Victor Hristov

Victor Hristov

Review Content Lead
Victor has always enjoyed putting words to paper. As a teenager, he went to video game clubs at 6 in the morning, but instead of playing Starcraft, he would immerse himself in phone reviews back in the day when phones still had buttons instead of touchscreens.

Victor has a BA in Russian Language & Literature from Sofia University, and he continued his studies in automated translation systems (like Google Translate). He then had a gig at TransPerfect, one of the biggest translation companies in the world, and another one, writing business articles. He traveled the world for a while, but nothing quite fulfilled his passion for technology, until he stumbled upon a job opening at PhoneArena. He eagerly joined the company in 2010 to write about mobile tech, one of his passions and personal obsessions.

Here, Victor has taken joy to explore mobile photography in greater depths and has become one of the hosts of our YouTube channel. Throughout the years, he has reviewed hundreds of smartphones, and has extensive knowledge of both the Android and iOS ecosystems. His current focus is on smartphone cameras and battery life, and he has become increasingly curious about the way that smartphones have changed our lives and have grown into a world-wide obsession. He usually has a bunch of phones lying around his desk, changing his daily driver every week or so.

You can always email him at victor.h@phonearena.com with questions and thoughts you have about phones.

Victor also has a personal passion for sports and outdoor activities. He grew up playing basketball, but more recently he’s found a passion for social latin dance and is constantly trying various other sports and activities, and is always up for a good fitness challenge. He shares his personal fitness journey over at Instagram under the “the.making.of.vic” handle.
Recent articles by Victor
PhoneArena Reacts: The Best and Worst of the iPhone Duo

PhoneArena Reacts: The Best and Worst of the iPhone Duo

Victor Hristov
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: All the differences explained
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iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: All the differences explained
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iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: All the differences explained
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iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro: All the differences explained
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Pixel 11 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: All the differences explained
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Pixel 11 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Google Pixel 11 Pro Review: The best compact Android phone of the year?
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Google Pixel 11 Pro Review: The best compact Android phone of the year?

Victor Hristov
7.4
I used the compact Pixel 11 Pro: its new matte black color is stunning

I used the compact Pixel 11 Pro: its new matte black color is stunning

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S26: All the differences explained
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Pixel 11 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S26: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Review: Small design tweaks make a big difference
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Review: Small design tweaks make a big difference

Victor Hristov
7.4
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Review: An even better camera phone
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Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Review: An even better camera phone

Victor Hristov
7.5
I tested the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s new 5X Portrait Mode against the iPhone and Galaxy

I tested the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s new 5X Portrait Mode against the iPhone and Galaxy

Victor Hristov
I used the Galaxy Z Flip 8: its tiny design changes matter more than the specs

I used the Galaxy Z Flip 8: its tiny design changes matter more than the specs

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro XL vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Sample Photos Comparison

Pixel 11 Pro XL vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I love the Pixel 11 Pro's design, but why does Google keep adding features nobody asked for?

I love the Pixel 11 Pro's design, but why does Google keep adding features nobody asked for?

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Galaxy Flip 8 vs Motorola Razr Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Galaxy Flip 8 vs Motorola Razr Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I tried every Camera Look on the Pixel 11 Pro XL (and found my perfect setup)

I tried every Camera Look on the Pixel 11 Pro XL (and found my perfect setup)

Victor Hristov
I tested the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s Tensor G6: It’s faster, but Snapdragon is still far ahead

I tested the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s Tensor G6: It’s faster, but Snapdragon is still far ahead

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Motorola Razr Fold: Sample Photos Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Motorola Razr Fold: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I used the Galaxy Fold 8 for three weeks: Here are 5 things I would change

I used the Galaxy Fold 8 for three weeks: Here are 5 things I would change

Victor Hristov
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 just killed trifolds for me (I compared it vs Huawei Mate XT)

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 just killed trifolds for me (I compared it vs Huawei Mate XT)

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: All the differences explained
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Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 8 Pro: All the differences explained
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Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 8 Pro: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: All the differences explained
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Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: All the differences explained
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Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
I spent a week with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Why can't I see my workout stats?

I spent a week with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Why can't I see my workout stats?

