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
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.
I drove the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 for week — here's the $40K crossover SUV I recommend
Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester. Both the Forester and CX-5 offer standard all-wheel drive, family-friendly versatility, and the effortless convenience of instant gas station fill-ups without the EV price premium. They come with as-tested prices of $40,465 and $41,080 for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, respectively.
I drove the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 for week — here's the $40K crossover SUV I recommend
1 day ago Mazda’s CEO hints at a flagship ‘hero car,’ and a butterfly-door patent may be the clearest clue at its design. A flagship sports car, maybe even hand-built, is in the oven Mazda has spent decades proving a sports car doesn’t need huge horsepower or a six-figure price tag to be exciting. The MX-5 …
I’ve tested the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and it proves Apple really needs to solve this one thing
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. After putting the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra to the test, there’s no denying that Samsung continues to make some of the best foldable phones around. While the Ultra boasts better specs and performance, it’s the wider aspect ratio of the standard Z Fold 8 that continues to feel like the fresher of the two.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 shows the one problem Apple's iPhone Fold must solve
After putting the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra to the test, there's no denying that Samsung continues to make some of the best foldable phones around. While the Ultra boasts better specs and performance, it's the wider aspect ratio of the standard Z Fold 8 that continues to feel like the fresher of the two.
I drove the GMC Yukon Denali and Chevrolet Tahoe for a week — here’s the massive 3-row SUV I recommend
GMC Yukon Denali vs Chevrolet Tahoe. If there’s one vehicle segment I know inside and out, it’s the three-row midsize SUV. This year alone, I’ve tested more than a dozen, ranging from luxury models like the Genesis GV80 all the way to more modest options like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas. I’ve come to appreciate just how well they balance daily family hauling with manageable footprints.
I've been on Visible since 2023 — why I'll never go back
I spent years paying upwards of $100 per month on my cell phone plan from major wireless carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. While MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) have been around for as long as I can remember (think Virgin Mobile, Helio, and Amp'd Mobile), the emergence of modern MVNOs really took off in the late 2010s. After bouncing around between Cricket Wireless and Mint Mobile , I've been on Visible since 2023 because I was tired of overpaying for service.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 review: More expensive, barely different
What used to feel like the most exciting form factor in tech is starting to suffer from incremental fatigue, which I’ll explain thoroughly in my Galaxy Z Flip 8 review. It’s still a sleek piece of engineering, but when modest tweaks are paired with a price hike, it’s a lot harder to justify the upgrade.
I’ve tested hundreds of phone accessories this year — and these are the 9 that you won’t regret buying
Different phone accessories together. I’ve been reviewing phones for nearly 18 years, but as much as I enjoy getting my hands on the best phones out there, what often makes them even better are the accessories. They’re not just cosmetic enhancements; they add a real layer of utility with massive benefits. You can imagine the insane number of accessories I test throughout any given year, and I’ll be the first to admit that plenty of them are total garbage not worth your time.
Audi completely redesigned how the turn signal works with the Q9 and SQ9 — making them way more visible on the road
2027 Audi SQ9 first look. Audi has impressed me in more ways than one over the last couple of years while testing out some of the best electric cars. From the Tony Stark-worthy Audi RS e-tron GT to the sport-tuned Audi RS Q8, there’s no shortage of impressive vehicles in its stable that balance performance and high-tech features. While lighting has always been a key pillar of Audi’s identity, the German automaker is taking it to a new level with the 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9.
I shot the same 25 photos with a $329 budget phone and $1,199 flagship — here's the results
To put this assumption to the test, I took these two wildly different devices into real-world situations to see what, if any, meaningful differences there are in their camera performance. There’s the $329 TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro, which boasts an attractive price, while the $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max is considered the best phone out there for good reason. Is the flagship truly four times better, or are affordable cameras finally catching up to the point of diminishing returns? Here’s what I found.
This tracking card lasts 50% longer than an AirTag for just $15 more — and now I never have to worry about replacing batteries
Nomad Tracking Card Pro held in the hand. I’ve put dozens of Bluetooth key finders, AirTag clones, and credit-card-style trackers through their paces over the years. They’re helpful for keeping track of my gear — I keep them in my backpack, on my keychain, and inside my wallet. Unlike AirTags that rely on coin batteries, many of these credit card trackers feature rechargeable batteries that last upwards of six months on a single charge.
