Articles by Axel Metz, Phones Editor

Axel is TechRadar's Phones Editor, reporting on everything from the latest Apple developments to newest AI breakthroughs as part of the site's Mobile Computing vertical. Working out of the brand’s London office, he is a versatile, NCTJ-accredited journalist with a keen interest in the applications of technology beyond the desktop, and has bylines in various publications including Total Film, ShortList, Esquire, and FourFourTwo.

After graduating from the University of Warwick with a degree in English Literature, Axel spent time as a freelance writer before joining TechRadar as part of its inaugural digital training scheme. His role sees him keeping a close eye on the latest trends in the worlds of mobile technology and digital culture, and his coverage extends from news reporting and analysis to in-depth interviews and opinion.

Away from the keyboard, Axel can be found working his way through a lengthy watchlist of films and counting down the days until Chelsea's next managerial change. Want to get in touch? You can contact Axel over email (linked above) or through Twitter.

Articles by: Axel Metz

The Scapade AirPack on a man in the desert

I took this Find My-enabled backpack to 7 different countries, and I’ll never go back to tech-free travel gear

By Axel Metz published 21 March 26

The Scapade AirPack is a Find My-enabled backpack for tech-loving travelers — here's how it fared on a real-world adventure.

A man holding the iPhone Air in landscape

iPhone Air at 6 months — here’s what I love, what I hate, and why it’s ‘the most conflicted I’ve ever been about a phone’

By Axel Metz published 19 March 26

Apple's iPhone Air has been out for six months — here's everything I've come to love and hate about the device in that time.

The iPhone 17 Pro in the Selfix selfie case

This wild iPhone 17 Pro case features a touchscreen for 48MP selfies

By Axel Metz published 17 March 26

The latest offering from Kickstarter case brand Dockcase is an iPhone 17 Pro case with a rear touchscreen.

Liquid Glass interface on an orange background

Liquid Glass ‘isn’t going anywhere’ in iOS 27 — but there’s good news for its readability

By Axel Metz published 16 March 26

Apple will reportedly focus on performance and stability in iOS 27, but Liquid Glass could get an important customization tweak.

I love the MacBook Neo and its wild colors — but Apple missed a big trick with the iPhone 17e

By Axel Metz published 13 March 26

Apple ripped up the budget rulebook with the MacBook Neo, but I think it missed a trick in the color department.

A pink iPhone 17e next to a green iPhone 17

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: which entry-level Apple phone is best for you?

By Axel Metz published 10 March 26

The iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 both offer impressive value for money, but they're intended for different types of users.

Foldable iPhone: latest rumors, news and everything we know so far

By Axel Metz last updated 6 January 26

Updated It may be some time before we see a foldable iPhone from Apple, but here's all we've heard about what might come.

CES 2025 live: all the latest news from the world's biggest tech show

By Mark Wilson last updated 5 January 26

CES 2025 is now well underway and we're live at the show – here's all of the latest tech news.

Composite image; Samsung Galaxy S25, iPhone 17, and Google Pixel 10

Bigger batteries, better AI, and more: here’s what the TechRadar team wants to see from smartphones in 2026

By Jamie Richards published 29 December 25

Here’s what our resident tech-heads are hoping for in the world of smartphones next year.

Best Xiaomi phones: top Xiaomi, Poco, and Redmi devices ranked

By Axel Metz last updated 23 December 25

Updated Our roundup of the best Xiaomi phones features models for every budget, from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to the Poco X7 Pro.

Best Honor phones: the top Honor handsets you should consider

By Axel Metz last updated 23 December 25

Updated Our roundup of the best Honor phones includes models for every budget, from the Honor Magic V5 to the Honor 400 Lite.

The best iPad: top Apple tablets to consider right now

By Axel Metz last updated 23 December 25

Updated We've tested and ranked the best iPads available now, from the big-screened iPad Pro to the college-friendly iPad Air.

Siri Suggestions on an iPhone 16 Pro Max

This underrated Siri feature proves Apple can do AI – but the iPhone’s voice assistant still needs a drastic makeover in 2026

By Axel Metz published 22 December 25

After noticing the subtle improvements made to Siri Suggestions, I'm convinced that Apple can bring meaningful AI upgrades to the iPhone in 2026.

The Apple iPad 11-inch (2025) on a green background

The best cheap tablets: top budget models from Apple, Amazon, and more

By Axel Metz last updated 19 December 25

Updated Our guide to the best cheap tablets features affordable models from Apple, OnePlus, Amazon, and more.

The AirPods Pro 2 earbuds next to their case

How to use AirPods as a video mic in iOS 26

By Axel Metz published 19 December 25

In iOS 26, your AirPods can double as a video microphone. Here’s how to enable the feature.

The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion on a red backround

The best Motorola phones: top Edge, Razr, and G models

By Axel Metz last updated 15 December 25

Updated Our roundup of the best Motorola phones features models for every budget and use case.

The OnePlus 15 being held in the hand on a red background

Best OnePlus phones: the top flagship, budget, and foldable models ranked

By Axel Metz last updated 15 December 25

Updated Our ranking of the best OnePlus phones includes the OnePlus 15, OnePlus Nord 5, and OnePlus Open.

Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street

5 of the best free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, and more this week (December 15)

By Axel Metz published 15 December 25

From epic biographical comedies to underrated dramas, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max on a blue background

The best iPhone: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?

By Axel Metz last updated 15 December 25

Updated We've tested and ranked the best iPhones, from the supersized iPhone 17 Pro Max to the budget-friendly iPhone 16e.

Jerry Bruckheimer alongside the poster for Black Hawk Down

Exclusive: Jerry Bruckheimer reacts to Quentin Tarantino naming Black Hawk Down the best movie of the 21st century

By Axel Metz published 12 December 25

We spoke with producer Jerry Bruckheimer about Quentin Tarantino naming Black Hawk Down the best movie of the 21st century.

‘They gave us the iPhone camera’: F1 producer Jerry Bruckheimer on Apple’s ‘phenomenal’ involvement in the movie’s production

By Axel Metz published 11 December 25

We spoke with F1 producer Jerry Bruckheimer ahead of the film's streaming release on Apple TV.

5 rumored Samsung Galaxy S26 upgrades – from chipset surprises to magnetic charging

By Axel Metz published 10 December 25

The Samsung Galaxy S26 line is expected to debut in early 2026 – here are the biggest rumored upgrades we've heard so far.

Barbie stands in front of some schoolgirls in the Barbie movie

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus and more this week (December 8)

By Axel Metz published 8 December 25

From box office-smashing comedies to underrated fantasy adventures, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

The OnePlus 15R and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipest

‘Qualcomm knows it has to fight back’: OnePlus exec explains why Apple is (partially) responsible for the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset

By Axel Metz published 3 December 25

OnePlus exec Rudolf Xu explains why Qualcomm decided to develop the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, and why OnePlus has decided to use it in the OnePlus 15R.

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro on a yellow background

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is the best iPad alternative, and it's 33% off in this post-Black Friday deal

By Axel Metz published 2 December 25

The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is one of the best cheap tablets around, and it's currently 33% off in the post-Cyber Monday deals.

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