Best Telstra mobile plans (March 2023)

Telstra Basic plan | 40GB data | AU$58p/m (opens in new tab)

Telstra has the most expensive mobile plans among the three major telcos, but it does have the widest-reaching network in Australia, which will be essential for some. With this in mind, we’d recommend Telstra’s cheapest plan as the best overall, which gets you 40GB of data for AU$58 a month (before the price increase, it was AU$55 a month). The good news is that this plan now comes with access to Telstra’s 5G network as standard.

Total minimum cost is AU$58

iPhone 14 (128GB) | 40GB data | 24 months | AU$116.29p/m (opens in new tab)

The latest iPhone is now available, and if you want to be on the Telstra network, the Basic 40GB plan (opens in new tab) is our recommendation. That will see you pay AU$116.29 each billing for 40GB of data, which is pricey compared to Optus and Vodafone’s equivalent plans to be sure. The Basic plan is the cheapest option available from Telstra, and comes with 5G access included.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,790.96

Samsung Galaxy S22 (128GB) | 40GB data | 24 months | AU$97.54p/m (opens in new tab)

We’re expecting the release of the Samsung Galaxy S23 in February, so consider holding out if you want the latest device. If you’re happy with the S22 though, Telstra is currently offering a AU$300 discount on it (though Vodafone has it beat with a AU$400 saving). Pairing the S22 with Telstra’s AU$58 Basic plan (opens in new tab) will get you 40GB of data, and it’ll cost you AU$110.04 a month on a 24-month contract.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,340.96

iPhone SE 2022 (64GB) | 40GB data | 24 months | AU$87.95p/m (opens in new tab)

The iPhone SE 2022 is Apple’s 'budget' iPhone, with a starting price of AU$719. For an affordable plan, we’d recommend pairing Telstra’s AU$58 Basic plan (opens in new tab) with the 64GB iPhone SE in black, red or white, which will see you pay AU$87.95 a month. You’ll get 40GB of data to play with each month, unlimited talk and text to standard numbers in Australia and 5G access.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,110.80

Google Pixel 6a (128GB) | 40GB data | 24 months | AU$89.20p/m (opens in new tab)

The Google Pixel 6a is an affordable phone at AU$749, but fair warning, Telstra’s got the most expensive plan (Vodafone is your cheapest option). If you need to go with Telstra, we recommend the Basic 40GB plan (opens in new tab) – that’ll cost you AU$89.20 each billing period if you pay it off over 24 months. Telstra’s plan is AU$13 more a month than you’d pay over at Vodafone, but you might be swayed by Telstra’s better coverage.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$2,140.80

iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) | 40GB data | 24 months | AU$130.87p/m (opens in new tab)

For the best premium iPhone, you’ll want to go with either the 14 Pro (opens in new tab) or 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab), depending on your size preference. The Pro has the same 6.1-inch screen size as the regular iPhone 14, while the Pro Max stretches out to 6.7 inches. Whichever you go with, we think Telstra’s Basic plan (opens in new tab) on a 24-month contract is best, as it’ll get you 40GB of data from AU$130.87 a month.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$3,140.88

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (128GB) | 40GB data | 24 months | AU$135.04p/m (opens in new tab)

If you want to buy Samsung’s premium phone, we’d suggest waiting until the release of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, as it’s expected to be unveiled in February (and is tipped to have better cameras too). Still want the S22 Ultra? Then pair it with Telstra’s Basic plan (opens in new tab), which will see you pay AU$135.04 a month on a 24-month contract. The Basic plan comes with 40GB of data each month, or an extra AU$10 each billing can get you 180GB if you need.

Total cost over 24 months is AU$3,240.96