Models tested included the iPhone X, iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy 9, Samsung Galaxy 8, Sony Xperia XZ premium, Telstra Toughmax 2, Flip 2 and the Nokia 3310 3G.

The primary focus of the testing is around the signal sensitivity of the handsets, a major consideration for regional and rural mobile phone users.

Kondinin Group engineers determine the relative performance of handsets by making two way calls at progressively increased distances from a 3G mobile phone tower in a geographically and topographically void environment.

While Telstra blue-tick handsets usually perform well, there was a large range of signal sensitivity performances within blue-tick endorsed handsets range.

A selection of broomstick style mobile antennas via a Powertec Cel-Fi Go were also tested on the same track.

The report will be released in the May edition of the Farming Ahead magazine and will be essential reading for anyone in the market for a new mobile phone handset.