Axel Metz

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 iPhone 16e on an orange background

iPhone 16e – 5 things you need to know, including its price, camera, and that C1 chip

By Axel Metz Published

Apple has officially announced the iPhone 16e, an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone for budget-conscious buyers.

Honor Magic 7 RSR in Provence

Honor Magic 7 RSR launches with more RAM than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra combined (yes, really)

By Axel Metz Published

Honor has launched the Porsche Design Magic 7 RSR, a special edition version of its Magic 7 Pro flagship.

Google Pixel 8a on an orange background

Don’t buy the Google Pixel 8a this Presidents’ Day – for two crucial reasons

By Axel Metz Published

Presidents' Day is almost upon us, but there are two reasons why you should avoid buying the Google Pixel 8a this sales season.

3 Comments
The iPhone 14 and iPhone SE on an orange background

So long, Touch ID: the iPhone SE 4 looks set to abandon these 4 classic iPhone features

By Axel Metz Published

The iPhone SE 4 looks set to mark the end for a handful of classic iPhone features.

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

Have your say: are modern smartphone designs boring, or better than ever?

By Axel Metz Published

Flagship smartphone designs are becoming more homogenous, but could this be a good thing? Cast your vote in our reader poll.

Best Netflix movies: Easy A

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

By Axel Metz Published

From iconic fantasy adventures to gritty historical dramas, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

Samsung Galaxy S25 right in light blue next to Galaxy S25 Plus left in navy blue

Samsung Galaxy S25: price, cameras, AI features, and everything you need to know

By Axel Metz Last updated

Updated We break down everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S25.

An iPhone 15 Pro Max held in the hand

iPhone 17 Air – 5 key rumored features, from an ultra-thin frame to so-so battery life

By Axel Metz Published

We highlight the key rumored features of Apple’s much-rumored iPhone 17 Air.

Amanda Seyfried looks at Justin Timberlake while wearing formal attire

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (February 3)

By Axel Metz Published

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

Three iPhones on a blue and red background running Apple Intelligence

iOS 18.3: key upgrades and bug fixes for Visual Intelligence, Apple Music, and more

By Axel Metz Published

We round up the key upgrades and bug fixes in iOS 18.3.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra HANDS ON

Confirmed: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra won't get a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen after all

By Axel Metz Published

Despite conflicting reports, Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not support Bluetooth S Pen functionality.

2 Comments
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Honor Magic 7 Pro

Honor pokes fun at Samsung by highlighting five key features missing from the Galaxy S25 Ultra

By Axel Metz Published

Honor's latest ad campaign highlights the Galaxy S25 Ultra's supposed lack of innovation.

2 Comments
A boy sits in a chair with a teddy bear looking over his shoulder

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (January 27)

By Axel Metz Published

From tear-jerking disaster movies to iconic musical comedies, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

A Versa 3 Fitbit, next to the Samsung Galaxy Edge, and Adrien Brody in The Brutalist.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Oscars AI drama to Samsung's Galaxy S25 launch

By Hamish Hector Published

Here's the biggest tech news stories from Samsung, Fitbit, Netflix and more.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra next to the Samsung Galaxy S25 on an orange background

Samsung Galaxy AI compatibility explained: which phones have which features?

By Axel Metz Last updated

Updated We round up the Samsung Galaxy devices that are compatible with Galaxy AI.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked – 9 things we saw and learned, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Edge

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked – Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25 Edge and 9 things we learned

By Jacob Krol Published

Plus the Project Moohan headset, a tri-fold phone, and AI tools for SmartThings.

Dustin Hoffman wears sunglasses while lying beside a pool

5 of the best free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and more this week (January 20)

By Axel Metz Published

From Oscar-winning rom-coms to underrated musicals, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

Axel testing the Honor Magic 7 Pro in Slovenia

I went to the Alps to test Honor’s AI Super Zoom camera and the results are both fascinating and frightening

By Axel Metz Published

I tested Honor's AI Super Zoom feature, which promises to capture “crystal-clear images” of “natural and urban architecture landscapes” at extreme distances.

Honor Magic 7 Pro press material

Honor Magic 7 Pro launches with Deepfake Detection and a 200MP ‘Super Zoom’ camera

By Axel Metz Published

Honor's latest flagship, the Honor Magic 7 Pro, has finally launched outside of China.

Portal to Anywhere interface in Magic OS 9.0

Exclusive first look: Honor’s Magic Portal 2.0 brings game-changing updates to one of the best Android software features

By Axel Metz Published

We take an exclusive first look at Honor's AI-powered Magic Portal 2.0 software.

The Project Moohan headset, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Galaxy Ring pictured side-by-side

5 things to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, from the Galaxy S25 Ultra to Project Moohan

By Axel Metz Published

We round up the key announcements to expect from Galaxy Unpacked 2025, which is pencilled in for January 22.

Promotional poster for the HMD OffGrid

No iPhone, no problem – this Batman-style location tracker brings satellite messaging to any smartphone

By Axel Metz Published

HMD has announced the HMD OffGrid, a location tracker that brings satellite communication capabilities to any smartphone.

Timothée Chalamet as Wonka

5 of the best free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and more this week (January 6)

By Axel Metz Published

From box office-breaking family adventures to iconic crime thrillers, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

Google Gemini and ChatGPT logos

Forget chatbots and magic erasers – my big AI wish for 2025 is much more boring

By Axel Metz Published

2024 was all about chatbots and generative editing tools, but I'm hoping for some more mundane AI advancements in 2025.

An iPhone 15 Pro wrapped in ribbon on a table

Get a new iPhone for Christmas? Activate these 3 time-saving iOS settings right now

By Axel Metz Published

We highlight three time-saving iOS settings that will make your iPhone feel faster.

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