TracfoneReviewer

5 (More) Phones to Avoid from Tracfone (And What to Buy Instead)

2025-06-18T20:27:00.002-05:00

Don't Buy These Tracfone Smartphones in 2025

Tracfone sells a number of smartphones to use with their prepaid network - often at reduced prices. But if you're in the market for a new phone from Tracfone in 2025, we recommend avoiding the devices listed below.

We already shared 5 phones to avoid from Tracfone, and now we are adding another five more devices that are not worth buying in 2025 from Tracfone. There are a variety of reasons, and we will share other options to consider instead.

Major phone manufactures such as Samsung, Apple, Motorola and Google are all offered by Tracfone and can be unlocked after a certain amount of time.

While Tracfone has offered many new devices in the last year, they are also still offering some older, outdated phones that we don't recommend purchasing anymore.

Now if you currently own one of these devices, don't be too worried, they may still be functioning well. But you can also look at our recommended upgrades when you shop for a new device. See all the new devices from Tracfone in our Latest List of Smartphones.

5 More Phones to Avoid from Tracfone Wireless in 2025 (And What to Buy Instead)

Tracfone offers a lot of phones to choose from, but not all of them have the value or performance you'd expect in 2025. Whether it's outdated hardware, weak specs, or simply being outclassed by better options at the same price, these are five phones we recommend skipping - along with better alternatives worth considering.

1. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

At first glance, the Galaxy A14 5G seems like a solid entry-level phone thanks to its 5G compatibility and long software support. And it is a good phone, but it has been eclipsed by newer options in the last couple of years that are a better buy for several reasons.

The processor, screen and lack of dust/water protection are all drawbacks that newer models help solve. And while the price of the A14 is around $100, the newer versions are not much more expensive and offer plenty of improvements. If you currently own the A14 5G, this isn't a call to upgrade immediately since the phone is still capable enough and Samsung offers regular software updates.

Better Alternative: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G - For a little more, you get a faster processor, better cameras, Super AMOLED touchscreen, improved battery efficiency, updated Android OS and longer software support.

2. Moto G Power 5G 2023

The Moto G Power line has always been known for strong battery life, and the 2023 version delivers on that front. But it falls a little short elsewhere - it uses a somewhat underpowered MediaTek processor, has no NFC support, and comes with an outdated 720p screen. Along with those negatives, the software update policy from Motorola isn't very good, and the 2023 Power may not be updated to newer Android versions.

Even those who currently own the 2023 Power may be considering an upgrade, and Motorola has released several new devices in 2025 that are worth considering.

Better Alternative: Moto G Power 2025 - This updated model has a faster processor, full HD display, and improved performance across the board while keeping the same great battery life. It also includes a number of surprising features like wireless charging and stereo speakers.

3. Moto G 5G (2024)

While the name might suggest cutting-edge features, the Moto G 5G (2024) is more of a half-step forward. It suffers from limited RAM and internal storage, average cameras, and lacks standout features compared to its competition. It also came with Android 13 out of the box and may only see one OS upgrade.

While it is just a year old, Motorola has already released new, more competitive options that we would suggest buying instead, and they are at a similar price point.

Better Alternative: Moto G 2025 (128GB) - The newer Moto G 2025 offers a smooth user experience, more storage, and ships with Android 15, making it a better pick for longevity and overall usability. There is also a version with 64GB internal memory for just $59, that offers a number of improvements over the 2024 model for the same price.

4. BLU View 4 and 5

These phones are aimed at ultra-budget shoppers, but they cut too many corners to recommend. Poor build quality, laggy performance, low-resolution screens, and virtually no software updates make the BLU View series a poor investment, even at their low prices. While we are mentioning the BLU View 4 and 5 here, many of BLU's devices suffer from similar challenges as far as issues with build quality and software support.

It is generally more worthwhile to spend a little more to get Android software and security updates, and smoother performance.

Better Alternative: Moto G 2025 (64GB) - For a slightly higher price, you get a much more capable phone with a better user experience, improved screen, and more reliable hardware from a trusted brand. For an even better software update policy, consider going with Samsung.

5. Samsung Galaxy A03s

The Galaxy A03s was a solid budget pick a few years ago, but in 2025, it simply can’t keep up. It has limited RAM, minimal storage, slow charging, and outdated software. With no guaranteed Android updates and slow performance, it's not a great deal even at a discount.

Samsung does not have any options from Tracfone for under $100 other than older devices, so for those looking for a newer option, it will cost a little more. But the longevity of Samsung phones thanks to the excellent software support make them a reasonable investment.

Better Alternative: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G — This newer model gives you access to 5G, a better display, stronger battery performance, and Samsung's more modern One UI interface built on Android 14 or higher.

While it is tempting to go for the lowest-priced phones available, choosing a more recent and well-rounded model can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Phones like the Moto G Power 2025, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, and Moto G 2025 deliver better performance, and modern features — all key to getting the most out of your Tracfone service.

Join us on Facebook with a growing community where we share the latest news and reviews and are available to answer your questions.

Looking to upgrade your phone? See the best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales on smartphones and unlocked devices or visit our Latest Tracfone Smartphone List for all the new phones available.

Thanks for visiting!

Top 10 Best Android Smartphones from Tracfone in 2025

2025-06-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

List of the Best Android Powered Smartphones from Tracfone - 2025

The Android operating system is used by almost every smartphone manufacturer in the world and offers a huge selection of apps from the google play store, and plenty of the best smartphone features available.

We've already covered the Best Smartphones from Tracfone which includes several Apple iPhones, but below are just the top Android powered smartphones currently available from Tracfone.

While some users may prefer Apple made iPhones, the majority of Tracfone users have an Android powered device because of the wider variety of phones, and lower cost of many of the devices.

If you are shopping for a new smartphone, let this list of the top Android options help guide you to a good pick. This list is judged on features, performance, price and how recently the phone was released by Tracfone.

For the newest phones, be sure to check our list of the Latest Tracfone Smartphones.

Top 10 Tracfone Android Smartphones in 2025

1. Motorola Edge 2025 (Coming Soon)

Expect some impressive specs for the Edge 2025 with a 6.7" PoLED display for excellent visuals, 256GB internal storage and a flexible camera array (wide, telephoto, ultrawide). The Edge will also feature stereo speakers, wireless charging, IP68/69 rating, and 5G across multiple bands. Plus, Motorola tends to offer near-stock Android with timely updates, making this a future-ready option for Tracfone users that will come with Android 15.

More information and where to buy coming soon.

2. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

The Galaxy A36 5G doesn’t just impress with its bright AMOLED display and solid Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, it also brings a beautiful design and a slick glass Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back. Content lovers will appreciate the 6,7" full HD always-on display, while gamers benefit from the smooth 120Hz refresh. The 45W fast charge gets you to 66% in just 30 minutes, making it practical for busy users. Camera performance is also quite good for a phone in this price range, and the A36 features 4K video recording capabilities.

Get all the details in our Review of the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

3. Moto G Stylus 2025

With a bright 6.7" full HD screen, Snapdragon processor (same as the A36) and 8GB RAM, the Stylus offers good performance and plenty of upgrades. Its stylus supports handwriting-to-text, quick sketches, and remote camera shutter control. IP68 durability keeps it safe during commutes or coffee shop spills. And with 128GB of storage and expandable microSD support, you’ll have ample room for apps, media, and stylus creations.

Learn more in our Moto G Stylus 2025 Review

4. Motorola Edge 2024

This model bridges premium and mid-range with an OLED display, multiple camera sensors (including telephoto), and fast 30W charging. It also supports wireless charging and includes NFC for mobile payments. Motorola’s near-stock Android offers a clean user experience, and the build quality, with IP68, delivers peace of mind for everyday use. While it was rereleased in 2024, it still offers solid performance and could be considered if available at a discounted price point.

View the Motorola Edge 2024 on the Tracfone Website

5. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G

The Galaxy A26 5G gives you Samsung’s signature Super AMOLED display with enhanced color accuracy, a competent MediaTek processor, and reliable dual-camera performance for daily snapping. It also comes with 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage and 25W charging speed. Samsung’s One UI brings handy extras like Edge Panels and Knox security. You’ll also get NFC for contactless transactions and Samsung’s excellent long-term update policy.

Learn more in the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Review

6. Moto G Power 2025

The latest version in the lineup, the 2025 Power has a 6.8" full HD screen, 128GB internal storage, 8GB RAM and a MediaTek Processor. The 5000 mAh battery easily powers through a full day with moderate usage, and 30W fast charging plus wireless charging means minimal downtime. Its rugged IP68/IP69 rating and MIL-STD compliance stand up to outdoor use or accidents, and are features somewhat rare at this price point. Additional features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Android 15.

For more information, see our Moto G Power 2025 Review

7. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

Offering solid value, the Galaxy A16 includes a 6.7" screen with Samsung’s vibrant Super AMOLED 90Hz display, a Exynos 1330 processor with 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage. You’ll get expandable storage via MicroSD card, NFC, and Samsung Pay compatibility. The A16 also includes a reliable triple-camera setup and \25W charging for the 5,000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A16 5G offers a lot of potential for budget performance and longevity at a reasonable price.

Learn more in our Review of the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

8. Moto G 2025 (128GB)

As Motorola’s entry-level option for 2025, the Moto G gives you 5G capability, a big 6.7" 120Hz display, and a 50 MP camera, all while staying under $100 from Tracfone. The eco-leather back adds grip, and storage can go big with 128GB internal, and an external microSD card slot. The MediaTek processor and 4GB RAM are adequate enough for most daily tasks and the 5000 mAh battery will easily last a full day with a single charge. There are two versions, one with 64GB and the other with 128GB internal storage, so be sure to note which option may be best for you.

Learn more about the Moto G 2025 in our review.

9. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

A polished mid-range pick, the A35 delivers on all fronts: Samsung’s vibrant AMOLED, dependable Exynos chip, and 4 years of OS updates. IP67 durability, stereo sound, and a premium camera system shine. Samsung extras with One UI include Knox security add real world value for users looking for a phone that retains freshness over years. The A35 5G was released in 2024, leading to the lower position on this list but good deals can still be found making it an attractive option for some users.

Get the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G on the Tracfone website

10. Moto G Stylus 2024

While older (form 2024), this model remains relevant, with its built-in stylus, spacious display, and long battery. It’s targeted at creatives and note-takers with its handwriting conversion tool. Modern additions like 5G, 50 MP rear camera, and water-resistant design make it a good buy for those wanting stylus functionality without a premium price tag. The 2024 Stylus also features a Snapdragon processor, 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage.

View the Moto G Stylus 2024 on the Tracfone website

That concludes our list of the top 10 Android Tracfone Smartphones for 2025. Leave a comment below with any thoughts or questions. More phones are coming, and we will continue to update this list!

Join our Facebook page where we post the latest news, deals and other information. Plus, if you have specific questions you can send us a message.

If you're new to Tracfone, Start Here with our beginners guide. Also take a look at our Guide to Activating or Transferring a Tracfone Smartphone for tips and a step by step list.

Take a look at the Latest Deals and Sales on Tracfone devices and also our Tracfone Promo Code page!

Finally, learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting!

Verizon Seeks to Change Unlocking Policy for Tracfone Customers

2025-06-02T19:47:00.002-05:00

Verizon Asks FCC to Change Current 60-Day Unlock Rule | What That Means for Tracfone Customers

If you’ve bought a Tracfone recently and planned to unlock it after 60 days, there might be some changes coming your way. Verizon, which owns Tracfone, is asking the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for permission to ditch the rule that requires them to unlock phones after two months.

Currently, Tracfone customers benefit from one of the more consumer-friendly unlock policies in the wireless industry. Once you activate your phone, it’s automatically unlocked after 60 days of consecutive use with a paid plan—no fees, and typically no additional steps required. But Verizon wants to change that. They’re asking the FCC for a waiver so they can keep phones locked for longer, just like most other carriers who often make customers wait six months or more.

Some of the popular Tracfone locked devices include the Moto G Power 2025, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, and others. These phones are offered by Tracfone at subsidized prices and can even be found from some retailers with airtime bundles. These devices are also available factory unlocked, but that typically means a higher price, and no airtime bundles.

Verizon claims that the 60-day rule is making it easier for scammers to grab cheap phones and resell them overseas before the company recoups its costs. In fact, they say they lost hundreds of millions of dollars last year alone because of this. And Verizon is suggesting that keeping the phones locked longer would help prevent this. But the current policy already requires that phones be active and on a paid plan for at least 60 days.

The 60-day unlocking rule didn’t come out of nowhere. Verizon agreed to it when it bought Tracfone back in 2021, along with a number of other rules meant to help protect consumers. In exchange, they got FCC approval for the deal. So for Tracfone customers, this wasn’t just a perk, it was a promise. Now, Verizon is trying to undo that promise, and the FCC’s recent leadership changes may give them a shot.

If the FCC grants Verizon’s request, new Tracfone customers might be stuck with locked phones for much longer, limiting their ability to switch carriers or resell their devices. For people who count on prepaid flexibility, that might be a big deal.

While the FCC has not responded to the request, this could be an important change for anyone thinking about picking up a Tracfone in the near future. If you are planning to get a new device and may also want to switch providers, consider going with a factory unlocked phone.

For those who don't plan to switch away from Tracfone anytime soon, these developments shouldn't cause any major changes. And yet, this is a little concerning for Verizon to be pushing towards removing a policy that was beneficial for consumers.

We will continue to update as more information becomes available.

Join us over on Facebook for the latest news and posts or send us a message for more direct help questions.

If you are new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide!

If you're shopping around for other plans, take a look at the Best Alternatives to Tracfone.

Take a look at some of our recent posts, including a Guide for Making your Airtime Last Longer and Everything you Need to Know about Data Cards.

And don't miss out on the best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales!

Thanks for visiting!

Moto G Power 2025 VS Samsung Galaxy A16 5G - Tracfone Comparison

2025-05-16T15:17:00.003-05:00

Moto G Power VS Samsung Galaxy A16 5G - Budget Tracfone Showdown

Samsung and Motorola are two of the best options when it comes to budget phones available from Tracfone. And this year is no exception with both companies offering competitive options under $200.

The Moto G Power 2025 offers a number of high-end features including wireless charging and stereo speakers, and even has some impressive durability ratings.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a little more affordable, and offers an impressive camera setup and long-term software support.

So which capable mid-range phone is the best option from Tracfone? Well they both cater to different needs. In this post, we’ll break down the specs, features, pros, and cons of each phone to help you decide which one is right for you. And for all the new phones, visit our Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones.

Moto G Power 2025 VS Samsung Galaxy A16 5G | Budget Smartphone Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A16 5G	Moto G Power 2025
Display	6.7" Super AMOLED, 90Hz, FHD+ (1080 x 2340)	6.8" IPS LCD, 120Hz, FHD+ (1080 x 2400)
Processor	Exynos 1330	MediaTek Dimensity 6300
RAM	4GB	8GB
Storage	128GB + microSD	128GB + microSD
Rear Cameras	50MP (main) + 5MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (depth)	50MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide)
Front Camera	13MP	16MP
Battery	5000mAh, 25W wired charging	5000mAh, 30W wired + 15W wireless charging
Operating System	Android 14	Android 15
Software Support	Up to 6 OS upgrades	2 OS upgrades
Build & Durability	Plastic body, IP54 dust/water resistant	IP68/69 dust/water rating, MIL-STD-810H compliant
Fingerprint Sensor	Side-mounted	Side-mounted
Speakers	Mono	Stereo with Dolby Atmos
Headphone Jack	No	Yes
Price (Tracfone)	~$149	~$169

Moto G Power 2025 - Pros

Full HD+ resolution with a faster 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother experience
8GB of RAM, which is rare at this price and helps with multitasking
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for better sound quality
Wireless charging support (15W) and 30W wired charging
Durability features like IP68/69 waterproof and dust proof and MIL-STD-810H testing

Cons

Software support is shorter than Samsung’s (typically only 2 years)
Camera quality is average, especially in low-light conditions
Higher price point than the A16 5G

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G - Pros

Samsung’s extended software support, including 6 OS updates
Full HD+ SuperAMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate
Slightly lower price, making it more accessible for budget-conscious users
Reliable One UI experience with a user-friendly interface
Good daylight camera performance with the 50MP main sensor

Cons

Only 4GB RAM, which limits performance with multiple apps
Mono speaker and no Dolby Atmos support
Slower 25W charging and no wireless option

Final Thoughts

Both the Moto G Power 2025 and the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G are excellent budget options—but they shine in different ways.

Choose the Moto G Power 2025 if you want better performance, faster charging, stereo sound, and a sharper display. It’s ideal for users who stream content, multitask, or want extra durability.

Go with the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G if you’re looking for a more affordable device with longer software support and a trusted brand experience.

No matter which one you choose, both are solid upgrades for those coming from older budget phones like the Moto G Play or Galaxy A03s.

Motorola has two other options from Tracfone that come at different price points. The Moto G 2025 is less expensive, and has a few downgrades but still offers a good experience for light users. For a more powerful device, the Moto G Stylus has a number of improvements over the Power, including the processor, screen and camera. The Stylus comes in a little over $200 but may be worth the upgrade for some.

Samsung also offers several other options on Tracfone that are new for 2025. The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is newly available and brings a few upgrades on the A16 including a better processor and more RAM. And the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G delivers even more upgrades, including an improved processor, stereo speakers, glass front and back, and more. Both the A26 and A36 come with a higher price point.

Tell us about your experiences and share any questions in the comments below, or head over to our Facebook page to join the conversation!

For more on the basics of Tracfone, visit our Beginners Guide and also read our 7 Tips and Tricks to Save Money with Tracfone

Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100!

Finally, learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Tracfone Review

2025-05-14T20:12:00.002-05:00

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A26 5G - Features, Specs and Review

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is a newly released mid-range smartphone now available through Tracfone. It delivers a high-quality AMOLED display, long battery life, and solid performance at a competitive price point. While it may not offer all the premium features of its higher-end siblings, it provides great value and the trusted Samsung experience.

Samsung's 2025 A series devices include a wide range of phones, with the A26 5G falling between the A36 and A16 in terms of specs and price. All three are now available from Tracfone at lower prices compared to the unlocked price.

Tracfone has released a number of new phones for 2025 already, and we’ll compare the A26 to some of the other popular options, including the A36 5G, A16 5G, and the Moto G Power 2025. Keep up with all the new phones in our Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones.

Let’s begin with the pros and cons.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Pros:

Bright 6.7" Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
IP67 dust and water resistance
Expandable storage via microSD
Reliable performance with the Exynos 1380 processor
Excellent software support with six years of Android updates

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Cons:

Only 6GB RAM
Only 25W wired charging
No wireless charging
No headphone jack

While the A26 5G doesn’t offer many premium features, it brings a modern design, expandable storage, and long-term software support—all at a price that makes it very appealing.

The phone settles very comfortably between Samsung's other A series offerings, with a few upgrades over the A16, and a few shared features with the A36, but a lower price. If the A26 has the features you are interested in, it is worth a closer look.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Features and Specs:

Display: 6.7" SuperAMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~385 ppi)
Processor: Exynos 1380 Octa-core
RAM & Storage: 4GB/6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage + microSD support
Operating System: Android 15, One UI 7, 6 major Android upgrades
Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
Front Camera: 13MP (wide)
Battery: 5000mAh, 25W wired charging
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Durability: IP67 dust/water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus+
Audio: Loudspeaker, no headphone jack

Additional features from Tracfone include LTE/5G network access on Verizon's network, no-contract service, data carryover and a variety of flexible plans. When purchasing a Tracfone device, it comes locked to Tracfone, but is automatically unlocked after two months. Follow our Guide to Unlocking your Tracfone Smartphone if you run into any issues.

A big benefit of purchasing the Galaxy A26 5G from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is significantly lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Review

Design and Build

The Galaxy A26 5G features a premium look and feel, with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and back and a plastic frame. At 200g, it’s a little bit heavier than most devices, like the A36, but still relatively slim and comfortable. The IP67 rating offers dust and water protection, making it durable enough to keep up with daily use and small accidents, but we don't recommend putting it to the test.

Unlike the A36, the A26 includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor rather than an in-display option. There's no headphone jack, continuing Samsung’s 2025 trend across its lineup of removing this feature, and the A26 has just a single speaker. Motorola, by contrast, has included a headphone jack on their Moto G phones as well as stereo speakers.

