Category: Telstra

  • Telstra Signature 2 Review

     
    Welcome to the 2018 Telstra Signature 2 smartphone review. The Signature 2 was release in late 2017 and we didn't get around to writing this up till now due the literally massive number of new smartphones and regular phones to be released in 2018. We usually review the worst, niche, best value phones and the Signature 2 definitely fits into this broad category. The Telstra Signature 2 is a Android OS based phone and priced around the $400 AUD price range as an outright purchase. In terms of construction the Telstra Signature 2 is a well built. It's relatively light and solid. However the plastic back feels a little cheap in the hand but at least the glass screen lifts the quality feel. It's may be ironic that it is branded as a 'Signature' which indicates that is what the company aspires to, if you get the meaning ... In terms of hardware the Telstra Signature 2 has a good set specifications. In fact it's the same set as the LG K10 - Android OS based phone. There are a few interesting features not normally found in the price range like the large battery, fingerprint scanner. The screen looks nice and the buttons feel good to use. The Fingerprint scanner on the back frees up smartphone for a larger screen. All the basics are there but it is not a powerful phone, arguably close to entry level. In terms of use the The Telstra Signature 2 is OK. No lag with the navigation, Apps worked pretty fast, response times feeling good. Since it is an Android phone there are so many more ways to customise and use your phone than you can think off. It plays any video, image or music file format you want, it's fully integrated with the Gmail ecosystem and most of all you can manage your files on your phone not needing to temporary download from the 'cloud'. It's nothing fancy that just get the job done. To sum up, the Telstra Signature Premium 2 works really well. Like the original model there are no real problems in the Signature 2. Bear in mind that the specs are good for an entry level phone but the price is not. Specifications
    • Telstra Signature 2
    • Network 2G/3G/4G LTE
    • Design Touch screen L146 W74.8 x D8 mm Weight 142 grams
    • Display 5.3 inch 1280 x 720 IPS
    • Camera 13MP auto-focus LED Flash 5MP 2nd forward facing video call camera 1080P Video Camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V4, MicroUSB
    • CPU 1.5 Ghz Mediatek Octa-core Memory 2Gig RAM Up to 16 Gig for user MicroSD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, Compass, Gorilla Glass, Fingerprint, FM Radio with RDS
    • Battery Li-Po 2800 mAh battery Up to 12 Days Standby Up to 7 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $432 AUD (outright early 2018) or Phone plan

  • Telstra Tough Max 2 (T85) Review

    Welcome to the Telstra Tough Max 2 T85 review for 2018. The Max 2 is the replacement for the original Max model which was a decent enough phone that could handle a bit of rough by being ruggedised - but not as much as it's case suggests. The Telstra Tough Max 2 follow on from the original but now priced outright at $432. In terms of construction the Telstra Tough Max 2 is very good, bearing in mind the toy like materials the case is made from. It is a solid feeling phone in both bend-ability and in the hand feel. It doesn't look like a premium smartphone and that's what you should expect in ant sort of ruggedised phone. The blue colour is disappointing as it can blend in with its surroundings, a yellow or orange scheme would be idea. In terms of hardware specifications the Telstra Tough Max 2 is just slightly higher than an entry level smart phone for 2018. Why? the Max 2 has 3 Gig of RAM, only entry level phones have 2 these days. First thing you notice is how close the screen is to the glass it's impressive and surprising for a cheap phone. Better specs include a 16MP camera and 8Mp front camera. A fingerprint scanner on the back and a dedicated flash light button! Other features include NFC, quick charging and Wireless charging  and a good looking Gorilla glass screen. The screen resolution may only be 720 x 1280 but it does look as good. In terms of use the Telstra Tough Max 2 is Android OS based so a very good highly customizable interface and is smooth and fast. Launching apps like the browser is fast and dependent on the website can be quite speedy or slow. The feel in the hand is the expected bulky plastic ridges to prevent slipping out of the hand. It's not a premium feeling but that is expected. The interface is Android 7.1 so everything works as expected. The CPU may only be a 1.4 Ghz quad core but its quite quick when using Facebook, Instagram Whatapp and any other non-game app you can think off. The conclusion is simple, the Telstra Tough Max 2 is a notable improvement from the prior model and still made by ZTE and rebranded as Telstra. Now, we don't think the re-branding is of any good to both brands as past smartphone models in particular have been more cheap and overpriced. In addition all our ZTE/Telstra models have died just after 2 years some due to battery and others just stopped working, maybe we are just unlucky. Regardless the Tough Max 2 works well for it's specification but there are others, in particular the Motorola G5 Plus with a Otterbox case. Overall a good phone and worth a closer look. Specifications
    • Telstra Tough Max 2
    • Network 3G + 4G + LTE + VoLTE
    • Design Touch screen
    • L144 x W71.5 x D11 mm Weight 153 grams
    • Display 5 inch LCD 720 x 1280 LCD
    • Camera 16 MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 8MP
    • Video Camera 1080p 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4 USB
    • CPU Octa Core 1.4 Snapdragon 430 Qualcomm Adreno 505
    • Memory 3 Gig RAM Up to 32 Gig for user MicroSD expansion
    • Features Android OS 7.1.2 Quick charger Qi Wireless charging IP67 toughness FM Radio NFC
    • Power 3000 Li-Po mAh battery Up to xx Days Standby Up to xx hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $432 AUD January 2018 (Outright)

