Cheapest Telstra SIM-only plans with the best coverage in Australia

Telstra, the biggest telco in Australia, cops a bit of flak for being one of the more expensive phone companies. On the flip side, its coverage reaches more Aussies (99.5%) than any other network. If you’re not happy with your current provider, Telstra SIM-only plans offer a good way to test the waters without a long-term commitment.

It’s also a decent option if you’re content with your current phone – simply order the SIM, install it to your device, and away you go. SIM-only plans like those offered by Telstra generally come with unlimited talk and text, so you only pay more if you need more data. The major telco also supports eSIM technology, which is a convenient method that eliminates the need for a physical card altogether.

Best of all, you don’t even need to choose Telstra to access its network. A cheaper alternative is to choose a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). This refers to companies that use another company’s infrastructure to provide you services. Belong – owned by Telstra – and Boost Mobile are MVNOs that operate on the Telstra network and sell phone plans at affordable prices.

Contents

• Cheapest prepaid Telstra SIM-only plan
• Cheapest postpaid Telstra SIM-only plan
• Best MVNO SIM-only plan using Telstra

A helpful tip to consider is how much data you actually need each month. Research from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) shows that Australians use only an average of 12.8 GB of phone data monthly. Choosing a plan with less data is an easy way to save money. To save on your home internet too, check out the cheapest NBN plans.

Without further ado, here are some of the best Telstra SIM-only plans currently available. If you want a different network, our cheapest SIM plan guide has a full overview of every carrier.

Cheapest prepaid Telstra SIM-only plan

As it currently stands, $35 is the cheapest SIM-only plan through Telstra with at least a 28-day recharge cycle. With it comes unlimited calls and SMS in Australia, plus some included credit for international calls.

For $35, you get 35 GB of data for the first three recharges before it reverts to the standard 15 GB allocation. Importantly, this also gives you access to the 5G network. As long as you have a 5G-compatible phone, you can enjoy a faster and more reliable connection. At this tier, download speeds are capped at 150 Mbps, which is still reasonably fast for most use cases.

Cheapest postpaid Telstra SIM-only plan

An alternative is a Telstra Upfront SIM-only plan. It’s more expensive but automatically renews on a monthly basis (instead of a 28-day cycle) and includes more data. This particular offering starts at $62 per month, with 50 GB of data and a higher download speed cap of 250 Mbps.

Telstra uses the “Upfront” branding which is the company’s way of referring to postpaid plans. Even though it operates on a monthly billing cycle, there’s no lock-in contract involved. These plans are better for anyone who needs more data and higher download speeds. At the $72 tier and higher, download speeds are uncapped, although not many people need anything faster than 250Mbps.

Best MVNO using the Telstra network

There are plenty of MVNOs that use either part of or the entire Telstra network. Here, you have even more options to choose from, which is helpful if you’re on a tight budget. For a monthly SIM-only plan, there’s a $20 option from Numobile, bundled with 10 GB of data. The caveat is that it only uses parts of Telstra’s 3G and 4G network, so check that it covers your area first.

Tangerine offers another option worth checking out, providing 22GB with its 12GB monthly plan. Alternatively, you can get $5 off each month for a year with More if you’re a CommBank customer. After the 12-month discount, it then becomes an ongoing 10% discount, taking the monthly price down to $21.60.

If you’re a data fiend on a budget, $29 for the Belong plan is good value. Along with 25 GB of data, you also get 5G if it’s available in your area.

Prepaid SIM-only plans via Telstra MVNOs yield even more savings, suited to those who don’t need much data. Lycamobile, for example, costs just $15 on a 28-day cycle. If you want the full Telstra network at a more affordable price, Boost Mobile is worth a look.

In addition to Telstra, you can also compare the cheapest SIM plans from Optus and Vodafone to find the best deal for your needs.

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Cheapest SIM plans in Australia – May 2024

Are you looking to save on your phone bill? We’ve rounded up the cheapest SIM plans from a range of different carriers to help you find the best price. If you’re unsure about whether a SIM-only mobile plan is what you need, our quick guide to SIM only mobile plans will get you up to speed.

Generally speaking, if you don’t want a new phone or a lock-in contract, a SIM plan is the way to go. It’s easy to get what you need without paying for excess features. Unlimited phone calls and text messages usually come standard, with data and international roaming the main points of difference.

We update this article monthly, so bookmark this page to keep up to date with the cheapest SIM plans. Prices update in real-time, meaning you get the latest deals available in Australia right now. You can also use a custom search to choose a plan that suits your exact needs. All of the plans featured in this article include an expiry period of at least 28 days. You can purchase a SIM plan with a shorter recharge window, ideal for travellers who only need a bit of data while visiting Australia.

Want to save on your internet bill too? Check out the cheapest NBN plans to save even more money. You can also compare the best Telstra SIM-only plans, Vodafone SIM-only plans, Optus SIM-only plans, and offerings from Boost Mobile.

Contents

• Cheapest SIM plans
• Cheapest 5G SIM plans
• Cheapest 365-day SIM plans
• What you need to know: eSIM, prepaid, postpaid
• Phone number portability

Cheapest SIM plans

Postpaid

Both iiNet and Dodo have the current cheapest SIM plans at $10 a month. iiNet, a Vodafone MVNO, has a half-price discount on its 8GB plan for the first six months, bouncing back to $19.99 afterwards. Dodo, on the other hand, only includes 2GB of data but it stays at a flat $10, offering a cheap Optus connection for anyone who doesn’t use much mobile internet.