Display

Samsung’s 6.7" SuperAMOLED display on the Galaxy A26 is a standout feature in this price segment. With a 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution, and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, it delivers smooth visuals and vibrant colors. Both the pixel density (~385 ppi) and screen to body ratio (~86.7%) lead to a nice crisp display with limited bezels on the edges of the screen.

While not quite as bright as the A36 5G, the display is still crisp and highly responsive which makes it great for all kinds of media consumption.

Compared to the Galaxy A16 5G, the A26 offers the same screen size and resolution but benefits from the higher refresh rate and better build quality.

Whether you're streaming videos, browsing, or gaming, the SuperAMOLED display provides one of the best screens in this price range and is one of the things Samsung is well known for.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Exynos 1380, the Galaxy A26 5G handles daily tasks and light gaming fairly well. The included 6GB RAM is an improvement over the A16, but still not the best for performance and may lead to slowdowns when multitasking or running resource intensive games.

The inclusion of microSD storage expansion is a big plus over the Galaxy A36, allowing additional external storage as needed, ideal for users who store a lot of photos or videos.

On the software side, the Galaxy A26 runs Android 15 with One UI 7 and will receive six major Android updates, putting it far ahead of most competitors in terms of longevity. This level of support is rare in budget and mid-range phones but is becoming a hallmark for Samsung.

One UI 7, based on Android 15, brings a number of UI and feature enhancements to Samsung Galaxy devices, including a redesigned Now Bar, improved widgets, and a vertical app drawer. The update also focuses on AI-powered features and privacy improvements.

While the A36 and A16 will be upgraded to Android 15, only the A26 comes with it pre-installed along with One UI 7.

Cameras

The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The A26 supports 4K video at 30fps, gyro-EIS, and delivers solid photo and video performance in good lighting.

The 13MP front-facing camera also performs well for selfies and supports 1080p video recording.

While it doesn’t rival Samsung’s flagship devices, the A26’s camera system is more than capable for social media, family photos, and video calls. Samsung's phones are well known for offering better than average cameras, and the A26 is no exception.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy A26 is powered by a 5000mAh battery, which easily provides a full day of use for most users. To fill up the large battery, 25W wired charging is available, which is typical for this price range. However, the Moto G Stylus 2025 offers up to 68W charging speeds with only a slightly higher price.

There’s no wireless charging for the A26, or any of the Galaxy A series devices for 2025, while that is a feature included on several Motorola phones, like the 2025 Power and Stylus.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is a well-balanced mid-range phone that brings a few premium features, like a vibrant display, durable glass construction, and long software support, to a more affordable package. It’s a particularly good fit for Tracfone users looking for a modern device with expandable storage, solid performance, and future-proof software.

It doesn't really stand out in any spectacular ways, but also doesn't have any major drawbacks that would keep us from recommending it.

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Comparison:

While the A36 5G outperforms the A26 in several areas, such as faster charging, a better processor (Snapdragon 6 Gen 3), brighter display, and in-display fingerprint sensor, the A26 adds back a microSD card slot and still includes a comparable screen and IP67 durability. The A36 is a better pick for performance, but the A26 is more budget-friendly while retaining most of what makes Samsung’s A-series appealing.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Comparison:

Compared to the Galaxy A16, the A26 is a clear upgrade in nearly every category. It offers a faster screen refresh rate, improved camera, better processor, and more RAM. It also has better materials and display protection, as well as IP67 durability rating. For those deciding between the two, the A26 is worth the extra investment if your budget allows, but comes in around $50 more expensive.

Moto G Power 2025 Comparison:

The Moto G Power 2025 offers more RAM, faster charging, wireless charging, and better durability. However, it lacks the A26’s AMOLED display, longer software support, and refined design. If you prefer a tougher phone with wireless charging, headphone jack and stereo speakers, the Power is a strong pick. But for a better display, faster processor and longer lifespan, the A26 is the winner.

Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G

Get the Tracfone version (phone only) of the Galaxy A26 5G for $199 on Tracfone’s website.

For the Unlocked version, check Amazon or Samsung’s official store

Get the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G User Manual to learn more about the device and how to setup your phone.

That concludes our review of the Galaxy A26 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions.

If you are new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide!

Join us over on Facebook for the latest news and posts or send us a message for more direct help questions.

If you're shopping around for other plans, take a look at the Best Alternatives to Tracfone.

Take a look at some of our recent posts, including a Guide for Making your Airtime Last Longer and Everything you Need to Know about Data Cards.

And don't miss out on the best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales!

Thanks for visiting!

Moto G Stylus 2025 Tracfone Review

2025-05-08T20:09:00.002-05:00

Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2025 (XT2517V) Smartphone Review

With a vivid 6.7" AMOLED display, Stereo speakers, fast charging speed, and some of the more impressive specs seen in a Moto G phone to date, the new Stylus is an exciting new phone available both unlocked and from Tracfone.

As the latest flagship in Motorola's affordable G-series lineup, the 2025 Stylus is available from Tracfone at a subsidized price which makes it even more enticing. The Stylus lineup has been very popular over the years for both the solid, mid-level features as well as the built-in stylus.

Tracfone has released a number of new budget phone options in 2025, including the Moto G Power and Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, and we will compare the new Stylus to these phones. Keep up with all the new devices in our latest list of Tracfone Smartphones.

Let’s dive into the details and see what it offers.

Moto G Stylus 2025 Pros:

Large AMOLED display with 1220p resolution
Excellent durability ratings
68W wired and 15W wireless charging
4K video recording (front and rear)
8GB RAM and microSD card support
Stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack

Moto G Stylus 2025 Cons:

Only two major Android updates
Battery can drain quickly
Only 128GB storage on Tracfone version

Motorola has included a number of good features with the 2025 Stylus including the upgraded screen which has exceptional brightness for a phone in this price range. Along with that we see wireless charging, 4K video recording and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Moto G Stylus is still held up by Motorola's limited update policy of just 2 major OS updates, as some users may want to keep a device for more than a couple years. And it also appears that the Tracfone version of the Stylus only includes 128GB storage, while the unlocked has 256GB.

Let's take a look at all of the features for the new Stylus.

Moto G Stylus 2025 Features and Specs:

Display: 6.7" pOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712 pixels (~444 ppi), HDR, Gorilla Glass 3

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm)

RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSDXC (dedicated slot)

Operating System: Android 15, with two major Android upgrades

Main Camera: 50MP (wide, OIS) + 13MP (ultrawide)

Front Camera: 32MP (wide), 4K video support

Battery: 5000mAh, 68W wired charging, 15W wireless charging

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E (tri-band), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, Nano-SIM + eSIM

Security: Under-display optical fingerprint sensor

Durability: IP68 water and dust resistant, MIL-STD-810H compliant

Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm headphone jack, Hi-Res audio (24-bit/192kHz)

Special Feature: Built-in stylus with stylus apps support

A big benefit of purchasing the Moto G Stylus from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is significantly lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Moto G Stylus 2025 Review

Design and Build

This year’s Stylus model features a premium eco-leather back, Gorilla Glass 3 front, and a durable plastic frame. It comes with an IP68 rating and meets MIL-STD-810H compliance, making it much tougher than earlier models. These durability ratings offer peace of mind to protect the phone from accidents, and should probably not be put to the test.

Stereo speakers are a nice feature in this price range, and a big surprise is the 3.5mm headphone jack. The Moto G Power 2025 also includes both of these features, as well as similar design and durability ratings.

At 191g, the phone feels solid but still comfortable in hand. The built-in stylus has a space in the bottom of the device, and Motorola includes several useful apps optimized for stylus use.

For security, the phone includes a in-screen fingerprint sensor.

Display

The standout feature is the 6.7" pOLED display with a crisp 1220 x 2712 resolution (~444 ppi) and fast, 120Hz refresh rate. With support for HDR and measured brightness over 1800 nits, it easily competes with premium smartphones when it comes to viewing experience.

Compared to the 720p display on the standard Moto G, this is a major leap in both sharpness and vibrancy, and outperforms most phones in this price range.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G also includes a beautiful screen, but has a lower resolution compared to the Stylus.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Moto G Stylus 2025 uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This combination provides excellent responsiveness for daily use, multitasking, and even moderate gaming. The Snapdragon processor is a mid-level chip, with a balance between performance, efficiency and cost.

Storage can also be expanded with a microSD card, which is a big plus for most users, and something we don't always see included on new phones.

Running Android 15 out of the box, Motorola promises two major OS upgrades. While that’s good for a budget phone, it still trails Samsung’s much longer update policy. Motorola also includes 3 years of security updates. This basically gives the Stylus a roughly 3 year lifespan, as once security updates stop, the phone begins to be more vulnerable to potential security issues.

The Moto G Stylus is very comparable to the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G (also available from Tracfone) and they share the same processor, while the Stylus incudes 2GB more RAM compared to the A36, which is a noticeable improvement for multitasking.

Cameras

The Stylus comes with a dual rear camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens. Photos are detailed and sharp, with improved low-light performance. While the cameras are a step up from other Motorola budget devices, they still don't keep up with what Samsung, Google and Apple are achieving in terms of camera performance. The A36 from Samsung comes with improved camera performance at a similar price point.

We do get 4K video support on the Stylus, for both the front and rear sensors, and this is a feature not found on other Moto G series devices.

The 32MP front camera is one of the best in Motorola’s budget line, and does an adequate job capturing good selfies and videos. For creative users, this is a good option from Tracfone, although Samsung's offerings are generally an improvement.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5000mAh battery delivers reliable all-day use, and Motorola now includes 68W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging support. This makes the Stylus 2025 one of the fastest-charging budget phones available.

While Motorola claims up to 30 hours battery life, but real world tests are showing much less. This is likely due in part to the extra bright high resolution screen which will sap the battery quickly. Fortunately, both the fast wired charging and available wireless charging will make it easy to keep topped up.

Final Thoughts

For Tracfone users wanting a 'premium' experience at a lower price, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is a great upgrade. It offers a sharp, vibrant display, good cameras, fast charging, and a durable build, along with the added utility of a stylus.

It's a big step up from the standard Moto G or even the Moto G Power, especially for users who want more performance, and creative features. That being said, the Moto G Power includes many of the same features, at a more reasonable price.

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, the Stylus 2025 stands out with its built-in stylus, rugged IP68 and MIL-STD-810H durability, wireless charging, and high-quality 6.7" display with 1220p resolution. The A36 also features an impressive 6.7" SuperAMOLED display, but only at 1080p resolution. For performance, both phones have the same Snapdragon processor, but the Stylus includes 2GB more RAM, and the option for external storage. The Galaxy A36 beats out the Stylus with longer software support (likely 4 years of OS updates), a sleeker design with Samsung’s ecosystem integration, and a more refined camera experience, though it lacks stylus input and wireless charging. Both have strong performance and displays, but the Moto G Stylus offers a few specific features some users may want, and has a lower retail price from Tracfone, while the A36 focuses on long-term reliability and user experience.

While its price is higher than many Tracfone devices, it delivers excellent value and features, especially for the price from Tracfone.

Where to Buy the Moto G Stylus 2025

Get the Tracfone version (phone only) of the Moto G Stylus 2025 from Tracfone for $219.

For the Unlocked version of the Moto G Stylus, shop on Amazon starting at $399

Overall, the 2025 Stylus is a well-rounded budget smartphone that offers a handful of high-end features at a reasonable price. It’s a great option for Tracfone users as the subsidized price is significantly lower than the unlocked version.

Get the Moto G Stylus User Manual to learn more about the device and how to setup your phone.

That concludes our review of the Moto G Stylus. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions.

Tracfone Latest Phones 2025 - List of New Tracfone Smartphones

2025-05-01T06:30:00.005-05:00

New Tracfone Smartphones - List of New Phones from Tracfone in 2025

Welcome to TracfoneReviewer, a blog about prepaid cell phones from Tracfone!
Tracfone releases a lot of new phones every year, and it can be hard to keep track of what is new, and what has already been around for a while.

When shopping for a new phone, we all want to know which phones were recently released, as these usually have the best features.

This list contains the latest phones released by Tracfone and we will continue to update as new phones are released each month as we get into 2024.

We will include brief descriptions of each new phone, and links to additional information. You can also visit our Cell Phone Reviews page for our latest reviews of new phones..

New Phones Coming in 2025

Several new high end phones may be coming to Tracfone including the iPhone 15, Samsung S23 5G, and more. We will be adding any information as soon as it is confirmed! See our recent post on 5G Coverage Maps and Compatible Phones.

Here are some of the possibilities we might see this year:

Motorola razr 2025 (XT2553V)
Nokia G400 5G (N1530DL)

We don't always know when some of these phones will be released, but will share as soon as they are. Now let's look at the phones Tracfone has recently released.

Tracfone Latest Phones for 2025

Below are the latest phones released by Tracfone to use on their prepaid network. This list has the newest phones first, followed by older devices.

Motorola Edge 2025 (XT2519V)

The 2025 Edge is a powerful flagship-level phone available through Tracfone, featuring a 6.7" P-OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an impressive peak brightness of 4500 nits. It’s built tough with IP68/IP69 water resistance, Gorilla Glass 7i, and MIL-STD-810H durability standards. Under the hood, it runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, delivering fast performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The triple rear camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera, while the 50MP front camera offers good selfie capabilities, all supported by 4K video recording. Rounding out the package are stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, and Android 15. The Edge packs a lot of good features into a reasonable price from Tracfone at $219.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is a mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value through Tracfone, delivering a vibrant 6.7" Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. It’s powered by the Exynos 1380 processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The phone features a capable triple camera system (50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, and a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging. Built with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, the A26 balances durability with style. It comes with Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 7, and is guaranteed six years of Android updates—making it a smart, long-term choice for Tracfone customers who want a reliable and modern Android device without breaking the bank. Learn more about the Galaxy A26 5G in our review

Moto G Stylus 2025
With a 6.7-inch pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1220 x 2712 resolution, the Moto G Stylus delivers vibrant visuals. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and equipped with 8GB RAM, it ensures smooth performance. The device comes with a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, along with a 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies. Its built-in stylus enhances productivity, allowing for precise note-taking and sketching. Additional features include IP68 water and dust resistance, 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, and a 5000mAh battery. Running on Android 15, the Moto G Stylus 2025 offers a comprehensive package for users seeking versatility and performance and you can learn more in our full review.

TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G
Newly available from Tracfone in 2025, this budget Android 14 smartphone from TCL combines performance, large display , and 5G connectivity at an affordable price. It sports a 6.78-inch IPS LCD with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and TCL’s unique NXTPAPER technology for a paper-like viewing experience. It has the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage (expandable via microSD), and delivers efficient multitasking and decent everyday performance. The triple rear camera setup features a 50MP main lens, ultrawide and depth sensors, while a 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. The 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G one of the more competitive TCL phones we've seen, but it lacks a dedicated update policy and the brand is not known for the best reliability. It retails for $119 on the Tracfone Website.

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
The A36 5G features a sleek design with a 6.7" full HD display, durable glass back and IP67 water and dust resistance. Its 5,000 mAh battery supports 45W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting performance. The device is equipped with Samsung's "Awesome Intelligence" features, including Circle to Search, enhanced Object Eraser, and custom photo filters. For performance, the A36 includes a Snapdragon 6 gen 3 processor, 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. This phone is guaranteed to receive six years of OS and security updates, providing excellent longevity. Get the full specs and details in our Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review.

iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e brings many of the same features as the iPhone 16, but with a lower retail price. Offering a 6.1-inch OLED display and a durable aluminum body. It features a 48MP Fusion camera system capable of capturing high-resolution photos and 4K Dolby Vision videos, along with a 12MP front-facing camera. The device supports 5G connectivity, eSIM, and includes safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. Battery life is also quite good, with up to 26 hours of video playback. The iPhone 16e is newly available for 2025, and the price is $599 for the 128GB model on the Tracfone website. The 16e is also available unlocked at the same price, so we would recommend going with that instead.

Motorola Edge (2024)

The Motorola Edge offers a premium design with a curved pOLED display and leather back. Its 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor provides efficient performance. The device features a versatile camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, complemented by a 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies. With 256GB of storage and 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking and storage needs effectively. Additional features include 68W TurboPower fast charging, 15W wireless charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and NFC support. Running on Android 14, the Motorola Edge (2024) is a compelling option for those seeking a feature-rich smartphone. The Edge retails for $249 and is available on the Tracfone website.

Motorola Moto G 64GB/128GB 2025

The Motorola Moto G (2025) is an entry-level smartphone featuring a 6.7-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. The device offers 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 2MP macro lens, while the front houses a 16MP selfie camera. A 5,000mAh battery supports 30W wired charging. Additional features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC for contactless payments, and a side-mounted fingerprint reader. The Moto G (2025) runs on Android 15. Tracfone offers two versions, one with 64GB which retails for $59, and the other with 128GB which retails for $99. Learn more and find which is best for you in our Moto G 2025 Review.

Motorola Moto G Power 2025

The Motorola Moto G Power (2025) is a new budget smartphone option from Tracfone featuring a 6.8-inch IPS LCD with a 1080 × 2388 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The device includes a 5,000mAh battery with support for both wired and wireless charging. Its camera system consists of a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The phone has an IP69 water resistance rating, making it highly durable. Additional features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC for contactless payments, and Android 15. Get the full list of specs and where to buy in our Moto G Power 2025 Review.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G connectivity that is newly available from Tracfone in early 2025. It features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display and is powered by an octa-core processor (Exynos 1330). The phone has a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. It comes with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging. The device has 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1.5TB via microSD. Other features include Samsung Wallet for mobile payments and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G in our review..

iPhone 13 128GB

Newly available from Tracfone in 2024, the Apple iPhone 13 features a sleek design and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, and including 4GB RAM/128GB internal storage, it ensures smooth performance. The dual-camera system includes a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, supporting advanced photography features like Night mode and 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording. The iPhone 13 also offers 5G connectivity, improved battery life, and durable Ceramic Shield front cover, making it a versatile and reliable smartphone for everyday use. While the iPhone 13 was originally released in 2021, Tracfone is now offering it at a discounted price of $489 on the Tracfone Website.

Moto G Stylus 5G 2024

Rounding out the Motorola lineup, the 2024 Stylus offers a large, 6.7" full HD screen and detachable stylus, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and Android 14. It runs on a Snapdragon processor (same as last year's model) and has a dual rear camera (50MP and 12MP). The Stylus also comes with 5G network compatibility, NFC and a headphone jack. This device offers more performance than the Moto G Power 2024, but also comes with a higher retail price. Competitors include the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G also released in 2024. Learn more on the Tracfone website.

TCL 50 XE 5G

Another TCL smartphone available on Tracfone mid 2024, the 50 XE 5G includes 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, an octa-core MediaTek processor and 5G network access. This phone has a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth. The 50 XE 5G also has a 6.56" HD screen with 90hz fast refresh rate. This phone retails for $100, which is a price point with a lot of competitive phones from Tracfone. Get the TCL 50 XE 5G on the Tracfone website.

TCL 50 LE

Coming to Tracfone in mid 2024, the 50 LE shares many of the same features as the K24 below, but with an upgraded dual rear camera setup including 13MP main lens and 2MP depth sensor. The 6.56" screen, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage are all shared with the K24, as well as the processor. There is no NFC or 5G network access. The TCL 50 LE has a retail price of $79 and is available on the Tracfone website.

TCL K24

The K24 from TCL is a low cost device newly available from Tracfone that features a 6.56" HD screen, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and a MediaTek processor. There is no NFC or 5G network access, and just a single 8MP rear camera. The K24 can be found on the Tracfone website with a very low retail price of $40.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (S356VL)

A stunning, 6.6" full HD Super AMOLED display with 120hz refresh rate, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage and Exynos 1380 processor give the Samsung Galaxy a35 good looks and solid performance. It also features Android 14, NFC and 5G network compatibility. Where the Galaxy A25 and A15 (also available from Tracfone) missed a few key features such as IP waterproof rating and screen protection technology, those are included on the A35, but with a noticeable price increase. The Galaxy A35 shares some similarities to the Galaxy A54 from last year (including a similar price), but with a few updates. Find the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G on the Tracfone website with a retail price of $299 (more buying options likely coming soon).

BLU View 5 Pro (B170D)
With a large, 6.74" screen, 128GB storage, 4GB RAM and Android 14, the View 5 Pro is the upgraded version of the View 5 listed below. It also retails at a higher price, around $80 from Tracfone, but does not include 5G or NFC. At this price range we might suggest some other competitive options from Motorola or Samsung. Get the View 5 Pro on the Tracfone website.