  • Telstra Flip 2 – Telstra T21 Review

     
    Welcome to the Telstra Flip 2 or T21 mobile phone review. This is a regular flip phone or clam shell phone running custom version of a non descript OS and hardware for Telstra. (It's made by ZTE) The Flip 2 is for those who only need or want basic essentially voice based communications or perhaps notifications. Yes, there are many people who do not want the full smartphone experience for various reasons. Recommended retail pricing of the Telstra Flip 2 - T21 is $99 but only as a pre-paid. In terms of construction the Telstra Flip 2 or T21 is like any other plastic flip phone. The quality of the plastic looks easily scratched as it is glossy plastic. The flip hinge moves smoothy and gives the impression that it will last a very long time. When closed the clam shell looks like a small make up kit although a little thick and not particularly high end. The main reason for this is that it does not have an additional screen on the cover when closed. When open the keypad actually feels good to press but no more than any other keyed phone in 2017. However overall that's really not much to describe as there it looks just like a nondescript plastic thing that feels reasonably nice to hold. In terms of hardware inside the Telstra Flip 2 is essentially a downgrade for the older Telstra T4 of the original model for the most part. The most glaring downgrade is the small screen that has a lower resolution. The screen size appears smaller too as there is a huge bezel around the screen. The best thing about the Flip 2 is that you can use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot but only if you plug it into a computer. It boasts a 1.1 Ghz CPU unfortunately it doesn't run like run see below. There is a camera included for video calls and quality seemed OK for the price aka a bit low res. In terms of use the Telstra Flip 2 is a trip back to the old days aka 10 years ago. There is not much to write about except for the decent web browser but hampered by the low specs even if it breaks the 1Ghz CPU benchmark. The menus work quickly but there are pauses when running apps. The pauses was a surprise since even an old Nokia handset didn't have them. There are also no games included in the phone. To conclude the Telstra Flip 2 is an entry level flip phone. It covers the basics like text, talk and some email through the web browser nothing more. There are much better entry level phones for the same price. Speaking of price the Flip2 sells at a $99 retail price, is too expensive for this level of functionality. Where is the new Nokia 3310? Specifications
    • Telstra Flip 2 or Telstra T21
    • Network Dual-band 3G 850/2100 Mhz Dual-band GSM 900/1800 MHz 4G - 4 common bands
    • Design Flip L105 x W52 x D18.6 mm Weight 110 grams
    • Display/s Internal TFT 240 x 320 2.4 inch screen
    • Camera Dual cameras 2MP main camera 0.2MP video call camera
    • CPU 1.1 Ghz
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V4.1
    • Memory 724MB internal memory
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration etc..
    • Features Plug for external antenna SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL Speaker Phone/Hands free Customizable backgrounds Web browser (Chrome) Video calling Voice memos Calendar, Calculator, Stop watch, timer 240 Hrs Standby, 11 Hours Talk Time 1000mAh Li-Ion
    • Price history 2017 Approx $99 Pre-paid

