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.
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- Blue Tick phone plans
- Best phones
- Blue Tick list
- Certification
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.
Display
6.4 inches
Rear camera
Battery size
Samsung 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.
Display
6.4 inches
Rear camera
Battery size
Apple iPhone 8
750 x 1334
Display
4.7 inches
750 x 1334
Rear camera
Battery size
Samsung Galaxy S9 & 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.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S9 review
1440 x 2960
Display
5.8 inches
1440 x 2960
Rear camera
Battery size
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).
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Note 8 review
1440 x 2960
Display
6.3 inches
1440 x 2960
Rear camera
Battery size
Sony 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.
2160 x 3840
Display
5.5 inches
2160 x 3840
Rear camera
Battery size
Apple iPhone 6s
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.
750 x 1334
Display
4.7 inches
750 x 1334
Rear camera
Battery size
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.
Read our full Telstra Tough Max 2 review
720 x 1280
Display
5 inches
720 x 1280
Rear camera
Battery size
Telstra Blue Tick phones
1440 x 3040
Display
6.1 inches
1440 x 3040
Rear camera
Battery size
Display
6.4 inches
Rear camera
Battery size
1080 x 2280
Display
5.8 inches
1080 x 2280
Rear camera
Battery size
Display
6.2 inches
Rear camera
Battery size
1440 x 2960
Display
5.8 inches
1440 x 2960
Rear camera
Battery size
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:
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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