Victor Hristov
I put Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold next to the Galaxy Fold 8 and the difference Is incredible

I put Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold next to the Galaxy Fold 8 and the difference Is incredible

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review

Victor Hristov
7.4
I love that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 lasts three days, but Samsung needs to fix charging

I love that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 lasts three days, but Samsung needs to fix charging

Victor Hristov
I hated opening the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung finally fixed it with the Fold 8

I hated opening the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung finally fixed it with the Fold 8

Victor Hristov
I tested the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Samsung just delivered an engineering masterclass

I tested the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Samsung just delivered an engineering masterclass

Victor Hristov
Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a design masterpiece with just one tiny flaw

Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a design masterpiece with just one tiny flaw

Victor Hristov
I spent 72 hours with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: here is how the battery held up

I spent 72 hours with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: here is how the battery held up

Victor Hristov
I spent 72 hours with the Galaxy Z Fold 8: here is how the battery held up

I spent 72 hours with the Galaxy Z Fold 8: here is how the battery held up

Victor Hristov
Can the Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera keep up? Here are my real-world results

Can the Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera keep up? Here are my real-world results

Victor Hristov
I spent an hour using the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Samsung finally made the ultimate smartwatch

I spent an hour using the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Samsung finally made the ultimate smartwatch

Victor Hristov
Samsung fixed the Flip 8

Samsung fixed the Flip 8

Victor Hristov
I only used the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for an hour, but that was enough to sell me

I only used the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for an hour, but that was enough to sell me

Victor Hristov
Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Huawei Pura 90s Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I don't want a thinner Galaxy Z Fold 8 — I want Samsung to fix this instead

I don't want a thinner Galaxy Z Fold 8 — I want Samsung to fix this instead

Victor Hristov
iPhone 17 Pro after 10 months: The truth before iPhone 18 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro after 10 months: The truth before iPhone 18 Pro

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera vs Pets! Ultimate camera challenge

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera vs Pets! Ultimate camera challenge

Victor Hristov
Galaxy S26 Ultra: here's how Samsung's flagship design evolved over the years

Galaxy S26 Ultra: here's how Samsung's flagship design evolved over the years

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra battery and charging: Everything we know so far

Samsung Galaxy Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra battery and charging: Everything we know so far

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra camera: Everything we know so far

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra camera: Everything we know so far

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra battery and charging: Everything we know so far

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra battery and charging: Everything we know so far

Victor Hristov
You probably don't need an iPhone 17 Pro Max

You probably don't need an iPhone 17 Pro Max

Victor Hristov
Samsung is about to disappoint me with the Galaxy Watch 9

Samsung is about to disappoint me with the Galaxy Watch 9

Victor Hristov
I shot an entire weekend trip using only the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera, here are the results

I shot an entire weekend trip using only the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera, here are the results

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr 2026 vs Razr 2025: All the differences explained
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Motorola Razr 2026 vs Razr 2025: All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr Plus (2026) vs Razr Plus (2025): All the differences explained
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Motorola Razr Plus (2026) vs Razr Plus (2025): All the differences explained

Victor Hristov
Using a Galaxy S26 Ultra to vlog and edit an entire day
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Using a Galaxy S26 Ultra to vlog and edit an entire day

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: I used both and one thing Motorola did makes no sense
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Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: I used both and one thing Motorola did makes no sense

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr Fold Review
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Motorola Razr Fold Review

Victor Hristov
7.3
Fitbit Air Review
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Fitbit Air Review

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 Review
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Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 Review

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr Plus 2026 Review
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Motorola Razr Plus 2026 Review

Victor Hristov
6.7
How to take awesome selfies with the Galaxy S26 Ultra

How to take awesome selfies with the Galaxy S26 Ultra

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr 2026 Review
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Motorola Razr 2026 Review

Victor Hristov
6
Motorola Razr Fold vs Galaxy Fold 7: Motorola built a Galaxy killer, but don’t buy it just yet
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Motorola Razr Fold vs Galaxy Fold 7: Motorola built a Galaxy killer, but don’t buy it just yet

Victor Hristov
Forget Samsung and OnePlus: This is the only phone I want to take photos on
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Forget Samsung and OnePlus: This is the only phone I want to take photos on

Victor Hristov
Motorola Razr series: which one should you choose?

Motorola Razr series: which one should you choose?

Victor Hristov
The best phone camera you’ve never heard of vs iPhone 17 Pro: My real-world test

The best phone camera you’ve never heard of vs iPhone 17 Pro: My real-world test

Victor Hristov
Vivo X300 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Vivo X300 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Vivo X300 Ultra vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Vivo X300 Ultra vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Vivo X300 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Vivo X300 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy A57 vs Galaxy S26 Plus: Do you even need a flagship?
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Samsung Galaxy A57 vs Galaxy S26 Plus: Do you even need a flagship?