Arguably the best-value deal comes from Optus MVNO Circles Life, offering its 30GB plan for just $11 for the first six months. Afterwards, it jumps back to a standard $30 monthly rate, which is reasonable value given the included data.

Another Optus MVNO, Moose Mobile, follows closely behind, offering the cheapest 5G SIM plan at a tempting $11.80 per month. This discounted rate applies during the first eight months, including 25GB of data. Once the promo period finishes, the Moose Mobile plan costs $24.80 each month, which is still a decent price for a 5G plan.

As always, Kogan is another one of the cheapest postpaid SIM plan providers. For $15 a month, you get 10GB of data via the Vodafone network.

Postpaid SIM plans on the Telstra network start at $20 via Numobile with 10GB of data. It only uses parts of Telstra’s network, so check the coverage map to ensure you’re covered.

Prepaid

On the prepaid side, the current cheapest SIM plan remains consistent with last month. TPG’s (on the Vodafone 4G network) plans are half-price, with the normally $20 12GB plan just $10 for the first six months.

One perk to note here is that the TPG prepaid plans operate on a monthly cycle, not the 28-day or 30-day expiry of other prepaid products. You can also pay an extra $5 for unlimited international calls to 37 countries including New Zealand and the UK.

Yomojo (Optus), Lebara (Vodafone), and Lycamobile (Telstra) all sit around $15, although Lycamobile has a 28-day expiry compared to the others’ 30-day window.

Cheapest 5G SIM plans

As 5G rolls out to more parts of Australia, and compatible phones become cheaper, it’s easy to take advantage of higher download speeds. 5G SIM plans cost more, so are better suited to users who need the extra speed or perhaps don’t have reliable NBN connections.

Postpaid

As mentioned earlier, Moose Mobile claims the cheapest 5G SIM plan. There’s some good competition this month, with fellow Optus MVNO Southern Phone discounting its 20GB plan to $14 each month.

Keep in mind that download speeds with Moose are capped at 100Mbps, which is still fast enough for high-quality streaming and more. Its 200GB plan, currently $10 off per month, is the only uncapped speed plan Moose offers.

Want an affordable 5G SIM plan on the Telstra network? Your cheapest option is Belong’s 25GB tier at $29 per month. Download speeds are capped at 150Mbps, which is still pretty fast. You can also get AGL’s Optus network SIM plan for $25 per month if you bundle it with your gas and electricity service.

Cheap 5G plans on the Vodafone network are few and far between, unfortunately. Its cheapest 5G SIM plan comes directly from the telco, costing $49 and including 50GB. Both Telstra and Optus MVNOs offer more data at cheaper rates as far as postpaid SIM plans are concerned.

Prepaid

Most of the cheapest prepaid 5G SIM plans are starter packs that then cost full price after the first recharge. Optus currently leads the way with its Flex Plus plan $12, down from $35. For a limited time, it comes with 60GB of data. Subsequent recharges are full price, coming with 40GB for the first two recharges before reverting to 20GB.

At the time of writing, Boost Mobile, now offering eSIM plans, has a $15 starter pack, down from $35, that comes with 45GB of data. While most MVNOs only offer partial access to a provider’s network, Boost is the only one with full Telstra network access, meaning it provides more comprehensive coverage than others.

If data is more important than sheer network coverage, Aldi Mobile includes 25GB with each 30-day renewal at a decent price of $29. Aldi uses parts of Telstra’s network, so check that your location is included on the coverage map. Amaysim (Optus network) also provides good value, including 32GB for $30. Keep in mind that its recharge cycle is 28 days instead of 30.

For Vodafone, your current cheapest option is via MVNO Lebara. Its first recharge is $14, with future recharges priced at $29.90 per 30 days. 35GB of data comes included, plus an additional 35GB during the first 30 days.

Cheapest 365-day SIM plans

If you know what you need over a longer period and want to save money in the process, a 365-day SIM plan might do the trick. Simply pay once per year, and get a bank of data to use with unlimited calls and texts. It’s a cost-effective way of paying your phone bill for basic internet users who aren’t big downloaders.

Both Kogan (Vodafone 4G) and Catch Connect (Optus 4G) currently charge $120 for a long-expiry 365-day SIM plan. For the first year, Kogan includes 120GB of data, dropping back down to 80GB for future recharges. Meanwhile, the Catch plan only includes 60GB, which is mainly suited to infrequent use. Both work out to be an affordable $10 a month, keeping your phone costs down.

For the next week, you can get Vodafone’s $250 365-day SIM plan for just $149, which comes with 240GB of data during the first year. This comes courtesy of a 90GB activation bonus, elevating the plan’s standard 150GB allocation. Vodafone also offers an incentive to enable automatic recharges, offering an additional 50GB every cycle. So, future recharges would then give you 200GB.

Long-expiry Telstra SIM plans cost a fair bit more by comparison. Boost Mobile offers the cheapest 365-day Telstra network connection, priced at $230 for 170GB. It’s still much cheaper than Telstra’s own 365-day SIM plan, costing $320 for 230GB, which drops down to 165GB after the first renewal.

What you need to know about SIM only plans

It’s fairly easy to change your SIM plan provider. Even more so with the rise of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, letting you change plans almost instantly with a compatible device. Instead of requiring a physical card, eSIM stores network information directly to your phone.

Irrespective of which service provider you go with, the actual network used will be either Optus, Telstra or Vodafone. Many of the cheapest SIM plan providers are mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This refers to carriers that use the network infrastructure of another company.

