ago When you're at home or work with regular access to an iPhone charger, you probably don't need to worry much about your iPhone's battery. On days when you're away from home for long stretches, you might want to make some adjustments to extend battery life. We've rounded up 10 tips that can cut down …
iPhone Ultra vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: Here's the one I'm putting my money on
Like a lot of phone nerds I know, I've been waiting years to see what Apple could do with a foldable phone — and that reality may soon be here with the iPhone Ultra . However, it's going to take more than just novel engineering and a new form factor to pull me away from its top-of-the-line flagship. I know a lot of people may face this dilemma next month, if rumors turn out to be true about Apple's iPhone event happening September 9. That's why I'm exploring this iPhone Ultra vs.
I drove the Infiniti QX60 and Genesis GV80 for a week — here’s the 3-row, mid-size luxury SUV I recommend
Infiniti QX60 vs Genesis GV80. When I got behind the wheel of the 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD earlier this year, it set a remarkably high bar for what I expect in a mid-size luxury SUV with three-row seating. Between its whisper-quiet ride, lavish cabin space, and punchy 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 performance, it easily established the benchmark for getting the most premium features for your money in the category.
Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: Falling behind the foldable curve
While class-leading hardware has never been the line’s biggest strength, Google has taken a different approach by doubling down on its outstanding AI features. In my Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review, you’ll see if it has the hardware, software, and performance to come out on top. But make no mistake: it needs to be firing on all cylinders, because even the smartest software can't stop the Pixel 11 Pro Fold from slipping behind the pace.
I just tried the thinnest phone grip Popsockets has created — and now there's no reason to not get a grip for your phone
Popsockets Low-Pro Grip test. More than a decade ago, the first PopSockets phone grip launched, and while it wasn’t necessarily a runaway hit at first, it slowly developed a cult following. Over the years, the company expanded its lineup by offering stylish designs to match any personality, but the core formula remained unchanged. Well, until now.
I've spent more than three weeks using the Galaxy Z Flip 8 — and it's a tipping point for Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 review. When it comes to the best foldable phones, I strongly prefer flip-style ones for their compact footprint and effortless one-handed use. On top of that, they’re undeniably far more versatile for vlogging than notebook-style foldables, letting me frame shots on the outer cover screen using the superior rear cameras. For years, I’ve praised Samsung’s flip-style foldables — but this year’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 has me concerned.
I drove the Lucid Air Touring for a week — and it feels like a genuine supercar (with 400-mile range)
What remains compelling about this sports-tuned EV is its striking design. It bridges the exotic aesthetics of a supercar with one of the most spacious cabins of any electric sedan. Carrying an as-tested price of $102,100, the 2026 Lucid Air Touring has to overdeliver if it wants to stand out as one of the best electric cars I’ve driven this year.
I drove the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback for a week — here’s the midsize SUV I recommend for families
Honda Passport vs Subaru Outback. Most SUVs today are designed to tackle everyday commuting, but a select few add the utility of being weekend road warriors. That’s why I drove the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback for a week each to see how these family SUVs compare. There are clearly a lot of similarities between the two, including their spacious cabins, solid towing capacity, powerful engine performance, and standard all-wheel drive.
I drove the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback for a week — here's my pick
Most SUVs today are designed to tackle everyday commuting, but a select few add the utility of being weekend road warriors. That's why I drove the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback for a week each to see how these family SUVs compare. There are clearly a lot of similarities between the two, including their spacious cabins, solid towing capacity, powerful engine performance, and standard all-wheel drive.
Google bamboozled me into paying for Google Photos a decade ago — and now it’s doing something similar with the Pixel 11 Pro
Google Pixel 11 Pro hands-on. I remember the old days when you got a new Android phone and, even before you finished the setup process, you were given the option to get free Google Photos backup. Really, who would pass up an offer like that? Alternatively, when I reviewed the Moto X, I was floored by its promotion offering 50GB of free Google Drive storage for two years.
Made by Google Event LIVE from NYC — here's everything Google announced today
But Google faces stiff competition following the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 — and with Apple’s event expected next month — these new Pixels can’t afford to come up short. Keep your browser pointed here for live updates, including our hands-on impressions on all the new announcements.