  • Telstra Signature Premium review

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    Welcome to the 2016 Telstra Signature Premium smartphone review. The Signature Premium is as it name implies is not an entry level phone or a mid range but aiming its this model at the top range models. The Signature Premium is an Android OS based, rebranded HTC One A9 with Telstra's  own user interface which looks like the minimal Nexus presentation. The Telstra Signature Premium has a recommend retail price at $648 outright and a small handset fee if you bundle it with a plan. In terms of construction the Telstra Signature Premium is very well built. The body is very slick feeling metal and not gaps or creaks to speak off. It's a good looking phone with refined minimalist design theme that makes it look anonymous in the sea of smart phones in 2016. To be completely honest it does closely resemble an iPhone 6.  The most obvious design choice is to recess the fingerprint scanner which we initially though was broken! Top of the range build quality for the price. In terms of hardware the Telstra Signature Premium has good specifications for a Telstra branded smart phone but it not the complete package. The most obvious issues being the small capacity battery and only 1080p display. The Signature Premium packs in a Octa-core CPU topping out at 1.5 Ghz and a decent GPU. It also features a Dolby Audio hardware which means it should sound good and. Back to the AMOLED display, the screen quality is very good but not top end but it makes the iPhone 6 next to it look washed out. The hardware specifications are good but definitely mid-range+. In terms of use the The Telstra Signature Premium very good too. No lag with the navigation, Apps worked pretty fast, response times feeling good. Since it is an Android phone there are so many more ways to customise and use your phone, it plays any video, image or music file format you want, it's fully integrated with the Gmail ecosystem and most of all you can manage your files on your phone not needing to temporary download from the 'cloud'. The biggest complaint is that the graphics and standard backgrounds images are pretty 'cheap' looking. To sum up, the Telstra Signature Premium works really well. It does feel and work like a top range phone but it's not. Definitely better than the iPhone 6S and a better phone than the cheaper Oppo R7S too but not as good as real top range phones like the Galaxy S7 or Nexus 6P. Nonetheless we can recommend the Signature Premium as a phone choice however the price is a concern, priced at $648 outright it is on the high side for an essentially mid-range phone. If free on any of the phone plans and it becomes the recommended choice. The Signature Premium is the best Telstra branded smartphone to date (mid-2016). Specifications
    • Telstra Signature Premium
    • Network Quad-band GSM 3G - Tri-band 4G - Quad-band
    • Design Touch screen L145.75 W70.8 x D7.3 mm Weight 143 grams
    • Display 5 inch 1080 x 1920 AMOLED
    • Camera 13MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 8MP Video Camera 4K 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth V4, USB
    • CPU Snapdragon Octo-core 1.5 GHz Andreno 405 Graphics CPU
    • Memory 3Gig RAM Up to 32 Gig for user MicroSD expansion
    • Features Dolby Audio, A-GPS, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Gorilla Glass, Proximity, Ambient Light, Barometer, Fingerprint
    • Battery Li-Po 2150 mAh battery Up to 18 Days Standby Up to 16 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $648 AUD (outright May 2016) or Phone plan

  • Telstra Signature Enhanced Review

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    Welcome to the 2016 Telstra Signature Enhanced smartphone review. The Telstra Signature Enhanced is an entry level Android based smartphone release in June 2016 . It is usually free as part of a plan or can be purchased outright if you are on pre-paid.  The Signature Enhanced is a rebranded LG X Screen phone which is good start if you wanted to rebrand a relative inexpensive Android smartphone. It's outright price for the Telstra Signature Enhanced recommended retail is $360. In terms of construction the Telstra Signature Enhanced is very good. As an entry level phone (for 2016) all the panels feel tight although you can definitely tell that it's not a top end phone due to what seems like a metal frame but feels like plastic. The back is sealed and is a reflective glass (we think) so it feels and looks more stylish than it competitors. Regardless, no complains considering its price tag. In terms of hardware the Telstra's Signature Enhanced specifications are entry level Android smart phone for 2016. The phone is equipped with a Quad core Snapdragon 410 CPU which is essentially the new breed of SOC 'System on a Chip' so it comes will all the network frequencies, Wi-Fi Bluetooth even camera processor all built in. So any phone with a Snapdragon 410 chip has the same capabilities and difference are due to the OS mods, screen, camera lens and design simply put. On the Signature enhanced there is only one thing that sands out is that is the shape of the screen. The top part of the screen is like a tab which essentially shows you the last 5 or so apps you ran. It is handy although in the scheme of things a gimmick but a useful one. In terms of use the The Telstra Signature Enhanced is pretty good given its specifications. There wasn't noticeable lag, smooth interface, apps run quick enough and it's relative slowness can only be noticed after using a faster phone. The Signature Enhanced should also retain it's smoothness even after a few apps have been installed. It is highly customisable since it runs Android OS. No complains given it's price tag. To sum up, the Telstra Signature Enhanced works really well but it is on the edge of the what we'd call a value for money entry level smartphone, a $300 price would probably be the sweet spot for this spec at the time of writing. However the recently updated entry level Samsung J1 is priced under $200 means the 'Enhanced' does have serious competition. (The J1 happens to be one of our favourite cheap smartphones although flawed by a relatively low resolution screen) We would probably buy a Telstra Signature Enhanced ahead of the J1? Probably due to the higher resolution screen and less 'OS enhancements' but we would also like to know exactly whether there is any hidden software as per US networks, Telstra have added to the Signature Enhanced before making the purchase decision. Regardless it's a good entry level smartphone choice in mid-2016. Specifications
    • Telstra Signature Enhanced (LG rebrand)
    • Network Quad-band GSM 3G - All Tri-band 4G - All Quad band
    • Design Touch screen L142.6 W71.8 x D7.1 mm Weight 120 grams
    • Display 4.93 inch 720 x 1280 LCD
    • Camera 13MP auto-focus LED Flash 2nd forward facing video call camera 8MP Video Camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth V4, USB-C
    • CPU Quad core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410 integrated Adreno 306
    • Memory 2Gig RAM Up to 16 Gig for user MicroSD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, Accelerometer, Nano-SIM
    • Battery Li-Po 2300 mAh battery Up to 16 Days Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $360 AUD (outright May 2016 or free on plans)