See Also

28/02/2024

What is eSIM? All you need to know about the growing phone tech

Boost Mobile is a popular MVNO that has full access to Telstra’s network, reaching 99.5% of Australians. Not every MVNO includes a network’s full coverage, so it’s worth checking a company’s website to ensure your area is serviced.

In terms of how much data you should choose, data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Australians generally pay for more than what they need. On average, Aussies use 10.2GB of phone data per month, so it’s likely you could get away with a smaller allowance that costs less.

It also depends on how much you stream and download content using your phone. If you mainly use home or office Wi-Fi and don’t stream much, stick with a cheaper plan.

Postpaid versus prepaid

There are a couple of slightly different SIM plan options to choose from. Postpaid refers to plans that operate on a monthly billing cycle, where you pay at the end of each cycle. Postpaid SIM plans generally don’t involve a lock-in contract, so you can freely swap if your needs change or a better deal comes along. If you hit your data cap for a month, your telco might limit speeds until the next cycle or charge extra costs, so check the fine print beforehand.

Prepaid, on the other hand, sees you pay at the start of each cycle for a fixed number of days. Most prepaid SIM plans have a 28-day expiry cycle instead of a full month. Shorter expiries are also available if you need a SIM while travelling, making it a flexible option. The upside is that if you go over your data limit, you won’t incur extra costs. A lot of prepaid plans don’t automatically recharge by default but you can set up auto-recharge manually, with some telcos offering discounts or bonuses if you do so.

Phone number portability

The SIM changeover process takes about 10 minutes of your time or even less if you choose an eSIM. You will receive instructions to visit a website, provide your details, prove your identity (online) and then insert your new SIM.

Note you will have a choice to migrate your existing mobile number or choose a new one. About 15 minutes later, you should be up and running. However, the documentation will indicate it may take up to 24 hours and be affected by working hours.

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Samsung’s microplastic filter helps wash clothes more sustainably

Microplastics, the tiny plastic particles infesting our environments, are causing big problems. Our wastewater is filled with microplastics, which then has a flow-on effect on Australia’s agriculture. So, what’s the main culprit? Washing our clothes, which Samsung seeks to address via its new microplastic filter.

Called the Less Microfiber Filter, the attachment fits onto front load washing machines, where it’s said to capture up to 98% of microfibres during a standard cycle. It uses blades to trap these small particles so they don’t end up in wastewater streams. So much of modern clothing is made from synthetic materials and polyesters, contributing to the microplastic problem.

According to Samsung, the microplastic filter only needs cleaning out once every 30 washes. When it’s time to empty the filter, viewable via the SmartThings app, just put the contents in with your general waste. That way, it doesn’t contaminate water sources used to fertilise farming land.

It’s not the only way Samsung has sought to tackle microscopic laundry waste. Its recent Bespoke washer models include a built-in Less Microfiber Cycle, so the filter adds a way for other machines to tackles microplastic waste.

If you look at Samsung’s website, you’ll notice it’s intended for the brand’s own front load washers. That’s not to say it’s impossible to use with machines from other brands. Deep within the fine print and warranty information is this sentence:

“If used with non-Samsung washing machine, water drain time may be longer than usual and effectiveness of filter may vary.”

So, could you use the microplastic filter with other washing machines? Probably! Should you? It’d take a smarter person than me to answer that.

How much does the microplastic filter cost?

Out now, the Samsung Less Microfiber Filter costs $299 at retailers like JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. You can also pick one up directly via Samsung online.

For eco-conscious folks, it’s a decent idea, especially if you don’t want to fork out for an entirely new machine.

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Netgear Orbi 970 powers up with speedy Wi-Fi 7 tech

Adding Wi-Fi 7 to its mesh line-up, Netgear has announced the Orbi 970 series, an imposing network device for the most internet-hungry households.

If you’re coming from something like the Orbi 860, you’ll notice a huge difference. Anything using Wi-Fi 6 technology or earlier uses two network bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. A third and faster 6GHz band came with Wi-Fi 6E, but Wi-Fi 7 takes things further.

Designed for larger homes, a three-unit Netgear Orbi 970 mesh system covers areas as big as 660 square metres, supporting up to 200 devices. In addition to Wi-Fi 7 enabling a wider 320MHz channel for the 6GHz band, it also uses a technology called Multi-Link Operation (MLO). MLO lets compatible devices talk across the 5GHz and 6GHz bands simultaneously, bolstering speeds and connection quality if you move out of range.

They’re big units, so make sure you’ve got enough space. Image: supplied.

Although MLO technology is used across other Wi-Fi 7 devices, Netgear has an ace up its sleeve. Using MLO’s multi-band capability, the Orbi 970 have an Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul, intended to boost the connection between mesh units. By combining the high-speed bands, it produces a 10Gbps wireless backhaul between the router and satellite units, doubling the previously possible capacity.

There are also plenty of ports for wired connections, which is handy when using a streaming device like the PlayStation Portal. On the main router unit, you’ll find five Ethernet ports, including one capable of 10Gbps speeds, and four 2.5Gbps ports. Each satellite device that connects to the router has a 10Gbps port plus two 2.5Gbps ports.

Netgear Orbi 970 is a big investment

Pre-orders for Netgear’s latest mesh system are live now, so get ready for the price tag. A single satellite unit costs $1,599, while a three-pack – including a router and two satellites – is $4,299.

Wi-Fi 7 technology may be new and expensive, but that’s still a decent chunk of cash. For comparison, the TP-Link BE85 mesh system costs just under $3K for a three-unit kit. However, the Orbi 970 does have a higher total speed capacity of 27Gbps versus the BE85’s 22Gbps.

