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Like the population of Australia, the mobile networks tend to congregate around the major metro areas along the coast. If you live in one of these cities, you probably have great mobile coverage and might even be able to connect to the new 5G network. However, if you live outside of a metro area where cell reception might not be as reliable, trying to stay connected on your phone can be a challenge. Luckily, Telstra offers its Blue Tick certification to let customers know certain phones have superior coverage in regional and rural Australia. Below, you can find out more about the Telstra Blue Tick program and compare mobile phones that have earned the Blue Tick and can thus claim the best cell reception when out in the bush.
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The list of Telstra Blue Tick phones is extensive and tends to favor Samsung-brand and Telstra-brand phones. In fact, since 2017 with the Apple iPhone, Telstra has not certified any Apple products with their Blue Tick. As of 2025, the most recent lineup of Telstra Blue Tick phones include:
The Telstra Blue Tick isn’t just for one type of cellphone. The newest 5G-enabled smartphones can get a Blue Tick just as easily as simple flip phones. With the Telstra Blue Tick program, you can find prepaid phones, smartphones with a monthly plan, old-school flip phones, or the newest high-end phones, as long as they pass the Telstra Blue Tick test.
Telstra NBN & Bundles Telstra also offers NBN plans bundled with Telstra Air which allow you to connect to millions of Wi-Fi spots throughout Australia for free.
It’s clear that Telstra favors Samsung phones when it comes to the Blue Tick, and you can find both prepaid Samsung phones, and Samsung phones on a monthly plan, that have earned the Telstra Tick.
Did You Know?Telstra also offers streaming services through Telstra TV!
If you prefer a phone on a plan, or to purchase one of the newest phones outright, many Samsung phones come with the Telstra Blue Tick. If you decide to go the monthly phone payment plan route, you will also need to choose to add a monthly Telstra mobile plan.
| Phone | Cost (mobile plan not included) | Specification and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G | 12 months: $137.41/month 24 months: $68.70/month 36 months: $45.80/month Outright: $1,849 | Display: 6.9 inches Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1,000 GB Rear camera: 200MP (Wide), 10MP (Telephoto), 50MP (telephoto), 50MP (Ultrawide) Front camera: 12MP AF (f2.2) 4GX: Yes 5G: Yes |
| Galaxy S25+ | 12 months: $108.24/month 24 months: $54.12/month 36 months: $36.07/month Outright: $1,499 | Display: 6.7 inches Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB Rear camera: 50MP (Wide), 10MP (Telephoto), 12MP (Ultrawide) Front camera: 12MP AF (f2.2) 4GX: Yes 5G: Yes |
| Galaxy S25 | 12 months: $91.58/month 24 months: $45.79/month 36 months: $30.52/month Outright: $1,199 | Display: 6.2 inches Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB Rear camera: 50MP (Wide), 10MP (Telephoto), 12MP (Ultrawide) Front camera: 12MP AF (f2.2) 4GX: Yes 5G: Yes |
| Galaxy A56 | 12 months: $41.58/month 24 months: $20.78/month 36 months: $13.85/month Outright: $499 | Display: 6.7 inches Storage: 128GB Rear camera: 50MP (Wide), 12MP (Telephoto), 5MP (Ultrawide) Front camera: 12MP 4GX: Yes 5G: Yes |
Source: Providers individual websites. Actual offers may vary. Actual speeds may vary. Comparison does not include all providers, products, or features. ValidÂ
July 2025.
It makes sense that Telstra’s own brand of mobile phones - which include smartphones, basic cell phones, and flip phones - are frequently Blue Tick certified. These phones are available prepaid, so you can purchase one outright, and many come with an included Telstra prepaid mobile plan.
| Phone | Cost (mobile plan not included) | Specification and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra T-Elite 5G | $178.92 | Display: 120Hz Refresh Rate, 1612x720P, 6.6 inches Storage: 128GB Rear camera: 50MP(Main)+2MP Dual AI Camera Front camera: 5MP 4GX: Yes 5G: Yes |
Source: Providers individual websites. Actual offers may vary. Actual speeds may vary. Comparison does not include all providers, products, or features. ValidÂ
July 2025.
The Telstra Tick program is a program that rigorously tests smartphones for their signal strength, particularly in rural and regional Australia. Phones are tested and classified as A, B, or C with “C” class phones earning the Blue Tick.
If you’re looking for a phone with top-level signal strength (at least, according to Telstra and on the Telstra Network) you’ll want to look for one with a Blue Tick label.
Phones are tested for their signal strength and receiver sensitivity, as even the smallest advantages in connectivity can increase cell phone range. Testing includes Telstra technicians physically holding the phone in the air in different directions to check antennae strength, and all Telstra Tick testing is done in controlled settings, for consistent results across the board.
You don’t necessarily need a Telstra Blue Tick phone, particularly if you live in an urban centre where 4G, and now 5G, coverage is reliable. However, if you’re planning an extended trip to the bush or are planning to move outside of a major city, and want to upgrade your phone anyways it might be worth keeping an eye out for that Blue Tick. If you want to speak about your options, feel free to give our representative a call or contact Telstra for more info
The Telstra Blue Tick program is only for phones on the Telstra Network. But, what if you’re on the Optus or Vodafone networks instead?
Currently, while there is no equivalent certification for phones on the Vodafone network, Optus does offer its “Top Pick for Regional Coverage” badge. While it might not sound as snazzy as “Blue Tick”, it does give Optus customers peace of mind that any phones on this list (which includes many of the same Samsung smartphones) will offer superior coverage when out in the bush.
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