  • Telstra 4GX Buzz review

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    Welcome to the 2015 Telstra 4GX Buzz review.  It's been awhile since we last reviewed a Telstra branded ZTE phone but finally a new model worth a look! The main selling point is that the 4GX is arguably the cheapest 4G/LTE capable phone in Australia albeit locked to the Telstra network. You can buy the Telstra 4GX as a pre-paid phone selling for under $80. In terms of construction the 4GX is typically average for an all plastic phone. It doesn't look anything special or feel it. Mind you that is not unexpected for the price. In terms of hardware the 4GX has the specifications of what we call an entry level smartphone in December 2015. The earphone sound quality is very raw and could do with better volume. The lower resolution screen is also set back in the case which indicates the age of tech. There is nothing to boast about except for the 4G connectivity. Yes times have changed very quickly in the smartphone class since the last review. In terms of use thanks to the low resolution screen the CPU doesn't strain its self too much so 4GX Buzz  is reasonably nice to use when not running high performance apps. Speaking of which there are also plenty of apps to choose from so should keep you happy for another year. Since it is capable of 4G speeds the CPU especially in the browser works fine but you can tell that it needs a faster CPU to make use of the faster download speeds and perhaps more RAM too! In that respect it reminds us of how the iPhone 4GS works with iOS9 installed but the 4GX is a faster and arguably a better experience. To conclude the Telstra 4GX Buzz is a decent cheap smartphone for those on a budget. There are plenty of better basic Android based phones but nothing with 4G capabilities and at this price! Specifications
    • Telstra 4GX Buzz
    • Network Tri-band 4G/LTE Tri-band GSM Tri Band 900/1800/1900 Dual-band 3G 850/2100
    • Design Touch screen
    • L134 x W67.5 x D10.3 mm
    • Weight 150 grams
    • Display/s 4.5 inch 480 X 854 pixels
    • Camera 5MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 480p high definition 30FPS main video camera
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V4
    • CPU 1.2 Ghz Quad core Separate Graphic CPU
    • Memory 1Gig RAM Up to 8Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Features A-GPS, Accelerometer, Light FM Radio
    • Li-Po 2200 mAh battery Up to 300 hours Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $80 AUD December 2015 (Pre-paid)

