Telstra has quietly added a new budget smartphone to its prepaid line up of devices with the Telstra Essential Smart 3 (A3 2020).

The Telstra Essential Smart 3 (A3 2020), is the ZTE A3 2020 device, which runs Android 9 Go Edition version software which has been specifically designed to help run Android on low end budget devices but not compromise the user experience.

So what do you get with the Telstra Essential Smart 3 (A3 2020):

Name Telstra Essential Smart 3 (A3 2020)
Display 5.5-inch (720 x 1440) @ 221ppi
Chipset 4 x 1.4 GHz Spreadtrum
RAM 1GB
Memory 16GB with 10GB user space available
Expandable Memory Yes – 256GB via MicroSD
Rear Camera 5MP
Front Facing Camera 2MP
Android Version Android 9 (Go Edition)
Battery 2600mAh – removable
Bluetooth Yes – v4.2
Size/Width/Grams 146.2 x 70.9 x 9.55mm @ 144g

The Telstra Essential Smart 3 (A3 2020) does come with the Telstra Blue Tick, meaning device has been tested and recommended for those living in regional areas where mobile reception can be limited.

It is interesting that the device is running Android 9 (Go Edition) given that Android 10 (Go Edition) has been out for almost a year and Android 11 is in beta version right now. That being said, given this is a budget end device, it can be somewhat forgiven.

The Telstra Essential Smart 3 (A3 2020) is available to purchase now through the Telstra website or your local Telstra store for just $99.