BLU View 5 (B160V)

The latest in the View lineup from BLU, the View 5 has a 6.56" HD display, 3GB RAM, 64GB storage and the Helio A22 quad-core processor. This budget device does not include 5G network access or NFC, but it is available at a low price. Get the View 5 on the Tracfone website with a retail price of $29.

Moto G Power 5G 2024 (XT2415V)

A full HD 6.7" display with 120hz refresh rate, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and Mediatek Dimensity 7020 processor all suggest good performance capabilities from the new Moto G Power. Available from Tracfone in late spring 2024, the Power also includes Android 14, NFC and 5G network compatibility. The Moto G Power 5G 2024 is one of several new devices from Tracfone this year, but already looks to be one of the better options. It is available on the Tracfone website with a retail price of $169 but we expect more options (and better prices) soon.

Moto G 5G 2024 (XT2417V)

The Moto G 5G has a 6.6" HD screen, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 octa-core processor. This phone could be considered the cheaper alternative to the 2024 Power, with a little less performance, but still NFC and 5G network compatibility. The Moto G also includes dual rear cameras, Android 14 and 5,000 mAh battery. Find the Moto G 5G on the Tracfone Website for $99 but we expect more buying options soon.

Moto G Play 2024 (XT2413V)

With a 6.5" HD screen, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and Snapdragon 480 4G processor, the 2024 Moto G Play became available from Tracfone in the spring of 2024 and offers improved performance at a very reasonable price. The phone also features Android 13, a single 50MP rear camera, and IP52 dust and water protection. While it does not include 5G network capability or NFC, it does have a long battery life and retails for just $49. Learn more about the Moto G Play 2024 in our review.

TCL 40 XE 5G (T609DL)
This affordable smartphone comes with a 6.56" HD touchscreen, 64GB internal storage, 4GB RAM and the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor (the same processor as the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G). The TCL 40 XE comes with 5G network capability and runs on Android 13. There is also a triple rear camera setup, and a large, 5,000 mAh battery with 18W wired charging. TCL's 40 XE 5G is available for $99 from Tracfone. We would also suggest considering the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G which is just a little more, but includes a much better software and security update policy.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (S156VL)

The A15 follows the popular Samsung A14 from last year, and has plenty of new features including a 6.5" full HD super AMOLED 90hz screen. It also comes with 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, triple rear camera setup and the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor which is a nice improvement over the previous model. It has a retail price of $169 and includes NFC and 5G network compatibility. See the full features and specs in our Samsung Galaxy A15 5G review.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (S256VL)

The Galaxy A25 brings a 6.5" full HD super AMOLED screen with 120hz refresh rate to Samsung's 2024 budget phone lineup that will be available from Tracfone. It also features the Exynos 1280 processor (the same processor as the Galaxy A53), 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage and triple rear camera setup. It shares a number of similarities to the Galaxy A15 5G, with a few upgrades. The Galaxy A25 5G includes NFC, Android 14, and Bluetooth 5.3. This device will retail for $219, and is available from Walmart and coming soon to the Tracfone website.

Tracfone Smartphones Released in 2023

TCL 40 T (T608DL)

Newly available from Tracfone in late 2023, the TCL 40 T offers a balance of features and price. It comes with a large, 6.75" screen, 13MP triple rear camera setup, 4GB RAM, and Octa-core processor. It has just 32GB internal storage, and uses the same processor as the Moto G Power 2022, and Moto G Play 2023 (both are available for a lower price). The 40 T retails for $119, and view more information on it on the Tracfone website.

TCL Ion V (T607DL)

The ION V from TCL, also known as Alcatel, brings a 6" display, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage and runs Android 12. A single 8MP rear camera with flash on the back, and 3,000 mAH battery are not the most exciting features. The Ion V does have a rather low retail price, which might be the biggest selling point. View the TCL Ion V on the Tracfone website.

BLU View 4 (B135DL)

With a 6" screen, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage and quad-core processor, the View 4 is an ultra budget phone that has a few modest upgrades over the View 2. The main feature on the View 4 is the low retail price, just $30 from Tracfone. See the full list of specs in our Review of the BLU View 4.

BLU View Speed 5G (B1550VL)

A budget smartphone with 5G network capability, the Blu View Speed 5 is newly available from Tracfone in late 2023 and features a 6.5" HD screen, 64GB internal storage, 4GB RAM, 13MP rear camera and Android 12. It uses the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, which is a little outdated, but the same processor in the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. Find out more in our Review of the Blu View Speed 5G

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (S546VL)

Featuring a stunning 6.4" full HD Super AMOLED touchscreen with rich, vibrant colors, the Galaxy A54 5G brings several high-end specs to a mid-priced phone. It also has 128GB storage, 6GB RAM, an octa-core processor and triple rear camera setup. Samsung has included Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front and back of the phone, and IP67 water and dust rating for up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The A54 is a great replacement from the previous model, the A53, and has a upgraded processor. Get all the new features and more in our review of the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G.

Moto G Power 5G 2023 (XT2311DL)
The last in a trio of Motorola devices, the Moto G Power 5G has a 6.5" full HD 120hz screen, Dimensity 930 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage and runs Android 13. It also comes with a triple rear camera setup and large, 5,000 mAh battery. What's most impressive about the 2023 Power is the $119 price on the Tracfone website at this time, especially considering the solid features on this phone. The Power outperforms both the Stylus and Play, and even offers 5G network capability. Learn more in our Review of the Moto G Power 5G.

Moto G Stylus 2023

Newly Available from Tracfone in mid 2023, the Moto G Stylus 2023 is a budget focused smartphone marketed as 'the cheapest phone with a stylus'. It features a 6.5" screen with 90hz refresh rate that is just 720x1600 resolution, a downgrade from previous models. For performance, there is 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, and the MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor. There is no 5G network capability, or NFC on this phone (a version with 5G is expected soon) and it has just a dual-rear camera setup with a main, 50MP camera. While the 2023 Stylus is a downgrade in features and specs compared to previous models, it also comes at a lower retail price of $150. Shop the Moto G Stylus 2023 on the Tracfone Website.

Google Pixel 6a

One of the best unlocked smartphones for under $500 when it was first released in 2022, the Pixel 6a is now available from Tracfone at less than $300 and offers a number of high-end features for a very reasonable price. On the front is a full HD 6.1" screen that lends to a slightly smaller, but more comfortable form factor compared to many larger devices. The phone also has dual 12MP rear cameras, 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage and uses Google's Tensor processor. Find the Google Pixel 6a on the Tracfone Website.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Just released in mid-2023, the A14 is one of the best budget devices (around $100) available and comes with a 6.6" full HD screen, 50MP rear camera, octa-core processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. It also features NFC, a headphone jack, and runs Android 13. The Dimensity 700 processor it comes with is a few years old, but still offers enough performance for most games and activities, plus it supports 5G network capability. Learn more in our full review of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G.

Moto G Play 2023 (XT2271DL)

Newly available from Tracfone in mid 2023, the Play offers a 6.5" screen, octa-core processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, Android 12 and triple rear camera setup. Maybe the best feature on the updated Moto G Play is the sub $100 price. While it is not the most powerful phone, it is enough to handle typical tasks and actions. Learn more in our Moto G Play 2023 Review.

Tracfone Smartphones Released in 2022

Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) (XT2215DL)

The updated and upgraded Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 brings a large number of great features at a moderate price point. It has a 6.8" full HD touchscreen with 120hz fast refresh rate, Snapdragon octa-core processor, 6GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage. It also comes with a 50MP rear camera, stylus, and, of course, 5G network capability. The Stylus 5G is most comparable in price and features to the Galaxy A53 5G. Shop the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 on the Tracfone Website.

Moto G 5G (2022) (XT2213DL)

While we're not sure where Motorola is going with the confusing variety of names for their devices, they have produced a budget 5G capable device in the Motor G 5G (2022). It comes with a 6.5" touchscreen, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage and the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. While the processor is not particularly powerful, it does provide 5G network capability. The Moto G also has a triple rear camera and 5,000 mAh battery. The features are most similar to the Galaxy A13 5G, but the price is that of the A23 5G that is also available from Tracfone. Learn more about the Moto G 5G in our full review (and see the lowest prices).

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (S236DL)
The A23 from Samsung is a mid-level budget phone with some surprisingly great features. It comes with a 6.6" full HD touchscreen (with 120hz refresh rate), 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and Android 12. It also comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core processor which provides not only great performance, but 5G network capability (and is the same processor in the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022). With a price tag of just over $200, the Galaxy A23 5G is great option and you can learn more in our full review of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G.

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (S536DL)

The top of the line for Samsung's budget devices, the Galaxy A53 5G is newly released on Tracfone mid 2022 and comes with an Octa-core processor, 128 GB internal storage and quad rear camera. It is loaded with a variety of other great features as well including 6.5" super AMOLED 120hz touchscreen, 25w fast charging, and Android 12. Learn more about purchase form the Tracfone website.

Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL)

The next generation of a popular lineup from Motorola is now available on Tracfone in mid 2022. The Moto G Stylus 2022 offers a large, 6.8" screen, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB internal storage and runs Android 11. It also features an octa-core processor and 50 MP rear camera. Overall it is a solid device, but the processor isn't the most powerful. Learn more with our full Review of the Moto G Stylus 2022.

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (S136DL)

The Galaxy A13 features a 6.5" touchscreen, Android 11 and has 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage. It also comes with a MediaTek Dimensity Octa-core processor which gives it 5G network capability. It was first released at the end of 2021 but is newly available on Tracfone mid 2022. Find out all the info and where to buy in our Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Review.

Samsung Galaxy A03s (S134DL)

The latest ultra-budget option from Samsung, the Galaxy A03s comes with a 6.5" screen, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage and MediaTek Octa-core processor (Helio P35). It has a triple rear camera with a 13MP main shooter and 8 MP selfie camera on the front. The A03s runs Android 11 and has a long-lasting 5,000 mAh battery. Shop the A03s with airtime bundle on HSN.

Moto G Power (2022) (XT2165DL)

The Moto G Power line of smartphones from Motorola have been exceedingly popular for Tracfone users because of their excellent performance and price. Now the 2022 model version is just released and brings a 6.5" HD touchscreen, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage and 50 MP rear camera. It also features a MediaTek processor and runs Android 11. The Power is available on Amazon (although it is listed as the '2021' model, the specs and images are all for the 2022 version).

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

The A42 packs quite a lot of great features, including a 6.6" super AMOLED screen, Snapdragon Octa-core processor 128 GB storage and 48 MP triple rear camera setup. It also comes with 5G network compatibility. All this is at a fairly expensive price tag of around $500. Shop the Galaxy A42 5G on HSN with airtime bundle.

iPhone 12 Mini

While it was originally released at the end of 2020, the iPhone 12 Mini is newly available for Tracfone. The device features a small, 5.4" screen, 64 GB storage, 4 GB RAM and a dual 12 MP rear camera sensor. This device packs in the high-end features Apple's smartphones are known for and also includes 5G connectivity. View the iPhone 12 Mini on the Tracfone website.

Alcatel TCL 4X 5G (T601DL)

Another 5G capable device released at the beginning of 2022, the Alcatel TCL 4X 5G brings a 6.52" screen, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and triple rear camera system. It also has a octa-core processor and all day battery life thanks to a 4,500 mAh battery. Shop the TCL 4X 5G on the Tracfone website.

Moto G Stylus 5G (2131DL)

Newly available for Tracfone at the beginning of 2022, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a lot of performance and 5G connectivity at under $300. It comes with a 6.8" screen, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, quad rear camera setup and Android 11. For those that like a large screen and want the fastest 5G speeds, the Moto G Stylus 5G might be a great option. Shop it now on the Tracfone website. Review coming soon.

Tracfone Smartphones Released in 2021:

Moto G Pure (XT2163DL)

Just released at the end of 2021, this budget device packs all the basic necessities for a decent smartphone with a large 6.5" screen, octa-core processor, 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage. It also features Android 11. View our full review of the Moto G Pure to learn more.

Nokia G300 5G (N1374DL)

Another affordable 5G device, the Nokia G300 has a 6.5" touchscreen, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and 16 MP rear camera. It comes with Android 11 and boasts all-day battery life thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery. For those who want 5G connectivity but don't want to pay top dollar, this $200 device may be a good option. View it on the Tracfone website.

Samsung Galaxy A02s (S124DL)

A very budget friendly Samsung smartphone, the A02s has a 6.5" touchscreen, triple rear camera, octa-core processor and runs Android 10. It cuts a few corners with just 2 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage, but otherwise is a great option at under $100. Learn more about the Galaxy A02s in our Review.

Orbic Magic 5G (R678EL)

Not much is known about the brand behind this phone (Reliance) but the device features a 6.7" screen, 64 GB storage, 6 GB RAM and octa-core processor. It also comes with Android 10 and 5G connectivity. More information on this phone and brand coming soon. View on the Tracfone website.

Samsung Galaxy A32 (S326DL)

One of the most affordable 5G capable devices (and one of the only available from Tracfone at this time), the Galaxy A32 has a 6.5" touchscreen, 4GB RAM, 64 GB internal memory and a 5 lens camera system. While 5G service coverage is still limited, for those who want to get the fastest speeds on Tracfone the Galaxy A32 is one of the only options. Read our full review of the Galaxy A32 5G to learn more and see the best prices on this new device.

Samsung Galaxy A12 (S127DL)

The Galaxy A12 has a large, 6.5" screen, 32 GB internal storage, 3 GB RAM and an octa-core processor. It also features a quad-rear camera setup. Learn more about the A12 in our Review.

Alcatel TCL A3X (A600DL)

The A3X has a big, 6" display, triple rear cameras and runs Android 11. It packs a lot of great features in for the price, but the brand isn't known for the best reliability. Shop the TCL A3X on HSN.

Moto G Play (XT2093DL)

With a 6.5" touchscreen, 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage, the updated Moto G Play has great features at a low price. It also comes with a dual rear camera and octa-core processor. See the full specs and more in our Moto G Play Review.

Moto G Stylus (XT2115DL)
Think big with the Moto G Stylus that features a 6.8" FHD+ screen, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB internal storage and a 48 MP rear camera. The phone comes with a built in stylus and also features Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 678 processor and 4,000 mAh battery. For those that want a large screen and plenty of storage space, the Moto G Stylus is a great option and reasonably priced at $199 on the Tracfone website.

iPhone 11

Featuring a 6.1" HD screen, 64 GB internal storage and dual rear camera setup, the iPhone 11 offers a lot of updated features in the familiar Apple package. It also comes with iOS 15, which is the latest at this time. Currently available on the Tracfone website for $429.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR has a 6.1" screen and comes with 64 GB storage, and a 12 MP rear camera sensor. The XR is available on the Tracfone website for $350.

Samsung A21 (S215DL)

The Galaxy A21 is newly updated with a 6.5" screen, 32 GB internal storage, 3 GB RAM and Android 10. It also features a 4,000 mAh battery and a quad rear camera setup. This device is newly available in 2021 and comes as the replacement to the Galaxy A20. Find the Samsung Galaxy A21 on HSN.

Samsung Galaxy A11 (S115DL)
A mid-level smartphone from Samsung with a large, 6.4" touchscreen, the A11 also features a 13MP camera, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage and Android 10. Read our Review of the Samsung Galaxy A11 to learn more about what it offers. It became available on HSN and the Tracfone website at the end of 2020.

LG K31 Rebel (LG L355DL)
Following the popular Rebel line, the new K31 Rebel from LG comes with a 5.7" touchscreen, 32 GB internal storage, Octa-core processor and Android 10. It is a great budget option that still has a number of updated features. LG has released a trio of devices recently with varying screen sizes and price points - the LG Reflect, LG Premier Pro Plus, and now the LG K31 Rebel. View the Rebel on HSN or Amazon and take a look at our Full Review of the LG K31 Rebel.

Motorola Moto E (XT2052DL)
The Moto E, newly available for late 2020, has a 6.2" screen, Android 10, 32 GB storage and Octa-core processor. It replaces the previous model, the Moto E6, and is a budget friendly phone that still packs some great features. View the Moto E on Amazon.

Apple iPhone SE (2020)
An updated iPhone SE that features the internal specs of an iPhone 11 Pro. The SE features a 4.7" screen, 12MP camera and 64 GB internal storage. It is a great option for anyone who enjoys the Apple iOS but prefers the smaller form factor. Find the iPhone SE (2020) on the Tracfone website.

Samsung Galaxy A50
While the unlocked A50 has been available for a few months now, Tracfone has newly released the Galaxy A50 for the fall 2020 and it features a 6.4" screen, triple rear cameras, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage. It packs a lot of great features and performance in and is available for $269 on the Tracfone website. Review coming soon.

LG Reflect (L555DL)

With a large, 6.5" screen, octa-core processor, 3 GB RAM and 32 GB Storage, the LG Reflect packs some great features. It also comes with triple rear cameras and runs Android 9 Pie. Review coming soon, take a look at the Reflect on HSN for $149.

Moto G Power (XT2041DL)

The next generation in the Moto G line, the Moto G Power was released for Tracfone in the Fall of 2020 and really brings the power with a 6.4" touchscreen, octa-core processor, 64 GB internal storage and 4 GB RAM. It also features triple rear cameras and runs Android 10. Visit our Moto G Power Review for all the details and where to buy. The Moto G Power is one of our top picks for 2020.

LG Stylo 5 (L722DL)
The long awaited next generation in the popular Stylo lineup, the LG Stylo 5 comes with a 6.2" full HD touchscreen, Octa-core processor, 32 GB internal storage and Android 9 Pie. We also see an excellent 13 MP rear camera along with a built in stylus. It does only come with 2 GB RAM, which is on the low end for most new phones, and the price tag starts at $199. The LG Stylo 5 is available on HSN.

TCL (Alcatel) A2 (A507DL)

The A2 is a budget smartphone from TCL with a handful of nice specs including a 5.5" touchscreen, Android 10, 2 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage. It became available on Tracfone in mid 2020 with a retail price of $60. Get all the details and where to buy in our TCL A2 Review.

LG Premier Pro Plus (L455DL)
Just released on Tracfone in July 2020, the Premier Pro Plus has a 6.1" HD screen, 32 GB storage, 2 GB RAM, dual rear cameras and runs Android 9. It also comes with a Bluetooth 5 and a sleek, all metal design. Find out all the details and where to buy in our LG Premier Pro Plus Review.

Samsung Galaxy A20 (S205DL)
Newly available in mid 2020, the Galaxy A20 has a number of similar features to the Galaxy A10e already available from Tracfone, but also brings a large, 6.4" screen, 4,000 mAh battery, 3 GB RAM and dual rear cameras. For Samsung fans, it will be a good option to upgrade to and you can learn more about the Samsung Galaxy A20 in the Review.

Samsung Galaxy A01 (S111DL)
A budget friendly option from Samsung, the A01 has a 5.7" screen, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage and a 13 MP camera. The most interesting feature is that the A01 comes with Android 10, the latest OS, and is priced under $100. Learn more about the Galaxy A01 in our Review.

LG Classic Flip (L125DL)
A new flip phone option is now available for those looking for the simplicity and durability of these classic devices. The LG Classic Flip is a basic phone but comes with 4G LTE service on CDMA networks. It also has MMS/SMS and T9 text input. See all the Features and Specs on the LG Classic Flip to learn more.

Moto G7 Optimo MAXX (XT1955DL)
The Optimo MAXX has a large, 6.2" touchscreen, 32 GB storage, 3 GB RAM, Android 9 Pie and Octa-core processor. It also features a huge, 5,000 mAh battery for all-day, and even multi-day, performance on a single charge. First available for Tracfone in April 2020, it shares a number of features with the G7 Optimo (listed below) but brings the larger screen, more RAM and bigger battery at about the same price. Get all the details, including where to buy, in our Moto G7 Optimo MAXX review.

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
Featuring a 4.7" retina display, 12 MP camera with 4k recording, 64 GB internal storage and wireless charging, the iPhone 8 is a powerful and durable device built by Apple. First released in late 2017, it is now newly available from Tracfone in early 2020. It can be used with either GSM or CDMA service and runs Apple's iOS. Currently available on the Tracfone website.

Moto G7 Optimo (XT1952DL)
Released March 2020, the G7 Optimo has a 5.7" HD touchscreen, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, 13 MP camera, Android 9 Pie and much more. It is one of the better budget smartphones available from Tracfone at this time and you can get all the details in our Moto G7 Optimo Review. The Moto G7 Optimo MAXX was also just released, and it shares many of the same features while also giving a larger screen and bigger battery.