Not many devices support Wi-Fi 7 technology yet. You’ll find it in various high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro, but not much else. Wi-Fi 7 is rolling out across premium laptops, with the wireless technology still a while away from being ubiquitous.

For those keen to be at the cutting edge of technology, with disposable income to boot, there is plenty of future-proofing potential up for grabs. Mesh systems as powerful as the Orbi 970 provide a stable networking solution that doesn’t rely on running wires all throughout your house. Which, in some cases, might require costly renovations.

Australian internet also lags behind the rest of the world, including our New Zealand neighbours. Although NBN speed increases are on the horizon, residential multi-gigabit speeds are a while away.

Wi-Fi 7 still has its place, supporting stable traffic between many devices at the same time, and overall network stability. For now, it’s mainly best suited to homes with the fastest internet speeds and all the latest gear.

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Oppo Pad Neo sports an unusual book-like 7:5 aspect ratio

It’s officially new tablet season: Oppo has launched the mid-range Pad Neo in Australia, featuring a non-conventional screen size.

Just days out from Apple revealing its latest tablets, the Oppo Pad Neo comes with an intriguing point of difference. While iPads sport a 4:3 aspect ratio, and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab range comes in 16:10, Oppo has gone for something different. Made with a 7:5 aspect ratio, its new tablet claims to squeeze in slightly more screen space.

Oppo’s reasoning behind the novel shape is to closely replicate a book, suggesting it’s just as well-suited to reading as it is media consumption. A step up from the older Air model, the Oppo Pad Neo comes with an 11.4-inch 2408 x 1720 LCD screen, including a 260 PPI pixel density, which is higher than Kobo’s new colour e-readers (when displaying colour content).

Eye care is another major design factor behind Oppo’s latest tablet. Other tablets have advertised similar points of difference before, like the TCL Nxtpaper range. For Oppo, its tablet uses blue light-minimising technology baked into the hardware in addition to smart colour temperature adjustment settings. The tablet also carries Circadian Friendly and Full Care Display 2.0 certifications from independent testing firm TÜV Rheinland.

On the inside is a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of built-in storage. Like Oppo’s phones, the Pad Neo supports fast charging to the tune of 33W, supporting its 8,000mAh battery.

Dolby Atmos support comes included off the back of the tablet’s quad-speaker setup. And, if you need to take a quick snap, it also has an 8MP camera on the front and back.

Oppo Pad Neo price and release date

Out now in Australia, the Oppo Pad Neo costs $449 exclusively via the company’s online store. A $59.99 protective case comes separately, covering both sides of the tablet and functioning as a kickstand.

Space Grey is the only colour available, capping off the tablet’s understated design. Other than its display, the Oppo Pad Neo also has a content-sharing feature called Auto Connect. Like similar Android and Apple technologies, it enables quick sharing of files with compatible Oppo phones, in addition to cross-device notifications.

Ahead of a premium tablet drop from Apple, Oppo’s device provides a new mid-priced option in a sea of mobile devices. Will it make a splash in a stagnant tablet market? We’ll soon find out.

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$1.17 billion Optus and TPG network deal to boost rural coverage

In a bid to expand regional mobile connectivity, Optus and TPG Telecom have teamed up to share network infrastructure across Australia.

Part of a new regional Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) agreement, Optus will share spectrum in regional Australia and access to its regional radio access network, with TPG Telecom set to gain access to 2,444 Optus mobile network sites. According to investor relations details, TPG Telecom will pay $1.17 billion for the access.

As a result, TPG’s 4G footprint is expected to grow to one million square kilometres, up from 400,000, expanding its coverage to 98.4% of Australia’s population.

TPG Telecom customers – including people signed up to Vodafone, TPG, iiNet, Lebara, and Felix – will also benefit from broader 5G connectivity. As part of the regional MOCN, 1,500 5G sites will be live by 2028, expanding to 2,444 by 2030.

By teaming up, the two telco companies expect to reduce costs and set up 5G infrastructure two years ahead of schedule. Both Optus and TPG Telecom see the MOCN as greatly benefitting regional Australians.

“This is a win for all Australians, especially our regional communities, businesses, and visitors,” said Michael Venter, Optus Interim CEO. “Optus and TPG Telecom will be positioned to provide consumers with more choice and better services as we accelerate our investment in the regions.”

Adding to the interim Optus CEO’s comments, Iñaki Berroeta, TPG Telecom CEO, labelled the agreement as a “sustainable approach we need to maximise established infrastructure” between the telcos.

“This network sharing arrangement will reset the competitive landscape for mobile services in regional areas and provide Australians with more choice than ever before,” said Berroeta. ” This will allow us to reduce rollout and operating costs, make better use of network assets and deliver huge customer benefits.”

Will the Optus and TPG MOCN actually go ahead?

Telstra and TPG Telecom unsuccessfully attempted a regional network-sharing arrangement in 2022. The ACCC blocked the deal, which was later upheld by the Australian Competition Tribunal in 2023, citing Telstra’s “competitive benefits”.

Aiming for an “early 2025” window, the TPG and Optus MOCN would be “non-exclusive” over the course of 11 years, with a five-year extension on the table. With the proposed arrangement now public, it’s due to go through regulatory processes before becoming a reality.

One thing working in favour of this arrangement is the reduced risk of monopolisation. Telstra’s network covers approximately 99.5% of the Australian population, while Optus sits in second place at 98.5%. If the original deal between Telstra and TPG went ahead, it would’ve bumped the latter’s coverage up to 98.8%, above Optus.

