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Telstra Cruise review

Priced at $49.

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CHOICE Expert Rating

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What is the CHOICE Expert Rating?

CHOICE Expert Rating

This is the product's overall performance score, based on key tests conducted by our industry experts in the CHOICE labs.

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Good points

The product's best features and benefits

Bad points

Drawbacks or issues you need to know about
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Mobile type View more details.

Bar mobiles and flip phones have a physical number keypad. Rugged mobiles can endure extra wear and tear and tend to have a rubber casing Smartphones can do a lot more than just talk and text with greater support for apps. Android mobile have an option to download and use an Android senior app, which provides a simpler main menu for common tasks. For the purpose of testing, all apps were assessed on a Google Pixel 5.

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Recommended View more details.

We recommend currently available (i.e. not discontinued) mobiles with an overall score of 70% or more.

CHOICE Expert Rating View more details.

This overall score is made up of vision score (25%), dexterity score (25%), sound receiving score (20%), sound sending score (15%), SMS score (10%), and manual and support score (5%). SIM installation is assessed but doesn't contribute to the overall score.

Vision score View more details.

We check to see how well the mobiles perform under conditions relevant to a person with low vision. We look at how easy it is to read the display in general and in low light, and assess the icons showing battery level and reception.

Dexterity score View more details.

We examine the process to install the SIM, access the battery, accept a call and dial a number. We also look at the indications of a call coming in such as vibration (haptic feedback) and ease of carrying.

Sound receiving score View more details.

Sound quality measurements are carried out with users assessing the sound quality of a call as a receiver and a caller.

Sound sending score View more details.

Sound quality measurements are carried out with users assessing the sound quality of a call as a receiver and a caller.

SMS score View more details.

We look at the ease of composing and sending a text message as well as reading a received text message. Models without SMS capabilities are not penalised in the overall score.

Manual and support score View more details.

We look at the quality of the supplied manual (not a link to a website) as well as whether a support phone line is supplied.

SIM installation score View more details.

Some of these mobiles can have a very fiddly SIM holder which can cause issues for some users and may require assistance for installing the SIM or taking it out when moving to another mobile carrier.

Maximum ringer volume (dB) View more details.

Measurement (dB) taken at 1 metre from ringer.

Maximum speakerphone volume (dB) View more details.

Measurement (dB) taken at 1 metre from speakerphone.

Availability View more details.

'Tested model' means you ought to be able to find this phone in stores and online. Discontinued models may still be available second-hand.

Discontinued model
Price View more details.

The recommended retail price at the time of testing.

$49
4G support View more details.

The ability for the mobile to support a 4G mobile network is crucial as the existing 3G network is scheduled to be shut down for mobile phone calls and texting during 2024.

No
Screen size (in)
2
Standard headphone socket (3.5mm) View more details.

A handy feature for using standard earphones for conversation.

Yes
Hearing aid support View more details.

The Microphone (M) rating and T-coil (T) rating determine how well your hearing aid will work with your mobile phone. If you use your hearing aid in Microphone mode (M), look for a phone with an M3 or M4 rating. If you prefer telecoil coupling (T), look for a phone with T3 or T4 rating. 

No
USB type
Micro
Predictive text View more details.

Smartphones generally support predictive text while only some of the simple mobile phones support this feature.

N/A
Maximum speed dial storage View more details.

The number of buttons on the phone that can be programmed to call user-generated phone numbers. This feature, usually available on mobiles with a number keypad rather than a touch screen, can be handy when you need to call a few people often.

8
Time in use – claimed (hours)
3
Standby time – claimed (days)
9
Battery capacity (mAh)
820
Camera resolution (MP)
0.3
Bluetooth
No
Total storage possible (GB)
0.1
Country of origin View more details.

We indicate the last point of manufacture before shipping (where available).

China
SIM type View more details.

There are three types of SIM card in use today. There's a Standard (or Mini) SIM, a smaller Micro SIM and an even smaller Nano SIM.

Standard
Dimensions HxWxD (mm)
111 x 48 x 13
Weight (g)
71
SAR (W/kg) View more details.

The specific absorption rate (SAR) indicates the amount of energy per kilogram of body weight absorbed when using the phone as claimed by the manufacturer. All are well below government limits, or you wouldn't be able to buy the phone in Australia. Although evidence relating to exposure to electromagnetic fields remains inconclusive, you may want to choose a model with a lower SAR value if this is a concern to you.

0.49
Website
telstra.com.au
Emergency button View more details.

This button sends an automatic notification to 000/112 emergency services.

No
Charging cradle View more details.

A dedicated charger removes the need to insert a cable and physically plug in the phone for charging. This can also make it easy to find compared to a cable that could be used for another device.

No
Torch
No
MMS support View more details.

This feature allows you to view photos and/or sound sent to your phone. While some mobiles with support for MMS may not be able to take video or photos, this feature provides the contact you may need with your family and friends.

Yes
WhatsApp installed
No
Menu font adjustable
No
Video capture
Yes
Micro SD
No
FM radio
No
Removable battery
Yes
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