12-month vs. 24-month vs. 36-month phone contracts: How they compare

By Alex Choros

Last updated 29 May 2023

Contents

In this guide:

24-month contracts
36-month contracts
12-month contracts
24-month vs. 36-month contracts: How much can you save?
Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright?
How to select a contract length on WhistleOut

24-month contracts used to be your only option when it came to buying a phone on a plan, but that's no longer the case. These days Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all offer 12-, 24- and 36-repayment plans for smartphones. You can even get smartphones on a plan from a few smaller providers like Woolworths Mobile and Southern Phone.

The overall price of your phone doesn't change with the length of your contract. You're just paying it off over a shorter or longer period. If you opt for a longer plan, the only extra cost you'll pay is the price of your plan. And you need a plan to use your phone, anyway.

Hot tip

Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone's plans are technically all contract-free, no matter what kind of repayment term you commit to. If you want to leave early, you can simply pay out the remainder of your phone. You won't be hit with any plan-related exit fees.

Here's a look at why you might consider each type of plan.

24-month contracts

A 24-month repayment plan is the tried and true method of buying a phone on a plan - it's how we've been buying phones for over a decade. But just because a 24-month contract is the norm doesn't mean it's the best option.

Phones have become a lot more expensive in recent years, which in turn has driven up the cost of plans. For example, it's currently impossible to get an iPhone 14 on a 24-month plan without spending over $100 per month.

24-month repayment plans are best for: People who don't mind paying a bit more and don't want a 36-month commitment.

36-month contracts

Choosing a 36-month repayment plan is the simplest way to make your monthly phone bill a little bit more affordable. When it comes to high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23, opting for a 36-month contract can save you around $20 per month, if not more. Given many of us are holding onto our phones for longer now, a 36-month plan isn't a bad idea if you don't think you'll be rushing to upgrade.

While committing to a three-year plan might seem daunting, 36-month contracts are more flexible than they might seem. Since your plan is technically contract-free, you can change your base plan once a month. While you're still stuck with your telco of choice, this means you can get more or less data if your needs change.

36-month repayment plans are best for: People who want the cheapest monthly repayment they can get with a phone.

12-month contracts

A 12-month repayment term is unsurprisingly the most expensive option when it comes to buying a phone on a plan, but it also means you'll pay off your phone in just one year. This isn't a bad option if you're the kind of person who always wants the latest and greatest phone, but doesn't want to pay for it outright.

Alternatively, if you're not in a rush to upgrade once your 12-month term is over, you can always save money by switching to a cheaper SIM-only plan.

12-month repayment plans are best for: People who want to pay off their phone as quickly as possible.

Hot tip

Remember: You're not paying any more or less for your phone if you'd prefer a 12-month contract. It's still the same price, just over a shorter period of time.

Editor's Picks: Best Mobile Phone Plans April 2025

Want a top of the line mobile plan that doesn't break the bank? You're in luck. Each month our team of experts select their picks for best mobile plans.

Woman in white cardigan usering her phone

24-month vs. 36-month contracts: How much can you save?

Here's how 24-month plan pricing compares to 36-month pricing for a few popular smartphones.

iPhone 15 128GB Plans

Filters

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $91.04/mth Min. cost $1,287.96 Go to Site	$91.04/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,287.96	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $101.04/mth Min. cost $1,297.96 Go to Site	$101.04/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,297.96	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $107.02/mth Min. cost $1,303.48 Go to Site	$107.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,303.48	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $111.04/mth Min. cost $1,307.96 Go to Site	$111.04/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,307.96	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $117.02/mth Min. cost $1,313.48 Go to Site	$117.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,313.48	Go to Site
#6	Telstra	Telstra $65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $117.04/mth Min. cost $1,313.96 Link not supplied	$117.04/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,313.96	Link not supplied
#7	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $121.02/mth Min. cost $1,317.48 Go to Site	$121.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,317.48	Go to Site
#8	Telstra	Telstra $75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $127.04/mth Min. cost $1,323.96 Link not supplied	$127.04/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,323.96	Link not supplied
#9	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $137.02/mth Min. cost $1,333.48 Go to Site	$137.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,333.48	Go to Site
#10	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $151.04/mth Min. cost $1,347.96 Link not supplied	$151.04/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,347.96	Link not supplied

