Telstra iPhone 15 plans: How do they compare?

Q: Why buy your iPhone on Telstra?

Telstra might be Australia's most expensive mobile provider, but Big T plans also come with more than their fair share of perks. Telstra not only has Australia's largest 4G network but also the largest 5G footprint so far, with the next generation network reaching over 80% of the population. Just be aware that the Basic Upfront Plan (Telstra's cheapest) comes with 5G speeds capped at 250Mbps while all others are uncapped.

Q: How do Telstra iPhone plans stack up?

Telstra plans will tend to be the most expensive option, but are often regarded as having the best coverage in Australia - especially in rural areas. You'll also get perks like Telstra Plus membership (which in turn nabs you cheap movie tickets through Event and BCC cinemas), and unlimited international SMS to any country. You can pay your iPhone off across 24- or 36-months. If you go over your data allowance on any Telstra iPhone plan, you'll be able to keep using your service at 1.5Mbps speeds.

Christie Graham - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 15 September 2023

Contents

In this guide:

Telstra iPhone 15 plans compared
Telstra iPhone 15 Plus plans compared
Telstra iPhone 15 Pro plans compared
Telstra iPhone 15 Pro Max plans compared
Why buy your iPhone on Telstra?
How do Telstra iPhone plans stack up?
What other iPhones does Telstra range?

An iPhone 15 on the Telstra network is a formidable pairing; the combination of the world's most popular smartphone and the fastest Australian mobile phone network. This does come at a premium price, however.

You might find more affordable iPhone 15 deals on Optus or Vodafone, but there's always the question of how much you'll save versus whether you miss out on anything. In this guide we'll compare Telstra's iPhone 15 plans to the other providers, looking at both pricing and features to uncover the best iPhone plans.

Telstra iPhone 15 plans compared

Every mobile plan in Australia works the same way. You take the RRP of the phone, divide it by how many months on your plan, and add on the monthly SIM plan cost. Considering Telstra's SIM pricing, we know that its iPhone 15 plans are the most expensive on average. They do have the most perks, however, and the widest coverage footprint.

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 24-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $84.78/mth Min. cost $1,137.72 Out of Stock	$84.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,137.72	Out of Stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $114.78/mth Min. cost $1,167.72 Out of Stock	$114.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,167.72	Out of Stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $115.78/mth Min. cost $1,168.72 Out of Stock	$115.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,168.72	Out of Stock
#4	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $119.79/mth Min. cost $1,172.96 Link not supplied	$119.79/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,172.96	Link not supplied
#5	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments $119.79/mth Min. cost $1,172.96 Link not supplied	$119.79/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,172.96	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $129.79/mth Min. cost $1,182.96 Link not supplied	$129.79/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,182.96	Link not supplied
#7	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $135.78/mth Min. cost $1,188.72 Out of Stock	$135.78/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,188.72	Out of Stock

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 36-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $69.52/mth Min. cost $1,137.72 Out of Stock	$69.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,137.72	Out of Stock
#2	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $99.52/mth Min. cost $1,167.72 Out of Stock	$99.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,167.72	Out of Stock
#3	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $100.52/mth Min. cost $1,168.72 Out of Stock	$100.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,168.72	Out of Stock
#4	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $104.52/mth Min. cost $1,172.72 Link not supplied	$104.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,172.72	Link not supplied
#5	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $104.52/mth Min. cost $1,172.72 Link not supplied	$104.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,172.72	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $114.52/mth Min. cost $1,182.72 Link not supplied	$114.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,182.72	Link not supplied
#7	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $120.52/mth Min. cost $1,188.72 Out of Stock	$120.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,188.72	Out of Stock

Telstra iPhone 15 Plus plans compared

Despite which iPhone model you choose, Telstra's SIM prices remain the highest overall of the three major providers, due to its extensive coverage and multitude of perks even on its iPhone 15 Plus plans.

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 Plus 24-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 Plus 36-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

Telstra iPhone 15 Pro plans compared

Unfortunately, stepping up to the iPhone 15 Pro plans won't change how affordable Telstra is compared to the competition. It's the most expensive telco offering this device on a plan but, when you consider the perks and the coverage, there are savings to be had if you're texting overseas often or making the most of its movie ticket discounts.

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 Pro 24-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 Pro 36-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

Telstra iPhone 15 Pro Max plans compared

Telstra's iPhone 15 Pro Max Plans are still some of the priciest in our database. But if you play your discounts right, you can save money elsewhere. Consider signing up for its streaming trials or using your new Telstra Plus points to get new headphones or a power bank to keep your new device charged up.

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 Pro Max 24-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

Here's how Telstra's cheapest iPhone 15 Pro Max 36-month plans compare to Optus and Vodafone:

Why buy your iPhone on Telstra?

Telstra might be Australia's most expensive mobile provider, but Big T plans also come with more than their fair share of perks.

Telstra not only has Australia's largest 4G network but also the largest 5G footprint so far, with the next-generation network reaching over 85% of the population. Just be aware that the Basic Upfront Plan (Telstra's cheapest) comes with 5G speeds capped at 250Mbps while all others are uncapped.

All Telstra iPhone plans are free from excess charges. If you go over your monthly data allowance, you'll be able to keep using your plan at slower speeds of 1.5Mbps (which is still fast enough to stream a video in standard definition).

