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 Google Pixel 9 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Are modern smartphone designs boring? We asked 1,500 people, and the results are damning

By Axel Metz Published 4 April 25

We asked 1,500 people whether they think modern smartphone designs are boring, and the results paint a pessimistic picture.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE on a yellow background

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE launches with an iPad Air-rivaling screen and AI features galore

By Axel Metz Published 2 April 25

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus. Here's what to expect from both devices.

The Dynamic Island on a yellow background

I just fixed the most frustrating Dynamic Island quirk with an obvious workaround

By Axel Metz Published 2 April 25

Dynamic Island activities tend to encroach on other useful display icons, but there's a simple workaround.

An Apple iPad Pro 2024 next to an iPhone 15

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 compatibility explained: which models are supported?

By Axel Metz Last updated 1 April 25

Updated We detail the device requirements for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, as well as the model-exclusive features.

Stephen Graham pointing at someone while wearing an apron in a kitchen

5 great free movies worth streaming on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (March 31)

By Axel Metz Published 31 March 25

From critically acclaimed kitchen dramas to iconic crime thrillers, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro on a pink deals background

I’m happy enough with my iPhone 16 Pro, but if I wasn’t, I’d buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $799 at Amazon right now

By Axel Metz Published 28 March 25

Amazon has discounted the Google Pixel 9 Pro to an almost-record-low price as part of its annual Spring Sale.

Samsung Galaxy S25 on a blue deals background

Bored with your iPhone? The ‘incredible’ Samsung Galaxy S25 just hit a record-low price in the Amazon Spring Sale

By Axel Metz Published 26 March 25

Amazon has discounted the Samsung Galaxy S25 to a record-low price as part of its annual Spring Sale.

iPhone 16e: price, design, Apple Intelligence, and everything you need to know

By James Rogerson, Axel Metz, Jacob Krol Last updated 20 March 25

Updated The iPhone 16e is here and we're breaking down everything you need to know about Apple's newest iPhone, from the price to the processor with everything in between.

An extreme close-up shot of Mark standing in a Lumon hallway in Severance season 2 episode 5

I hate to say it Apple TV+, but Severance season 2 has a pacing problem

By Axel Metz Published 18 March 25

Severance continues to be the best show on TV, but the second season's slow pace is starting to grate.

5 Comments

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (March 17)

By Axel Metz Published 17 March 25

From Oscar-winning war movies to beloved high school dramas, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (March 10)

By Axel Metz Published 10 March 25

From Oscar-winning crime thrillers to beloved sci-fi adventures, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

‘I don't see a space where the S Pen is not a key part of our portfolio’: Samsung executive defends the S Pen amid cancellation rumors

By Axel Metz Published 8 March 25

Samsung executive Annika Bizon confirmed at MWC 2025 that the S Pen remains ‘key to the Galaxy Ultra experience’.

13 Comments

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with S Pen drawn, demonstrating Circle to Search

Samsung says ‘millions’ are using Galaxy AI regularly, despite surprising survey results

By Axel Metz Published 7 March 25

At MWC 2025, Samsung executive Annika Bizon re-affirmed the company's commitment to AI.

2 Comments

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display at Galaxy Unpacked

Exclusive: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will have durability to match its ‘sexy’ design

By Axel Metz Published 6 March 25

At MWC 2025, Samsung executive Annika Bizon teased the durability credentials of the upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge.

The 'affordable' Nubia Flip 2 is here to tempt you away from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

By Axel Metz Published 3 March 25

Nubia has announced its latest affordable flip phone, the Nubia Flip 2 5G, at MWC 2025.

'The smartphone teens want, with the safety parents desire': HMD’s Fusion X1 is here to save the TikTok generation

By Axel Metz Published 3 March 25

HMD has announced several new devices at MWC 2025, including a smartphone with teenagers' wellbeing in mind.

Honor Magic 7 Pro being held in the hand

Honor matches Apple, Samsung, and Google with new update promise for its flagship phones – but how long is 'too long'?

By Axel Metz Published 2 March 25

Honor has announced plans to support its newest flagship smartphones with seven years of OS and security updates.

Honor rebrands as an 'AI device ecosystem company' and commits to developing a 'super intelligent' smartphone

By Axel Metz Published 2 March 25

Honor has announced its new Alpha Plan strategy, which includes a pledge to develop a 'super intelligent' smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 in Awesome Lightgrey

I went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy A56, and it might just be better value than the Galaxy S25

By Axel Metz Published 1 March 25

Samsung has announced the mid-range Galaxy A56, which offers strong specs and AI-powered software features at a budget-friendly price.

2 Comments

iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 on orange background

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: which model is right for you?

By Jon Mundy Published 1 March 25

We pit Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 16e against the base model iPhone 16.

Honor's Deepfake Detection feature on an orange background

I hope this AI deepfake detection feature comes to more phones soon – but it needs one key upgrade to be truly useful

By Axel Metz Published 25 February 25

Honor has set a release date for its Deepfake Detection feature, but more needs to be done to combat misinformation online.

5 of the best free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and more this week (February 24)

By Axel Metz Published 24 February 25

From Oscar-winning sci-fi adventures to beloved indie dramas, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

Three iPhone SE phones on a purple and blue background next to an iPhone on a bench

The iPhone 16e saw Apple kill off some classic iPhone features – and you told us which one you’ll miss the most

By Axel Metz Published 21 February 25

The iPhone 16e spells the end for some classic iPhone features, and you told us which ones you'll miss the most.

Bad news: the OnePlus Open 2 won’t be released in 2025, OnePlus confirms

By Axel Metz Last updated 21 February 25

OnePlus has confirmed in a community post that it won't be releasing the OnePlus Open 2, or indeed any foldable devices, in 2025.

The iPhone 16e on a pink and blue background

iPhone 16e launch as it happened – Apple's next-gen budget iPhone is official

By Philip Berne, Axel Metz Last updated 20 February 25

Apple has officially announced the iPhone 16e. Read our beat-by-beat breakdown of the launch as we react to the new phone's specs, price, and features.

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