TPG regularly provides the cheapest SIM plans in Australia, using the Vodafone 4G network. If the regional MOCN goes ahead, it’ll service more Australians, particularly those not in metropolitan areas. For Optus, the faster and cheaper 5G rollout is the main benefit.

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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) review: strong and stylish

8.7

Classier than its “Republic of Gamers” branding might suggest, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a stylish gaming laptop with all the bells and whistles in a sleek form factor.

Once the domain of gaudy designs and extravagant RGB lighting arrays, it’s now possible to find gaming devices that suit the office. ROG’s latest Zephyrus laptops are perhaps the epitome of this design trend. It looks fantastic and runs just as capably, in what might be my favourite form factor of any gaming laptop I’ve used.

Other gaming laptops might have more raw power but quickly expand to unwieldy sizes. This might be fine for some, who intend to anchor the device in one place, although it limits overall utility. Meanwhile, the Zephyrus G14 beautifully balances power and portability, resulting in a wonderfully versatile laptop suited for both work and play.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) review

• First impressions
• Specifications
• Performance
• General use
• Benchmarks
• Who is it for?

First impressions

This laptop is what I’d picture if Apple made a gaming-specific computer. It’s gorgeously designed, slim, and smooth to the touch. Made from a sturdy aluminium alloy, the Zephyrus G14 abandons the tacky plastic design of many a gaming peripheral in years gone by. Aesthetics are relatively unimportant in the long run – what good is a beautiful laptop that doesn’t run – but Asus nailed the brief.

In my mind, the only objectionable design element here is the “Slash Lighting” emblazoned on the laptop lid. It’s a lighting array programmed to flash at set intervals or in time with your gaming, customisable via the ROG Armoury Crate software. There’s a catch, though: only others can see it.

The Slash Lighting is cool in theory but ultimately a superfluous flourish. Image: Chris Button.

Which, perhaps, is the point – to stand out from the crowd and get everyone to notice your fancy laptop. I turned it off at the earliest opportunity because I didn’t want it taxing the battery if I couldn’t at least enjoy the light show myself.

Otherwise, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a great laptop in both form and function. For me, 14 inches is the sweet spot of size and portability, making it easy to take wherever you go. Most importantly, the laptop packs a decent wallop.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) specifications

There are a few different configurations available, with up to an Nvidia RTX 4070 version available. The model I tested ran an RTX 4060 along with the following specs:

CPU	AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
GPU	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 / AMD Radeon 780M integrated
Memory	16GB LPDDR5X 6400 RAM
Storage	1TB WD SN650
Display	2880 x 1800 OLED 16:10 aspect ratio 120Hz refresh rate 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut
Connectivity	One HDMI 2.1 port Two USB-A 3.2 ports One USB-C 3.2 port One USB-C 4 port with power delivery One 3.5mm headphone jack One MicroSD card slot Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3
Battery	73Wh 180W AC Adapter
Dimensions	31.1 (W) x 22.0 (D) x 1.59 (H) cm
Price (RRP)	$3,399
Warranty	Two years
Official website	Asus Australia

Performance

As I alluded to before, this is one hot laptop, but not just in looks. Under heavy workloads, it doesn’t take long to heat up to uncomfortable levels, which I found out by resting it on my lap for a quick couch gaming session. Fearing for my potential future chances at fatherhood, I soon grabbed a lap desk.

Fortunately, the keyboard remains a comfortable temperature. So, as long as the laptop is on another surface, you’ll be fine. Just don’t touch the laptop’s underside in the middle of an intense game. Try as it might, the Zephyrus G14’s fan doesn’t quite prevent the metallic chassis from getting toasty. At least it’s quieter than the noisy Acer Predator Helios Neo 16.

I can’t express how much I love the thin and light design. Image: Chris Button.

With that disclaimer out of the way, I’m pleased to report that the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 can certainly play games. Extremely well, in fact. Equipped with an RTX 4060, it’s not at the absolute top-end of power configurations, but it does well across all sorts of games.

These figures below are all without enabling frame generation technology like Nvidia’s DLSS or AMD’s FSR. What you see is the hardware punching out some decent numbers as close to the laptop’s native display resolution as possible.

Game	Average frames per second (FPS)
Forza Horizon 5 benchmark (Extreme, 2560 x 1600)	73
Baldur’s Gate 3 (Ultra, 2880 x 1880)	56.1
Returnal benchmark (High, 1920 x 1200)	100
Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark (Ultra, 2560 x 1600)	43.25

All of these are comfortably playable frame rates, made even more impressive by the high resolution each game ran at. Dial the settings down to 1080p or tweak some textures and you’ll be flying.

General use

Complementing the G14’s smart looks is its stunning 120Hz OLED screen. Between gaming, browsing and watching videos, everything you do on this laptop looks exceptional. Colours in particular appear in fully vibrant detail, taking full advantage of games with broad palettes like Forza Horizon 5‘s idyllic Mexican landscapes.

Its glossy finish does mean glare is an issue, though. Matte OLED panels are expensive – just look at Samsung’s latest TV as an example – so cost was likely a deciding factor. However, a reflective laptop screen is nowhere near as troublesome as a TV afflicted by the same problem. After all, you can just move the laptop away from bright light sources.

A nice keyboard makes all the difference, which the G14 gets right. Image: Chris Button.