Moto E6 (XT2005DL)
The little brother to the G7, this Android 9.0 powered smartphone has a 5.5" HD screen, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, 13 MP camera and more. The Moto E6 was released in March 2020 and can be found on several retail sites including HSN and the Tracfone website. Look for our review soon.

BLU View 1 (B100DL)
With a large, 5.5" screen, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage and a quad-core processor, the BLU View 1 is a very affordable smartphone at just $49. It also runs Android 9.0 Pie and has a 5 MP rear camera, 2 MP front. Most of the features on this phone are not overly impressive compared to other devices, but for light users who like a large screen, the price might be right. View the BLU View 1 full review to learn more.

LG Solo LTE
The Solo from LG has a large, 5.7" HD touchscreen, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB Storage, Octa-core processor and runs Android 8.1 Oreo. Released in late 2019, it shares several similarities in terms of specs to the older, LG Rebel 4, and you can see full details in our LG Solo LTE Review.

LG Journey
Released in late 2019, the Journey comes with some nice updated features including Android 9.0 Pie and Bluetooth 5. It also has a 5.45" screen, quad-core processor, 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM. Get the full details on this phone and where to buy in our LG Journey Review page.

Samsung Galaxy J2 (S260DL)
The Galaxy J2 has a 5" touchscreen, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, Android 8.1 Oreo and a quad-core processor. It is a fairly basic smartphone available at a reasonable price (last check $79 with airtime bundle on HSN). It appears there may be two versions, one for CDMA and the other GSM. We will confirm this as soon as we can.

Samsung Galaxy A10e (S102DL)
The latest in budget smartphones from Samsung and released in the fall of 2019, the A10e replaces the Galaxy J7 Crown with a larger, 5.83" touchscreen, 32 GB internal storage and runs Android 9.0 Pie. The additional storage space compared to most of Tracfone's other devices, plus the large, beautiful display, will certainly make the A10e a popular options. The Galaxy A10e runs on CDMA networks with Tracfone. See all the details in our Samsung Galaxy A10e review.

Alcatel TCL A1X (A503DL)
Released in the fall 2019, the A1X has a 5.5" touchscreen, Quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage and runs Android 8.1 Oreo. It is not the most impressive phone based on the specs, but a large screen at a reasonable price (last check, $79 with airtime bundle via HSN). Look for more details in our review, coming soon. The Alcatel AiX runs on CDMA networks with Tracfone.

DORO (D7050TL)
The DORO is another recent flip phone release that uses 4G LTE but is not a smartphone. It has a 2.8" internal screen plus an additional 1.4" external screen. This flip phone runs on its own proprietary software and includes a 2 MP rear camera. It has a removable battery and is capable of up to 16 days on standby. Overall the DORO is best suited as a backup or emergency phone for most users. Learn more on the Tracfone Website.

Alcatel MyFlip A405DL
The MyFlip is, as the name suggest, a basic flip phone released by Tracfone for use on CDMA networks. It has 4G connectivity and basic features one would expect on a flip phone such as a 2 MP camera and a 2.8" screen. The phone will last about 18 days on standby, and is probably best suited for those looking for a backup phone. The Alcatel MyFlip is on the Tracfone website for $20.

Alcatel TCL LX A502DL
This Alcatel brand device features a 5.43" touchscreen with 18:9 ratio and 480x960 resolution along with 1.1Ghz processor and 16 GB Storage/2 GB RAM. It is relatively inexpensive for the features, at just $49 retail and often available for less, but this Android 8.1 smartphone doesn't pack a lot of performance and might be best suited to low to moderate users. Find the Alcatel TCL LX A502DL from several retailers including Amazon, Tracfone and HSN.

Motorola Moto G6
The latest budget smartphone from Motorola is now available directly through Tracfone. The Moto G6 features a 5.7" Full HD touchscreen, Octa-core processor with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal memory. It also has dual rear cameras and runs Android 8.0. Unlocked versions of the Moto G6 have been available for use with Tracfone BYOP since the phone was released but now the Tracfone version is available.

The Moto G6 is a very attractive phone at a reasonable price and visit our Moto G6 Review for full specs and features.

Samsung Galaxy J3 Orbit
Tracfone continues to update their cell phone lineup with the Galaxy J3 Orbit which has a 5" touchscreen, runs Android 8.0 Oreo and has 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM. It runs on CDMA networks (Verizon).

On paper the J3 Orbit looks a little overpriced compared to other options, and you can see the full details and specs in our Review of the J3 Orbit.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown
The latest phone in the Galaxy J7 lineup, the Crown features a 5.5" HD touchscreen, Android 8.0 Oreo and 13 MP camera. It also comes with an octa-core processor, 16 GB internal storage and 2 GB RAM.

It has a variety of improvements over the previous version, but also has a slightly higher price. Learn more and find out where to buy in our Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown Review.

LG Rebel 4 (L212VL/L211BL)
The latest version of the LG Rebel comes with a 5" screen, 1.4 Ghz quad-core processor, 8 MP rear camera, and most notably, Android 8.1 Oreo. It also features a removable battery and 2 GB RAM with 16 GB Storage.

The Rebel 4 brings modest upgrades compared to the previous version (Rebel 3) and is expected to have two versions, one for GSM and another for CDMA networks.

Learn more in our full Review of the LG Rebel 4

Moto E5 (XT1920DL)
The Moto E5 has a 5.7" screen with 18:9 screen ratio, 4000 mAh battery and runs Android 8.1 Oreo. The unlocked version was only just released in May, 2018, and now Tracfone is offering a slightly modified version as well.

The Moto E line is known for good battery life and dependable performance at a very budget friendly price.

See our full review of the Moto E5 to learn more!

LG Stylo 4 (L713DL)
Featuring the largest screen of any Tracfone device, the LG Stylo 4 has a 6.2" FHD touchscreen, 13 MP camera, octa-core processor, 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM. It also comes with Android 8.1 Oreo which has access to over a million apps on Google Play.

It is currently available for CDMA networks.

Learn more and see where to buy, with our Full Review of the LG Stylo 4 from Tracfone

iPhone 7/ iPhone 6S Plus
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 6S Plus are both available on the Tracfone website and offer high-end features at a hefty price. The iPhone 7 comes with a 4.7" screen, iOS 10, 32 GB storage and a 12 MP camera. The iPhone 6S Plus features a larger, 5.5" touchscreen, iOS 9, 32 GB Storage and 12 MP camera. Apple smartphones are well known for their impressive camera performance, and these two iPhones are no exception, with the capability of capturing excellent photos and video.

The iPhone 7 is available form Tracfone for $~~599~~ now $324
the iPhone 6S Plus is available form Tracfone for $~~399~~ now $174

LG Premier Pro (L413DL)
Stepping in right between the Rebel 3 and Fiesta 2, the LG Premier Pro has a 5.3" screen, Android 7.1, 16 GB internal storage, 2 GB RAM and a quad core processor. It shares a number of similarities with other recent phones from LG but offers a middle ground in screen size.

Learn more in our Review of the LG Premier Pro

LG Stylo 3 (L84VL)
With a lot of similar specs to the LG Rebel 3 and Fiesta 2, the Stylo 3 does stand out with a large, 5.7" touchscreen. This phone also has 16 GB storage, 2 GB RAM, a 13 MP camera, and runs Android 7.0.

Learn more in our Review of the LG Stylo 3

LG Rebel 3 (L158VL/157BL)
The LG Rebel 3 brings several updates to the popular Rebel lineup and is also one of the first new phones from Tracfone in 2018. With a 5" touchscreen, Android 7.0.1, 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM, it offers great specs for the price - which is currently $59 on HSN with an airtime bundle.

Tracfone now offers both a GSM and CDMA version of this phone. The GSM version is only available from the Tracfone Website at this time and we include a link in our review. Learn more about the LG Rebel 3 in our Review.

We will continue to add new phones as they are released.

*****

If you're new to Tracfone, Start Here with our beginners guide. Also take a look at our Guide to Activating or Transferring a Tracfone Smartphone for tips and a step by step list.

Join our Facebook page where we post the latest news, deals and other information. Plus, if you have specific questions you can send us a message.

Learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting!

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Tracfone Review

2025-04-30T19:05:00.003-05:00

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Features, Specs and Review

The Galaxy A36 5G is a sleek and powerful mid-range smartphone newly available through Tracfone in 2025. With a vivid 6.7" AMOLED display, excellent software support, and fast charging, it stands out as one of the most feature-rich options in its price category.

There are several new Samsung phones in their popular Galaxy A line for this year, including the A16 and A26, which are both already available from Tracfone, and A56 which is only available unlocked at this time.

The A36 5G is a mid-level option in Samsung's lineup, while still offering some exciting features and upgrades over last year's model. We will also be comparing it closely to the newly available Moto G Power 2025, and some other new devices from Tracfone.

Let's start this review with our pros and cons for the A36.

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Pros:

Bright and sharp AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Long battery life with 45W fast charging
Good build quality and IP67 rating
Excellent software support (6 Android upgrades)
Solid camera performance

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Cons:

No microSD card slot
Only 6GB RAM
No 3.5mm headphone jack
No wireless charging

Samsung's A36 brings a number of modern features like a bright screen, IP67 waterproof rating, fast charging speed, and the latest Android OS. But it leaves a few notable features behind, like expandable storage, or wireless charging - both of which are included in the Moto G Power 2025.

Now let's go over the full list of features and specifications.

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Features and Specs:

Display: 6.7-inch SuperAMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340 pixels
Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Octa-core processor
RAM & Storage: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (no external storage)
Operating System: Android 15, One UI 7, six major Android upgrades
Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
Front Camera: 12MP (wide)
Battery: 5000mAh, 45W wired charging
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
Security: Under-display fingerprint sensor
Durability: IP67 dust/water resistant, Gorilla Glass Victus
Audio: Stereo speakers, no headphone jack

A big benefit of purchasing the Galaxy A36 5G from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is significantly lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Design and Build

The Galaxy A36 5G features a premium design with a Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, surrounded by a sturdy plastic frame. Weighing 195g and measuring just 7.4mm thick, the phone feels slim and refined in hand, and is notably lighter than last year's model. It carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind for everyday use.

The phone does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature Samsung is leaving behind for all their devices in 2025. We do get stereo speakers which offer good performance, and it includes NFC and an in-display fingerprint reader.

By comparison, the Moto G Power 2025 has better durability and waterproof rating and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, but is slightly heavier.

Display

A major highlight is the 6.7-inch SuperAMOLED display, which boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a sharp 1080 x 2340 resolution (~385 ppi). With peak brightness reaching up to 1900 nits, this screen remains visible even under direct sunlight. The Always-On Display feature and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection round out an excellent viewing experience for the A36.

The A16 5G from Samsung offers a similar screen, but has a lower brightness rating and only 90hz refresh rate.

Whether you're streaming videos, browsing, or gaming, the SuperAMOLED display provides one of the best screens in this price range and is one of the things Samsung is well known for.

Performance and Software

Equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, the A36 delivers solid performance for multitasking, media consumption, and even moderate gaming. Its octa-core CPU and Adreno 710 GPU ensure responsive operation. The A36 comes with 6GB RAM, which may hinder the performance in some areas, and we would have liked to see at least 8GB.

There is no external storage slot for the Galaxy A36, but it does include 128GB internal storage.

For software, the phone runs Android 15 with One UI 7 and is promised six major Android updates, making it one of the longest-supported phones in this price segment. By comparison, Motorola is only offering 2 major OS updates.

The performance on the Galaxy A36 5G strikes a balance between power and versatility, and is a significant upgrade over devices such as the Moto G Power 2025 and Galaxy A16 5G.

Cameras

The triple-camera system includes a 50MP main lens with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5MP macro lens. The main camera captures detailed shots with strong dynamic range, while the ultrawide is great for landscapes. For video, the rear camera shoots up to 4k@30fps and includes gyro-EIS for smooth recordings.

The 12MP front camera captures impressive selfies and supports 4K video and HDR, offering clear images and smooth video.

Samsung devices typically have good camera performance, and the A36 is no exception, achieving good overall images and video.

Battery Life and Charging

Packing a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy A36 5G easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. Its 45W wired charging can take the battery to 66% in just 30 minutes and to 100% in about 68 minutes. While wireless charging isn’t supported, the fast wired option good to have.

The Moto G Power includes both 30W fast charging, and wireless charging. and we are a little surprised that the A36 does not include wireless charging at this price point.

Final Thoughts

For Tracfone customers looking for a high-performance smartphone with future-proof software support and a premium design, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is an excellent choice. It combines an immersive display, strong cameras, fast charging, and years of OS updates at a mid-range price.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Comparison:
Compared to the Galaxy A35 5G (last year's model), the A36 brings several meaningful upgrades: a brighter, slightly larger AMOLED display, an updated and efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, faster 45W charging (up from 25W), and extended software support with six years of Android updates. While both share a similar design and IP67 rating, the A36 edges ahead with better AI features, a refined build, and longer-lasting relevance. Plus the A36 5G is actually less expensive than the A35 5G from Tracfone at this time.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Comparison:
The A36 5G is a significant step up compared to the A16 5G, with both phones sharing a similar screen, but the A36 offering a brighter and higher refresh rate. In almost all other areas the Galaxy A36 offers upgrades over the A16, including a better processor, improved cameras, faster charging speed, stereo speakers and a more sophisticated design. The A16 is more than $100 less than the A36, which may be a factor for some users who don't need the additional features of the A36.

Moto G Power 2025 Comparison:
When looking at the Moto G Power 2025, the A36 5G excels in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and long-term software support, making it ideal for users seeking a feature-rich smartphone experience. The 2025 Power stands out with its rugged design, superior durability, and wireless charging, catering to those who prioritize resilience and battery longevity. The Power is also about $100 less expensive from Tracfone, and includes more RAM and an external storage option.

With its compelling feature set and durable design, the Galaxy A36 5G is one of the best mid-range smartphones available from Tracfone in 2025.

Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Best Deal: Get the Galaxy A36 5G with airtime bundle from HSN or QVC for around $300

Get the Tracfone version (phone only) of the Galaxy A36 5G from Tracfone for $279.

For the Unlocked version of the Galaxy A36 5G, shop on Amazon starting at $339

Get the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G User Manual to learn more about the device and how to setup your phone.

That concludes our review of the Galaxy A36 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions.

Top 10 Best Tracfone Smartphones - 2025

2025-04-14T07:00:00.005-05:00

List of the Best Tracfone Cell Phones for 2025

Everyone wants to know, what is the best Tracfone device? Which cell phones are the best options from Tracfone? There are a lot of phones available from Tracfone and we have collected our top options from the prepaid service provider below.

As you might expect, this list mostly more expensive smartphones that Tracfone has released over the last few years. But which one will receive the top pick? And where in the ranking do the rest of the phones fall?

If you would like to see all of our recent reviews, visit our Cell Phone Review page. Also keep up with new devices on our Latest Tracfone Cell Phone List.

We are judging this list of the best cell phones based primarily on features, specifications, and performance as well as feedback from consumers. These phones are all available directly from Tracfone at typically subsidized prices, but they do come locked for at least the first few months of use.

Here's the our picks for the top Tracfone smartphones in 2025:

Top 10 Best Tracfone Smartphone (2025):

iPhone 16e
Motorola Edge (2024)
iPhone 13 128GB
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
iPhone SE 3rd Generation
Moto G Stylus 2025
Google Pixel 6a
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Moto G Stylus 2024
Moto G Power 2025

While these top devices offer a lot of great features, most Tracfone users are more interested in budget friendly options with great value. Take a look at the Best Tracfone Devices Under $100 for some options.

We expect Tracfone to continue to release several new Android and Apple smartphones in 2025, including the Moto G Edge 2024 (now in our list), and the iPhone 16 and will update as needed.

Now below is a more detailed breakdown of the top five phones from our list.

Best Smartphones from Tracfone in 2025 (Top 5)

#1 iPhone 16e

Screen: 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED display (2532 x 1170 pixels)
Camera: 48MP Fusion rear camera with 2x telephoto; 12MP front camera
Storage: 128GB
RAM: 8GB
Processor: A18 chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
Operating System: iOS 18

The iPhone 16e combines the design of the iPhone 14 with the performance of the latest A18 chip, offering a 6.1-inch OLED display and a durable aluminum body. It comes with a 48MP Fusion camera system capable of capturing high-resolution photos and 4K Dolby Vision videos, along with a 12MP front-facing camera. Beyond the superiors photos and videos this device also supports 5G connectivity, eSIM, and includes safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. Battery life is good, with up to 26 hours of video playback. The iPhone 16e is available in black and white, starting at $599 for the 128GB model on the Tracfone Website.

#2 Motorola Edge (2024)

Screen: 6.6" FHD+ pOLED Endless Edge display, 144Hz refresh rate (1080 x 2400 pixels)
Camera: Dual rear cameras (50MP main + 13MP ultrawide); 32MP front camera
Storage: 256GB
RAM: 8GB
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Octa-core processor
Operating System: Android 14

Newly available from Tracfone in 2025, the Motorola Edge (2024) offers a premium design with a curved pOLED display and vegan leather back. Its 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor provides efficient performance.

The device features a versatile camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, complemented by a 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies. With 256GB of storage and 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking and storage needs effectively.

Additional features include 68W TurboPower fast charging, 15W wireless charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and NFC support. Running on Android 14, the Motorola Edge (2024) is a compelling option for those seeking a feature-rich smartphone.

The Edge has a retail price of $249 and is available on the Tracfone website.

#3 Apple iPhone 13 128GB

Screen: 5.1" Super Retina XDR OLED touchscreen (1080 x 2340 pixels)
Camera: Dual 12 MP cameras with OIS, ultrawide angle and 4K video up to 60 fps
Storage: 64 GB
Processor: A15 Bionic Chip
Operating System: Apple iOS 15

The iPhone 13 has some of the most advanced features and specs of any phone available from Tracfone, thanks in part to the A15 Bionic hexa-core processing chip. Yet it is also now several years old, and that should be a factor when considering this phone.

Photos are a major feature due to a dual 12 MP camera with wide and ultra-wide angle lenses that capture excellent images even with limited light. Video recording capabilities reach up to 4K, and are good enough for casual video production. Also included in this device are 128GB storage, iOS 15 and IP68 dust/water resistant rating.

The iPhone 13 has Apple's well known performance and high quality screen, camera and app store. While it is a top pick, the iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, and it might not be the best option for most users who may want to go with a newer device. We are expecting the iPhone 16e to be available form Tracfone soon.

The price is high for most Tracfone users, at $399 currently on the Tracfone website.

Choosing between Apple and Android is usually a matter of personal preference, as the operating systems differ quote a lot, and many users prefer to stick with one or the other. Apple offers a consistent experience with all their smartphones, but they also have a much higher price compared to Android offerings from Tracfone.

#4 Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Screen: 6.6" FHD+ Super AMOLED 120hz display (1080 x 2340 pixels)
Camera: Triple rear camera (50 + 8 + 5MP cameras)
Storage: 128 GB
RAM: 6 GB
Processor: Exynos 1380 Octa-core processor
Operating System: Android 14

Samsung offers the A35 with a host of solid features, and a number of similarities to last year's Galaxy A54. The A35 has a stunning 6.6" touchscreen with Super AMOLED technology for plenty of brightness and color vibrancy. It has 5G network compatibility, NFC, and runs Android 14 OS with 4 updates and 5 years of support from Samsung.

The A35 also has the Exynos 1380 processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage and triple rear camera setup. These are all just about the same features as the Galaxy A54 5G from last year, and it looks like Samsung has taken some of the best features from that phone and added it to the A35 with a few updates.

The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G retails for around $300 and take a look at our Galaxy A35 Review for more details and where to buy.

For a less expensive phone that is still quite capable, consider the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G.

#5 Apple iPhone SE 3rd Generation

Screen: 4.7" Retina IPS LCD Touchscreen (750 x 1334 pixels)

Camera: 12 MP wide angle camera
Storage: 64 GB
Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
Operating System: Apple iOS 15.4

The iPhone SE is on our list as a top pick from Tracfone for the good balance of performance and price. It is as close to a 'budget' smartphone as you can get with Apple but it still retains all the features and performance of an iPhone, just in a smaller size. It was released in March 2022.

