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Compare the best Blue Tick Telstra phones for the bush

If you’re after a phone on the Telstra network to use in Australia’s more remote territories, what you need is a Blue Tick certified device.

Alex Kidman
Alex Kidman

Updated

We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn more about Finder .

outback

Telstra’s Blue Tick signifies that the telco has tested a given device thoroughly for service in remote, rural areas. This is performed as both a lab test under controlled conditions and in actual rural areas on the Telstra network to ensure that what happens in the lab also happens in the real world. The practical upshot of this is a selection of phones that should be able to provide you with phone service even on the very fringes of the phone network itself.

All below phones on a plan are Telstra Blue Tick certified

Be sure to use the filters to look for the best plan for your needs.

Best Blue Tick phone breakdown

At Finder we review all the biggest phones launched in Australia to compare their features and capabilities. We think the best Blue Tick phone you can buy on the market right now is the Samsung Galaxy 10+, based on our comprehensive reviewing process.

Samsung Galaxy S10, S10e & S10+

Samsung's 2019 flagships continue to represent the cream of the Android smartphone crop. The S10+ in particular delivers top-notch photos with its triple-lens camera, and its powerful Exynos 9820 processor ensures a snappy and responsive experience in apps, games and anything else you can throw at it.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Samsung Galaxy S10+
6.4
inches

  • Display

    6.4 inches

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP + 16MP

  • Battery size

    4,100 mAh
12MP + 12MP + 16MP
4,100
mAh
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Samsung Galaxy Note9

Galaxy Note9

Designers and on-the-go business folk will find a lot to like in the Samsung Galaxy Note9. From its massive 6.4-inch screen and its extensive battery life to its handy DeX mode for connecting to an external monitor, the Note9 is a productivity powerhouse.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy Note9
6.4
inches

  • Display

    6.4 inches

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP

  • Battery size

    4,000 mAh
12MP + 12MP
4,000
mAh
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Apple iPhone 8

The performance and battery efficiency of the iPhone 8 was a bit of a surprise, but it is a testament to Apple's engineering team in their ability to manage such solid performance despite shrinking the battery capacity of the previous year's models. The fact that the 8 doesn't have the same dual-camera and portrait functionality as the 8 Plus sees it lose a few places to other phones on this list, but it's still an impressive device for iOS users.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Apple iPhone 8
Apple iPhone 8
4.7
inches

750 x 1334

  • Display

    4.7 inches

    750 x 1334

  • Rear camera

    12MP

  • Battery size

    1,821 mAh
12MP
1,821
mAh
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Samsung Galaxy S9 & S9+

Galaxy S9

The Galaxy S8 was a solid phone in its own right, but Samsung struck back in a big way with the Galaxy S9 and S9+. Both are excellent smartphones with incredible cameras and battery life.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S9
5.8
inches

1440 x 2960

  • Display

    5.8 inches

    1440 x 2960

  • Rear camera

    12MP

  • Battery size

    3,000 mAh
12MP
3,000
mAh
Not yet rated
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Samsung Galaxy Note 8

After the explosive disaster of the Galaxy Note 7, some were surprised that Samsung kept the Note brand alive. Fortunately it did, because the Note 8 is a fantastic device with plenty of power and impressive battery life (and no explosions).

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
6.3
inches

1440 x 2960

  • Display

    6.3 inches

    1440 x 2960

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP

  • Battery size

    3,300 mAh
12MP + 12MP
3,300
mAh
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Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Xperia XZ Premium

Sony might not be the first name that comes to mind when comparing top-of-the-line smartphones, but with the Xperia XZ Premium it proved itself capable of standing alongside the likes of Samsung and Google. With its 4K screen, super slow-motion camera and snappy performance, the Xperia XZ Premium remains a capable smartphone well worth considering.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
5.5
inches

2160 x 3840

  • Display

    5.5 inches

    2160 x 3840

  • Rear camera

    19MP

  • Battery size

    3,230 mAh
19MP
3,230
mAh
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Apple iPhone 6s

iphone6s-select-2015

If you’re an iPhone fan of old, just because you’re in a regional area doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Apple’s iPhone 6s has passed Blue Tick certification. The iPhone 6s is a slender and stylish phone running Apple’s iOS operating system, including compatibility with the contactless Apple Pay system.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Apple iPhone 6S
Apple iPhone 6S
4.7
inches

750 x 1334

  • Display

    4.7 inches

    750 x 1334

  • Rear camera

    12MP

  • Battery size

    1,715 mAh
12MP
1,715
mAh
Not yet rated
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Telstra Tough Max 2

Telstra Tough Max 2

It shouldn’t be a surprise that a Telstra-branded phone would pass Blue Tick certification, and the Tough Max 2 certainly does. As the name suggests, the core selling point of this phone is that it’s a rugged device built with IP67 resistance for dust and water ingress. That doesn’t mean that tough is all it does, as it also offers a decent camera and wireless charging to boot.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Telstra Tough Max 2
Telstra Tough Max 2
5
inches

720 x 1280

  • Display

    5 inches

    720 x 1280

  • Rear camera

    16MP

  • Battery size

    3,000 mAh
16MP
3,000
mAh
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Telstra Blue Tick phones

