Articles by 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 smartphone teens want, with the safety parents desire': HMD’s Fusion X1 is here to save the TikTok generation

By Axel Metz published 3 March 25

HMD has announced several new devices at MWC 2025, including a smartphone with teenagers' wellbeing in mind.

Honor Magic 7 Pro being held in the hand

Honor matches Apple, Samsung, and Google with new update promise for its flagship phones – but how long is 'too long'?

By Axel Metz published 2 March 25

Honor has announced plans to support its newest flagship smartphones with seven years of OS and security updates.

Honor rebrands as an 'AI device ecosystem company' and commits to developing a 'super intelligent' smartphone

By Axel Metz published 2 March 25

Honor has announced its new Alpha Plan strategy, which includes a pledge to develop a 'super intelligent' smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 in Awesome Lightgrey

I went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy A56, and it might just be better value than the Galaxy S25

By Axel Metz published 1 March 25

Samsung has announced the mid-range Galaxy A56, which offers strong specs and AI-powered software features at a budget-friendly price.

iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 on orange background

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: which model is right for you?

By Jon Mundy published 1 March 25

We pit Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 16e against the base model iPhone 16.

Honor's Deepfake Detection feature on an orange background

I hope this AI deepfake detection feature comes to more phones soon – but it needs one key upgrade to be truly useful

By Axel Metz published 25 February 25

Honor has set a release date for its Deepfake Detection feature, but more needs to be done to combat misinformation online.

5 of the best free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and more this week (February 24)

By Axel Metz published 24 February 25

From Oscar-winning sci-fi adventures to beloved indie dramas, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

Three iPhone SE phones on a purple and blue background next to an iPhone on a bench

The iPhone 16e saw Apple kill off some classic iPhone features – and you told us which one you’ll miss the most

By Axel Metz published 21 February 25

The iPhone 16e spells the end for some classic iPhone features, and you told us which ones you'll miss the most.

Bad news: the OnePlus Open 2 won’t be released in 2025, OnePlus confirms

By Axel Metz last updated 21 February 25

OnePlus has confirmed in a community post that it won't be releasing the OnePlus Open 2, or indeed any foldable devices, in 2025.

The iPhone 16e on a pink and blue background

iPhone 16e launch as it happened – Apple's next-gen budget iPhone is official

By Philip Berne, Axel Metz last updated 20 February 25

Apple has officially announced the iPhone 16e. Read our beat-by-beat breakdown of the launch as we react to the new phone's specs, price, and features.

iPhone 16e – 5 things you need to know, including its price, camera, and that C1 chip

By Axel Metz published 20 February 25

Apple has officially announced the iPhone 16e, an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone for budget-conscious buyers.

Honor Magic 7 RSR launches with more RAM than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra combined (yes, really)

By Axel Metz published 17 February 25

Honor has launched the Porsche Design Magic 7 RSR, a special edition version of its Magic 7 Pro flagship.

Don’t buy the Google Pixel 8a this Presidents’ Day – for two crucial reasons

By Axel Metz published 15 February 25

Presidents' Day is almost upon us, but there are two reasons why you should avoid buying the Google Pixel 8a this sales season.

The iPhone 14 and iPhone SE on an orange background

So long, Touch ID: the iPhone SE 4 looks set to abandon these 4 classic iPhone features

By Axel Metz published 14 February 25

The iPhone SE 4 looks set to mark the end for a handful of classic iPhone features.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Have your say: are modern smartphone designs boring, or better than ever?

By Axel Metz published 12 February 25

Flagship smartphone designs are becoming more homogenous, but could this be a good thing? Cast your vote in our reader poll.

The best iPhone chargers 2025: top-tier cables, mats, and blocks for your iPhone

By Axel Metz last updated 11 February 25

Updated We've rounded up the best iPhone chargers to buy in 2025, with options for USB-C and Lightning models.

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (February 10)

By Axel Metz published 10 February 25

From iconic fantasy adventures to gritty historical dramas, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

Samsung Galaxy S25 right in light blue next to Galaxy S25 Plus left in navy blue

Samsung Galaxy S25: price, cameras, AI features, and everything you need to know

By Axel Metz last updated 7 February 25

Updated We break down everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S25.

iPhone 17 Air – 5 key rumored features, from an ultra-thin frame to so-so battery life

By Axel Metz published 5 February 25

We highlight the key rumored features of Apple’s much-rumored iPhone 17 Air.

Amanda Seyfried looks at Justin Timberlake while wearing formal attire

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (February 3)

By Axel Metz published 3 February 25

From dystopian sci-fi thrillers to beloved indie dramas, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

Three iPhones on a blue and red background running Apple Intelligence

iOS 18.3: key upgrades and bug fixes for Visual Intelligence, Apple Music, and more

By Axel Metz published 29 January 25

We round up the key upgrades and bug fixes in iOS 18.3.

Confirmed: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra won't get a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen after all

By Axel Metz published 29 January 25

Despite conflicting reports, Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not support Bluetooth S Pen functionality.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Honor Magic 7 Pro

Honor pokes fun at Samsung by highlighting five key features missing from the Galaxy S25 Ultra

By Axel Metz published 28 January 25

Honor's latest ad campaign highlights the Galaxy S25 Ultra's supposed lack of innovation.

A boy sits in a chair with a teddy bear looking over his shoulder

5 great free movies to stream on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex and more this week (January 27)

By Axel Metz published 27 January 25

From tear-jerking disaster movies to iconic musical comedies, there’s plenty to watch on the best free streaming services this week.

A Versa 3 Fitbit, next to the Samsung Galaxy Edge, and Adrien Brody in The Brutalist.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Oscars AI drama to Samsung's Galaxy S25 launch

By Hamish Hector published 25 January 25

Here's the biggest tech news stories from Samsung, Fitbit, Netflix and more.

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