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

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked – 9 things we saw and learned, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Edge

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked – Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25 Edge and 9 things we learned

By Jacob Krol published

Plus the Project Moohan headset, a tri-fold phone, and AI tools for SmartThings.

Axel testing the Honor Magic 7 Pro in Slovenia

I went to the Alps to test Honor’s AI Super Zoom camera and the results are both fascinating and frightening

By Axel Metz published

I tested Honor's AI Super Zoom feature, which promises to capture “crystal-clear images” of “natural and urban architecture landscapes” at extreme distances.

Honor Magic 7 Pro press material

Honor Magic 7 Pro launches with Deepfake Detection and a 200MP ‘Super Zoom’ camera

By Axel Metz published

Honor's latest flagship, the Honor Magic 7 Pro, has finally launched outside of China.

A hand holding a Garmin watch next to the CES logo and a Switchbot robot vacuum

CES 2025 live: all the latest news from the world's biggest tech show

By Mark Wilson last updated

CES 2025 is now well underway and we're live at the show – here's all of the latest tech news.

Portal to Anywhere interface in Magic OS 9.0

Exclusive first look: Honor’s Magic Portal 2.0 brings game-changing updates to one of the best Android software features

By Axel Metz published

We take an exclusive first look at Honor's AI-powered Magic Portal 2.0 software.

The Project Moohan headset, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Galaxy Ring pictured side-by-side

5 things to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, from the Galaxy S25 Ultra to Project Moohan

By Axel Metz published

We round up the key announcements to expect from Galaxy Unpacked 2025, which is pencilled in for January 22.

Promotional poster for the HMD OffGrid

No iPhone, no problem – this Batman-style location tracker brings satellite messaging to any smartphone

By Axel Metz published

HMD has announced the HMD OffGrid, a location tracker that brings satellite communication capabilities to any smartphone.

Google Gemini and ChatGPT logos

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

By Axel Metz published

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

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

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

Holding the Huawei Mate XT in-hand

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

By Axel Metz published

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

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

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?

Android 15 logo on a phone, in a hand

Android 15: latest news and everything you need to know

By James Rogerson, Axel Metz last updated

Updated Android 15 includes a lot of new features, and it's available now (at least on some phones).

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.

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