John Velasco
John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.
Latest articles by John Velasco
The most underrated phone I tested in 2024 is not an expensive flagship
By John Velasco published
I've tested dozens of phones in 2024, but the most underrated one is without a doubt the Galaxy S24 FE. Here's why
Best Cyber Monday phone deals LIVE: iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, Pixel 9 biggest sales now
By John Velasco last updated
Cyber Monday is heading into its final hours but you can still save big. We're rounding up the best phone deals live to help you save money on your next purchase!
Best camera phones in 2024
By John Velasco last updated
We've tested all the best camera phones, and these are the ones that rise to the top.
Samsung Galaxy S25: All the rumors so far
By John Velasco last updated
Rumors and news about the Samsung Galaxy S25 are starting to ramp up, so we detail everything we know about the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.
Best cheap phones 2024 tested — December top picks
By John Velasco last updated
These are the best cheap phones you can buy based on our testing and reviews.
I found 10 Cyber Monday deals that are 50% off and less than $50 — and they all make great holiday gifts
By Olivia Halevy, John Velasco published
Cyber Monday is the perfect opportunity to save big on holiday shopping. Here are my favorite deals on gifts that are 50% off and under $50.
Forget AirPods 4 — you can get three pairs of Echo Buds 2 for less than just one of Apple’s right now
By John Velasco published
Amazon's Cyber Monday sale drops the price of the Amazon Echo Buds 2 down to $34, which is a whopping 71% off its normal price.
Best Black Friday phone deals 2024 live: Savings on iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, Pixel 9 and more you can still get
By John Velasco last updated
With Black Friday fast approaching, we're rounding up the best phone deals live to help you save money on your next purchase!
The best Black Friday iPhone deals you can still get: I'm tracking the lowest prices
By John Velasco last updated
There are so many Black Friday deals happening for the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, so I break down the best ones and which one you should get.
JackRabbit OG2 review: I survived New York City traffic in this micro ebike
By John Velasco published
I spent three weeks riding the JackRabbit OG2 micro electric bike through New York City traffic to see if it has what it takes to be my next commuting ride.
Verizon Black Friday deals live — get a free iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch and iPad all at once
By John Velasco last updated
Verizon Black Friday deals are here, offering generous discounts on your favorite phones that include with free smartwatches, TVs, tablets, and more depending on the package.
I'd cancel my phone service now and get this Mint Mobile deal for a crazy cheap $10 a month
By John Velasco published
Mint Mobile's making it easier to save on your monthly cell phone bill with its Black Friday deal that has taken its unlimited plan down to $10/month.
My favorite solar charger for my phone is 39% off for Black Friday — and it even shades me from the sun
By John Velasco published
Amazon has the EcoFlow Power Hat on sale for 39% off for Black Friday. The wearable solar charger can power your phones and other devices on the go.
Google hiked up the Pixel 9 Pro XL's price this year, but Amazon's Black Friday deal just saved the day — save $250 instantly
By John Velasco published
Amazon fixes the biggest concern I have about the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL by giving it a discount that brings the phone's price down to $849 with its Black Friday sale. Here's why that's a big deal.
This is nuts! Get an iPhone 13 and unlimited data service for an entire year for $395
By John Velasco published
Visible is offering the iPhone 13 with a year's worth of unlimited data service for $395 at checkout with its Black Friday sale.
The Lego Thanos Glove is 44% off right now for Black Friday — this deal feels inevitable
By John Velasco published
Amazon's Black Friday sale has the Lego replica of Thanos' Infinity Gauntlet on sale for 44% off, making it the perfect gift for the Marvel fan in your life.
Motorola Razr 2024 for 85% off sets the bar for all other foldables this Black Friday
By John Velasco published
Cricket Wireless has an epic Black Friday deal on the Motorola Razr 2025
I drove an Acura ZDX Type S for a week — and it’s luxury like no other
By John Velasco published
With its hefty $73,500 starting cost, the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is a luxury all-electric SUV that's big on style and performance. But it sacrifices on efficiency.
I tried astrophotography on my OnePlus 12 to shoot galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters — these were my best captures
By John Velasco published
I wasn't wowed by the OnePlus 12's low light camera performance when I reviewed the phone earlier this year. But I'm impressed by how well it does with astrophotography. Here's my favorite captures.
Not a typo! This amazing iPhone 16 Pro Black Friday deal is just 1 cent right now
By John Velasco published
Amazon's Black Friday deal on the iPhone 16 Pro with Boost Mobile brings down its cost to $0.01, making it one of the best iPhone deals you'll find for Black Friday. Here's why.
I paired this night vision binoculars with my phone — and it helped out with my astrophotography
By John Velasco published
It's my new favorite companion with astrophotography
I sat inside Sony-Honda’s Afeela, and I am not sure if I’m ready for this self-driving EV
By John Velasco published
The Afeela EV, the product behind the Sony Honda Mobility venture, is expected to arrive in 2026 touting autonomous driving. However, I'm still not sure I'm ready for it.
Is the iPhone 16’s Audio Mix feature legit? I put it to the test
By John Velasco published
How good is Audio Mix?
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