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

Composite image; Samsung Galaxy S25, iPhone 17, and Google Pixel 10

Bigger batteries, better AI, and more: here’s what the TechRadar team wants to see from smartphones in 2026

By Jamie Richards published 29 December 25

Here’s what our resident tech-heads are hoping for in the world of smartphones next year.

Best Xiaomi phones: top Xiaomi, Poco, and Redmi devices ranked

By Axel Metz last updated 23 December 25

Updated Our roundup of the best Xiaomi phones features models for every budget, from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to the Poco X7 Pro.

Best Honor phones: the top Honor handsets you should consider

By Axel Metz last updated 23 December 25

Updated Our roundup of the best Honor phones includes models for every budget, from the Honor Magic V5 to the Honor 400 Lite.

The best iPad: top Apple tablets to consider right now

By Axel Metz last updated 23 December 25

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

Siri Suggestions on an iPhone 16 Pro Max

This underrated Siri feature proves Apple can do AI – but the iPhone’s voice assistant still needs a drastic makeover in 2026

By Axel Metz published 22 December 25

After noticing the subtle improvements made to Siri Suggestions, I'm convinced that Apple can bring meaningful AI upgrades to the iPhone in 2026.

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

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

By Axel Metz last updated 19 December 25

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

The AirPods Pro 2 earbuds next to their case

How to use AirPods as a video mic in iOS 26

By Axel Metz published 19 December 25

In iOS 26, your AirPods can double as a video microphone. Here’s how to enable the feature.

The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion on a red backround

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

By Axel Metz last updated 15 December 25

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

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 15 December 25

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

The iPhone 17 Pro Max on a blue background

The best iPhone: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?

By Axel Metz last updated 15 December 25

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

Jerry Bruckheimer alongside the poster for Black Hawk Down

Exclusive: Jerry Bruckheimer reacts to Quentin Tarantino naming Black Hawk Down the best movie of the 21st century

By Axel Metz published 12 December 25

We spoke with producer Jerry Bruckheimer about Quentin Tarantino naming Black Hawk Down the best movie of the 21st century.

‘They gave us the iPhone camera’: F1 producer Jerry Bruckheimer on Apple’s ‘phenomenal’ involvement in the movie’s production

By Axel Metz published 11 December 25

We spoke with F1 producer Jerry Bruckheimer ahead of the film's streaming release on Apple TV.

5 rumored Samsung Galaxy S26 upgrades – from chipset surprises to magnetic charging

By Axel Metz published 10 December 25

The Samsung Galaxy S26 line is expected to debut in early 2026 – here are the biggest rumored upgrades we've heard so far.

The OnePlus 15R and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipest

‘Qualcomm knows it has to fight back’: OnePlus exec explains why Apple is (partially) responsible for the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset

By Axel Metz published 3 December 25

OnePlus exec Rudolf Xu explains why Qualcomm decided to develop the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, and why OnePlus has decided to use it in the OnePlus 15R.

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

By Axel Metz last updated 25 November 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.

The OnePlus 15 being held up next to the iPhone 17 Pro

I compared the OnePlus 15 and iPhone 17 Pro cameras on vacation – and I honestly can't decide which I prefer

By Axel Metz published 14 November 25

I took the OnePlus 15 and iPhone 17 Pro to Prague for a two-way camera showdown – here are the pictures.

The OnePlus 15 has gone global with a massive 7,300mAh battery – but there's a catch for US buyers

By James Rogerson published 13 November 25

The OnePlus 15 is now available globally, with high-end specs like a 7,300mAh battery, a 165Hz screen, and a trio of 50MP cameras.

‘Magnets are too heavy’: OnePlus exec explains why the OnePlus 15 doesn’t have Pixel-style magnetic charging

By Axel Metz published 10 November 25

At a roundtable interview attended by TechRadar, OnePlus exec Rudolf Xu explained the thought process behind the OnePlus 15's charging system.

Stills from Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare side-by-side

I can’t stop using this iconic Call of Duty weapon in Battlefield 6

By Axel Metz published 9 November 25

Forget the M4A1 – my favorite gun in Battlefield 6, the PW5A3, is a doozy at all ranges.

I've spent a month with the iPhone 17 Pro, and it's confirmed my suspicions about Apple's new iPhone lineup

By Axel Metz published 8 November 25

I've spent a month with the iPhone 17 Pro, and it's made me realize that I'm no longer 'pro' enough for Apple's best iPhones.

Fairphone is finally coming to the US – but there's good news and bad news for right-to-repair fans

By Axel Metz published 6 November 25

Fairphone is finally expanding into the US market, but I think it'll be some time before we see a Fairphone smartphone released there.

Screenshot of the Apple Maps app in iPhone storage

A nasty Apple Maps bug is eating up a ridiculous amount of storage on some iPhones – here's how to get rid of it

By Axel Metz published 5 November 25

Is Maps taking up a ridiculous amount of storage on your iPhone? You're not alone – and there is a (frustrating) solution.

Motorola’s iPhone Air rival brings a bigger battery, faster charging, and a much better price to the ultra-thin table

By Axel Metz published 5 November 25

Motorola has released its super-slim Edge 70 smartphone, and I can't believe how affordable it is.

This modified CMF Phone 2 Pro wants to save your child from doomscrolling and TikTok addiction – here’s how

By Axel Metz published 4 November 25

Nothing has partnered with online parent community Mumsnet on the Other Phone – a safety-first, modified version of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Need help buying the best phone for you? Here’s what the TechRadar experts use, and how to score a good deal

By Roland Moore-Colyer published 1 November 25

With the Black Friday deals already here, now's a great time to snap up a brilliant phone that has the TechRadar seal of approval.

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