  • Telstra Tempo T815 Review

    Welcome to the 2014 Telstra Tempo (T815) mobile phone review. Released in October it is yet another inexpensive smartphone to tempt you to upgrade or downgrade as per your requirements. The Telstra Tempo is currently one of the cheapest Android based smartphones on sale as a pre-package - retailing between $79 and $49 outright. For this sort of money you can't buy any better (at the time of posting) - even a regular retro candy bar Nokia phone. There are of course certain characteristics when dealing with any cheap prepaid phone package and you need to be aware of the shortfalls. In terms of construction the Tempo is and all plastic model highlighted by the white color scheme on the back. The body of the phone feels light and study and the rear's plastic feels like the anti-slip finish used by Nokia. The touch screen didn't feel like glass but a plastic material but seems scratch resistant. The Tempo does not feel premium in any way but at least it doesn't feel like it will break too easily either. Overall for the price it's acceptable. In terms of hardware the Tempo does have decent specification for such a inexpensive model so don't expect too much and you'll be pleasantly surprised. The first spec short fall is the lack of 4G capabilities. The Tempo is only a 3G phone but it is compensated by having Wi-Fi. The screen has a resolution of 480 x 800 which is not too bad to look at. It has 1.5Gig space for the user but has a microSD slot for more memory.  It has the most basic 2MP camera which is hardly worth adding as the picture where blurry in more ways than one. There is a decent dual core CPU but no separate graphicswe could tell in the spec sheet, means only run of the mill games. Now we've had Telstra branded phones before and know that its cheap price also means not so premium internals including the battery failing early and the phone simply dying for no reason and well before its expected life span of a couple years. In terms of use we found that the Telstra Tempo's latest version of Android OS worked perfectly and smoothly. It seemed fast enough for most apps to run quickly and easily but the Tempo is clearly no powerhouse or competition when compared next to the mid range models.  We have noticed that Telstra have been supporting certain Android phones with software updates but for how long we don't know but presume until the model was no longer for sale. In terms of software the Telstra Tempo has minimal extra software just the usual Telstra branded widgets and app. The Telstra Tempo T815 is a very usable mobile phone with a bargain basement price tag on pre-paid. We dare say its the cheapest Android mobile phone that is with out any real problems to date. Sure it may only be 3G phone and that's already yesterday's tech but it is a very cheap. Once again its priced to sell and if your needs are simple and don't care about brands than this is worth a look due to price. However remember that with any smart phone you really need an additional data plan. Specifications
    • Telstra Tempo T815
    • Network Dual-band GSM 850/2100 Mhz Tri-band 3G 850/2100 Mhz 4G or LTE 1800 / 2600 Mhz
    • Design Touch screen
    • L125 x W64 x D9.8 mm
    • Weight 123 grams
    • Display/s 4 inch 480 x 800 pixel
    • Camera 2MP VGA video camers 15 FPS
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 1.2 Ghz Dual core
    • Memory Up to 2.5 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Android App store FM Radio Li-Po 1200 mAh battery Up to 200 hours Standby Up to 5 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $49 - 79 AUD October 2014 (Pre-paid)

  • Telstra Easy Smart (T809) Review

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    Welcome to the 2014 Telstra Easy Smart T809 mobile phone review. Based on our own hands on test and specifications the 'Easy Smart' is essentially an entry level Android based smartphone. The entry level phone market is filled with lots of Android OS based phones to choose from so unless a particular model has something unique it is not going to sell in large numbers. That said the Telstra Easy Smart is selling for $99 as a prepaid package which is not very much money - but is it worth buying even at this low price? In terms of construction the Easy Smart is a well made phone that looks OK. The materials and design is much like those of Nokia but clearly not quite as well designed. The oddest thing about the phone is the inset screen - it seems like there is a huge gap between the glass of screen and the actual surface. This  was common to all the units we look at and is a design issue rather than quality control. Apart from that obvious it is what you'd expect in a cheap phone in 2014 but other brands do much better for around the same money. Overall its a very normal looking smart phone. In terms of hardware specifications the Easy Smart has all the usual features that are one or two generations behind the latest with only a quite low powered dual core CPU with a older graphics GPU and a low resolution screen but it looks actually looks OK. The screen resolution may be low but the graphics were still clear without any of the fuzziness or blockiness of phones a few years ago. The camera pictures looked Ok on the phone... The 3G only radio means that it is quite slow compared to those with 4G and faster CPUs of course the price means it's OK. Note that the Easy Smart still has a limited number of frequencies for GSM and 3G radio so it won't work in every country you may visit. In terms of operation the Easy Smart is quite good. Overall smooth enough with the occasional pause as the radio downloads new data. Since we have the latest Sony Z Ultra with a 2.2Ghz processor and 4G to directly compare - this feels a little sluggish. However for the price the Easy Smart is quite acceptable. However once again - it may be psychological but the screen design makes it 'feel' laggy? Try it out your self first before buying we guess... There are now more than enough Apps to try on the Google Play store to cover any functionality that you may require your phone to do.  The ability to display live widgets with genuinely useful updates without wasting time running Apps helps this any other Android OS phone prove more useful on a daily basis. The Telstra Easy Smart T809 takes over from the entry level Telstra and ZTE models prior and as always, is an improvement. There are only a handful of branded mobile phones in this price range and none with these specifications are that cheap - yet. It will do everything you want just not as well as the phones priced a little higher. The Easy Smart is selling at a pre-paid price of $99 dollars so it is an OK sort of deal for what it is. However we think you should spend a little a more for something better and for your own longer term happiness. Specifications
    • Telstra Easy Smart (T809)
    • Network Tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 Mhz Tri-band 3G 850/2100
    • Design Touch screen
    • L126 x W64 x D12.4 mm
    • Weight 137 grams
    • Display/s 4 inch 480 x 800
    • Camera 2MP LED Flash
    • Video Camera 640x 480 pixels
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi Bluetooth V3
    • CPU 1.3 Ghz Dual core (Cortex A7) Separate Graphic CPU (Mali)
    • Memory Up to 2.5 Gig for user Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features A-GPS Proximity Ambient Light Accelerometer Google Play store Virtually any App for Android OS Speaker Phone/Hands free Li-Po 1500 mAh battery Up to 300 hours Standby Up to 4 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Approx $99 AUD March 2014 (Pre-paid)