The 3rd generation in the popular SE lineup brings updates and upgrades to the older iPhone models with faster processor and improved camera. It has the A15 Bionic processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage and 12MP rear camera that can shoot 4K up to 60fps.

Apple devices are well known for the combination of a great user experience and solid design. As well as an excellent camera. For die-hard Apple fans this phone is a great option. But for the average Tracfone user, there are a number of less expensive Android smartphones that are just about as capable.

The price may be the only drawback, at $399 currently on the Tracfone website.

There are newer iPhones available, including the iPhone 16 which was just released, but they are not available from Tracfone at this time.

For more options, visit the Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones.

That concludes our list of the Best Tracfone Cell Phones. For many, buying the expensive phones, like the iPhone 12, would be impractical because of the high cost. Most Tracfone users are looking for a good balance of price and features, which includes the majority of the phones from Tracfone.

Leave a comment with your thoughts, and if you enjoyed this list, take a look at our List of the Best Phones for Tracfone BYOP.

----------

We also want to share that Tracfone continues to add new phones to their lineup, and we will work to update this post as needed.

For more on the cell phones offered by Tracfone, visit our Cell Phones Review page.

Also don't forget about our most popular page, the Tracfone Promo Codes!

Finally, keep up with all the latest news and info on our Facebook page!

Thanks for visiting!

How to Unlock a Tracfone Mobile Phone (Updated 2025)

2025-04-09T05:30:00.000-05:00

Unlock Your Tracfone Mobile Phone for Free

Unlock your Tracfone smartphone for free with this guide so that you can use your phone with other carriers in the US or even internationally. TracfoneReviewer shares the requirements and a step by step guide below!

An unlocked phone makes it easy to switch between carriers, or travel to another country and insert a new SIM card to have data and service. All Tracfone smartphones are locked to Tracfone for a certain amount of time, but now it is easier than ever to get your phone unlocked!

Tracfone is well known for not allowing their phones to be unlocked (several years ago), but because of FCC rules, and a ruling against Tracfone, they are required to unlock phones from after a certain date, offer a credit towards an exchange, or offer a partial cash refund for older devices.

Here is the free and easy unlocking guide, with detailed requirements below.

Most Tracfone Smartphones Now Unlock Automatically

For all cellphones Activated on the Verizon network on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone will be remotely unlocked automatically 60 days after paid Activation and 60 days of paid active service.

This means that if you purchased a Tracfone device in the last few years, and have used it with Tracfone, it should be automatically unlocked now.

However, for devices activated before November 23, 2021, or those activated on ATT or T-Mobile, the phone must have active service for 12 months before the user can request it to be unlocked.

If you have a phone that is not on Verizon's network or was activated prior to November 2021, use the following steps to unlock your phone.

Unlock a Tracfone Cell Phone - 3 Steps:

Be aware that not all Tracfone devices can be unlocked, many of the older phones are not eligible, and can only be traded for a small cash refund. However, many phones are eligible, and these are the steps to unlock your phone:

Step 1: Contact Tracfone for Unlock Code

Go to www.tfwunlockpolicy.com and enter your phone number at the bottom of the page. You can also call 1-888-442-5102 during normal business hours, but using the web is typically much easier.

You must have had the phone active with Tracfone service for 60 days or in some cases up to 12 months to be eligible for unlocking. See full requirements below.

Step 2: Get Unlock Code and Write it Down
If your phone is eligible, you will be able to continue the process to receive an unlock code for your phone. If your phone is not eligible to be unlocked, you may need to wait a little longer, or in some cases you may still qualify for a credit towards a new phone, or a cash refund.

We tested several older Tracfone devices and while they were 'eligible' to be unlocked, Tracfone wasn't able to unlock them due to various issues, and offered instead a cash refund of $5-$15. Many of Tracfone's older devices are unable to be unlocked due to software issues.

Step 3: Insert New SIM and Enter Unlock Code When Prompted
Once you get the unlock code from Tracfone, you can purchase a SIM card from another carrier, power off your phone, switch the SIM cards, and turn it back on. You should get a notification that your phone is locked, but there should be a place for you to enter your unlock code. After the code is entered your phone will be able to use the new SIM card. You can always switch SIM cards whenever you like, just remember to turn your phone off and back on.

And that is all it takes to unlock a Tracfone prepaid device. It is a fairly easy process, if your phone is eligible. If you have questions or need help, connect with our community on Facebook.

NOTE: Some online websites offer unlocking services for a price. We do not recommend using these, they will charge you whether or not they can unlock your phone and there is no guarantee it will work.

Going through the process of unlocking a Tracfone device doesn't seem worthwhile in most cases with the huge number of unlocked devices available on the market at very low prices. Amazon, eBay and many other online retailers have plenty of unlocked phones, and if you buy older models, or refurbished phones, you can often get a great deal.

Check out our list of the Best Unlocked Phones for Tracfone to get some ideas about the great options already available.

Three Steps to Unlock a Tracfone Smartphone

Requirements for Unlocking a Tracfone Device (Updated April 2025)

There are several key requirements that you must meet in order to get your phone unlocked. Here are the requirements:

Unlocking Requirements for both Android and Apple devices:
For customers with cellphones capable of remote unlocking (this includes most iPhones and some Android cellphones):

Verizon Value will remotely unlock the phone when it becomes eligible for unlocking, provided it meets the following conditions:

The cellphone must be in working condition and turned ON.
The cellphone has not been reported stolen or lost and there are no indicators of fraud.
The cellphone was activated with Verizon Value service by purchasing and redeeming an airtime plan on that specific phone ("Activation")
For all cellphones Activated prior to November 23, 2021 on any carrier network and all cellphones Activated on the T-Mobile or AT&T networks on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone will be remotely unlocked upon customer request after twelve (12) months of active paid service.
For all cellphones Activated on the Verizon network on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone will be remotely unlocked automatically 60 days after paid Activation and 60 days of paid active service.
(Source - www.tfwunlockpolicy.com/)

For customers with cellphones NOT capable of remote unlocking: (this includes most Android cellphones for Verizon Value brands purchased prior to June of 2023):

Verizon Value will provide an unlocking code or codes to customers who request unlocking, provided the cellphones meet the following conditions:

The cellphone must be in working condition.
The cellphone has not been reported stolen or lost and there are no indicators of fraud.
The cellphone was Activated with paid service.
For cellphones Activated prior to November 23, 2021 on any carrier network and on or after November 23, 2021 on the T-Mobile or AT&T networks, the cellphone must have been active with paid service for no fewer than twelve (12) months.
For cellphones Activated with new service on the Verizon network on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone is eligible for unlocking after paid Activation and 60 days of paid active service. Notification of the phone's unlock eligibility will be sent via SMS along with a link to the website where the unlock process can be accessed.
(Source - www.tfwunlockpolicy.com/)

(You can also check if your phone is eligible by entering your phone number or serial number at the bottom of this page)

There are a lot of requirements, but for many users, your phone may be automatically unlocked after just 2 months. For some, you may need to have your phone active for 12 months with Tracfone in order to unlock it. For iPhone users, Tracfone says they will automatically unlock it when eligible, but we have not been able to confirm this.

If you have an unlocked phone, you can activate it with Tracfone BYOP. Then, if you travel to another country and need to use cell phone service, simply power off the phone, switch the SIM cards, and you are ready to use your phone in the new country. Switch the SIM cards back when you return to the US.

We hope this information has been helpful. Leave a comment below with any questions or thoughts, and also share your experiences.

We are also on Facebook, with a large community who help answer questions, share news and much more.

New to Tracfone or still trying to figure things out? Visit our Beginners Guide.

Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100

See our latest post about the Best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales including several recent smartphones with airtime bundles.

Thanks for visiting!

Motorola Moto G 2025 Tracfone Review

2025-04-01T12:35:00.005-05:00

Tracfone Moto G 2025 (XT2513V) Smartphone Review

The Motorola Moto G 2025 is an affordable 5G smartphone available from Tracfone, offering a large 6.7" display, long battery life and a price tag under $100.

The phone is newly available from Tracfone in 2025, and there are actually two versions of the Moto G - one with 64GB internal storage, and the other with 128GB.

Along with those two variants, Tracfone has the new Moto G Power 2025, which is basically the big brother to the Moto G, and offers several upgrades and improvements, as well as significant durability ratings. Keep up with all the new phones in our Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones.

Let’s take a closer look at what this device has to offer with our pros and cons:.

Moto G Pros:
-Large 6.7-inch 120Hz display
-5000mAh battery with fast charging
-Water-repellent design
-Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
-5G connectivity at an affordable price

Moto G Cons:
-720p display resolution
-Limited to two major Android updates
-Only 4GB RAM
-Camera performance is average

As with all budget friendly phones, there are compromises the manufacturer must make and the Moto G has a few drawbacks worth noting including a lower resolution screen, mediocre cameras, and modest processor performance.

Yet there are also some surprise inclusions, such as 120hz fast refresh rate screen, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, and 30W fast charging speeds. What makes the Moto G even more enticing is the lower subsidized price from Tracfone that puts it just under $100 (and even less for the 64GB version).

For a closer look at all the details, let's get into the full review.

Moto G 2025 Features and Specs:

Display: 6.7" IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604 pixels, Gorilla Glass 3
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
RAM & Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Operating System: Android 15, with two major Android upgrades
Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 2MP (macro)
Front Camera: 16MP (wide)
Battery: 5000mAh, 30W wired charging
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, NFC, Nano-SIM + eSIM
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Durability: Water-repellent design
Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm headphone jack

A big benefit of purchasing the Moto G from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is significantly lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Design and Build
The Moto G 2025 features a sturdy yet stylish build with Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front screen, a silicone polymer (eco-leather) back, and a plastic frame. At 6.8oz, it is a little lighter compared to some competitors while still providing a premium feel. The phone includes a water-repellent design to help protect against spills and light rain, though it does not have an official IP rating.

Button layout remains similar to past devices, with the popular dual power button/fingerprint reader on the side. For audio, the Moto G includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos along with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

If durability is a concern, users may want to upgrade to the Moto G Power, which features robust durability and waterproofing ratings that didn't get included with the Moto G this year.

Display
Offering a large 6.7" IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Moto G 2025 has a smooth and fluid viewing experience. However, its 720 x 1604 resolution (~262 ppi) is a step down from Full HD displays, resulting in slightly less sharp visuals if you look closely. While adequate for daily use, those seeking high-definition clarity may find the display lacking.

Tracfone recently released the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G which also comes with a 6.7" screen, but Super AMOLED technology for an upgraded viewing experience. This may be a good upgrade for those who enjoy consuming a lot of media on their device, and the A16 is only a little more expensive.

Performance and Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the Moto G 2025 delivers decent performance for everyday tasks. Its octa-core processor is paired with only 4GB RAM, and can get bogged down by gaming or intensive applications. This phone just isn't made for major gaming, but functions with minimal issues when switching between menus or operating most apps.

None of Tracfone's budget phone options are ideal for gaming or high performance, and users will need to spend significantly more if that is a priority. The Moto G Power 2025 does include twice as much RAM, which helps improve performance, but uses the same processor and still struggles running intensive games.

For storage, the Moto G comes in two variants - 64GB or 128GB internal storage with a $40 price difference. While we generally recommend the increased storage option, the phone also features up to 1TB external storage using a microSD card. Photos, videos and even some apps can be moved to the external storage to free up space on the device.

We suggest taking a look at your current phone and how much storage it has, and whether you have filled it up or not, and then determine if you need 64GB or 128GB form the Moto G.

With Android 15 out of the box and support for two major Android upgrades, users can expect some software longevity. Samsung, however, offers a much longer software update policy making it a better option for those planning to keep their phone for more than 2-3 years.

While the Moto G Power and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offer some performance improvements over the Moto G, for many users, the improvements are only slightly noticeable and to get a big performance upgrade users will have to consider devices like the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G or Moto G Stylus 5G 2025.

Cameras
The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with PDAF and OIS, capturing reasonably good images in bright lighting. A secondary 2MP macro lens is available, though it offers limited functionality. Camera quality and performance isn't usually a strength for Motorola, and the Moto G is no exception. Photos in less than ideal lighting struggle with detail and sharpness.

The 16MP front-facing camera provides decent selfies and 1080p video recording. While camera performance is respectable for its price range, the overall performance is pretty average.

Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, the Moto G 2025 can easily last a full day of usage on a single charge. Combine that with 30W wired charging, and this phone can get fully recharged in just a few hours. There is no wireless charging, with is a feature included on the Moto G Power, but that's not really a big deal for most users.

The economical processor and lower resolution screen actually help make the battery last longer than most phones, and users will likely be able to get almost two days on a full charge with light use.

Final Thoughts
For Tracfone users looking for an affordable 5G smartphone, the Motorola Moto G 2025 offers a balanced mix of performance, battery life, and essential features. While the display resolution is lower than ideal, the high refresh rate and strong battery life are nice improvements. At its price point, it serves as a very enticing option for budget-conscious consumers.

Comparing it to the Moto G Power 2025, the Moto G is less expensive, especially the 64GB version, but it can't keep up in most other categories. For under $200, the Power has a full HD screen, 8GB RAM, wireless charging and impressive water and dust resistance. Both phones share the same processor, and come with the latest Android OS.

The unlocked version of the Moto G retails for $199, which is likely to see some sales in the near future, but even with a sale, it is a little overpriced for what you get.

Tracfone's price point, especially for the 64GB version at just $59, is incredibly low for what you get with this phone and makes it a great option for replacing other aging budget phones like the Moto G Play, Pure or similar devices. For those who are willing to spend more, the Power has some nice upgrades and extra durability that may be worthwhile.

The Moto G 2025 is one of the best new smartphone options under $100. And although there are limitations, it offers great value for the features it includes, especially a handful rarely seen at this price.

Where to Buy the Moto G 2025

The Tracfone version of the Moto G 2025 can be purchased on the Tracfone website and other retailers (with airtime bundles!) and there are two versions available at different price points:

128GB Moto G on QVC for $99 (includes 1500 Talk/Text/Data Plan)

64GB Moto G on QVC for $59 (includes 1500 Talk/Text/Data Plan)

128GB Moto G on the Tracfone website for $99

64GB Moto G on the Tracfone Website for $59

We expect it to be available from more retailers in the near future.

Get the Moto G 2025 unlocked from Amazon with a retail price of $199. It is likely to go on sale in the near future.

Get the most from your phone with the Moto G 2025 User Manual.

If you are new to Tracfone, Start with our Beginners Guide!

Join us over on Facebook for the latest news and posts or send us a message for more direct help questions. You can also leave a comment below!

Don't miss our new list of 23 Pro's and Con's for Tracfone and check out the best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales!

Thanks for visiting!

Tracfone Users Experience 'Zeroed Out Balance' During Apparent Migration

2025-03-26T13:58:00.004-05:00

Airtime Balances Disappear for Tracfone Users - And It's Not the First Time

Many Tracfone users experienced an alarming result when checking their airtime balance recently.

Customers found their airtime balances for talk, text and data suddenly showing zero, despite previously indicating various amounts. Those with unlimited plans also faced the same zeroed out balances and no indication of the current unlimited plan. Most phones were still able to call, text and use data, but some users experienced a complete outage.

Those reaching out to customer service found varying levels of help in recovering or verifying their previous balance. In general, customer service seemed to not know what was going on and typically asserted it was a one- off occurrence.

The reality? Many user's accounts showed nothing in their airtime buckets even when using multiple ways to check the airtime. And this isn't the first time it has happened in the last few years.

Eventually, customer service agents reported that this was part of a migration and the balances would be restored after a few days. Sure enough, most users are reporting their balances have been restored to the appropriate amounts.

So why can't Tracfone be more transparent about the outages when they appear to happen regularly and what should you do if you are having issues with your airtime balance?

What We Know about the 'Zeroed Out Balances' Outage

As far as we can tell, most phones affected by the outage were using Verizon's network and it was part of some sort of migration of user accounts on the back end. We don't know why they were making the changes, or why they didn't mention anything about it, but most users reported their calls, texts and data were still working during the outage.

Tracfone customers on HowardForums initially reported noticing the zeroed out balances on March 15th 2025, and responses quickly piled up as more users confirmed a similar phenomenon when checking their balance. Across other forums and websites, reports from angry, confused and even desperate customers filtered in as they all experienced the same disappearance of their entire Tracfone airtime balance.

On HowardForums, new posters chimed in with varying reports of certain lines showing zeroed out balances and others remaining unaffected. It appeared to be somewhat random as to which lines faced the issue.

User tomseys was able to connect with a Tracfone representative who not only confirmed the outage, but explained that it was part of a system migration and that it would "take place from March 15th to March 21st."

Other users commented only to say that they were experiencing the same shocking issue and were comforted to know they weren't the only ones.

Eventually, Tracfone started sharing automatic messages on their chat, text help and other customer service channels mentioning the possible outage and zeroed out balances. This seems to only be in response to the large volume of messages and calls they likely received about the airtime issue and was not shown for the first few days of the problem.

Finally, on March 21st, forum users started to share corrected airtime balance numbers. However, data seemed to take longer to update as several people reported lingering discrepancies. Customers using eSIM also seemed to have lingering connecting issues.

User tomseys again reported contacting Tracfone customer service and getting an update back that, "80% of tracfone accounts are now showing all MTD balances correctly. 20% are still missing mostly the data balance. They are still working on these 20% and it should all be displaying correctly by next Monday or Tuesday, the beginning of April."

While this latest issue with zeroed out balances appears to be coming to a close, what we did find in compiling this information were forum threads from several points in the last few years reporting similar outages.

We're not exactly sure why this keeps happening to Tracfone users, but almost everyone gets at least a mild panic attack when seeing their balance at zero - so perhaps Tracfone could do a better job of providing transparency and information ahead of time?

We occasionally receive reports from users of missing airtime or service connection issues, but these are typically isolated issues. The scale of users affected by the zeroed out balances outage was alarming.

Since Verizon acquired Tracfone, very little, if anything, has improved for Tracfone users and we are disappointed that Verizon continues to treat Tracfone customers so poorly. While we hope these apparent back end migrations of customer accounts help improve the system, we would prefer that customer service and transparency improved first.

Still Have Zeroed Out Balances? Here's What to Do

If you are still having issues with your airtime balance or service connection, here are a few tips to try to fix it. For most users, the issue should fix itself within a few days.

Start by turning your device off and back on, this may help refresh your airtime balance. You can also try removing, and reinserting the SIM card.

If neither of those options work, try using the chat on the Tracfone Website to reach a representative. They should be more aware of the outage at this point.

Have your own experience to share or want to chime in? Visit our Facebook page or leave a comment below.

If you're new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide which shares helpful information about how it all works or we just created, The 10 Most Common Tracfone Questions Answered.

And finally don't miss out on our Tracfone Promo Code list with many different codes to get free minutes when adding airtime!

Thanks for visiting!

Moto G Power 2025 Tracfone Review

2025-03-14T15:39:00.002-05:00

Tracfone Motorola Moto G Power 2025 Review, Specs and Features

The Motorola Moto G Power 2025 is an affordable 5G smartphone designed for users who prioritize battery life, durability, and a large display. Available from Tracfone at a subsidized price, this device offers some surprising premium features and upgrades at under $200.

Motorola is well known in the budget smartphone world with multiple devices offered each year. Along with the Power, Tracfone offers two versions of the Moto G 2025 - one with 128GB internal storage, and the other with just 64GB. We expect Tracfone to offer more Motorola phones in the near future.

This year's Power is the latest version in a long line of popular devices and offers some upgrades and new features compared to the the 2024 Moto G Power.

Let’s dive into what makes this phone stand out starting with our pros and cons.

Moto G Power 2025 Pros:

Large 6.8" 120Hz display
Wireless charging
IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance
8GB RAM
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos

Moto G Power 2025 Cons:

Limited to two major Android updates
IPS LCD isn't the brightest
Processor downgrade compared to previous model
Comes with pre-installed bloatware

Budget phones are full of compromises and while the 2025 Power does not come with the most powerful processor, it does feature some other impressive upgrades such as major durability and waterproof ratings, wireless charging, and a full HD 6.8" screen.

Motorola appears to be targeting users who want a device that has some modern features and can survive accidents but don't need serious performance for gaming.

For a closer look at what the Power offers, let's look at the full specs.

