Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright or on a plan? Compare the pros and cons of buying smartphones outright or on a contract at Canstar Blue.
Is it better to buy a phone outright or on a plan?
Posted by March 26th 2025
Emma Bradstock has been an authority on consumer phone, internet, technology and streaming markets in Australia for more than six years, having written more than 300 articles for Canstar Blue. Emma covers a range of topics — from NBN speeds and technology to the latest release phones — and strives to help readers find the right phone and internet plans for their needs.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University, has more than a decade of professional writing experience in print and digital media, and contributed to Canstar Blue’s Highly Commended award for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024. You can follow Emma on LinkedIn.
Posted by March 26th 2025
Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright or on a plan? Compare the pros and cons of buying smartphones outright or on a contract at Canstar Blue.
Posted by March 25th 2025
Whether you’re an Apple loyalist, or just someone who enjoys the functionality and design of Apple devices, iPhones are still one of the most popular smartphones on the market. With Apple releasing new models every …
Posted by March 27th 2025
You’ve accidentally dropped your phone in the loo, or maybe forgot to take your phone out of your pocket before chucking your jeans in the wash. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Most phones have …
Posted by March 24th 2025
Key points The first budget-friendly iPhone in almost three years and part of the iPhone 16 range Apple’s best-ever battery performance in a 6.1-inch iPhone Offers a fast performance with the A18 chip and Apple …
Posted by March 26th 2025
Two of something is usually better than one and it's no different with SIM cards. Dual SIM phones are the unsung heroes of the smartphone world, largely flying under the radar. In this guide, we’ll …
Posted by March 25th 2025
KEY POINTS WiFi extenders and boosters can help your internet reach further in your home. Models can range from around $30 to over $400, depending on the speeds, number of ports and design. Retailers that …
Posted by March 20th 2025
Are you getting the speeds your pay for with your Exetel internet plan? Use Canstar Blue's free Exetel speed test tool to check your speeds.
Posted by March 13th 2025
Key points The three largest internet providers in Australia are Telstra, TPG Group (including TPG, Vodafone and iiNet) and Optus. While the big three still dominate, Aussies are increasingly moving towards smaller challenger providers such …
Posted by March 12th 2025
Is your iiNet internet plan slow or you're not sure if you're getting the speeds you pay for? Run a free iiNet speed test at Canstar Blue
Posted by March 12th 2025
Is your Optus internet plan up to speed? Use Canstar Blue's free Optus speed test tool to see if you're getting the speeds you pay for.