Imagine this: You just bought a shiny new smartphone, ready to experience the blazing-fast speeds of Telstra’s 5G network—only to find out your phone isn’t compatible. Frustrating, right? With so many devices flooding the market, figuring out which ones actually work with Telstra’s 5G can feel like solving a puzzle. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The quick answer? Most modern iPhones (iPhone 12 and newer), Samsung Galaxy S and Note series (from S20 onward), Google Pixels (Pixel 5 and up), and select models from Oppo, Xiaomi, and Sony are Telstra 5G-compatible. However, there’s more to it than just brand names—frequency bands, software updates, and regional variations all play a role. Let’s break it down so you never waste money on an incompatible phone again.
Which phones are compatible with Telstra 5G?
Telstra 5G works with most flagship phones released since 2020, including iPhones (12+), Samsung Galaxy (S20+), Google Pixel (5+), and select Oppo, Xiaomi, and Sony models. Always check Telstra’s official list for updates.
How Do I Know If My Phone Supports Telstra 5G?
Not all 5G phones are created equal—some lack the right frequency bands, while others may need a software update. The easiest way to check? Look up your phone’s model number and compare it to Telstra’s official 5G device list.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (model SM-G998B) supports Telstra’s 5G bands (n78, n258, n260), but the cheaper Galaxy A32 5G doesn’t work on all of Telstra’s frequencies. Confusing? A bit. But here’s a golden rule: If your phone wasn’t sold in Australia or lacks n78 band support, it probably won’t get Telstra’s full 5G speeds.
Which iPhone Models Work with Telstra 5G?
Apple fans, rejoice! Every iPhone released since the iPhone 12 series supports Telstra 5G. That includes:
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
But wait—there’s a catch. If you bought your iPhone from overseas (say, the US or China), it might lack the necessary bands. Always opt for the Australian variant (model numbers ending in A, like A2649 for iPhone 15 Pro) to avoid headaches.
Best Samsung Phones for Telstra 5G
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S and Note series are solid choices, but not every model makes the cut. Here’s the Telstra 5G-approved list:
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 series
- Galaxy S22 series
- Galaxy S23 series
- Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Budget tip: The Galaxy A54 5G works, but the A14 5G doesn’t. Always double-check!
Do Budget 5G Phones Work on Telstra?
Yes, but with limits. Phones like the Oppo Find X5 Lite and Xiaomi 12T Pro support Telstra’s 5G, but cheaper models (under $500) often skip key bands. For example:
✅ Oppo Reno 8 Pro 5G – Fully compatible
❌ Realme Narzo 50 5G – Missing n258 band
Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, stick to mid-range phones sold directly by Telstra—they’re guaranteed to work.
Can I Use a 5G Phone from Overseas on Telstra?
Maybe, but don’t count on it. Phones from the US (like Verizon-locked models) or China (Huawei’s newer phones) often lack Australian 5G bands. Example: The OnePlus 10 Pro sold in China won’t get Telstra 5G, but the Australian version will.
How to Future-Proof Your Next 5G Phone
Want to avoid upgrade headaches? Follow this checklist:
✔ Buy locally (Australian models)
✔ Prioritize n78 band support (Telstra’s main 5G frequency)
✔ Check Telstra’s website before purchasing
Telstra 5G Compatibility
| Brand | Compatible Models | Key Bands Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 12+ | n78, n258, n260 |
| Samsung | Galaxy S20+ | n78, n258, n260 |
| Pixel 6+ | n78, n258 | |
| Oppo | Find X5 Lite | n78 |
“A 5G phone without the right bands is like a sports car with no petrol—looks great but won’t go fast!”
FAQs
Q: Does Telstra 5G work with Huawei phones?
A: No. Due to government restrictions, Telstra doesn’t support Huawei’s newer 5G devices.
Q: Will my phone get slower if it’s not fully compatible?
A: Yes. You’ll drop to 4G in areas where your phone misses 5G bands.
Q: Can I force my phone to use 5G?
A: Sometimes. Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Mode and select “5G Preferred.”
Final Thoughts
Picking a Telstra 5G-compatible phone isn’t rocket science—stick to major brands, buy locally, and always verify bands. Whether you’re team iPhone, Samsung, or Pixel, just remember: not all 5G is created equal. Do your homework, and you’ll be streaming, gaming, and downloading at lightning speed in no time.
Got more questions? Drop them below—we’re happy to help! 🚀