Away from the display, premium design features throughout the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. It has a nicely sized central touchpad that’s smooth and tactile to use. Plus, the responsive keyboard feels nice for both gaming and typing alike. There’s also a dedicated Armoury Crate key that opens the laptop’s performance management software. Here, you can adjust lighting, fan speeds, and various performance settings.

Another point towards my argument in favour of 14-inch laptops: lots of ports. Without taking up much space, the G14 still wields plenty of connectivity options, including an onboard HDMI 2.1 port, plus an even spread of USB-A and USB-C inputs.

Benchmarks

Turning to the quantitative data from benchmarking software, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 performed pretty much as expected for a mid-range gaming laptop. Its CPU scores across Geekbench 6 and Cinebench R24 placed it closely alongside recent MacBooks and Asus’ own dual-screen Zenbook Duo laptop.

Device	CPU (Single-core)	CPU (Multi-core)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16	2,903	17,385
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8)	2,870	17,089
MacBook Pro M2 Max	2,701	14,916
Macbook Air M3	3,075	12,015
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14	2,581	12,160
Asus ROG Ally	2,543	12,181
Lenovo Legion Go	2,346	9,619
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2	1,567	8,761

Geekbench 6 CPU test

Device	CPU (Single-core)	CPU (Multi-core)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16	123	1,395
MacBook Pro M2 Max	122	1,031
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14	86	927
Asus Zenbook Duo (UX8406)	105	763
Macbook Air M3	141	550

Cinebench R24 CPU test

Sporting a discrete graphics card means the G14 starts to pull away from laptops relying on integrated graphics. Devices with the more powerful RTX 4070 GPUs output higher performance but also cost more. This raises the question: how much power do you need? If you need to play games smoothly at higher resolutions than 1080p, choose a laptop with a beefier card.

There is an RTX 4070 version of the G14 that also addresses another shortcoming of this particular model. With the 4060, you only get 16GB of RAM, which is the minimum you’d want in a gaming rig these days. Shelling out more for the 4070 model nets you 32GB of RAM, which would be worth considering if you stream and edit videos on top of gaming.

Device	OpenCL
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8, RTX 4070)	158,787
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (RTX 4070)	119,970
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 4060)	96,452
MacBook Pro M2 Max	72,833
Macbook Air M3	30,479

Geekbench 6 GPU test

Device	Score
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8, RTX 4070)	13,796
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (RTX 4070)	12,881
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 4060)	9,620
Asus TUF A16	9,196
Asus Zenbook Duo (UX8406)	3,235
Asus ROG Ally (30W)	3,198

3DMark Time Spy test

Its PCMark 10 score of 7,648 puts the laptop in the top nine per cent of computers, meaning it’s an adept all-around machine. Casting an eye to the G14’s storage, its SSD recorded sequential read speeds of just over 5,000MB/s and write speeds of 3,400MB/s. It’s not a super-fast SSD but it is comfortably quicker than the sluggish storage drive used by last year’s Asus TUF A16 laptop.

Who is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 for?

Boasting a beautiful blend of power and portability, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a stellar laptop for 1080p gaming. Any complaints feel rather inconsequential given it does so many things well.

Sure, the RTX 4060 version could benefit from more RAM, and the otherwise attractive aluminium chassis gets quite hot. On the other hand, these minor slights are easy to mitigate. Anyone desperately needing more RAM is likely in the market for the RTX 4070 model anyway.

Sporting one of the best gaming laptop designs I’ve seen, the Zephyrus G14 is a reliable all-around companion for swapping between spreadsheets and the latest games.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

The 2024 Asus Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop looks incredible, with impressive performance backing up its brilliant form factor.

Features

9

Value for money

8.5

Performance

8.5

Ease of use

8.5

Design

9

Positives

Vibrant and smooth OLED display

Strong performance

Great form factor

Negatives

Gets really hot

Only 16GB of RAM in RTX 4060 model

8.7

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New HP laptop range preps for future of personalised AI assistants

Packing out Sydney’s Machine Hall with a look back at history while moving towards an AI-powered future, HP launched a huge range of laptop PCs designed to capitalise on the hype.

Wielding the Intel Core Ultra processors, replete with neural processing units (NPUs) made for low-powered AI tasks, personalised AI was HP’s big focus. Many of today’s prominent AI technologies, including ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, use costly cloud servers which also carry a security risk.

HP, along with other computer manufacturers, wants to change this. Its goal is to enable local, on-system AI assistants that know you and your habits.

AI is a major part of HP’s current strategy. Image: supplied.

Most current on-device uses of AI revolve around optimising computer performance, like noise cancelling and background blurring during video calls, to reduce battery impact. Soon, devices like the new HP laptops will run large language models (LLMs) locally, providing a more secure and personalised experience based on what’s on your computer, not a nebulous set of data in the cloud.

But what about the hardware? HP’s AI PC ranges from work-centric devices like the EliteBook and Pavilion models, to the Omen laptops for gaming on the go. They all share one thing in common: a built-in NPU said to power the future of AI computing.

Built for work

At the front of HP’s business laptops is the EliteBook 1040, a device advertised with up to 21 hours of battery life. Housed with up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, HP claims its AI technology anticipates your PC usage, so it adjusts power accordingly depending on your workload.

Aimed at younger users, the HP Pavilion laptops also use Intel’s AI-enabled chips, with slightly lower specs to be more affordable. Meanwhile, the compute-heavy ZBook range goes as far as the Intel Core Ultra 9 processors, accompanied by Nvidia RTX Ada GPUs made for intensive workloads like 3D rendering.

HP EliteBook 1040. Image: supplied.