Moto G Power 2025 Features and Specs

Display: 6.8" IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2388 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm)
RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Operating System: Android 15, with two major Android upgrades
Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide)
Front Camera: 16MP (wide)
Battery: 5000mAh, 30W wired, 15W wireless charging
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, NFC
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Durability: IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H compliant
Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm headphone jack

A big benefit of purchasing the 2025 Power from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is over $100 lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Moto G Power 2025 Tracfone Review

Design and Build
The Moto G Power 2025 features a premium build with a Gorilla Glass 5 front, a silicone polymer (eco-leather) back, and a plastic frame. It is slightly heavier at 208g but feels sturdy and well-balanced in hand. The device is rated IP68/IP69 for water and dust resistance and meets MIL-STD-810H compliance, ensuring added durability against harsh conditions.

These weatherproofing and durability upgrades are a surprising feature at this price point but add peace of mind that an accidental drop or splash of water won't damage the phone at all.

Surprisingly, the Power includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is quickly disappearing from smartphones (and not included with the Galaxy A16 5G). NFC and a side-mounted fingerprint reader are also included with the Power.

Display
Equipped with a 6.8" IPS LCD panel, the Moto G Power offers a smooth, 120Hz refresh rate for a responsive experience. The 1080 x 2388 resolution (~385 ppi) delivers crisp visuals, and with a measured peak brightness of 993 nits, the display remains readable even in bright sunlight.

Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds extra protection against scratches and drops - something Motorola seems to have really focused on in this phone. The Power offers a slightly larger, brighter and higher refresh rate compared to the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, but the Galaxy comes with Super AMOLED screen technology.

Performance and Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset with an octa-core CPU (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), the Moto G Power 2025 handles everyday tasks adequately enough. Paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage (expandable via microSDXC), the phone provides a balanced experience for multitasking and media consumption.

Most budget phones struggle performance-wise because of low RAM, but the Power includes enough for managing everyday tasks well. It doubles the 4GB of RAM included with the similarly priced Galaxy A16. However, the 2025 Power's processor is a slight step backwards, with the 2024 model including the somewhat more powerful Dimensity 7020 processor. If performance is a high priority, the Power might not be the best option (or most phones under $300 for that matter).

Running on Android 15 (the latest OS), it is promised two major OS upgrades, ensuring some longevity. This is an area that Motorola fans have been rightly unhappy with, as some Moto devices only include 1 major update. However, they are offering certain devices with more major updates which is a nice improvement.

One part of budget Motorola phones that continues to be annoying is the bloatware that comes pre-installed on the device. While much of it can be removed, it is an added hassle that doesn't help performance. We suggest reviewing and removing unwanted apps when you first get the phone before installing your preferred apps.

Cameras
The dual rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with PDAF and OIS, ensuring sharp and stable images, and an 8MP ultrawide lens for capturing more in a single shot. The 16MP front-facing camera delivers decent selfies and supports 1080p video recording.

While low-light performance is acceptable, the camera setup excels in well-lit conditions and operates adequately for most uses while not necessarily being a standout feature.

Get better photos with our 8 Tips for Cell Phone Photography.

Battery Life and Charging
The Moto G Power 2025 lives up to its name with a large, 5,000 mAh battery, offering extended usage time with an active use score of nearly 12 hours. It supports 30W wired charging for fast top-ups and even 15W wireless charging - a very uncommon feature in this price range.

Expect the Power to easily make it though a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. Obviously running games with full brightness will drain the battery quickly.

Final Thoughts
For Tracfone users looking for a powerful yet affordable 5G smartphone with long battery life and durability, the Motorola Moto G Power 2025 is a solid choice. It delivers excellent display quality, a capable camera system, and premium features like wireless charging and stereo speakers.

The processor isn't the most powerful, and Motorola's update policy is still a little lacking compared to Samsung, but overall the 2025 Power is a very good budget choice for those shopping with Tracfone. The retail price on the unlocked Power is $299, but Tracfone is offering the device for closer to $170.

Compared to the Galaxy A16 5G, both phones offer good value for the price, but the Power edges the Galaxy in a few areas including more RAM, better durability, and wireless charging. The A16 5G does retail for slightly less from Tracfone, and includes a much better software update policy which may be important for users planning to keep their phone for more than a year or two. Both phones struggle a little when it comes to performance but that isn't too surprising for a phone at this price.

Overall, the Moto G Power 2025 is a well-rounded mid-range phone offering strong battery life, durability, and a large, high-refresh-rate display. It’s a great choice for those who need a reliable device with modern features at a competitive price.

Where to Buy the Moto G Power 2025

The Tracfone version of the Moto G Power 2025 can be purchased directly from Tracfone for $169. We expect it to be available from more retailers in the near future.

Get the Moto G Power 2025 unlocked from Amazon with a retail price of $299. It is likely to go on sale in the near future.

Get the most from your phone with the Moto G Power 2024 User Manual.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Tracfone Review

2025-03-12T20:04:00.003-05:00

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (Tracfone) Specs, Features and Review

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is one of the latest budget-friendly 5G smartphones available on Tracfone for 2025. It packs a solid combination of features for its price, making it a great option for those who want a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Samsung offers several new phones in their popular Galaxy A line for this year, including the A36 and A56. The Galaxy A36 5G is also newly available from Tracfone.

The A16 5G is the most affordable in Samsung's lineup, while still offering some exciting features and upgrades over last year's model. We will also be comparing it closely to the newly available Moto G Power 2025, which has a similar price point from Tracfone.

Let's start this review with our pros and cons for the A16.

Galaxy A16 5G Pros:

Affordable 5G smartphone with sleek design
Super AMOLED display
Good battery life
Long-term Android updates
Decent camera setup

Galaxy A16 5G Cons:

No 3.5mm headphone jack
No wireless charging
Not the most powerful processor
Only 4GB RAM

Samsung's budget-friendly smartphones blend features from some of the higher end phones while maintaining a reasonable price point. One of those features is the SuperAMOLED display on the Galaxy A16 5G which has beautiful colors and solid brightness.

Now let's go over the full list of features and specifications.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Features and Specs

Display: 6.7" Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate, 800 nits (HBM)
Processor: Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
RAM & Storage: 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSDXC
Operating System: Android 14 with One UI 6.1, up to six major Android upgrades
Main Camera: 50MP (wide), 5MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro)
Front Camera: 13MP (wide)
Battery: 5000mAh with 25W wired charging
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Durability: IP54 dust and splash resistant
Audio: Single speaker, USB-C audio (no 3.5mm headphone)

A big benefit of purchasing the Galaxy A16 5G from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is significantly lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Tracfone Smartphone Review

Design and Build
The Galaxy A16 5G has a sleek and modern design with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. It weighs 200g, making it a bit on the heavier side but still comfortable to hold. The phone also features an IP54 rating, meaning it’s dust and splash resistant—an added bonus for durability.

The phone does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack or stereo speakers, but it does include NFC and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

By comparison, the Moto G Power 2025 has better durability, waterproof rating and a 3.5mm headphone jack, but is slightly heavier.

Display
One of the highlights of the A16 5G is its 6.7" Super AMOLED display with full HD resolution (1080x2340). It has a 90Hz refresh rate, and brightness rating of 800 nits. The A16's touchscreen provides accurate colors and deeper blacks that are a step above phones at this price level. The display is sharp and snappy, and has about 385 ppi, and an 86% screen-to-body ratio, which are both good.

Whether you're streaming videos, browsing, or gaming, the display provides an excellent viewing experience that is one of the things Samsung is well known for.

Performance and Software
The phone is powered by the Exynos 1330 chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU. It comes 128GB storage and just 4GB RAM, which affects the overall performance of the phone. This setup allows for decent multitasking and everyday performance, but heavy gaming or intensive applications may see some noticeable slowdowns. We would really like to see at least 6GB RAM to help with the overall performance on the A16 5G (unlocked versions do include 4-8GB RAM).

Running on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the A16 5G is guaranteed to receive up to six major Android upgrades, which is an impressive commitment to software longevity for a budget phone.

The Moto G Power offers similar performance, but increased RAM. For those looking for better performance, look to some of Samsung's more expensive models like the A36 or A56.

Cameras
The triple rear camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. Photos in good lighting are clear and detailed, though low-light performance is average. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps with gyro-EIS for stability. The 13MP front-facing camera does a decent job for selfies and video calls.

The image results of the cameras are better than average for this price point and quite useable in most situations. For those that want 4K video or higher quality night photos, plan to spend a lot more for an Apple, Google or higher end Samsung phone.

Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the A16 5G easily lasts a full day with moderate use. The 25W wired charging ensures you can top up the battery fairly quickly, though there’s no wireless charging support (A feature included on this year's Moto G Power).

Final Thoughts
For Tracfone users looking for an affordable 5G smartphone with a great display, long software support, and decent performance, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice. While it lacks premium features like stereo speakers or wireless charging, it delivers great value for its price point.

Compared to the Moto G Power 2025, the A16 5G includes a beautiful screen, elegant design, 6 major software updates - all at a lower price from Tracfone. However the Power offers double the RAM (8GB), much better durability rating, wireless charging, stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Both phones are competitive budget options that many Tracfone users will find enticing. And while the Power has the slight lead for features, Samsung fans won't miss out on much by going with the A16 over the Power. For those who want a little more performance, we suggest considering last year's Samsung Galaxy A35 5G or waiting until Tracfone releases more options.

Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is now available with airtime bundle (and sale prices) from HSN or QVC

Get the Tracfone version (phone only) of the Galaxy A16 5G from Tracfone or Walmart for $149.

For the Unlocked version of the Galaxy A16 5G, shop on Amazon or Samsung starting at $200

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a well-rounded budget smartphone that offers great features for the price. It’s a great option for Tracfone users looking for an affordable way to experience 5G speeds and prefer Samsung smartphones.

Get the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G User Manual to learn more about the device and how to setup your phone.

That concludes our review of the Galaxy A16 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions.

Motorola Pros and Cons | Top 5 Motorola Phones on Tracfone

2025-03-03T19:57:00.003-06:00

Motorola Smartphone Pros and Cons - Best Tracfone Moto Devices 2025

Motorola smartphones have been a staple for many Tracfone users starting years ago when the first unlocked Moto G phones could be used on Tracfone BYOP, and continuing as Tracfone started offering subsidized Motorola phones directly.

Tracfone has released almost 20 different Motorola smartphones to use on their prepaid network and they continue to be a popular option for both locked and unlocked devices.

The phones offered by Tracfone tend to be less expensive and geared to budget-conscious consumers. Let's start with our pros and cons for these devices.

Tracfone Motorola Smartphone Pros and Cons

Motorola Smartphone Pros:

Inexpensive and a Good Value
Long Battery life
Near stock Android experience
Good durability and build quality
Moto Actions and Gestures
Typically generous storage and expandable storage options
Standard 3.5mm headphone jack still included on many devices

One of the main benefits of Motorola smartphones is the balance of cost with features, and they generally do a great job delivering excellent value. The versions released by Tracfone often come with a significant price discount compared to unlocked phones, helping keep the price below $200 for most new phones. Motorola phones also typically have a stock Android experience which many users prefer, and have good durability and build quality.

While the amount of storage varies from one phone model to another, their latest device in the Power line comes with 128GB internal storage plus expandable storage. Many of the phones in the Stylus lineup also feature 128GB storage.

Now for some of the drawbacks to Motorola phones from Tracfone.

Motorola Smartphone Cons:

Most phones lack NFC (New devices for 2024/25 now include NFC)
Some bloatware and pre-installed apps
Limited software update policy (Only one or two major Android updates)
Camera quality is mediocre in most cheaper phones
Slow battery charging speeds

To keep prices low, Motorola's budget phones often come with less powerful processors and mediocre cameras. This has led to some users purchasing Motorola's more mid-level devices (which come with better features) a year or two after they are released, when the price drops significantly.

Other drawbacks of Motorola include a less robust Android update policy which only supports one or two (depending on the model) major Android OS updates and a handful of security updates.

We generally consider Motorola phones to be a great option, especially some of the devices that have a good balance of performance and price. However, some recent phones from Samsung, like the A16 5G, as well as Tracfone offering the Pixel 6a, have brought some good competition.

Top 5 Motorola Smartphones from Tracfone

The best Motorola phones offer a good balance of price and performance, and should handle common tasks such as web browsing, social media apps, and even some gaming. Below are the best of Motorola for 2025 and follow the links for more information.

Motorola Edge 2024
Moto G Power 2025
Moto G Stylus 5G 2024
Moto G Power 5G 2024
Moto G 128GB 2025

Top 5 Unlocked Motorola Smartphones

Using unlocked phones on Tracfone is very popular and these are the top phones.

With unlocked phones from Motorola, there are a few more options, and many of them come with more RAM, of 6GB or more, which will help with multitasking.

That concludes our pros and cons and top Motorola smartphone picks. We hope this information was helpful.

Leave a comment or join us on Facebook to share our thoughts and keep up with all the latest posts, news and other info.

Looking for more smartphone options? Check out the 10 Best Tracfone Android smartphones or have a look at our Top Smartphones under $100 from Tracfone.

Don't miss out on the latest Deals and Discounts on Tracfone smartphones.

Also check out our Beginners Guide to Tracfone if you're new or just want to understand some of the basics of how it all works.

Thanks for visiting!

Thanks for visiting!

5 Things to Know Before Signing Up with Tracfone Wireless

2025-01-08T18:11:00.000-06:00

What You Should Know Before Signing Up for Tracfone Wireless

Tracfone Wireless is a prepaid cell phone service provider that offers affordable and flexible plans. With over 20 different service options, ranging from 30 days to a full year, it’s an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, before you make the switch, it’s important to understand what Tracfone offers and whether it lines up with your mobile needs.

We are covering 5 important things to know before you switch to Tracfone (or even if you are already a customer). Be sure to also check out our Beginners Guide to Tracfone for more information.

1. Plans and Pricing - Many Different Prices and Options

Tracfone has been around for more than 25 years and in that time they have added and modified their plans and prices quite a lot. Today, they're plans fall into two basic categories: Pay-as-you-go (PayGo) and Monthly Unlimited Plans

Monthly Plans (Unlimited Talk/Text)

Features: Unlimited talk and text with a varying amounts of high-speed data. (from 1GB to 20GB)
Renewal: These plans last 30 days but you can purchase them in 1, 3, 6, or 12 month increments, with a discount for 6 and 12 months purchases.
Rollover Data: All unused data rolls over to the next month as long as you still have a plan. (Example: You purchase the $40 plan w/ 20GB data and 30 service days. Before the 30 days are up you purchase the $15 plan w/ 1GB data and 30 service days, and all unused data from the previous 30 days will automatically be rolled over to the next 30 days.)
Price: $15 - $40 for 30 days of unlimited talk/text and 1GB to 20GB data
Best For: People that use their phone a lot or don't want to manage their airtime balance and are willing to buy 12 months service at one time.
Best Plan: $20/mo unlimited talk/text with 4GB data ($192 when buying 12 months at one time, or just $16/mo )

Pay-As-You-Go (PayGo) Plans

Features: Each prepaid plan includes a set number of service days (30, 60, 90, or 365) and a specific allotment of minutes, texts, and data.
Renewal: Purchase new plans anytime and the new card will be added to your existing balance automatically. Be sure to purchase a new plan before the service days on your existing plan runs out or you won't have service.
Rollover: Unused talk, text, and data rolls over as long as you renew before the service days expire. You can switch to a monthly unlimited plan temporarily and revert to PayGo afterward without losing any rollover balances.
Price: $20 - $125 for varying amounts of talk, text, data and service days (usually 30, 60, 90 or 365 service days). Add-on minutes, data and service days are available and can be purchased as needed.
Best For: People who want to get the cheapest deal on cell phone service or those that don't use their phone much and just use it as a backup or emergency device.
Best Plan: $99 1 Year/400 minute plan or purchase a phone and airtime bundle from HSN or QVC with many phones available for $100 which also includes a 1 year airtime plan.

Tracfone’s plans are all prepaid, meaning you’ll avoid surprise overage charges. However, you will have to keep track of your airtime, and it can sometimes be alarming how fast data or other balances can be used up. Tracfone does not provide any kind daily usage information, but you can check your balance as often as you want and we have shared 4 Ways to Check your Balance to make it easy to do so.

As you can see from all the different plans, there is just about something for everyone but those that want unlimited options will have to look elsewhere.

2. Data - There are no Unlimited Data Options

Tracfone’s plans come with varying amounts of data, but none are truly unlimited. The key benefit here is data rollover: unused data can carry over to the next month or service period as long as you have service days. Tracfone includes 5G network access at no additional cost for devices with that capability. Below are Tracfone's advertised data speeds according to Verizon.

Tracfone Data Speeds:

5G: Download speeds of 90-170 Mbps and Upload speeds of 15-30 Mbps
4G LTE: Download speeds of 9-56 Mbps. and Upload speeds of 2-13 Mbps

While we have certainly experienced far slower speeds at times, which could be in part due to Verizon prioritizing post-paid customers over prepaid customers from Tracfone, their data speeds, especially on 5G, are usually pretty good.

Tracfone recently announced hotspot capability on all their Unlimited Talk/Text plans. For users who start to run low, Tracfone offers 3GB data for $10.

For those that use a lot of data or prefer an unlimited data plan, we suggest looking into other options, as Tracfone can get expensive if you have to add extra data every month..

3. Activation Process and Network Coverage

Since Verizon acquired Tracfone in 2021, all new Tracfone customers now use Verizon’s network. This means you’ll have access to one of the most reliable networks in the U.S., but it’s important to check your local coverage first. You can do this directly on Tracfone’s website by entering your ZIP code.

If Verizon offers strong service in your area, you can expect good performance with Tracfone.

Activating Tracfone is straightforward. Choose either a Tracfone locked phone and purchase the device, or bring your own phone to use with Tracfone. Below are the basic steps for activating with Tracfone:

Check Compatibility: If you want to bring your own device, ensure it’s unlocked and compatible with the Verizon network. If you plan to get a Tracfone branded device, ensure your area is within the service area.
Buy a Tracfone Device or SIM card kit: Tracfone SIM kits are available online for $0.99 or at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Tracfone devices are also available online or from many retailers.
Activate Online: Follow the prompts on Tracfone’s website to activate your phone. You will also need to purchase or activate a service plan at this time.

The activation process from Tracfone has become much more smooth in recent years and their network coverage using Verizon's network is quite good.

4. Phone Selection - Unlocked or Tracfone Device?

Tracfone offers a variety of devices, from basic flip phones to more advanced smartphones. Prices range from $9.99 for reconditioned basic phones to $329.99 for an iPhone 12. While you can purchase phones directly from Tracfone, we recommend other retailers, particularly QVC and HSN which often include airtime bundles with the purchase of a phone.

Users can also choose to bring most unlocked smartphones to use with Tracfone and there are a wide range of options available. Just be sure to check that the device you are bringing is compatible.

Here are some resources on choosing a phone:

5. Customer Service - Historically Mediocre

Tracfone offers customer support through multiple options:

Chat: Available daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. ET on the Tracfone website
Phone: Call 1-800-867-7183 during the same hours.
Text Support: Text 611611 for account-related queries.

Tracfone also has a Facebook page, a forum and other avenues for customer service, but they have historically been rather poor when it comes to satisfying customers questions and needs. Many customers have dealt with a wide range of problems from lost airtime, issues with unlocking, and difficulties when switching phones. Tracfone customer service can sometimes be hard to understand, or just unhelpful.

(We also have a Facebook page where we share news and updates, and have an active community of helpful readers)

Some aspects of Tracfone's customer service have improved over time, but for those that value good customer service Tracfone might not be the best option.

Tracfone Wireless is not for everyone, but if you’re looking for affordable, no-frills service with reliable coverage through Verizon’s network, they are a great option. The data rollover feature is a standout perk, especially for light data users. And many customers are able to purchase the plan that best suits their needs without over spending on extras. However, if you need unlimited data or a more robust hotspot experience, other options may be better suited.

Recommendation: Start with a 30-day plan to test the service. If satisfied, you can upgrade to a longer-term plan to save more. For those seeking unlimited data, consider competitors like Visible, Mint or Tello.

If you have a new smartphone, two posts which are great resources are The Best Android Apps for Tracfone, and Tracfone Smartphone Cases and Covers.

Don't miss our new list of 23 Pro's and Con's for Tracfone.

Well we hope this information will help you out, and be sure to leave a comment if you have questions! Also share this along with a friend who could also use it!

And if you want to keep up with us and the latest news and info, follow us on Facebook.

Thanks for visiting!