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung Galaxy S10
6.1
inches

1440 x 3040

  • Display

    6.1 inches

    1440 x 3040

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP + 16MP

  • Battery size

    3,400 mAh
12MP + 12MP + 16MP
3,400
mAh
Where to buy
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Where to buy
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Samsung Galaxy S10+
Samsung Galaxy S10+
6.4
inches

  • Display

    6.4 inches

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP + 16MP

  • Battery size

    4,100 mAh
12MP + 12MP + 16MP
4,100
mAh
Where to buy
View details
Where to buy
View details
Samsung Galaxy S10e
Samsung Galaxy S10e
5.8
inches

1080 x 2280

  • Display

    5.8 inches

    1080 x 2280

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 16MP

  • Battery size

    3,100 mAh
12MP + 16MP
3,100
mAh
Where to buy
View details
Where to buy
View details
Samsung Galaxy S9+
Samsung Galaxy S9+
6.2
inches

  • Display

    6.2 inches

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP

  • Battery size

    3,500 mAh
12MP + 12MP
3,500
mAh
Where to buy
View details
Where to buy
View details
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S9
5.8
inches

1440 x 2960

  • Display

    5.8 inches

    1440 x 2960

  • Rear camera

    12MP

  • Battery size

    3,000 mAh
12MP
3,000
mAh
Not yet rated
Where to buy
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What is the Telstra Blue Tick certification process?

If you’re curious about how Telstra checks phones to see if they’re Blue Tick suitable, you can watch this video which runs through the scientific testing process:

If you’re an old school phone user you might think that a Blue Tick phone would have to be one with an ugly, stubby antennae or similar, but the reality is that a lot of current mobile phones, including an increasing number of high-end premium phones, are available with Blue Tick certification. That means you’ve got a choice of styles, prices and features to consider when choosing a Blue Tick certified phone.

It's worth noting that phones that don't have a Blue Tick certification may still work in remote locations, so devices like the iPhone 7 or the Google Pixel XL might still be worth considering. However, if you want peace of mind with your purchase, Telstra's certification is designed to ensure best-in-class connectivity.

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Image: Shutterstock

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12 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    CameronMarch 16, 2019

    Hello, is the iPhone XR blue ticked yet?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JoshuaMarch 17, 2019Staff

      Hi Cameron,

      Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃

      Yes, Telstra has already tested iPhone XRs and they have blue-ticked certification. You can find these iPhone XRs by clicking on “Blue Ticked phone plans” tab found at the topmost part of this page. Click on the “Filter results” button and select the plan details tab. Under the “Phones,” select iPhone XR. If you can’t find it on the list, simply use the search bar.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    JohnNovember 12, 2018

    I have 2 Samsung A5 phones. Both are not able to maintain a Bluetooth connection in my 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and 2017 Ford Everest. They randomly keep connecting and randomly the car will display Unable to maintain a stable connection. Any Ideas?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JohnNovember 13, 2018Staff

      Hi John,

      Thank you for reaching out to finder.

      If your car bluetooth system is on a Ford sync 3, please follow the instructions below:

      Start your Ford vehicle and make sure your phone is turned on.
      Enable and turn on your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
      On the bottom of your SYNC 3 display screen, press Settings.
      Choose Bluetooth, then Add a Bluetooth Device.
      Turn back to your phone’s Bluetooth settings. Your phone should scan for Bluetooth devices.
      Your Ford’s SYNC 3 system should show up in the list of devices. Select it.
      Both the vehicle display screen and your phone should display a PIN. Ensure they match and accept the pairing on both.
      A screen may pop up on the SYNC 3 system asking if you want to “Set as Favorite Phone” and/or “Auto-Download” contacts. You can either accept or deny.
      Press Finish to complete the pairing process.

      Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    CollyMarch 25, 2018

    Does the Samsung J5 Pro mobile phone have Telstra’s blue tick for remote service?

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      NikkiMarch 27, 2018

      Hi Colly!

      Thanks for your questions and for contacting finder.

      The Samsung J5 Pro is not included in the mobile phones with Blue Tick.

      To read more information, you can look here.

      Hope this helps!

      Best regards,

      Nikki

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    RobbieFebruary 20, 2018

    I purchased a second hand Samsung S7 Edge, purely for the Blue Tick certification, for use in a low signal area. It is actually worse than my old phone, which is a Huawei P8 Lite (that, as far as I know, doesn’t have the Blue Tick). The S7 Edge has great software and is a beautiful phone, but I really can’t recommend it for remote areas.

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JonathanMarch 12, 2018Staff

      Hi Robbie, thanks for your insight on the Samsung S7 Edge.

      We have forwarded this to our content team for consideration.

      Best,

      Jonathan

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    MarkOctober 18, 2017

    Any HTC prepaid phones with blue tick or any other phones

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      DanielleOctober 19, 2017

      Hi Mark,

      Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.

      On the table, click on modify results—>choose your phone. From there you can select the phone and see if there will be offers populated on the table for that phone.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Danielle

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    leslieSeptember 19, 2017

    Will Apple 8 have a blue tick, so it can get a signal in the bush?

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      JonathanSeptember 19, 2017

      Hello Leslie,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Wonderful news is yes! :)

      You can check the Telstra plans offered on this handset through this page.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

      Reply
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