Of course, the popular two-in-one HP Spectre and Envy laptops also benefit from the Ultra treatment. Functioning as both a clamshell laptop and a touch-enabled tablet, these devices come with up to a 2.8K OLED 120Hz display to help with creative workflows.

Across the range, HP highlighted the various on-device AI enhancements with a side glance at how people currently use AI. Adobe’s Mike McHugh demonstrated the editing company’s generative fill technology based on the Firefly model. Again, it’s a technology currently reliant on the cloud but showcased possible generative AI use cases for people without graphic design skills.

Built for play

Rounding out the HP laptop range was the Omen Transcend 14 gaming device. Carrying the claims of being the “world’s coolest and lightest 14-inch gaming laptop”, the 1.6kg model comes with an OLED display and a graphics card as beefy as an RTX 4070.

Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H chip, the Omen Transcend 14 reportedly increases frame rates by nearly 25% when streaming games via OBS Studio. Between the laptop’s NPU and OpenVINO plugins, the overall system load reduces when applying camera effects like auto-framing and background blur. Both the CPU and GPU normally tackle this load, but the NPU helps free up resources that can then be used to improve game performance.

HP Omen Transcend 14 gaming laptop.

Plus, the latest Omen uses AI to optimise the display’s refresh rate and power modes. Although HP’s claims of a 7% battery improvement sound minimal, every bit counts with gaming laptops. When it is time to charge, HP’s gaming laptop comes with a 140W USB-C PD adapter to quickly top up the battery.

There’s also a 16-inch Omen laptop sporting a smooth 240Hz OLED screen. It doesn’t get the new NPU-inclusive chip, however, it is instead built with an Intel Core i7 HX processor.

AI in an HP laptop coming to you soon

Some of the new HP laptop models are out now in Australia, both across the brand’s website and tech retailers.

Like much of the AI PC discussion thus far, HP has announced big plans for the future of computing. Now it’s time for PC companies to deliver on truly meaningful local uses of AI to capitalise on the new hardware.

Read more computer news on GadgetGuy

Chris Button travelled to Sydney as a guest of HP Australia.

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Magnetic Qi2 charger range brings faster speeds to Australia

Wireless charging in Australia has taken a step forward, with Belkin launching its first Qi2 charger range on local shores.

First shown at IFA last year, the chargers enable faster wireless speeds and use magnetic technology like Apple’s proprietary MagSafe tech. It makes sense because Apple is one of the many members of the Wireless Power Consortium, the organisation responsible for the Qi charging standard.

Although 15W remains the maximum charging speed of Qi2, more compatible devices should reach that speed than the previous-generation technology. It’s also said to be more energy efficient.

Magnetic technology is a welcome addition, making the chargers easier to use. Some older Qi chargers made it difficult to find the optimum position for devices, which won’t be a problem for the new standard. When using a compatible device with a Qi2 charger, like the new Belkin range, the magnets will hold the device in place so it doesn’t slip away and stop charging.

Images: supplied.

Included in the new Belkin offering are three Qi2 chargers. There’s a three-in-one magnetic stand, a two-in-one magnetic pad, and a convertible unit that works as a stand or a pad.

For now, it’s mainly Apple devices that benefit the most. iPhone 12 models and later already use MagSafe, as do AirPods and Apple Watch, but the door is now wide open for other brands to implement Qi2 compatibility. The multi-device Qi2 chargers from Belkin support up to 15W speeds to phones, and 5W to additional devices. Plus, the two-in-one model has a USB-C port available to deliver power to a non-Qi device.

Belkin Qi2 charger range price

Out now on Belkin’s website and retailers in Australia, here’s how much each Belkin Qi2 charger costs:

• BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Stand: $229.95
• BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Magnetic Pad: $149.95
• BoostCharge Pro Convertible Magnetic Stand: $99.95

In line with the company’s big sustainability vision, each Qi2 charger is made from at least 72% recycled plastics. With the latest wireless charging standard now in Australia, keeping your devices topped up just became a little bit easier.

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Motorola Moto G04 review: entry-level convenience

Providing convenience for budget shoppers, the Moto G04 is a no-frills phone that focuses on the basics.

When Motorola first announced its latest G-series phones, NFC drew the spotlight. One of the cheapest phones in Australia to wield the close-range wireless technology, the Moto G04 also includes a fingerprint sensor – a rarity at this price point. It means you can leave the wallet at home and use Google Pay in lieu of your physical bank card.

A powerhouse this phone is not, but that’s not what you expect from a device as cheap as $149. It’s a solid budget handset made for the essentials, pure and simple. The fact that it adds a bit of visual flair is an added bonus.

Motorola Moto G04 review

• First impressions
• Specifications
• Performance
• Photography
• Who is it for?

MOTOROLA Moto g04 – Concord Black

$ 179.00

Buy on Amazon

First impressions

When I think of what “looks” like a budget phone, the Moto G04 isn’t what I picture. It’s bright and colourful, conjuring fond memories of my lime green iPhone 5C from back in the day. With a smooth back and shined edges, the Satin Blue-coloured Moto G04 looks nice and fits comfortably in the hand.

Included in the box is a clear case to provide some extra protection. It’s not a particularly rugged case but better than nothing considering the Moto G04’s plastic build. One thing you won’t find in the box, however, is a wall charger. You’ll need to source your own, with the phone capable of charging at speeds up to 15W.

Satin Blue makes for a nice and vibrant finish. Image: Chris Button.

