best mobile phone for poor reception areas australia 2023

Chasing bars in the bush? In Australia, the “best mobile phone for poor reception” isn’t a magic wand; pick a Telstra Blue Tick model, because that badge means stronger handheld coverage on low-band 4G. In 2023, flagships with serious radios—think iPhone 14/15 and Galaxy S23 families—plus some rugged Blue Tick handsets, typically hang onto signal better than bargain-bin specials. Make sure it supports Band 28 (700 MHz), has VoLTE and Wi‑Fi Calling enabled, and match it to the carrier that actually covers your patch (Telstra usually wins the paddock test).

Still struggling? Use a legal Cel‑Fi repeater or a decent car cradle to help the RF along, and skip the dodgy stick‑on “boosters.” No phone can summon towers out of thin air, but with Blue Tick, Band 28 and VoLTE, you’ll at least get a text out before the emus nick your lunch.