Is Tracfone Going Away? (Update for 2025)

2025-01-06T15:59:00.001-06:00

Is Tracfone Going Away in 2025? Verizon's Consolidation Plans

There are plenty of questions surrounding the future of Tracfone and Tracfone's family of brands since the acquisition by Verizon in 2021. One of the main questions many users have is, will Tracfone be going away? And has anything happened now that November 2024 has passed?

The short answer is, no, but some of Tracfone's brands are likely being closed down in the near future, and changes and updates are coming for Tracfone customers.

We will dive into more information about those questions, and go into why November 2024 is a relevant date .

We shared some details in our post on the Future of Tracfone in 2024 and also covered some updates and news for the year. This is for information purposes only, and is subject to change, especially if Tracfone or Verizon adjust their plans.

The Verizon Acquisition and Its Impact

In November 2021, Verizon completed its acquisition of Tracfone, a move that has since fueled uncertainty among users. The primary driver behind this acquisition was Verizon's strategy to strengthen its foothold in the prepaid mobile market. Tracfone, with its large customer base and reputation for budget-friendly plans, was an attractive addition to Verizon’s portfolio.

Included in the acquisition were Tracfone's family of brands such as StraightTalk, Total Wireless, Net10 and several more. Tracfone (and it's brands) had about 21 million subscribers at the time of the acquisition, making it the largest prepaid company in America, but it has since lost about 2 million subscribers for a variety of reasons, some of which involve the Verizon acquisition.

Verizon was required to agree to some conditions before the FCC would approve their acquisition:

Conditions of Verizon's Acquisition by the FCC

The FCC approved Verizon's $6.25 billion acquisition of TracFone Wireless in 2021, with a variety of conditions, including some to protect consumers. The main conditions required of Verizon are:

Participation in the Federal Lifeline program which offers discounted home, phone and internet
Maintaining Tracfone's offerings through November 2024 (and November 2026 for California customers)
Maintaining access to Tracfone's family of brands such as Net10, Go Smart and Page Plus through November 2024 (and November 2026 for California customers)

What this means is, the FCC required Verizon to keep things the pretty much the same at Tracfone and the other brands, for at least three years so that customers would have time to change or adjust cell phone plans and wouldn't get caught by major price changes or plan closures.

Verizon Moves Towards Consolidation: Shutting Down Net10, Page Plus, and GoSmart

In late 2022, Verizon announced to dealers that they would not be allowing new activations to Net10, Page Plus and GoSmart, while allowing existing customers to continue using the providers.

At this point, the Net10 website prompts users to make the switch to Simple Mobile, making a clear indication of Verizon's plans to shut it down in the near future. Verizon is still required to continue offering services for Net10, Page Plus and GoSmart through November 2024, but it seems very likely they will all be shuttered sometime after that.

Tracfone does include a host of other brands under it, and it seems that Verizon will consolidate some of them. Verizon will also likely rebrand some, as they have already done with Total by Verizon.

The main question many users have is, what will happen to Tracfone?

At this time, it is highly unlikely Verizon will shut down Tracfone, but they are making some changes that indicate a 'rebranding' and a shift in what made Tracfone popular for many users.

Changes in Tracfone Airtime Plans and Promotional Codes

Historically, Tracfone attracted customers due to the low cost and the wide variety of promotional codes that gave extra minutes for free. These codes provided significant discounts and bonuses, and were consistently made available to users through a variety of methods. Post-acquisition, there has been a shift in how Tracfone operates:

Phasing Out Promotional Codes: Tracfone offers very few promotional codes and there have not been any new codes in quite some time. This shift aligns with Verizon's preference for streamlined, straightforward pricing models, reducing the complexity for consumers. But it leaves Tracfone's loyal customers without the bonus airtime that has long been a staple for the prepaid service provider.

New Airtime Plan Structure: Tracfone is also transitioning to a new airtime plan structure, which they rolled out in 2024 and somewhat resembles many other service providers. These plans, which offer discounts for 3, 6 or 12 month plan purchases, look very similar to some competitors (Mint Mobile) but offer less data, and little room for any promo codes. They are technically similar to the unlimited talk/text plans Tracfone previously offered, but structured in a way to lock users in to a year long plan.

We covered the updated unlimited plan options here.

With these changes, it has left some users disappointed, but there is no indication of any plans for Tracfone to get shut down.

Why November 2024 was an Important Date

Some users have speculated that Verizon would shut Tracfone down after November 2024 because that was the end of the 'grace period' during which Verizon agreed not to change any service plans.

However, that data has come and gone, with very little change to Tracfone. While it is still possible that Verizon has plans to make changes to Tracfone, we don't have any specifics or confirmation.

Perhaps the biggest change we have seen so far in 2025 was a 'Zeroed Out Balance' issue for many users as Verizon was trying to migrate user accounts. This issue was a visual problem, but some users have reported lingering service connection issues.

2025 Outlook: Tracfone is Here to Stay

Despite the changes, Tracfone is not going away. Instead, it is evolving and some brands under Tracfone are being consolidated. Verizon's acquisition aims to integrate Tracfone into its broader service offerings, potentially enhancing network coverage and service quality. For customers, this could mean better connectivity and more reliable service, and also possibly higher prices.

No major changes have occurred yet as we go into 2025, and users should get plenty of notice if affected providers (like Net10) do get shuttered.

After November 2024, we do expect some changes to develop, including the possibility that Tracfone will no longer offer service on T-Mobile and AT&T. Tracfone has used a variety of tactics to 'encourage' users to activate with or switch to the Verizon network.

We may also see a streamlining of Tracfone's airtime options, following some of the other major prepaid carriers like Mint Mobile, which would likely raise the cost for those that use minimal airtime.

If you have questions about which network your phone currently uses, or if you may be affected, text 'MIGRATE' to 611611 to get more information from Tracfone.

We will continue to update with information as we gather it.

Leave a comment below with any thoughts or questions and also join us on Facebook to connect with our growing community and get the latest info.

Don't miss out on our monthly list of Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales which also include unlocked phones and Tracfone smartphones.

Keep up with the latest in 5G network access with Tracfone including 5G Coverage maps! And a list of Tracfone 5G phones.

If you're new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide which shares helpful information about how it all works.

Thanks for visiting!

The information provided here by TracfoneReviewer is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, and reserve the right to make changes or updates as needed.

5 Tracfone Smartphones to Avoid in 2025 (And What we Recommend Instead)

2025-01-03T15:51:00.000-06:00

Avoid Buying these 5 Tracfone Smartphones in 2025

Tracfone offers a variety of smartphones to use with their prepaid network, often at reduced prices. But if you're in the market for a new phone from Tracfone in 2025, we recommend avoiding the devices listed below.

Major phone manufactures such as Samsung, Apple, Motorola and Google are all offered by Tracfone and can be unlocked after a certain amount of time.

While Tracfone has offered many new devices in the last year, they are also still offering some older, outdated phones that we don't recommend purchasing anymore. The phones in this list are offered by Tracfone but should be avoided because the phones are outdated, or there are newer, better models at cheaper or comparable prices.

Don't Buy These Tracfone Smartphones in 2025

1. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Released in 2021, the Galaxy A32 5G had a lot of great features at the time and it was one of the first Tracfone smartphones to offer 5G network access.

But now it is more than 3 years old, and there are many better options available from Samsung and other brands at lower prices. Not only are there cheaper Samsung devices that still include 5G network access (such as the Galaxy A15 5G), there is also the updated version of the A32, which is the Galaxy A35 5G. It offers much better performance, a better screen, and improved camera capabilities.

So while the A32 might be available at bargain prices, it is best to avoid it and go with one of the latest Samsung smartphones.

What to buy instead: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G or the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

2. Moto G Stylus 2023

The Moto G Stylus 2023 is another device that might catch your eye, especially if you're looking for a phone with stylus functionality and a large screen. However, this model is hindered by its aging MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which leads to sluggish performance, as well as a low resolution screen and poor camera setup.

When the Stylus was released, it was quickly overshadowed by the 2023 Power, which has better performance and a higher resolution screen for almost the same price. And now in 2025, there are more options in the $100 range that outperform the 2023 Stylus.

For a similar price point to the 2023 Stylus, consider the Moto G Power 2023, or the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. For those looking for the large screen and stylus functionality, shop the new Moto G Stylus 2024 5G which has a full HD touschreen, and powerful Snapdragon processor.

What to buy instead: Moto G Power 2023, Moto G Power 2024, or the Moto G Stylus 2024 5G

3. Moto G Play 2023

The Moto G Play 2023 is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market with a retail price of around $50, but you get what you pay for. With just 3GB of RAM and a basic Snapdragon 460 processor, this phone struggles with multitasking and running demanding apps. Other features such as the camera and screen, are also not the best.

One of the main reasons we recommend avoiding the 2023 Play is the release of the 2024 Play which offers several upgrades at the same price point. Better yet, consider some of the budget options from Samsung which can be found for around $100 and include better software update policy and extra features like 5G and NFC.

What to buy instead: Moto G Play 2024 or the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

4. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G might be a surprise addition on this list, but it's included for good reason.

While it offers 5G connectivity, a good display, great camera performance and Samsung's excellent update policy, it has recently been eclipsed by a new smartphone that offers improved performance and features at a similar price.

The Galaxy A54 5G retails for around $300 from Tracfone and has not dropped in price very much over the year it has been available. Now, Tracfone offers the Galaxy A35 5G which includes the same processor, an upgraded screen and latest Android OS, at a similar retail price of $299.

If you were considering the A54 5G in 2025, we recommend shopping for the Galaxy A35 5G for a few upgrades at a similar price.

What to buy instead: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

5. Moto G Pure

The Moto G Pure is an entry-level phone that falls short in many areas. With a low-resolution display, minimal RAM, and an underpowered MediaTek Helio G25 processor, this phone struggles with basic tasks. The camera performance is lackluster, and the overall user experience is subpar. Even at a low price, the Moto G Pure is a phone that’s hard to recommend in 2025.

Compounding those issues is the wide variety of better phones available at a similar budget price such as the Moto G Play 2024, or the Galaxy A14 5G. These devices are available for under $100 and offer improved performance and connectivity. For all our budget picks see our list of the best Tracfone smartphones under $100.

What to buy instead: Moto G Play 2024 or the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Conclusion

There are plenty of other devices we could also include in this list, such as the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, which customers should choose the A25 5G instead, but we hope the included phones will help guide your shopping this year.

Phones from TCL, Alcatel, BLU and Nokia are typically very budget friendly, but offer limited features and may not include security or Android updates. Along those lines, Motorola also has a limited update policy with just one major Android update. For those looking to keep their phone for several years, consider spending a little more, and shop phones from Samsung, Google or Apple.

Tell us about your experiences or phones you suggest avoiding (or buying!) in the comments below, or head over to our Facebook page to join the conversation!

For more on the basics of Tracfone, visit our Beginners Guide and also read our 7 Tips and Tricks to Save Money with Tracfone

Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100!

Finally, learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting!

Tracfone Review: 25 Pros and Cons of Tracfone in 2025

2025-01-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

Is Tracfone a Good Deal? Is it Worth It? - Top Pros and Cons for 2025

Tracfone Wireless has been around for more than 25 years and while plenty of things have changed about the company, they generally have always been focused on low-cost cell phone service.

But how do things look for Tracfone in 2024 and what are some of the potential drawbacks users might want to know about before signing up for their service? We've compiled a list of our top 24 pros and cons of Tracfone Wireless.

Pros of Tracfone Wireless Prepaid Service:

No contracts required
Very affordable plans starting at just $10 per month (and even $99 for a year of service) (see our Cheapest and Best Tracfone Plans)
Nationwide coverage on major networks (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile)
5G network access at no additional charge (where available - See coverage maps and more details)
Flexible plan options and the ability to add airtime/data as needed
Variety of Tracfone branded (locked) phones available at subsidized prices (List of Best Phones Under $100)
Option to use most unlocked phone with Tracfone service
Manage your account online or on the app
No credit check required for activation
Option to purchase international calling time
Buy airtime and phones from many major retailers or a variety of online sources (Walmart, Amazon, etc.)
Unlimited carry-over for talk, text and data
New increased data amounts for unlimited talk/text plans

Bonus: Get free airtime with Tracfone Rewards (Sign up using our code and get 7,000 points!)

The main benefit of Tracfone is that it is affordable and flexible. Plans are available for as low as $99/year, or even $15/mo for unlimited talk and text, and you can always switch to different airtime plans depending on your usage. Plus, airtime has unlimited carry-over, so what you don't use is automatically added to the next month.

Tracfone is also very easy to get started using - just buy a phone (or bring your phone), buy an airtime card, and activate it. There are no contracts, credit checks or forms to fill out.

But there are some drawbacks to Tracfone that we'll share now:

Cons of Tracfone Wireless Prepaid Service:

Poor customer service - often inconsistent, difficult to access and hard to understand sometimes
No unlimited data plans available and extra data is $10 per 3GB
Must purchase a year of service to get the best deal on new unlimited talk/text plans (prices range from $144 w/ to $384 w/ various amounts of data)
Reduced network speeds during times of heavy network congestion
Few premium phone options compared to postpaid carriers
No international roaming options
Customers using AT&T or T-Mobile networks may have to switch to Verizon's network by the end of 2024.
Limited mobile hotspot capability unless using unlimited talk/text plans
Uncertain future due to Verizon acquiring Tracfone in 2021 (Verizon is working on consolidating the Tracfone family of brands which likely includes changes to Tracfone)
Tracfone website can be buggy and hard to use
Must keep track of your airtime - if you run out, you will not have service until more airtime is added
Few new Tracfone promo codes in recent years for customers to use when adding an airtime card to get free airtime. Tracfone seems to be phasing them out.

One of the biggest complaints about Tracfone is their poor customers service. And while they have made a variety of changes and different ways to get support, there are still countless stories from customers spending hours, days or even weeks trying to fix a problem.

Additionally, with Verizon acquiring Tracfone in 2021, they will likely be shifting customers who are currently using AT&T or T-Mobile networks to Verizon's network by the end of 2024. And, Verizon is also planning to consolidate some of the Tracfone brands (such as Net10) in 2024 and beyond as well. We're not sure what this means for Tracfone yet.

While Tracfone service can be very cheap, it can quickly get expensive for anyone who uses a lot of data. There is no unlimited data option, and additional data is $10 per 1GB. For those that use more than a couple GB per month, there might be some better options, like some of the ones we list in our Best Alternatives to Tracfone post.

Is Tracfone a Good Deal in 2025?

For light users who don't use a lot of data, or just need a phone as a backup, Tracfone can be an excellent deal and is the cheapest option we can find. For some moderate users who are good at keeping track of airtime usage, it can also be a great deal, especially with some of their unlimited talk/text cards.

Tracfone recently updated their primary airtime options to offer a larger discount for those purchasing a year of service at a time, and they increased the amount of data included. The $15/mo plan comes with unlimited talk/text and 1GB data. If users purchase a year of that plan, it costs just $144, or $12/mo. To get more data, users have to bump up to $20/mo for 2GB data, $25 for 3GB, $30 for 5GB or $40 for 10GB per month. There are discounted prices for these plans when purchasing 3, 6 or 12 months at a time. This pricing model is very similar to Mint Mobile, but more expensive for the large amount of data.

For those that use their phone more regularly, or especially use a lot of data, there are alternatives to Tracfone that offer a better deal for more data or even unlimited data.

The bottom line is that Tracfone is a good deal for some people that learn to make it work for them, and are okay with the lack of good customer service.

***

That's it for our Pros and Cons list. Leave a comment below with any thoughts or questions and also join us on Facebook to connect with our growing community and get the latest info.

Don't miss out on our monthly list of Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales which also include unlocked phones and Tracfone smartphones.

Keep up with the latest in 5G network access with Tracfone including 5G Coverage maps! And a list of Tracfone 5G phones.

If you're new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide which shares helpful information about how it all works.

And finally view our Tracfone Promo Code list with codes to get discounts or free minutes when adding airtime!

Thanks for visiting!

Tracfone Black Friday Deals 2024 - Smartphone Deals

2024-11-18T20:09:00.002-06:00

Tracfone Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals for 2024

Black Friday has become not only the biggest shopping and discount time in America with huge deals on many products, especially electronics, it's also now a month long sales event! The deals don't just last for a day anymore, all major retail stores start offering sales weeks (months?) before, and continuing beyond Cyber Monday in some cases.

We are gathering the best Black Friday deals for Tracfone with discounts on smartphones, airtime bundles, unlocked phones and more! Plus we are including all the early deals we could find and cyber Monday deals which also showcase some special online discounts.

More and more deals are available online (and for more than just Friday) and you can shop from the comfort of your home. We are tracking down and sharing all the best prices for Tracfone devices, unlocked phones, and related products!

If you're looking for the latest phones from Tracfone, see our Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones. And if you want to learn more about how Tracfone prepaid service works, take a look at our Beginners Guide to Tracfone. The best deals this year on Tracfone smartphones are coming from HSN and QVC. Amazon, Target, and Walmart all have some good deals on unlocked devices.

Now for the deals!

Black Friday 2024 Tracfone Deals

Tracfone.com
No Black Friday deals listed

Amazon
Link to Black Friday Ad
Google Pixel 8 (unlocked) - 36% off
Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 (unlocked) - 41% off
Motorola Edge 2024 (unlocked) - 36% off
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (unlocked) - 10% off
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (unlocked) - 25% off

eBay
Link to Black Friday Deals

HSN (most phones come with an airtime bundle)
Link to Black Friday Deals
(MAJOR DEAL) Samsung Galaxy A15 5G 2-Pack - $109 (Typical single phone price $150, includes airtime bundle)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (w/ 1 Year Unlimited talk/text plan) - $180 (Typical phone price $219, plan price $125)
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G - $55
Moto G Play 2024 2-Pack w/ airtime bundle - $80

QVC (most phones come with an airtime bundle)
Link to Black Friday Deals
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (w/ 1 year unlimited talk/text plan) - $99
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G (w/ 1 year unlimited talk/text plan) - $179
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G - $62
Moto G Power 5G 2023 - $99
Moto G Play 2024 - $59
Moto G Play 2024 (2 Pack) - $79

Walmart
Link to Black Friday Ad
Shop all Cell Phone Deals (Straight Talk, Total and More)

Target
Link to Black Friday Ad

BestBuy
Link to Black Friday Ad (coming soon)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G - $30 off
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G - $100 off
Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 - $150 off
Moto G Power 5G 2024 - $100 off

Costco
Link to Black Friday Ad

Newegg
Link to Black Friday Ad

We will be constantly updating this list through Black Friday and Cyber Monday so check back often. Also join us on Facebook for deal updates, news and if you have questions, send us a message there.

Get all the best Tracfone Promo Codes for free airtime when adding a regular or smartphone card to your phone.

For more helpful posts by us see Four Ways to Check your Tracfone Airtime (including several bonus options) or learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer!

Thanks for visiting!

Tracfone Doubles Data on Unlimited Plans - Adds Hotspot Capabilities

2024-11-14T12:33:00.000-06:00

More Data for All Unlimited Plans Plus Hotspot Access

Tracfone has made several changes and improvements to their unlimited talk and text plans including doubling the amount of data included with each plan, and adding hotspot capability with all unlimited plans. They also tripled the data on the data add on plan from 1GB to 3GB while keeping the price the same.

They continue to try to encourage customers towards their unlimited talk and text plans from their other offerings. But are they forgetting about their loyal customers who don't prefer the unlimited plans?

We will cover a breakdown of the new data amounts and what it means for customers as well as share other Tracfone updates.

Tracfone Doubles Down on Value with 2X More Data for the Same Price

Tracfone rolled out significant upgrades to its Unlimited Talk and Text plans, and the improvements are hard to ignore. This latest update means 2x more data on all $15-$40 plans at no extra cost, making them more competitive compared to other prepaid service providers. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows or just staying connected with family and friends, these updates give customers more bang for their buck.

Unlimited Plan Data Increases at a Glance

Here’s a quick breakdown of the new data allotments:

$15 plan: 1GB (up from 0GB!)
$20 plan: 4GB (up from 2GB)
$25 plan: 6GB (up from 3GB)
$30 plan: 10GB (up from 5GB)
$40 plan: 20GB (up from 10GB)
$10 Data Add On: 3GB (up from 1GB)

This is a nice increase, particularly for the $15 plan, which previously didn’t include data at all. It now gives light data users an affordable option to browse, check emails, or use social media. For those purchasing 12 months at one time, the $15 unlimited talk and text plan now includes 12GB data for $144 ($12/mo).