Telstra plans are all contract-free because you can leave at any time without penalty. You just have to pay out the remaining value of your phone. You can also step up or down in plan size month-to-month if your data needs change.

Other bonuses include:

Data sharing between up to 10 plans on the same account
Unlimited international SMS to all countries
30 minutes of standard calls to overseas numbers per month
Option to add on an International Roaming Day Pass when travelling overseas

You'll also get access to the Telstra Plus perks program. This includes:

$13.50 standard adult or $11.50 standard child movie tickets for Event Cinemas (for NSW, QLD, WA, SA and NT locations) and Village Cinemas (for VIC and TAS locations). A $3 surcharge per ticket applies after 5pm on Saturdays and on public holidays. Purchase is strictly upon availability and a maximum of 10 tickets. An online booking fee of $1.50 applies per ticket, which Telstra Plus points will not cover.
Access to discounted and pre-sale tickets for select upcoming sporting events
Access to pre-sale tickets for select concerts, arts and other events

If you're a Telstra Plus member, you'll earn 10 Telstra Plus Points per $1 on eligible payments made on your services. These can be redeemed for gadgets or discounts on more expensive products.

How do Telstra iPhone plans stack up?

If you're still weighing up your options for buying a new iPhone, here's what you need to know about each of Australia's three major telcos.

Telstra plans will tend to be the most expensive option but are often regarded as having the best coverage in Australia — especially in rural areas. You'll also get perks like data-free access to Apple Music, a Telstra Plus membership (which scores you cheap movie tickets), and unlimited international SMS to any country. You can pay your iPhone off across 24 or 36 months. If you go over your data allowance on any Telstra iPhone plan, you'll be able to keep using your service at 1.5Mbps speeds.

Optus iPhone plans are a little bit cheaper and the data inclusions tend to be a little bit bigger. Plans are contract-free, and you can pay your iPhone off across 24- or 36-months. Optus iPhone plans include discounted access to Optus Sport. If you go over your data allowance on any Optus iPhone plan, you'll be able to keep using your service at 1.5Mbps speeds or can opt to top up full-speed data at significantly reduced rates. Customers can also bundle subscription apps with Optus SubHub to save up to 10% with any three or more services added.

Vodafone iPhone plans have become one of the best options to bag a bargain, with the telco regularly offering deals like plan discounts and bonus data. You can pay your phone off across 24- or 36-months, and change your base plan once per month. As with Telstra and Optus, you'll get unlimited data at slower speeds if you go over your allowance, but capped speeds are a bit faster at 2Mbps. Vodafone plans also come with the telco's signature $5 roaming plus customers can also save $15 per month on Vodafone NBN plans. Vodafone customers can also get access to pre-sale concert tickets for selected events.

What other iPhones does Telstra range?

Here are all the iPhones you can currently get on a Telstra plan:

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro 256GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $132.30/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $132.30/mth

Min. cost $2,172.80

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB

6.9 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $137.86/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $137.86/mth

Min. cost $2,372.96

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro 512GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $143.41/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $143.41/mth

Min. cost $2,572.76

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro Max 512GB

6.9 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $148.97/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $148.97/mth

Min. cost $2,772.92

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro 1TB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $165.63/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $165.63/mth

Min. cost $3,372.68

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro Max 1TB

6.9 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $171.19/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $171.19/mth

Min. cost $3,572.84

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro 2TB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $198.97/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $198.97/mth

Min. cost $4,572.92

Apple

iPhone 18 Pro Max 2TB

6.9 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $204.52/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $204.52/mth

Min. cost $4,772.72

Apple

iPhone 17e 256GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
Apple iOS 26.3

Choose

6 Plans from $105.91/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $105.91/mth

Min. cost $1,222.76

#10

Apple

iPhone 17e 512GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

6 Plans from $117.02/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $117.02/mth

Min. cost $1,622.72

#11

Apple

iPhone 17 256GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $117.02/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $117.02/mth

Min. cost $1,622.72

#12

Apple

iPhone 17 Pro 256GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $129.52/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $129.52/mth

Min. cost $2,072.72

#13

Apple

iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB

6.9 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $135.08/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $135.08/mth

Min. cost $2,272.88

#14

Apple

iPhone Air 256GB

6.5 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $126.75/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $126.75/mth

Min. cost $1,973

#15

Apple

iPhone 17 512GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $128.13/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $128.13/mth

Min. cost $2,022.68

#16

Apple

iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB

6.9 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $146.19/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $146.19/mth

Min. cost $2,672.84

#17

Apple

iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB

6.9 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $157.30/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $157.30/mth

Min. cost $3,072.80

#18

Apple

iPhone 17 Pro 512GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $140.63/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $140.63/mth

Min. cost $2,472.68

#19

Apple

iPhone Air 1TB

6.5 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $160.08/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $160.08/mth

Min. cost $3,172.88

#20

Apple

iPhone 17 Pro 1TB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

6 Plans from $151.75/mth

Choose

6 Plans from $151.75/mth

Min. cost $2,873

Christie Graham

Digital Content Editor

Christie Graham is a tech industry expert and former head copywriter for Harvey Norman's Computers and Tech category. She won a national Newscorp writing competition to review TV shows on Binge, and keeps busy juggling her many hobbies including baking, painting, archery, stargazing, tending to her chickens, training her Border Collie, expanding her Harry Potter replica collection, and making lists (much like this one).

Read full bio