Surprise, Samsung’s 5G Galaxy S10 Will Be Exclusive To Telstra [Updated]

Surprise, Samsung’s 5G Galaxy S10 Will Be Exclusive To Telstra [Updated]

Back in January, Telstra announced that it had made exclusive 5G deals with some of the world’s biggest phone manufacturers. The telco wouldn’t say who with, but the assumption was that Samsung would be first off the mark.

In a move that has shocked approximately no one, it has now been confirmed that Telstra will be the first to sell the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.

[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/02/samsung-galaxy-s10-s10-plus-s10-e-s10-5g-range-australian-price-specs-and-release-date/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/wnio7cizyllkpb9aba6w.gif” title=”Samsung Galaxy S10 Range: Australian Price, Specs And Release Date” excerpt=”Samsung Unpacked has finally happened. No more rumours. No more speculation. Over the past six months the Galaxy S10 arguably became the most leaked flagship phone ever. It made the Pixel 3 details look airtight. But it is now officially out in the ethos, and we’re to deliver all the details – including when it will land in Australia and exactly how much it’s going to cost you.”]

This news comes off the back of Unpacked, which revealed the new Samsung S10 range, including a 5G model.

It will have 8GB RAM, 256GB storage and a 4,500 battery, as well as a triple-camera rear setup (12MP telephoto, 12MP wide-angle and 16MP) and dual 10MP/3D depth lenses at the front. You can read more about the specs right here.

“5G speeds will demonstrate unparalleled connectivity and be critical in transforming the way Australians live, work, connect and communicate. Capable of speeds up to 20 times faster than 4G3, 5G will also be integral to advancing AI, IoT and computing technologies, which are key to bringing-to-life Samsung’s vision for a connected future,” saiod Garry McGregor, Vice President of IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics Australia said.

“Out-of-the-box, Galaxy S10 5G will also unlock new experiences for our customers thanks to hyper-fast upload and download speeds. For example, the ability to download a full-length feature movie to your mobile device in seconds and enhancing real-time applications like AR, VR, gaming and video conferencing.”

It remains unclear whether this deal will be exclusive by default, as Telstra will most likely to be the first Australian telco to have mobile 5G.

There are no details on availability or plan pricing as yet – but it’s believed that the S10 5G will go on sale sometime during the first half of 2019.

But if you’re itching for an S10 immediately, Telstra will be offering an upgrade to the 5G model to all customers who buy or lease an S10+ through the telco, at no extra cost.

Update 11:25am: Speaking to Gizmodo Australia, Telstra has confirmed that the above 5G upgrade will not result in a contract reset. It will continue on from when your Galaxy S10+ contract started. This is applicable to both buying and leasing plans

You cannot switch from a leasing plan to a buying plan or vice versa as part of this offer.


It’s also worth noting that Telstra’s 5G network will be rolling out to major capital CBDs and other select high traffic areas first, before moving onto other areas. You can find out more over at Telstra’s website.

[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/01/telstra-we-have-some-exclusive-5g-phone-partnerships-with-redacted/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/telstra-phone-booth-410×231.jpg” title=”Telstra Announces Exclusive 5G Phone Partnerships With ¯_(ツ)_/¯” excerpt=”Telstra has just announced exclusive 5G smartphone partnerships for the first half of this year. Telstra CEO Andrew Penn informed Australian media of the partnership in a briefing at CES earlier this afternoon, and while I’d love to report on who these deals are with, nobody would tell us.”]


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