I drove the Volkswagen Atlas and Kia Telluride for a week — here's my pick
I've tested more 3-row SUVs this year than any other type of vehicle, and the market appetite for them is only growing. While full-size SUVs like the Infiniti QX80 and Chevrolet Tahoe are classic examples of three-row haulers, more and more mid-size crossovers are now engineered to offer that exact same versatility. That's why I drove the Volkswagen Atlas and Kia Telluride for a week each to find out which of these mid-size 3-row SUVs has the better value.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 battery life tested — silicon carbon pays off
The Samsung Galaxy Z 8 lineup in hand. As much as I rave about the extra utility that the best foldable phones have over traditional slabs, there’s one unspoken compromise they make: subpar battery life. Even though I personally don't mind topping off at some point during the workday, doing so can be a deal breaker for anyone who craves all-day endurance.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Fold 8 Ultra vs Flip 8 benchmarked — the results are in
Samsung Galaxy Z 8 lineup. That’s a big deal. Last year, Samsung opted for its in-house Exynos 2500 chipset on the Z Flip 7 while saving Qualcomm’s flagship silicon for the Z Fold 7. This year’s rollout puts all three foldable contenders on even ground — and after putting them through a full suite of benchmark tests, I can tell you they’re easily the most powerful foldables to ever pass through the Tom’s Guide labs.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Fold 8 Ultra vs Flip 8 benchmarked — the results are in
Samsung's new foldables were announced at Galaxy Unpacked , and despite their vastly different form factors, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 Z Fold 8 , and Z Fold 8 Ultra all share one crucial component: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip That's a big deal. Last year, Samsung opted for its in-house Exynos 2500 chipset on the Z Flip 7 while saving Qualcomm's flagship silicon for the Z Fold 7 .
I'd buy a Galaxy Z Fold 8 over the Z Fold 8 Ultra — and it's all because it steals this Z TriFold feature
Galaxy Z Fold 8 shown in hand. I got to see all of Samsung’s new foldable phones, but only one emerged as my favorite. That title belongs to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, mainly due to how its wider design gives it an aspect ratio similar to an iPad mini, making it more suitable for watching videos. But that’s not the main reason why I favor it. Instead, it’s how it steals the most unique feature of the Galaxy Z TriFold: its three-app side-by-side multitasking.
I drove the Cadillac Optiq for a week — and it makes other compact electric SUVs look tiny
2026 Cadillac Optiq review. Last year, I tested the Cadillac Optiq and I came away with the impression it was simply a baby Lyriq — mainly for how it copies its commanding style, but in a smaller footprint. This time around I’m putting the 2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series to the test, equipped with a high-output dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that delivers a blistering 519 horsepower.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked recap: Everything on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, smart glasses, Galaxy Watch 9, and more
Hands on with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra We got our hands on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra. Stay up to date with all the details as we cover every device Samsung announced today. Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: Biggest announcements Samsung’s foldable phones and wearables have been the cornerstone of its summer Unpacked events, so it's no surprise it's no different this time. Here’s everything announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026.
I’ve always liked Samsung’s flip phones, but the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a big letdown — here’s why
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 hands-on. For years now, we’ve had two kinds of foldable phones. While notebook-style models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 tend to get superior specs and features, I’ve often preferred flip phones instead, largely for their pocketable design and how they’re better suited for vlogging. Now that I’ve gotten some hands-on time with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8, I feel a bit let down.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 LIVE — Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, Watch 9, smart glasses and more
Apple Watch 15 hours ago Apple Upgrade subscription service could change how you buy Macs and iPhones Cult of Mac - Ed Hardy • 15h Apple is reportedly preparing a major shake-up in the way customers buy its products.
Samsung Galaxy Card takes aim at Apple Card with way more perks and rewards — here’s what you get
Samsung Galaxy Card. I think Samsung's first-ever U.S. credit card, which is a Visa card issued by Barclays, is going to give the Apple Card a run for its money. I know how a generous rewards system can entice someone to choose one credit card over another, so Samsung is making a compelling offer here. Even though it’s designated as a Samsung Wallet-first experience that lives as a digital card on your Galaxy phone, it will also be available as a premium black metal card.
Samsung's Galaxy Card takes aim at Apple Card with better rewards
John Velasco With Galaxy Unpacked 2026 set to kick off in a matter of days, you know that Samsung's new foldable phones won't come cheap. If you're planning on being an early adopter of one of them, like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra , then you might want to sign up for the Samsung Galaxy Card I think Samsung's first-ever U.S. credit card, which is a Visa card issued by Barclays, is going to give the Apple Card a run for its money.
Samsung Galaxy Card takes aim at Apple Card with way more perks and rewards — here’s what you get
Google 8 hours ago Google starts informing Android users about a major backup storage change Android Authority - Adamya Sharma • 8h Users are getting a 45-day heads-up before the new policy kicks in. Follow us on Google DiscoverAdd us as preferred source Google has started emailing Android users about an upcoming change to its backup storage policy, giving users a 45-day heads-up before the new rules take effect.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max — 5 biggest rumored upgrades you need to know
IPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Apple’s fall iPhone launch is tipped for a major shakeup this year because the company isn't launching all of its typical models at the same time. The base iPhone 18 could be delayed until next year, while the iPhone Ultra (Fold) might debut at another time, possibly in the winter. That leaves the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max as the likeliest models Apple ends up revealing at its usual fall launch event.
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