How Much Mobile Data Do I Need?

By SpinTel Author

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much data do I need for my phone?”, you’re not alone. Many Australians are on mobile plans that don’t actually match their usage. Many overpay for huge data limits they never use, while others pay excess charges because their plan is too small.

The good news? Once you understand your real data needs, you can choose a plan that’s the right size for your lifestyle. And potentially save a lot of money in the process.

What Is Mobile Data and How Does It Work?

Your phone connects to the internet using mobile data when it’s not on Wi-Fi. Every time you scroll Instagram, stream Netflix on your commute, or navigate with Google Maps on a road trip, you’re using mobile data.

Providers measure mobile data in gigabytes (GB) and give you a set allowance each month.

Active vs background data usage

Your mobile uses data in two main ways:

• Active use:Covers things you actively do, like streaming a movie, scrolling or making a video call.
• Background use:This includes apps running in the background, updates and cloud backups that quietly use your data.

How moble apps consume data

Some apps are light on data, others are hungry!

• High-data apps: Netflix, YouTube (especially HD), mobile gaming, long Zoom calls.
• Moderate-data apps:Social media, Spotify, podcasts.
• Low-data apps:Email, messaging, basic browsing.

How Australians Typically Use Mobile Data

Mobile usage varies among people depending on their lifestyle and activities. However, trends show many of us are paying for more than we need.

Prepaid vs postpaid averages

Prepaid customers often use less data because their allowance is capped. This encourages more time on Wi-Fi. Postpaid users typically consume more, but their usage doesn’t always justify paying for large plans.

NBN vs mobile data

Your home broadband data use will almost always be higher than your mobile data use. Especially if you stream in Ultra HD on multiple screens, game and work from home. Mobile data is often just for on-the-go activities.

Trends by user type

Younger users and heavy gamers consume more data, while many adults over-estimate their needs. Some people buy 80GB+ plans yet barely touch 20GB a month.

How Much Data Do Everyday Activities Use?

Activity Average Data per Hour

• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) 100–300MB
• YouTube (SD/HD/UHD) 300MB / 3GB / 7GB
• Netflix (SD/HD/UHD) 1GB / 3GB / 7GB
• Spotify / Music streaming 40–150MB
• Zoom / FaceTime video calls 500MB–1.5GB
• Online gaming 40–300MB gameplay (updates can be several GB)
• Google Maps navigation 5–10MB

What Type of Data User Are You?

To determine how much data is right for you, ask yourself a few simple questions about how you use your mobile phone. Here is a guide:

Light user (5–10GB/month)

Mainly on Wi-Fi, occasional browsing, music streaming, and short videos.

Moderate user (15–30GB/month)

Regular social media, a few hours of video streaming per week and some video calls.

Heavy user (40GB+/month)

Daily HD streaming, long video calls, mobile gaming and regular large downloads.

How to Work Out How Much Data You Need

Follow these steps to help you identify a mobile plan to suit your lifestyle.

1. Check your current usage.

Your phone’s settings or your provider’s app will show your past few months of data use.

2. List your regular activities.

Work out how many hours you stream, game, or make video calls without Wi-Fi.

3. Factor in changes.

Have you changed jobs or moved house leading to a longer commute and more time on your mobile phone? Are you working from home more frequently and can connect to WiFi? Find a plan that can adapt easily to your lifestyle changes.

Easy Ways to Reduce Mobile Data

• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible at home, work, or in public spaces.
• Turn on Data Saver in your phone settings.
• Disable auto-play and background refresh for apps you don't use often.
• Download movies, podcasts and maps ahead of time.
• Track your biggest data hogs by checking which apps use the most and adjust habits.

What Happens If You Run Out of Data?

• Speed throttling: Some plans slow your connection instead of charging extra.
• Exccess data charges: Some providers charge per GB once you exceed your allowance which can add-up fast.
• Top-ups: Many providers offer data add-ons you can but if you're running short.

Choosing the Right Mobile Plan

• Match your plan size to your habits so you dont pay for unused GBs.
• Consider data rollover so you can maximise unused speed next month.
• Weigh up prepaid, which offers control vs postpaid, which offers convenience.

SpinTel provides an advantage for mobile users with great-value plans, no lock-in contracts, the ability to cap your plan and enable real-time upgrades when your needs change.

Ultimately, the right data plan isn’t about getting the biggest number, it’s about getting the right fit. By consistently assessing your usage and adjusting your mobile plan, you can save money without sacrificing your online life.

Ready to see how much you could save? Find your perfect SpinTel plan today.