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

Google CEO alongside the Google I/O logo alongside a man in smart glasses

Google I/O 2026 as it happened — Gemini Spark, Samsung XR glasses, and everything else announced at Google's giant software showcase

By Axel Metz last updated

Google I/O 2026 kicked off with a jam-packed opening keynote — here are all the key announcements.

The Android robot next to an iPhone and Insta360 GO 3S Retro

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Android 17's showcase to Claude cracking a $400,000 crypto wallet

By Hamish Hector published

The week's 7 biggest tech stories from Android, Apple, Insta360 and more.

The iPhone 17 with a red x through it

iPhone 18 rumored release schedule explained — why there (probably) won’t be an iPhone 18 this year, and when to expect the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Air 2, and more

By Axel Metz published

Apple is reportedly planning to split its iPhone 18 lineup into two separate launch events — here's why that makes sense.

The Create My Widget Android interface on a yellow background

Google’s new Create My Widget tool is ‘the first step in generative UI’ — and as an iPhone user, I’m not sure how iOS 27 can compete with Android 17

By Axel Metz published

Google has announced a swath of new Android 17 features, one of which is an AI-powered widget builder.

A woman using the reMarkable Paper Pure tablet

‘Paper slows us down; it gives us room to think like humans’: reMarkable’s R&D team on ‘protecting the human advantage’ in the workplace and why now is the right time for its affordable Paper Pure tablet

By Axel Metz published

We speak to reMarkable’s R&D team about its new affordable tablet, the reMarkable Paper Pure, and its place in the increasingly AI-driven workplace.

The iPhone Air being held in the hand

Can we please talk about the iPhone Air's controversial Light Gold color?

By Axel Metz published

Some iPhone Air owners are complaining about the subtlety of Apple's new Light Gold color — and I can understand their frustration.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera

Samsung Galaxy users reminded to check that their flashlights ‘aren't left on unintentionally’ following viral TikTok video

By Axel Metz published

The LED flash module in Samsung's Galaxy phones is so strong, TikTokers have discovered that it can burn holes through thin plastic.

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

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

The iPhone 17 Pro alongside the Honor 600 Pro, both being held in the hand

Honor knows its new 600 Pro has ‘familiar premium aesthetics’ — but it beats the iPhone 17 Pro in two key ways

By Axel Metz published

The Honor 600 Pro’s design inspirations are obvious, but this new mid-ranger takes on the competition with aplomb.

A production line worker handling a partially-built smartphone in their hand

Fairphone CEO says there is ‘no financial excuse’ for smartphone manufacturers to pay their workers less than a living wage, as the sustainable electronics manufacturer shares its 2025 Impact Report

By Axel Metz published

We spoke with Fairphone executive Monique Lempers about the need for fairer labor standards in the smartphone industry.

The iPhone 17 Pro being held in the hand next to the iPhone Air

iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone Air: a choice between head and heart

By Axel Metz published

I've spent months testing the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air — here's which one you should buy.

The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion on a red backround

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

By Axel Metz last updated

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

The iPhone Air lying on a stone surface

‘Apple will grit its teeth and push through’ — new report suggests the iPhone Air 2 isn’t dead, and I sincerely hope it’s true

By Axel Metz published

Apple will reportedly release the iPhone Air 2 ‘no matter how badly it sells,' and while I don't necessarily believe it, I hope it's true.

3 Comments
A man in the Atacama Desert staring into the night sky

I went stargazing in the Atacama Desert and used a hidden iOS 26 feature to capture the night sky — here’s how to take similar photos on your iPhone

By Axel Metz published

iOS 26 features a hidden boost for your iPhone’s Night Mode, so I went to the Atacama Desert to try it out — here are the results.

2 Comments
The iPhone 17 Pro Max on a blue background

The best iPhone: we've tried and tested all the Apple smartphones

By Roland Moore-Colyer last updated

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

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

The best cheap tablets: top picks from Apple, Amazon and more, for people on a budget

By Axel Metz last updated

Updated Our expert guide on the best cheap tablets features affordable models from Apple, OnePlus, Amazon and more, which you can buy today.

Best iPads hero image

The best iPad: we've tried and tested top Apple tablets you can get right now

By Roland Moore-Colyer last updated

Updated We've tested and ranked the best iPads that you can buy today, from the big-screened iPad Pro to the college-friendly iPad Air.

Tim Cook presenting at a recent Apple launch

‘You can’t spread your energy like peanut butter’: Tim Cook shares rare insight into Apple’s ‘ruthless’ approach to new ideas — and it says a lot about what to expect (or not) from the company moving forward

By Axel Metz published

In a new interview, Tim Cook shared a rare insight into the way he deals with new ideas at Apple.

Samsung Galaxy A57

I spent a morning with the Samsung Galaxy A57, and I'll be amazed if this isn't one of the best cheap phones of 2026

By Axel Metz published

The Galaxy A57 is the latest entry in Samsung's increasingly impressive mid-range lineup – here are my first impressions of the new device.

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

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

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.

4 Comments
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

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

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

The MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e

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

By Axel Metz published

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

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

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