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

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

By Axel Metz published 31 December 24

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 25 December 24

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

The iPhone 14 and iPhone SE on an orange background

iPhone SE 4 – 5 upgrades to expect, from a bigger screen to Apple Intelligence

By Axel Metz published 24 December 24

The Apple iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch next year; here are five of the biggest upgrades to expect.

I thought the tri-folding Huawei Mate XT was a gimmick, but then I held it

By Axel Metz published 21 December 24

I went hands-on with the tri-folding Huawei Mate XT, and was blown away by the quality of its unconventional design.

Gi-hun stares at a Squid Game overseer in a club in Squid Game season 2

Squid Game season 2: release date, trailer, confirmed cast, plot synopsis, and everything else we know about the popular Netflix show's return

By Tom Power last updated 17 December 24

Updated Here's all you need to know about Squid Game season 2 before the wildly successful survival drama returns on Netflix.

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 8 December 24

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

The Moft Creator Kit disassembled on a table

iPhone content creator? The Moft Creator Kit should be your next purchase

By Axel Metz published 7 December 24

The Moft Creator Kit is a 5-in-1 accessory kit for iPhone-owning content creators.

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

By Axel Metz published 5 December 24

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

I test iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel phones for a living, and these are the best Cyber Monday phone deals you can still buy

By Axel Metz last updated 3 December 24

I'm tracking the best Cyber Monday phone deals at retailers in the US and UK.

Black Friday iPad deals: the best deals on Pro, Air, and mini Apple tablets

By Axel Metz last updated 30 November 24

Black Friday is here, and with it some great discounts on Pro, Air, mini, and standard iPad models.

These Black Friday AirTag deals are so good, I've bought four of Apple's trackers

By Axel Metz published 29 November 24

Amazon has discounted Apple AirTags in both the US and UK for Black Friday.

Black Friday iPhone 16 deals: the best deals on iPhone 16 Pro, Plus, and standard models

By Axel Metz last updated 29 November 24

Black Friday has landed in the US and UK, so here's our roundup of the best iPhone 16 deals across Pro, Plus, and standard models.

Black Friday iPhone deals image displaying an iPhone 15 Pro

Black Friday iPhone deals 2024: sales on top Apple phones, including the iPhone 16

By Axel Metz last updated 29 November 24

Updated Here's our roundup of the best Black Friday iPhone deals in the US and UK, from unlocked handsets to well-priced plans.

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

Hands on: GoPro Hero 11 Black

By Mark Wilson last updated 28 November 24

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?

Don't miss out! These Black Friday iPhone 15 Pro deals could be the last of their kind

By Axel Metz published 15 November 24

Walmart and Laptops Direct are currently offering the iPhone 15 Pro for a cut price in the US and UK, respectively.

Looking for a Black Friday iPhone deal? Here's why the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro are the models to buy this year

By Axel Metz published 13 November 24

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro will likely be discounted this Black Friday; here’s why you should consider buying one of these two phones.

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 9 November 24

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 4 November 24

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 31 October 24

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 30 October 24

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 29 October 24

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 23 October 24

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 23 October 24

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 22 October 24

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

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 21 October 24

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

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: