Axel Metz

Axel Metz

Phones Editor

Axel is TechRadar's UK-based 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, Esquire and FourFourTwo. After graduating from the University of Warwick with a degree in English Literature, Axel co-founded a startup media brand and 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 Zima Dental Pod on a bathroom countertop

I’ve worn dental retainers for over a decade, and this ultrasonic pod has changed the way I clean them

By Axel Metz published

I tested the Zima Dental Pod, the world's first ultrasonic oral appliance cleaner.

One UI 7 screenshot

Samsung One UI 7 beta: 5 new features you can try right now on your Galaxy S24

By Axel Metz published

Samsung has deployed the first One UI 7 beta for Galaxy S24 devices.

The GoPro Hero 11 Black action camera sitting on a wooden platform

Hands on: GoPro Hero 11 Black

By Mark Wilson last updated

Not yet rated

The GoPro Hero 11 Black has a new sensor and 10-bit video. But is it a big enough upgrade from its cheaper predecessor?

Google Pixel 9 Pro

I’m a die-hard Apple fan, but even I’ll admit that the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the best-looking phone of the year

By Axel Metz published

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is TechRadar's Phone of the Year, and I think it's the best-looking phone of the year, too.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus being held in the hand

This iPhone 17 display rumor is the biggest reason yet to skip the iPhone 16

By Axel Metz published

Apple is reportedly preparing to add a ProMotion display panel to the entire iPhone 17 lineup.

An iPhone showing the iOS 18 Messages via satellite feature

How to send satellite messages on iPhone

By Alex Blake, Axel Metz last updated

Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite and Messages via Satellite features could help you communicate in areas without a phone signal; here's how to use them.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and iPhone 14 Pro Max

Samsung's One UI 7 could feel as smooth as iOS 18, and this video proves it

By Axel Metz published

A supposedly leaked video shows smooth One UI 7 app-switching animations in action.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra from the back with S Pen mostly withdrawn

Goodbye Galaxy Ultra? Samsung is reportedly considering a new naming scheme for its best phones

By Axel Metz published

Reports suggest that Samsung could ditch the Ultra naming scheme with future Galaxy S series phones.

A phone screen showing a photo of a child on a beach being edited by Google's Magic Eraser feature

‘It’s not as simple as real image and fake image’: Qualcomm weighs in on AI photo editing debate

By Axel Metz published

Qualcomm executive Chris Patrick explained the company's stance on AI photo editing at Snapdragon Summit 2024.

Promotional imagery for the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

‘Benchmarks aren’t everything’: Qualcomm explains the real-world differences between the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 8 Gen 3

By Axel Metz published

Qualcomm executives Chris Patrick and Shahin Farahani have elaborated on the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s real-world upgrades.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Honor Magic 7 Pro, side by side

Xiaomi 15, Honor Magic 7, and more Android phones confirmed to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite

By Axel Metz published

Several Android manufacturers have confirmed that their upcoming devices will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

Woman waving while on a video call

Did Qualcomm just kill the ring light? Future Android phones could let you add a virtual, moveable light source to video calls

By Axel Metz published

Qualcomm has debuted an AI-powered, real-time lighting tool in the Snapdragon 8 Elite at Snapdragon Summit 2024.

Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in action on an unnamed mobile phone

Forget Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 – Qualcomm’s Apple A18 Pro rival is the Snapdragon 8 Elite

By Axel Metz published

Qualcomm has announced its latest flagship mobile chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, at Snapdragon Summit 2024.

Three iPhones on a blue and red background running Apple Intelligence

iOS 18.1: 5 new features to expect, including Apple Intelligence and iPhone Mirroring

By Axel Metz published

iOS 18.1 is due to release later this month, so we’ve rounded up five of the most exciting rumored features.

Android 15 promotional image

Android 15 is out now – here are 5 new features it brings to Google Pixel phones

By Axel Metz published

Android 15 is now rolling out to compatible Google Pixel devices; here are our favorite features.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro on a colored background

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Apple’s latest smartphones compared

By Axel Metz published

We compare Apple’s base-model iPhone 16 against the iPhone 16 Pro.

The Honor Magic 6 Pro (left) and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (right)

Circle to Search expands to Honor phones, ending its Samsung and Pixel exclusivity

By Axel Metz published

Google is bringing Circle to Search to the Honor Magic V3 and Honor 200 Pro.

Using the iPhone 16 Pro Camera Control at a soccer game

I took the iPhone 16 Pro to a soccer game and its nightography powers blew me away

By Axel Metz published

I tested the iPhone 16 Pro's cameras and was blown away by the phone's low-light capabilities.

A hand holding an iPad mini 6 tablet

iPad mini 7 tipped for imminent launch, as the iPad mini 6 heads for the clearance aisle

By Axel Metz published

Best Buy has discounted the iPad mini 6, suggesting a new iPad mini model could be on the horizon.

Settings interface for clearing Chrome cache on iPhone

How to clear cache on iPhone and iPad

By Michael Hicks, Axel Metz last updated

Whether you need to clear out Safari, Chrome, Firefox, a third-party app, or your iPhone, here's how to clear cache on iPhone and iPad.

A person wearing Orion glasses while sat on the couch, Zelda waves her wand in Hyrule, and the PS5 Pro stands proud, all in the same image.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from the PS5 Pro preorders to Meta announcing its Orion AR glasses

By Hamish Hector published

ICYMI here's the biggest tech news stories from Meta, Sony, Nintendo and more for September 21, 2024.

Still from EA Sports FC 25

EA Sports FC 25 review: have we reached peak football sim?

By Axel Metz published

Review EA Sports FC 25 further develops a tried-and-tested formula to rank as the best sports game of its kind.

The calculator app interface in iOS 18

This hidden iOS 18 feature turns your iPhone calculator into an easy currency converter

By Axel Metz published

iOS 18 turns the Calculator app into a conversion tool for converting units and currencies. Here's how to use it.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro Max: a new button, improved cameras, a bigger screen, and more

By Axel Metz last updated

Updated The iPhone 16 Pro Max has landed, with a bigger screen, a new button, and numerous other upgrades.

iPhone 16 in ultra marine

iPhone 16: price, cameras, Apple Intelligence features, and everything you need to know

By Axel Metz last updated

Updated The iPhone 16 boasts new buttons, new software, and a redesigned camera bump. Here's everything you need to know about the new Apple phone.

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