  • Telstra Easy Discovery 4 (T4) Review

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    Welcome to the Telstra Easy Discovery 4 mobile phone review otherwise known as the T4, our first review for 2014. The Easy Touch Discovery 4 was released around Christmas 2013 and is a replacement for the Discovery 3. Like it's predecessor the T4 is a clam shell or flip phone with all the features for text messaging and phone calls. The Discovery 4 is usually  available on a plan or we believe can be purchased out right for approx  $189. Purchasing the Discovery 4 outright of course is not recommended as there are plenty of much better smartphones that can be purchased in the price range! The construction quality of the Easy Discovery 4 is actually very good despite being an entry level mobile phone. The flip mechanism and plastic panels fit tightly and it can even be described as stylish in terms of overall look! That said we think its just due the silver flat color and surround that give it a modern look. The keypad feels very good for traditional keypad and looks great. The case is larger than the older models but so to are the specifications for the internal hardware or circuitry. How the nice exterior will wear over time will be interesting to watch. It also looks better in real life than the pictures! The hardware inside the Telstra Easy Discovery 4 is essentially an upgrade to the T3. The T4 now features a new bigger and higher resolution screen and a noticeably larger external mono-LCD external screen. The 3MP seems to have improved image quality but that's not saying much. The Discovery 4 also has T-Mode or Tele Coil to prevent feedback on hearing aids. There is also the inclusion of GPS hardware that can provide GPS co-ordinates but no navigation software that we could find. The lack of 4G was also missed when using the basic browser. In terms of use the Discovery 4 is as basic as it gets although presented in a good looking higher definition TFT screen. All it's features are very easy to use, for txt, reading emails, MMS, and so forth. However with the small screen, it becomes tiresome to read but clearly that's not what this T4  is all about! The operating speed is good but the old school 3G data download speed is noticeably slow. To conclude the review of the Telstra Easy Discovery 4, we can say that Telstra has addressed almost all the issues we wrote about in the T3 review and can say that it would be a great but basic phone for non-tech older folk and those who want just a basic phone features. Believe it or not there are quite a few people out there on the street that still use these phones! It's also is a robbery deterrent since any would be thief simply wouldn't bother for obvious reasons. However there is still room for improvement! Include a 4G antenna for faster data speeds for download and upload, proper GPS navigation software and we believe the category killer, 4G wireless hotspot technology and you will have a truly desirable phone for the growing number of tablet users! In fact if this feature was included and it was actually advertised and explaining the hotspot feature would probably bring in a few more customers but until then the T4 does not have any unique selling points. So the Telstra Easy Discovery 4 is a decent entry level mobile phone but it's quite expensive. Specifications
    • Telstra Easy Discovery 4 (T4)
    • Network Dual-band 3G 850/2100 Mhz Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz
    • Design Flip L107 x W51.5 x D18.4 mm Weight 112.8 grams
    • Display/s Internal TFT 240 x 320 2.4 inch screen
    • Camera Dual cameras 3MP main camera 0.3MP video call camera LED flash!
    • Connectivity USB Bluetooth V2
    • Memory 120MB internal memory 32GB microSD
    • Ring tones MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration etc..
    • Features A-GPS FM Radio SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL MyWords predictive text JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free Hearing aid compatible Customizable backgrounds Picture Viewer Video calling Voice memos Calender and organizer 250 Hrs Standby, 180 Minutes Talk Time 900mAh Li-Po
    • Package contents XP/Vista Compatible PC suite Mac OSX Compatible software Personal hands free kit Travel charger USB cable User manual
    • Price history 2014 Approx $180 outright but usually Plan only.