iPhone 15 128GB Plans

Filters

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $73.69/mth Min. cost $1,287.84 Go to Site	$73.69/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,287.84	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $83.69/mth Min. cost $1,297.84 Go to Site	$83.69/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,297.84	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $89.68/mth Min. cost $1,303.48 Go to Site	$89.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,303.48	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $93.69/mth Min. cost $1,307.84 Go to Site	$93.69/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,307.84	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $99.68/mth Min. cost $1,313.48 Go to Site	$99.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,313.48	Go to Site
#6	Telstra	Telstra $65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $99.69/mth Min. cost $1,313.84 Link not supplied	$99.69/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,313.84	Link not supplied
#7	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $103.68/mth Min. cost $1,317.48 Go to Site	$103.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,317.48	Go to Site
#8	Telstra	Telstra $75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $109.69/mth Min. cost $1,323.84 Link not supplied	$109.69/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,323.84	Link not supplied
#9	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $119.68/mth Min. cost $1,333.48 Go to Site	$119.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,333.48	Go to Site
#10	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $133.69/mth Min. cost $1,347.84 Link not supplied	$133.69/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,347.84	Link not supplied

Samsung Galaxy S24 plans

24-month plans
36-month plans

Samsung Galaxy S24 256GB Plans

Filters

$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
24 mths device payments
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$117.04/mth

Min. cost $1,313.96

Link not supplied

$117.04/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,313.96

Link not supplied

$75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
24 mths device payments
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$127.04/mth

Min. cost $1,323.96

Link not supplied

$127.04/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,323.96

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
24 mths device payments
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$151.04/mth

Min. cost $1,347.96

Link not supplied

$151.04/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,347.96

Link not supplied

Samsung Galaxy S24 256GB Plans

Filters

$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

50GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
36 mths device payments
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$99.69/mth

Min. cost $1,313.84

Link not supplied

$99.69/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,313.84

Link not supplied

$75 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

180GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
36 mths device payments
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$109.69/mth

Min. cost $1,323.84

Link not supplied

$109.69/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,323.84

Link not supplied

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

300GB data
Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
36 mths device payments
Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth.

$133.69/mth

Min. cost $1,347.84

Link not supplied

$133.69/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,347.84

Link not supplied

Pixel 8 plans

24-month plans
36-month plans

Google Pixel 8 128GB Plans

Filters

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $88.95/mth Min. cost $1,237.80 Go to Site	$88.95/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,237.80	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $98.95/mth Min. cost $1,247.80 Go to Site	$98.95/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,247.80	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $104.95/mth Min. cost $1,253.80 Go to Site	$104.95/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,253.80	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $108.95/mth Min. cost $1,257.80 Go to Site	$108.95/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,257.80	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $114.95/mth Min. cost $1,263.80 Go to Site	$114.95/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,263.80	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $118.95/mth Min. cost $1,267.80 Go to Site	$118.95/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,267.80	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $134.95/mth Min. cost $1,283.80 Go to Site	$134.95/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,283.80	Go to Site

Google Pixel 8 128GB Plans

Filters

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $72.30/mth Min. cost $1,237.80 Go to Site	$72.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,237.80	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $82.30/mth Min. cost $1,247.80 Go to Site	$82.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,247.80	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $88.30/mth Min. cost $1,253.80 Go to Site	$88.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,253.80	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $92.30/mth Min. cost $1,257.80 Go to Site	$92.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,257.80	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $98.30/mth Min. cost $1,263.80 Go to Site	$98.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,263.80	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $102.30/mth Min. cost $1,267.80 Go to Site	$102.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,267.80	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $118.30/mth Min. cost $1,283.80 Go to Site	$118.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,283.80	Go to Site

Is it cheaper to buy a phone outright?

Yes, in the long run, it's cheaper to buy a phone outright rather than with a plan. That's because the smaller operators or mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) often have the cheapest plans.

You can just buy your new smartphone and pair it with the cheapest SIM-only plan from an MVNO. However, there are a few other things to consider:

Buying a phone outright vs buying on a plan

	Outright	On a plan
Upfront cost	High upfront cost with the latest phones costing well over $1,000	Cheapest plans start at $80 per month for the latest phones
Deals	Fewer deals	Telcos often throw in extras in the form of discounts or freebies, especially when you pre-order
Flexibility	Free to switch to another telco whenever you want	Free to switch whenever you want but you have to pay off the remainder of the phone
Models	Lots of options between colours and storage variants, might be able to purchase models no longer stocked by telcos	Limited to the colours and storage variants offered by the telco

At the end of the day, it really depends on your personal budget and what kind of phone you want. If you want a phone that's less than $500 it's probably better to buy it outright. Want the latest smartphone? The cost might be more manageable with a phone plan.

How to select a contract length on WhistleOut

If you're using the WhistleOut search engine to find a new phone plan, by default the results will show all repayment periods that are available. If you want to refine your search to only show one type of plan, select the Interest Free button on the results page, and then select 12 Months, 24 Months or 36 Months, as pictured below.