Google's following a familiar playbook with the Pixel 11 Pro launch — here's why
I remember the old days when you got a new Android phone and, even before you finished the setup process, you were given the option to get free Google Photos backup . Really, who would pass up an offer like that? Alternatively, when I reviewed the Moto X , I was floored by its promotion offering 50GB of free Google Drive storage for two years. Clearly, I got hooked on all of these free offers and didn't think much about how dependent I'd ultimately become on cloud storage.
I tried the Honor Robot Phone and it's crazy built-in gimbal — and this could be the future of camera phones
Honor Robot Phone hands-on. Every year, smartphone innovation feels iterative — a slightly faster processor, brighter screens, larger batteries, and the occasional camera sensor upgrade. However, the Honor Robot Phone is convincing me it wants to be a disruptive force in the mobile landscape.
I checked out the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL — here’s the one I recommend
Google Pixel 11 hands-on. Google’s latest hardware drop has officially arrived and, just like last year, consists of a trio of flagship models: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. They all pack upgrades over their predecessors, including a first for the series: a Tensor G6 chip built on a new 2-nanometer manufacturing process.
I held the Pixel Tag and it does one critical thing that the AirTag doesn’t — here’s what it is
Google Pixel Tag hands-on. I’ve said in my AirTag 2 review how it’s the most findable tracker ever created, but Google might dethrone it with the impending arrival of the Pixel Tag. It’s Google’s direct response to Apple, complete with an ultra-sleek design, one year’s worth of battery life, ultra-wideband support, the same $29 price, and more. Yet, it does something else that completely elevates it above the AirTag. I’m specifically referring to my annoyance when the battery gets low.
I checked out the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL — here's the one I recommend
Google's latest hardware drop has officially arrived and, just like last year, consists of a trio of flagship models: the Pixel 11 Pixel 11 Pro , and Pixel 11 Pro XL . They all pack upgrades over their predecessors, including a first for the series: a Tensor G6 chip built on a new 2-nanometer manufacturing process. That's not all they share, either, because they all come with built-in Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging, refreshed IP68 dust and water resistance, and a suite of new AI features.
I added this thermal camera to my mobile photography kit — and it completely transformed my outdoor walks
Thermal Master DV2 hands-on. A few weeks back, during one of my late-night running workouts, I heard a rustle around the sand dunes near my usual route, but I couldn’t tell what it was in the dark. When I returned the following day with the Thermal Master DV2 — a pocketable night-vision camera — I discovered it was a fox protecting its nearby den.
I drove the Subaru Crosstrek vs Hyundai Venue — here's the sub-$40K SUV I'd buy
Just last week I put the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 to the test, and while they're the right size and price for most families, I prefer something a bit smaller. That's why I drove the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Venue for a week to see how these compact crossovers compare to each other. While the base trims of both models are quite affordable, there's a substantial price gap between the two specific trims I tested.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs S26 Ultra: How 'ultra' are the cameras?
Samsung's been making its “Ultra” phones for years under the Galaxy S banner, but this year marks the first time the title is being used for a foldable phone. Needless to say, Samsung is trying to change the narrative with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — by slapping its premier "Ultra" badge on a foldable for the very first time.
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Everything we know so far
Below, I’ll break down all the latest details and rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Pixel 11 Pro XL so you know what both flagships have to offer — and ultimately, which one I'm most excited about. iPhone 18 Pro Max vs.
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Everything we know so far
Summer's still here, but things are already heating up as we close out the season and enter a busy fall. That's because flagship phone season is officially upon us, with several marquee devices tipped to launch soon. Two of the most exciting are arguably the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Google Pixel 11 Pro XL. The latter's expected to arrive first, with the next Made by Google event slated for August 12 . Meanwhile, Apple's roadmap isn't as clearly defined.
I just tried the new Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 — and it has one huge upgrade
Samsung DeX on Galaxy Z Flip 8. Samsung’s new foldable phones are almost here, and if you’re planning to get any of them, you should know about their most underrated feature in my opinion: Samsung DeX. This year’s lineup consists of three new foldables — the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra — which all come with the latest version of Samsung’s desktop interface.
I tested this heavy duty power bank that doesn’t just charge your phone — it inflates bike tires and jump-starts your car
NOCO Boost Air AX65 review. I test a fair amount of power banks, but I really enjoy the ones that offer maximum utility. While many are specifically designed for phones and smaller electronics, the NOCO Boost Air AX65 is in a class of its own and easily one of the best power banks around. Sure, I’m no stranger to power banks serving double duty as air inflators, but this particular one does way more.
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