The $40 unlimited talk and text plan now features 20GB/mo which still is not unlimited data (something Tracfone does not offer), but it is enough data for most users to never run out.

Tracfone also retains its unlimited carryover feature, ensuring unused data doesn’t go to waste. For customers already using the unlimited plans, these data increase are a nice update.

New Features for Unlimited Plans:

In addition to the increased data, Tracfone has also introduced:

Hotspot Capabilities for All Unlimited Plans: Share your data with other devices via activating your device as a hotspot - a feature previously reserved only for the $40 plan.
Extended Plan Durations: Customers can choose from 1-, 3-, 6-, or 12 month plans for even more flexibility. This feature was released earlier in the year, but now combined with the updated data it makes it even better. The 6 and 12 month plan options also include a nice discount.

This is great news for users looking for longer-term options and willing to pay for a year of service at one time.

By doubling data and introducing hotspot functionality across all unlimited plans, Tracfone is hoping to entice and direct customers to these plans.

No Changes to Tracfone's Other Plans

While the increased data and hotspot functionality are a nice improvement and help Tracfone catch up with the competition, they still offer several other airtime cards which have not changed in many years despite the drop in costs for calling, texting and data.

Plans such as their 1 Year/400 Minute option cost $99 but include just 400 texts, 400 talk minutes and 400 MB data. Another example is their popular 60 Minute card which includes 90 service days, but just 60 talk/text/data. These cards provide a lot of service days, but the amount of talk/text/data is rather low and should be increased.

It appears that, rather than improving these airtime plans, Tracfone is just focused on making their unlimited talk and text plans more competitive and valuable. But how do they stack up to some other options? Let's take a quick look:

Mint Mobile offers $180/year ($15/mo) for 5GB data per month. That's 5X what Tracfone is offering on their $15/mo plan.

Visible has a $25/mo plan that has unlimited talk, text and data. Plus it is currently on sale for $20/mo. Tracfone doesn't have any unlimited data options.

Tello features a $10/mo plan with unlimited talk and text, and 2GB data per month. That's $5 less and 2X more data than Tracfone's offer.

Now, most Tracfone users have significant built up minutes or service days making switching to a new provider impractical. But we hope that Tracfone will continue to more towards making their products more competitive as we can see several other companies are offering better deals.

Tracfone still offers some of the cheapest ways to have a cell phone, especially for those who don't use their phone very much or just want a backup device. Many users are able to have service for a full year for under $100 through the use of various cards or deals.

Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page what you think of these updates and what changes you think Tracfone should be making.

For more on the basics of Tracfone, visit our Beginners Guide.

Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100!

Finally, learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting!

Tracfone Smartphone Deals and Sales - August 2024

2024-08-13T17:02:00.001-05:00

Best Tracfone Deals and Discounts August 2024

Shop this list of the lowest prices on Tracfone smartphones and airtime bundles from around the web. We track and update these deals each month for our readers to save money and get great discounts!

Prices, bundles and deals change often online and it can be hard to know where the best deal can be found. Often deals we list here include airtime bundles, and others just the phone. (The best value usually includes airtime bundles!).

Prices and availability change quickly, and we update this list as often as we can. If you are looking for a new phone, also check out our List of the Latest Tracfone Smartphones. The Moto G 2024 and Moto G Power 2024 have both recently become available.

We've included new smartphones just released on Tracfone last month!

Best Deals on Tracfone Smartphones - Updated for August 2024

These are the lowest prices from around the web on some of the latest and greatest smartphones from Tracfone.

(New) Moto G Power 5G 2024

6.7" full HD screen, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, dual 50MP camera. Learn more in our review of the 2024 Power.

Walmart $149 | Tracfone Website $169

(New) Moto G 5G 2024

6.6" HD screen, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, dual 50MP camera. Learn more in our review of the Moto G 2024.

Target $69 (sale) | Tracfone Website $99

(New) Moto G Play 2024 - $49

6.5" HD screen, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and 50MP rear camera. Learn more in our Review of the Play.

HSN with airtime bundle $59 | Amazon $49 | QVC 2-pack w/ airtime bundle $79

(New) Samsung Galaxy A25 5G - $199

6.5" Super AMOLED screen, 128GB storage, 6GB RAM, Triple rear camera and 5G

QVC (w/ airtime bundle) $199 | Amazon $219

(New) Samsung Galaxy A15 5G - $119 (limited time deal)

6.5" Super AMOLED screen, 128GB internal storage, 4GB RAM, triple rear camera and 5G

QVC (w/ airtime bundle) $132 | Walmart $149

Google Pixel 6a - $219

6.1" screen, 128GB internal storage, 6GB RAM, Tensor processor, dual 12MP cameras and 5G

QVC with airtime bundle ($200 value) $219 | HSN with airtime bundle ($200 value) $219

Moto G Power 5G (2023) - $79

6.5" full HD screen, 4GB RAM/128 GB internal storage, 5G network access, great battery life. (Read our full review of the Moto G Power 5G)

QVC w/ airtime bundle ($79)

Target (Discount available for new activations)

Amazon (on sale for $99)

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G - $65

6.6" full HD screen, 4GB RAM/64GB storage, 5G network access, NFC, newly released (Read our full review of the Galaxy A14 5G)

QVC with Airtime Bundle

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G - $259

6.4" Super AMOLED touchscreen, 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage (Read our review of the A54 5G)

HSN with airtime bundle ($200 value) | Amazon (device only)

Moto G Stylus (2022) - $99

6.8" touchscreen, 4 GB RAM/128 GB storage, (Read our full review of the Stylus)

QVC with airtime bundle | Amazon

Top Phones and Deals on Unlocked Smartphones (For Tracfone BYOP)

Oneplus Nord N30 5G (Unlocked) - $249 ($50 off)
6.7" display, 108MP camera, Snapdragon 695 processor and 8GB RAM/128GB storage

Amazon

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (Unlocked) $199

6.5" Super AMOLED screen, 128GB internal storage, 4GB RAM, triple rear camera and 5G

Amazon

Moto G Power 5G (2023) (Unlocked) - $199 ($100 off)

6.5" screen, 6 GB RAM/256 GB storage, 5G network compatible

Amazon

That concludes our deals and sales list and hope these help you get the best price on a new smartphone!

Leave a comment below with any thoughts or questions and also join us on Facebook to connect with our growing community and get the latest info.

We just shared our thoughts on whether Alcatel, TCL and ZTE phones from Tracfone are any good, and some of the information we share might be surprising.

All the phones in our list above are VoLTE capable according to Tracfone, but you may want to take a look at updates to our post about Tracfone Closing their 3G CDMA network and how it may affect you.

Keep up with the latest in 5G network access with Tracfone including 5G Coverage maps! And a list of Tracfone 5G phones.

If you're new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide which shares helpful information about how it all works or we just created, The 10 Most Common Tracfone Questions Answered.

And finally don't miss out on our Tracfone Promo Code list with many different codes to get free minutes when adding airtime!

Thanks for visiting!

7 Tips and Tricks to Save Money with Tracfone

2024-07-23T13:27:00.001-05:00

Tracfone Money Saving Tips and Tricks

Most people who use Tracfone prepaid service are looking for the best deal and lowest prices on airtime and smartphones. And we're got a list of the best Tracfone money-saving tips and tricks to help!

Even using just a few of these tips could save lots of money on both smartphones and airtime. We also have additional information for some of these tips linked, so follow those to learn even more.

Let's get started!

Top 7 Tracfone Tips and Tricks to Save Money

1. Check and Track your Airtime Regularly

Knowing how and when you are using your airtime is the first step to getting the most from Tracfone's prepaid service. If you are using a lot of texts or calling minutes, maybe switch to an unlimited talk/text plan. If you notice you use a lot of data during your commute, maybe download those videos or media beforehand over WIFI to save the data.

There is also a long history of Tracfone making mistakes when it comes to keeping track of customer's airtime balances, so keeping an eye on it yourself is the best bet.

Here are the top 3 ways to track your airtime:

Text 'Balance' to 611611
Use the 'Tracfone My Account' app to check airtime and even add a widget to your home screen
Log into your account on the Tracfone website

Get more info and tips in our post, How to Check your Tracfone Airtime.

2. Find the Best and Cheapest Plan that Fits Your Needs

Tracfone offers a lot of different cheap plans but finding the best one for your needs can be a little tricky. You don't want to pay for things you are not using.

For users that require minimal talk/text/data, the 60 Minute card for $20 with 90 service days or the 1 Year/400 Minute card are both cheap options for a lot of service days with a small number of Tracfone minutes.

Want an even cheaper way for a year of service? Get an airtime bundle with a new smartphone from HSN or QVC. Now you will have to switch devices to a new phone, but that process is usually pretty fast and easy, and there are several options for under $100. That includes a year of service, a new phone, and usually 1500 minutes.

For those that use their phone more frequently, consider Tracfone's unlimited talk/text plans which include varying amounts of data. For these plans, managing your data use is important but additional data can also be purchased as needed.

See more about the Best and Cheapest Tracfone plans including best unlimited plans.

3. Buy Tracfone Smartphones when they are on Sale

Tracfone offers their phones through a variety of retailers and they are often going on sale for great discounts. These retailers, such as Amazon, eBay, BestBuy, HSN and QVC, offer many different models of Tracfone smartphones and will put certain ones on sale at different times.

Some of last year's devices are on sale for more than 50% off, and Tracfone usually offers major deals around Black Friday.

To find the latest deals, head over to our monthly deals list which we update with the best prices.

4. Use Auto-Refill and Save

Many of Tracfone's monthly plans offer a small discount when you enroll in auto-refill. So not only do you not have to worry about buying a new airtime card each month, you get it at a discounted rate. Not all plans offer that, so be sure to check that the one that fits your needs the best has it.

The 60 minute card with 90 service days is just $17.99 with auto-refill making it just $6 per month for service and a small amount of airtime. The unlimited talk and text cards offer a discount for purchasing in 3, 6 or 12 month increments.

The best auto-refill discounts are for the basic phone cards, and you should choose the one that offers the amount of airtime you think you will need.

5. Use the 1 Year Airtime Cards

Another great money-saving option is to consider a yearly plan, which comes with a full year of service along with varying amounts of airtime. There are several different options at different price points, but they each offer a certain amount of talk, text and data.

The 1 Year/400 minute option costs just $99 and comes out to about $8.25 per month (but there are also promo codes that can be used for an additional $15 off, see the next tip)

The $20 unlimited plan which offers 2GB data per month, can be purchased in a 12 month increment for $192 which is just $16/mo and includes 24GB data. Tracfone offers other unlimited plan options, which are all discounted when purchasing 12 months at a time.

Whichever plan fits your needs, they all offer a lot of convenience, while also delivering a fairly low cost.

6. Use Tracfone Promo Codes

Tracfone used to offer a wide variety of promotional codes to get extra airtime for free when adding a card. However, since Verizon acquired Tracfone, we have not seen many new codes.

There are still a few codes for certain airtime cards that can get extra minutes for free or a discounted price and Tracfone offers some discounts on new phones. Visit our Tracfone Promo Code page for all the codes, and to get $15 off the 1 Year/400 Minute card use code 83597 at checkout.

7. Use the Rewards Program - Sign up with 7,000 Points!

If you are not already in the Tracfone rewards program, check it out here (and get started with 7,000 points using code CTGU-D940 in your dashboard referral box)

Reward points are earned by purchasing airtime and a variety of other methods, and they can be used to add airtime or even get gift cards. We did a full write up on the Tracfone Rewards program so take a look to learn more.

There are sure to be more tips and tricks for Tracfone and if you have one, share it down in the comments or head over to our Facebook page to join the conversation!

For more on the basics of Tracfone, visit our Beginners Guide.

Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100!

Finally, learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.

Thanks for visiting!

Amazon Prime Day 2024 - Best Deals on Tracfone Smartphones

2024-07-05T19:01:00.007-05:00

Tracfone Prime Day Deals 2023 - July 16-17 - Smartphone Discounts

Amazon Prime Day is July 16th and 17th, with a huge number of deals offered exclusively to Prime Members. Prime day is one of the largest sales days besides Black Friday, with many other retailers besides Amazon offering sales and deals!

Prime day deals typically include a number of Amazon products like the Amazon Echo, Kindle and more, but also include a wide range of other products, and even Tracfone smartphones and unlocked devices. Some of the best deals are saved for the 16th and 17th, but there are also many deals leading up to those days.

Find the best deals for Amazon Prime Day 2024 below!

Amazon Prime Membership Free Trial
To get these Prime Day deals you have to be an Amazon Prime Member. If you are already a member, you are all set to shop these deals. Otherwise, you can still get these deals by starting an Amazon Prime 30 Day Free Trial (follow the link to get started).

If you don't plan to keep Amazon Prime, just be sure to cancel before the 30 days are up.

Additionally, Amazon offers a discounted monthly rate for those with Medicaid or EBT and you can learn more here.

Amazon Prime Day Deals List 2024

Prime day deals happen fast and usually only appear just before they are live so we will be updating this as new deals become available. Check back often for updates. In the last few years other online retailers have also started competing with Amazon by offering their own deals and we will include those as well.

Best Prime Day Deals:

Early Deal - Get up to 55% Off Phones and Accessories

Early Deal - Get up to 55% Off Amazon Devices and TVs

Shop all early Amazon Prime Day Deals

Tracfone Devices and Unlocked Smartphones (Coming Soon)

Tracfone Smartphones:

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G 33% off

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G $50 off

Moto G Play 2024 20% off

Unlocked Smartphones:

Google Pixel 7a (unlocked) $250 off

Google Pixel 8a (unlocked) $50 off

Google Pixel 7 Pro (unlocked) 54% off

Google Pixel 8 Pro (unlocked) 30% off

Moto G Power 5 G 2024 (unlocked) $50 off

Moto G Power 5G 2023 (unlocked) $70 off

Moto G Stylus 2023 (unlocked) 40% off

Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 (unlocked) 20% off

Motorola Razr 2023 (unlocked) 36% off

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (unlocked) $100 off

Phone Accessories:

Amazon Basics MicroSD card 512GB 20% off

Deals and Bundles from Other Retailers:

Moto G Play 2024 (Tracfone) (Airtime Bundle) QVC.com - $59

Moto G Power 2023 (Tracfone) (Airtime Bundle) QVC.com - $88

We will be updating with all the deals as they come available, so check back often! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences or questions.

Also head over to our Facebook page to join our growing community and to send us a message directly for technical questions or problems.

If you are new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide!

Take a look at some of our recent posts, including a Guide for Making your Airtime Last Longer and Everything you Need to Know about Data Cards.

And don't miss out on the our monthly Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales!

Thanks for visiting!

Best Unlocked Phones for Tracfone BYOP in 2024

2024-06-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Best Unlocked Smartphones for Tracfone Prepaid - Updated for 2024!

The best unlocked phone list by TracfoneReviewer

Tracfone offers a good selection of smartphones to use with their prepaid cell service, including Apple devices, Samsung, and many other smartphones (including several options under $100). However, consumers can also bring almost any unlocked phone to use with Tracfone BYOP program and that means more options, more freedom, and newer phones!

So what's the best phone to bring to Tracfone's BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) program? There are many different options, but the phones we have listed below are some of the latest smartphones that offer an excellent balance of value and performance while staying under $500.

For specific details on the requirements for activating a phone with Tracfone, see our Guide to Transferring/Activating a Smartphone with Tracfone or visit our Tracfone BYOP page (which also has a large list of phone options).

We are choosing these phones based on a variety of factors including popularity, value, cost and performance. These are some of our best suggestions of phones that will fit most user's needs. In the end, each person needs to understand what they want out of a phone, and choose a phone according to that.

Most Tracfone users decide to use BYOP because they want a phone with the latest features and more performance compared to most Tracfone smartphones, plus a wider selection of devices. In our list, we only include phones priced between $100-$499 as the majority of our readers are looking for a phone in that price range.

Now let's take a look at the list!

Best Unlocked Smartphones to use with Tracfone
Organized by price

Google Pixel 8a - $499
Google's latest in their 'budget' smartphone lineup. The Pixel 8a offers a 6.1" full HD OLED screen, 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB internal storage, 64MP rear camera and Android 14. The device comes unlocked with 5G network capability and both eSIM and NanoSIM options. The Pixel 8a offers many high end features but at a more reasonable cost. There is no external SD card slot, and charging speeds are on the slow side, with 18W wired, 7.5W wireless. The Pixel 8a is new for 2024 and replaces the 7a from last year.

Google Pixel 8a on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G - $399
An updated mid-level model with several high-end features and looks while staying moderately priced, the A35 5G will be a popular option for Samsung fans. It has a 6.6" full HD Super AMOLED screen with excellent brightness, Exynos 1380 processor, 6GB RAM and 128GB storage (other variations have 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage). The A35 also features expandable storage, Android 14 and 50MP triple rear camera setup. There is no wireless charging, but it does include IP67 waterproof rating. The A35 5G includes a handful of similarities to last year's Galaxy A54, and adds on with a few updates. Tracfone also offers this device, locked to their network.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G on Amazon

Google Pixel 6a - $299
The Pixel line of smartphones from Google have been an extremely popular lineup due to their excellent specs and relatively affordable price compared to high-end smartphones. The Google Pixel 6a 5G features all the specs of a great phone, including a full HD 6.1" screen, Google's Tensor processor, 6 GB RAM, and 128 GB internal storage. It also has a some impressive features on the dual 12MP rear camera, the latest Android OS (12, with future upgrades), and 5G capability. It is compatible on all the major networks, including Tracfone (Verizon). The 6a is now a few years old, but still a competitive option with the reduced price and Google's solid update policy.

Get the Google Pixel 6a 5G on Amazon ~~$450~~ now $299

Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) - $279 (list price $299)
The latest device in Motorola's popular budget phone line, the Moto G Power 5G (2024) builds on previous models and offers several great upgrades we don't always see at this price point It has solid performance thanks to a Mediatek Dimensity 7020 which is a nice improvement over the 2023 model, and comes with 128 GB internal storage, 8 GB RAM, and an external MicroSD slot. The 5,000 mAh battery provides up to 2 days of use, and can be recharged wired (30W) or wirelessly (15W). The Power comes with a headphone jack, NFC and runs Android 14. The 50MP rear camera is okay, but there is no wide-angle shooter that offers some nice features. At the $200-$300 price point, there are many different great options such as the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G and Google Pixel 6a 5G (often on sale at $299) but the 2024 Power is a competitive option.

Get the Moto G Power 5G (2024) on Amazon

OnePlus Nord N30 5G - $249
A competitive budget phone with a growing fanbase, the Nord N30 features a 6.72" full HD screen, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and Snapdragon 695 5G processor. It comes with Android 13, and an update to 14, as NFC, 5G and 3.5mm headphone jack. The Nord N30 has a 108MP triple rear sensor, and large, 5,000 mAh battery with 50W charging speed. There is no waterproof rating, and the device has been available since mid-2023, but the features are quite competitive for the price.

Get the OnePlus Nord N30 on Amazon

Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) - $179
A budget version of the 2024 Power, the Moto G includes some similar features, and a much lower price. It offers a 6.6" HD screen with 120hz refresh rate, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage and runs Android 14. The Moto G also includes 5G network compatibility, NFC and a 3.5mm headphone jack for those that still prefer a wired connection. There is no wireless charging, nor a waterproof rating, but this device is already discounted from the original retail price ($199).

Get the Moto G 5G 2024 on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G - $199
The budget option from Samsung has a few updates over the previous model, but maintains an affordable price point. It comes with a 6.5" full HD Super AMOLED screen, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage (some versions have up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage) and Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ processor. The A15 runs Android 14 and includes NFC and 5G network compatibility. For fans of Samsung, this device offers an excellent screen and reasonable performance at a great price. It is also available from Tracfone as a locked device.

Get the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G on Amazon

That concludes our list of the the best smartphones to use with Tracfone. We hope this list serves to provide some ideas of different phones available to use with Tracfone BYOP.

We want to hear from you! Share your current/favorite phone you use with Tracfone in the comments below!

Also join in on the discussion on our Facebook page where more than 3500 followers already get the latest news and information in their feed.

Don't miss out on our monthly list of Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales which also include unlocked phones and Tracfone smartphones.

Also take a look at our list of the Latest Tracfone Smartphones to see what is new from Tracfone.

And we just shared the 10 Most Common Tracfone Questions Answered.

Thanks for visiting!