Victor Hristov
Galaxy A57 vs iPhone 17e: Samsung nailed the design, but Apple still rules this one crucial area
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Galaxy A57 vs iPhone 17e: Samsung nailed the design, but Apple still rules this one crucial area

Victor Hristov
Sony Xperia 1 VIII vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Sample Photos Comparison

Sony Xperia 1 VIII vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I tested the new Samsung Galaxy A57: the camera is just average, but it has one brilliant idea
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I tested the new Samsung Galaxy A57: the camera is just average, but it has one brilliant idea

Victor Hristov
6.2
Sony Xperia 1 VIII vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Sony Xperia 1 VIII vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Sony Xperia 1 VIII review: the features iPhone and Galaxy killed off, but can it compete?
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Sony Xperia 1 VIII review: the features iPhone and Galaxy killed off, but can it compete?

Victor Hristov
7.2
Sony Xperia 1 VIII vs iPhone 17 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Sony Xperia 1 VIII vs iPhone 17 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
iPhone 17e Review: is it even a compromise?
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iPhone 17e Review: is it even a compromise?

Victor Hristov
7
Galaxy S26 Review: a battery boost for the super-light AI phone
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Galaxy S26 Review: a battery boost for the super-light AI phone

Victor Hristov
7.4
AT&T's new '2.0' plans are here: 3 things to check before you switch

AT&T's new '2.0' plans are here: 3 things to check before you switch

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Vivo X300 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Vivo X300 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Honor Magic 8 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Honor Magic 8 Pro: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I used the Galaxy S26 Ultra every day: Here are the real battery life numbers

I used the Galaxy S26 Ultra every day: Here are the real battery life numbers

Victor Hristov
After a week with the S26 Ultra, I’m convinced: AI photo styles aren't a gimmick anymore

After a week with the S26 Ultra, I’m convinced: AI photo styles aren't a gimmick anymore

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Private by design, familiar by default
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Private by design, familiar by default

Victor Hristov
8.1
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I used the iPhone 17 Pro Max every day: Here are the real battery life numbers

I used the iPhone 17 Pro Max every day: Here are the real battery life numbers

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs OnePlus 15: Sample Photos Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs OnePlus 15: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I tested Galaxy S26 Ultra 60W fast charging: is it a game changer?

I tested Galaxy S26 Ultra 60W fast charging: is it a game changer?

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Sample Photos Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Sample Photos Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: Sample Photos Comparison

Victor Hristov
I didn't expect to love the Galaxy S26 Ultra design this much, but here is what still bugs me

I didn't expect to love the Galaxy S26 Ultra design this much, but here is what still bugs me

Victor Hristov
Galaxy S26 Secret Weapon: Is the new APV codec faster and better than Apple ProRes?

Galaxy S26 Secret Weapon: Is the new APV codec faster and better than Apple ProRes?

Victor Hristov
I used the iPhone 17 Pro camera for my ski vacation and I missed one Samsung feature

I used the iPhone 17 Pro camera for my ski vacation and I missed one Samsung feature

Victor Hristov
I tried a dozen weather apps: this is the only one I still use

I tried a dozen weather apps: this is the only one I still use

Victor Hristov
Apple announces special event for March 4 in New York: Is the iPhone-powered Macbook coming?

Apple announces special event for March 4 in New York: Is the iPhone-powered Macbook coming?

Victor Hristov
I followed every Galaxy S26 leak: Here’s what was real and what was a total lie

I followed every Galaxy S26 leak: Here’s what was real and what was a total lie

Victor Hristov
The Coros Pace 4 is slowly winning me over from Garmin

The Coros Pace 4 is slowly winning me over from Garmin

Victor Hristov
Four months later, the iPhone 17 Pro Max aluminum design has clear trade-offs

Four months later, the iPhone 17 Pro Max aluminum design has clear trade-offs

Victor Hristov
I tested the Galaxy S25 Ultra one year after its launch: Still worth it?

I tested the Galaxy S25 Ultra one year after its launch: Still worth it?

Victor Hristov
Six months after its launch, Pixel 10 Pro XL still feels like jewelry with its shiny aluminum frame

Six months after its launch, Pixel 10 Pro XL still feels like jewelry with its shiny aluminum frame

Victor Hristov