Its touted fingerprint sensor is easy to activate with your right-hand thumb, or the pointer finger for lefties. Although the large 6.6-inch screen isn’t the sharpest or brightest going around, the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling a pleasantly smooth experience.

I also appreciate that Motorola hasn’t lost touch with the target market, including a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top left-hand corner. The last thing you want be forced to shell out for a pair of wireless headphones that cost as much, if not more, than the actual handset.

As for the general user experience, there’s minimal bloatware on top of the Android 14 operating system. Some apps, like LinkedIn and Booking.com, come pre-installed, likely due to a commercial arrangement, but they don’t get in the way.

Specifications

Display	6.6-inch HD+ (1612 x 720) LCD 90Hz refresh rate
Dimensions	163.49 x 74.53 x 7.99mm 178.8g
Processor	UNISOC T606
Storage + Memory	64GB built-in storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD card) 4GB memory (expandable up to 8GB via virtual memory)
Cameras	16MP (f/2.2, 1.0μm) rear camera 5MP (f/2.2, 1.12μm) front camera
Battery and charging	5000mAh 15W wired charging (charger not included)
Connectivity	USB-C 3.5mm headphone jack Dual SIM Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 NFC
Network bands	4G: LTE (1/3/5/7/8/20/28/40/41) 3G: WCDMA (1/5/8) 2G: GSM (3/5/8)
Software	Android 14
Durability	Water repellant
Price (RRP)	$179 $149 from Telstra
Warranty	12 months
Official website	Motorola Australia

Performance

At its heart, the Moto G04 is essentially a more affordable version of the Moto G14. To get well under the $200 mark, it has a lower resolution display, a 16MP camera (down from 50MP), and no included charger. The Moto G04 still has a decent-sized 5,000mAh battery, which easily gets through a day of moderate use.

On the flip side, the Moto G04 benefits from a smoother 90Hz refresh rate. Its 1,612 x 720 display resolution is fine for reading, although you’ll notice less clarity when viewing photos or videos. When shopping at this price point, it becomes a matter of which features you value more.

The Moto G04 (left) next to the Moto G24 (right). Image: Chris Button.

For the most part, navigating between apps and scrolling through web browsers is relatively smooth. There’s a bit of lag when first opening an app or swiping up to view the currently open apps. You can get a bit of extra speed out of the phone by enabling the memory boost function, using spare storage as virtual RAM to provide the equivalent of 8GB. Even with this function, the Moto G04 isn’t a speedster, which is fine for the price.

When you look at how it compares to other phones using the Geekbench 6 benchmarking tool, there aren’t any surprises. In terms of processing power, the Moto G04 is near-identical to the Oppo A18 and Moto G14 phones, even though it costs as much as $80 less. It’s also more powerful than the Aspera Nitro 2, which couldn’t run Geekbench 6 in the first place.

Device	CPU single-core	CPU multi-score	GPU (OpenCL)
Moto G54 5G	921	2,329	N/A
Oppo A79 5G	718	1,836	1,163
Nokia G42	644	1,926	1,083
Moto G14	450	1,587	N/A
Oppo A18	435	1,454	565
Moto G24	411	1,405	549
Moto G04	381	1,335	446

Geekbench 6 results

In the real world, the Moto G04 lives up to its promise of being a convenient NFC device. Its fingerprint sensor is quick and responsive, and Google Pay let me tap and go without holding up shoppers behind me. Job done.

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My only issue with the fingerprint sensor derived from my sweaty hands. Trying to unlock the phone with sweat on my thumb took a bit longer, which was easily solved by wiping my clammy mitts before tapping the sensor.

Photography

Arguably the most basic aspect of the Moto G04 is its camera array. On the back is a sole 16MP camera, with a 5MP selfie lens. They take serviceable photos in good lighting conditions but you miss out on details and the ability to zoom in. Keep in mind that this won’t come through very well in the below examples because of web compression.

Using the selfie camera shows plenty of colour saturation with a very warm colour temperature, almost as if run through a filter. It’s not a bad photo, although my face does look uncannily smooth. In contrast, the Moto G24 captures more natural colours and facial details. When you then look at a photo from the iPhone 15 Pro – a device 10 times the price – you can see more pores and freckles on my face, and closer to lifelike colours.

Taken with a Moto G04.

Taken with a Moto G24.

Taken with an iPhone 15 Pro.

Images: Chris Button.

Taking a landscape photo in daylight produces a nice image with vibrant colours. Just don’t zoom in. There’s no telephoto optical zoom – nor should you expect it at this price – so any enlargements are solely digital. Once you zoom in, either before or after taking the photo, visual noise sets in.

Image: Chris Button.

This is particularly evident at night. Faraway objects in this photo taken at the footy lack sharpness, while the Moto G24 is clearer. Between the two, I think the G04 automatically set the exposure and white balance better, though.

Taken with a Moto G04.

Taken with a Moto G24.

Images: Chris Button.

As a camera, the Moto G04 is fine for well-lit conditions and when you’re close to the subject. Otherwise, it quickly reaches its limits. Also, there’s a slight delay between pressing the shoot button and the camera activating. You’ll need to allow for that, which might be tricky with moving subjects.

Who is the Motorola Moto G04 for?

Motorola’s Moto G04 is a well-priced handset for those who know exactly what they want in a phone. Its fingerprint sensor and NFC technology work as intended, making it easy to pay while out and about.

In the case of the Moto G04, budget doesn’t mean boring, either. It’s a nice-looking phone that comes in various vibrant colours and a stylish design that belies its affordable status.

This is ultimately a device aimed at first-time users and older generations who just need the basics.

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