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 Samsung Galaxy A56 on a red background

The best cheap phones 2025: top budget mobiles in the UK

By Axel Metz last updated 10 October 25

Updated We've tested and ranked the best cheap phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and more.

‘Of course we’re looking into other markets’: Fairphone CEO on expansion plans and the unique challenges of the US market

By Axel Metz published 10 October 25

We spoke with Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck to discuss the possibility of Fairphone's expansion into other markets.

The Bob and Brad EZBack massager on a blue deals background

My favorite post-gym massage accessory is now 30% off at Amazon – and yes, it's heated

By Axel Metz published 8 October 25

If you're prone to neck and upper back pain, the Bob and Brad EZBack massager – which is now on sale at Amazon – could be for you.

Please, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the iPhone 16e with this record-low deal

By Axel Metz last updated 8 October 25

Amazon's Prime-exclusive iPhone 16e deal has brought the price of Apple's cheapest iPhone down to just £494.

Last chance! Amazon's record-setting iPad deals are ending soon – don't miss them

By Axel Metz last updated 8 October 25

All of Apple's latest iPad models are on sale as part of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale – we've rounded up the best deals.

Fairphone CEO says it’s a ‘myth’ that sustainable tech has to cost more and be of lower quality: ‘Neither is needed’

By Axel Metz published 4 October 25

We spoke with Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck to discuss the new Fairphone 6 and the ‘myth’ behind the cost of sustainability.

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

The best cheap tablets 2025: top budget models from Apple, Amazon, and more

By Axel Metz last updated 1 October 25

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

The best iPad 2025: top Apple tablets to consider right now

By Axel Metz last updated 1 October 25

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

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

By Axel Metz last updated 30 September 25

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.

I spent a week playing EA Sports FC 26, and I’m baffled that EA has found new ways to make me care

By Axel Metz published 19 September 25

Recommended

Review EA Sports FC 26 brings meaningful updates to all of EA’s tried-and-tested modes – read our full review.

The Motorola Edge 60 on the arm of a chair.

'The best cheap phone I've tested in years': the Motorola Edge 60 just earned a spot in our best cheap phones guide – here’s why

By Axel Metz published 17 September 25

The Motorola Edge 60 is one of our favorite cheap Androids of 2025 – here’s why.

OnePlus Pad 3 on an orange TechRadar banner

The best tablet 2025: from the newest Apple iPad Pro to the biggest Samsung Galaxy Tab S and every tablet in between

By Philip Berne last updated 17 September 25

Updated The best tablets come from Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus, and each has strengths that make it a better tablet for your needs.

Not vibing with Liquid Glass in iOS 26? Here’s how to make it easier on the eyes

By Axel Metz published 16 September 25

The Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26 is a big change from what's come before – here's how to reduce its intensity.

Screen from iOS 26 on an iPhone 17, on a blue background

iOS 26 not downloading? Try these workarounds to get you up and running

By Axel Metz published 15 September 25

We explain how to download iOS 26 on your iPhone, and list some troubleshooting tips for if the update doesn't install.

An iPhone displaying iOS 26 and an iPad displaying iPadOS 26

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 compatibility explained – which models are supported?

By Axel Metz published 15 September 25

Updated We detail the device requirements for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, as well as the model-exclusive features within each software package.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on a blue background

The best phone 2025: top smartphones in the UK right now

By Axel Metz last updated 12 September 25

Updated We've tested and ranked the best phones available in the UK, from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The standard iPhone 17 might just be the best-value iPhone ever – here's why

By Axel Metz published 10 September 25

Apple's new base model might not seem immediately interesting, but it brings upgrades in all the right areas.

The iPhone 16 Pro cameras on a pink background

The best iPhone 2025: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?

By Axel Metz last updated 9 September 25

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

Apple Watch 11 on a red background, iPhone Air on a blue background and AirPods Pro 3 on a turquoise background

Apple iPhone 17 event – everything Apple announced and 9 things we learned

By Mark Wilson published 9 September 25

Missed Apple's big 'Awe Dropping' event? Here's everything it announced – including the iPhone 17, Apple Watch 11 and more.

Screenshot from Apple's September 2025 event

iPhone 17 Pro revealed – price, new design, and everything you need to know

By Axel Metz last updated 9 September 25

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max – here's what you need to know about the two new models.

As an iPhone 16 Pro user, I don't know what Apple can do to excite me about the iPhone 17 Pro

By Axel Metz published 7 September 25

I’m struggling to get hyped for the iPhone 17 – but it’s not Apple’s fault.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max in a collage

iPhone 17 rumors rated – what to really expect at next week's Apple event

By Axel Metz published 6 September 25

We detail five of the biggest iPhone 17 rumors and share our verdicts on how likely they are to come to fruition.

If the iPhone 17 gets this rumored upgrade, I'll recommend it over the iPhone 17 Pro

By Axel Metz published 3 September 25

The iPhone 17 is rumored to get a 120Hz display, and that's a massive deal for the entire iPhone lineup.

The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion on a red backround

The best Motorola phones 2025: top Edge, Razr, and G models

By Axel Metz last updated 2 September 25

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

The Honor Magic V5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Honor’s Magic V5 foldable is cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold – but is it a better phone?

By Axel Metz published 28 August 25

Honor has debuted the Magic V5 foldable in the UK and Europe – here's how it compares to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
View Archive

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: