If you're serious about getting the iPhone 17, why not pair it with an Optus' phone plan? They're reasonably priced and come with some pretty sweet perks.
Optus is currently offering the iPhone 17, Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max devices on 12, 24 and 36-month plans with plenty of extras. Not to mention, over the last year both Optus and Vodafone have vastly improved their coverage across Australia. This puts them in strong competition with Telstra, which is notorious for its widespread coverage.So before you sign on the dotted line, we recommending comparing your options first to ensure you're getting the best deal.
In this guide, we explore the perks, pricing and inclusions of Optus' iPhone 17 plan offering, then compare them to Vodafone and Telstra so you can pick the best plan for you.
Optus iPhone 17 plans
Known for being the happy medium between good coverage and affordability, Optus is expanding its device range to include all four iPhone 17 models this year. To keep things simple, we've put all of Optus' 36-month iPhone 17 plans in one place.
Take a look and compare between each handset to see if one fits your needs and budget:
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$77.86/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
$77.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$107.86/mth
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
$107.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$108.86/mth
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
$108.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$128.86/mth
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
$128.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$94.52/mth
Min. cost $2,037.72
|
$94.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,037.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$124.52/mth
Min. cost $2,067.72
|
$124.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,067.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$125.52/mth
Min. cost $2,068.72
|
$125.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,068.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$145.52/mth
Min. cost $2,088.72
|
$145.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,088.72
|
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$100.08/mth
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
$100.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$130.08/mth
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
$130.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$131.08/mth
Min. cost $2,268.88
|
$131.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,268.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$151.08/mth
Min. cost $2,288.88
|
$151.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,288.88
|
iPhone Air 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$75.06/mth
Min. cost $1,337.16
Out of stock
|
$75.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,337.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$105.06/mth
Min. cost $1,367.16
Out of stock
|
$105.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,367.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$106.06/mth
Min. cost $1,368.16
Out of stock
|
$106.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,368.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$126.06/mth
Min. cost $1,388.16
Out of stock
|
$126.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,388.16
|
Out of stock
|
Optus iPhone 17 plans vs. Vodafone and Telstra
When you get an iPhone 17 plan, your monthly bill will be made up of two parts:
- iPhone 17 repayments
- Your mobile plan (i.e. calls, texts, data)
Regardless of who your provider is, you'll end up paying roughly the recommended retail price for your handset, unless there are special iPhone deals going. The real cost difference lies in the price of the individual telco's mobile plans. Compared to Telstra, Optus tends to have the 'Goldilocks' iPhone plan pricing, followed by Vodafone as the most affordable.
There are three available repayment periods: 36, 24, and 12-months. But because few people opt for 12-month plans, due to their high monthly bills, we'll exclude them from our comparisons below.
36-month iPhone 17 plans compared
A 36-month repayment period means the cheapest per-month bills, and it's the most popular option on our website for most phones.
These are the cheapest iPhone 17 plans in our database from each provider:
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$77.86/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
$77.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$88.02/mth
Min. cost $1,593.72
|
$88.02/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,593.72
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$93.02/mth
Min. cost $1,598.72
|
$93.02/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,598.72
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$98.02/mth
Min. cost $1,603.72
|
$98.02/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,603.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$107.86/mth
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
$107.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$108.86/mth
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
$108.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$117.02/mth
Min. cost $1,622.72
Link not supplied
|
$117.02/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,622.72
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$117.02/mth
Min. cost $1,622.72
Link not supplied
|
$117.02/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,622.72
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$127.02/mth
Min. cost $1,632.72
Link not supplied
|
$127.02/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,632.72
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$128.86/mth
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
$128.86/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
$58 Small Plan
$92.18/mth
Min. cost $2,043.72
|
$92.18/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,043.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$94.52/mth
Min. cost $2,037.72
|
$94.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,037.72
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$97.18/mth
Min. cost $2,048.72
|
$97.18/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,048.72
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$102.18/mth
Min. cost $2,053.72
|
$102.18/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,053.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$124.52/mth
Min. cost $2,067.72
|
$124.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,067.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$125.52/mth
Min. cost $2,068.72
|
$125.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,068.72
|
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$129.52/mth
Min. cost $2,072.72
Link not supplied
|
$129.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,072.72
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$129.52/mth
Min. cost $2,072.72
Link not supplied
|
$129.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,072.72
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$139.52/mth
Min. cost $2,082.72
Link not supplied
|
$139.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,082.72
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$145.52/mth
Min. cost $2,088.72
|
$145.52/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,088.72
|
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$97.74/mth
Min. cost $2,243.88
|
$97.74/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,243.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$100.08/mth
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
$100.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$102.74/mth
Min. cost $2,248.88
|
$102.74/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,248.88
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$107.74/mth
Min. cost $2,253.88
|
$107.74/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,253.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$130.08/mth
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
$130.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$131.08/mth
Min. cost $2,268.88
|
$131.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,268.88
|
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$135.08/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
$135.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,272.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$135.08/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
$135.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,272.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$145.08/mth
Min. cost $2,282.88
Link not supplied
|
$145.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,282.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$151.08/mth
Min. cost $2,288.88
|
$151.08/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,288.88
|
iPhone Air 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$75.06/mth
Min. cost $1,337.16
Out of stock
|
$75.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,337.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$97.75/mth
Min. cost $1,944
|
$97.75/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,944
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$102.75/mth
Min. cost $1,949
|
$102.75/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,949
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$105.06/mth
Min. cost $1,367.16
Out of stock
|
$105.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,367.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$106.06/mth
Min. cost $1,368.16
Out of stock
|
$106.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,368.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$107.75/mth
Min. cost $1,954
|
$107.75/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,954
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$126.06/mth
Min. cost $1,388.16
Out of stock
|
$126.06/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,388.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$126.75/mth
Min. cost $1,973
Link not supplied
|
$126.75/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,973
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$126.75/mth
Min. cost $1,973
Link not supplied
|
$126.75/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,973
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$136.75/mth
Min. cost $1,983
Link not supplied
|
$136.75/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,983
|
Link not supplied
|
24-month iPhone 17 plans compared
Monthly fees for a 24-month repayment cost a bit more than the 36-month period, but are still half that of a 12-month contract.
These are the cheapest 24-month iPhone 17 plans in our database from each provider:
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$97.29/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
$97.29/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$109.54/mth
Min. cost $1,593.96
|
$109.54/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,593.96
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$114.54/mth
Min. cost $1,598.96
|
$114.54/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,598.96
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$119.54/mth
Min. cost $1,603.96
|
$119.54/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,603.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$127.29/mth
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
$127.29/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$128.29/mth
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
$128.29/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$138.54/mth
Min. cost $1,622.96
Link not supplied
|
$138.54/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,622.96
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$138.54/mth
Min. cost $1,622.96
Link not supplied
|
$138.54/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,622.96
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$148.29/mth
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
$148.29/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$148.54/mth
Min. cost $1,632.96
Link not supplied
|
$148.54/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,632.96
|
Link not supplied
|
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
|
Vodafone
Editor's Pick
$58 Small Plan
$115.79/mth
Min. cost $2,043.96
|
$115.79/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,043.96
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$120.79/mth
Min. cost $2,048.96
|
$120.79/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,048.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$122.28/mth
Min. cost $2,037.72
|
$122.28/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,037.72
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$125.79/mth
Min. cost $2,053.96
|
$125.79/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,053.96
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$152.28/mth
Min. cost $2,067.72
|
$152.28/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,067.72
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$153.28/mth
Min. cost $2,068.72
|
$153.28/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,068.72
|
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$157.29/mth
Min. cost $2,072.96
Link not supplied
|
$157.29/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,072.96
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$157.29/mth
Min. cost $2,072.96
Link not supplied
|
$157.29/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,072.96
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$167.29/mth
Min. cost $2,082.96
Link not supplied
|
$167.29/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,082.96
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$173.28/mth
Min. cost $2,088.72
|
$173.28/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,088.72
|
iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Plans
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$124.12/mth
Min. cost $2,243.88
|
$124.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,243.88
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$129.12/mth
Min. cost $2,248.88
|
$129.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,248.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$130.62/mth
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
$130.62/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,237.88
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$134.12/mth
Min. cost $2,253.88
|
$134.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,253.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$160.62/mth
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
$160.62/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,267.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$161.62/mth
Min. cost $2,268.88
|
$161.62/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,268.88
|
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$165.62/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
$165.62/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,272.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$165.62/mth
Min. cost $2,272.88
Link not supplied
|
$165.62/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,272.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$175.62/mth
Min. cost $2,282.88
Link not supplied
|
$175.62/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,282.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$181.62/mth
Min. cost $2,288.88
|
$181.62/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $2,288.88
|
iPhone Air 256GB Plans
|
Optus
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$93.09/mth
Min. cost $1,337.16
Out of stock
|
$93.09/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,337.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$123.09/mth
Min. cost $1,367.16
Out of stock
|
$123.09/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,367.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$124.09/mth
Min. cost $1,368.16
Out of stock
|
$124.09/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,368.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$124.12/mth
Min. cost $1,943.88
|
$124.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,943.88
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium Plan
$129.12/mth
Min. cost $1,948.88
|
$129.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,948.88
|
|
|
Vodafone
|
Vodafone
$78 Large Plan
$134.12/mth
Min. cost $1,953.88
|
$134.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,953.88
|
|
|
Optus
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$144.09/mth
Min. cost $1,388.16
Out of stock
|
$144.09/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,388.16
|
Out of stock
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$153.12/mth
Min. cost $1,972.88
Link not supplied
|
$153.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,972.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$153.12/mth
Min. cost $1,972.88
Link not supplied
|
$153.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,972.88
|
Link not supplied
|
|
Telstra
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$163.12/mth
Min. cost $1,982.88
Link not supplied
|
$163.12/mth
(plan + phone)
Min. cost $1,982.88
|
Link not supplied
|
Looking for more iPhone 17 storage or data on your mobile plan?
In this guide, we’ve compared the entry-level storage option for each iPhone 17 model for Optus' iPhone 17 plans. These are usually the cheapest. We do this to provide an easy comparison of pricing differences between providers. On average, you most likely won't need more data than you get from the cheapest plans from the Big Three providers anyway.
However, if you do want to compare every single iPhone 17 plan, across various models, data size and storage options, check out these guides:
Optus iPhone 17 plan perks
While it may not have the widest coverage or the cheapest plans on the markets, Optus makes up for both of these with its own unique perks. It is important to note that Optus' perks offering has evolved a lot since last year so below we've outlined the latest changes.
Optus SubHub
Optus iPhone 17 plans may sit in the middle of the pack in terms of price, but this telco's entertainment discounts could make it the best option for you financially, depending on your needs.
Since Optus Sport was discontinued in August 2025, it's big money-saver is Optus SubHub. This is a subscription bundling platform that lets you combine multiple monthly bills into a single payment. Not only that, but you can receive a 5% discount if you bundle two services, or 10% if you bundle three or more.
Subscription trials
Beyond SubHub, Optus also boasts a selection of free trials across various subscriptions, so there's something for everyone. These include:
- One month trial of a Casual Plan GeForce NOW subscription
- One month trial of Microsoft 365 (for new and returning customers)
- One month trial of YouTube Premium (new subscribers only)
- Three month trial of Kindle Unlimited
Vodafone and Telstra plan perks
Optus iPhone 17 plans aren't the only ones with additional features. It's worth comparing what Vodafone and Telstra have to offer before committing to a plan.
Vodafone iPhone 17 plans
Data-to-dollar-wise, Vodafone has the cheapest price for a new iPhone on a plan. The telco regularly offers discounted plans and bonus data alongside postpaid plans.
Like Telstra and Optus, Vodafone postpaid plans also offer unlimited data once you burn through your monthly allowance, but Vodafone caps out a little faster at 2Mbps. This is the fastest speed cap of any 'unlimited data' provider, but is only 0.5Mbps faster than Telstra and Optus.
Of the three, Vodafone's network has the lowest coverage, but only by a smidge. Its 4G coverage has grown in the last year, now reaching 98.4% of the population. It still doesn't provide clear details on its 5G footprint.
Regular travellers should note Vodafone's $5 roaming is still one of the best international roaming options in Australia. Once you use your mobile plan in an eligible country, you'll pay just $5 and a 24-hour clock starts ticking. During this time, you have full access to your plan's normal inclusions. Using your plan again, once it has already timed out, will result in another $5 fee and will rest a new 24-hour timer.
This is a hassle-free and relatively affordable way to roam when overseas, particularly if you're mostly relying on free WiFi and only need to use your phone occasionally.
If you'd like to know more, you can check out our guide on Vodafone iPhone 17 plans.
Telstra iPhone 17 plans
The Telstra Plus membership program is probably Telstra's biggest perk, besides its widespread coverage of course. Telstra Plus members can trade in points for tech, like headphones or chargers or discounted tickets to experiences, such as sporting events, arts exhibitions, and movie passes. Another way to use points is to rent or buy selected movies or TV shows through Fetch.
Telstra also has discounted internet plan or device security deals. However, these vary month to month, so it's best to keep an eye out for these.
Much like Optus, Telstra will also simply cap to speeds of 1.5Mbps until the end of the current billing period instead of charge for excess data usage.
If you'd like to know more, you can check out our guide on Telstra iPhone 17 plans.
Optus coverage vs. Vodafone and Telstra
Optus' coverage still remains the second-largest in Australia but only just. It covers 98.5% with 4G, and 80.5% with 5G. Vodafone is now following even closer behind covers 98.4% with 4G, that's just 0.1% behind Optus. Vodafone, however, doesn't offer specifics on its 5G footprint.
The Telstra network remains the largest mobile network in Australia, and is the best or only option in some regional, rural and remote areas. It covers 99.7% of the population with 4G and 5G, and 95% with 5G.
For more info, you can check out our detailed guide on Australian mobile network coverage or take a look at our coverage map below.
| Network | 4G coverage | 5G coverage | Network Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra network* | N/A | N/A | 2.14 mil square km |
| Telstra Wholesale network | N/A | N/A | 1.4 mil square km |
| Optus network | 99.1% | 94.5% | 1.2 million square km |
| Vodafone network | 99% | 94.5% | 1.2 million square km |
Numbers shown are a percentage of the Australian population.
*Telstra no longer provides population-based coverage figures. Boost Mobile is the only Telstra MVNO with access to the full Telstra network.
What other iPhones does Optus offer?
If you don't feel you need the latest-and-greatest smartphone, there's no shame in grabbing an older-generation iPhone, on or off a plan. They still have great cameras, are all-around good handsets, and some are available on repayment plans. But because they're older models, you can save some good money without much of a sacrifice. In fact, on the day of the iPhone 17 announcement, Apple slashed up to $200 off the iPhone 16 range.
Otherwise, if you can afford the upfront cost, you can save even more in the long run by purchasing an older iPhone outright and signing up to a cheap mobile plan from a smaller mobile provider.
The main downside of an older model is you won't get as many security updates from Apple, depending on when your iPhone came out. But if you're planning to replace it in three years anyway, you'd have to go pretty far back for that to be a problem.
Here are all the iPhones currently available from Optus:
iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 Plus 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16e 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16e 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 Plus 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 Plus 512GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB
- 6.9 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
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Our advice stems from our expertise, not from commercial ties. We may receive payment when you click on a plan or product on our site, but this never influences which products we recommend.
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