Best Tracfone Cell Phone

Top 5 Tracfone Prepaid Cell Phones 

Everyone wants to know, what is the best Tracfone device? Which cell phones are the best options from Tracfone? We provide for you here the 2014 list of Best Tracfone Cell Phones.

List of the Best Cell Phones from Tracfone - photo credit: ario_

As you might expect, this list is dominated by the newly released Android powered smartphones. But which one will receive the top pick? This is almost the best android Tracfone list, but we included some other phones. See the list below!

We are judging this list of the best cell phones based primarily on features, specifications, and performance as well as feedback from customers.

We will provide a short description of each phone in the list, and a link to our full review if you would like to learn more about a particular phone.

List of the Best Cell Phones from Tracfone

The list will contain our five top picks, starting off with number five:

#5 Best Tracfone - LG 840G

This phone comes in at the fifth spot for its wide popularity, low cost, and good features. The LG 840G has been available for consumers to purchase and use with Tracfone for over a year. It offers several great features that help get it onto this list, including Triple Minutes for Life, WiFi, Touchscreen and 3G speeds.

The LG 840G does lack the ability to access Android apps, because the phone uses a proprietary java operating system. You can still use some apps, like Google Maps, but it is not as easy as an Android phone. View our complete review of the LG 840G to learn more about this phone.

The LG 840G is a solid phone with great value for the money. And with prices for this phone as low as $30 on Amazon, it is a great bargain.

#4 Best Tracfone - LG Optimus Dynamic

LG Optimus Dynamic

The LG Optimus Dynamic arrives at fourth on this list of the top Tracfone cell phones. It is actually pretty similar to the LG 840G (which isn't surprising since they are both made by LG) but with one major exception - Android OS.

With the Android operating system, it is possibly for you to access thousands of different apps through Google Play and use them on this phone.

The LG Optimus Dynamic also comes with WiFi, 3G speeds and a free 4GB Micro SD card. Read our review of the LG Optimus Dynamic to get all the details on this phone.

This phone does have a much older version of Android than any of the other smartphones from Tracfone. It uses Android 2.3 and some have reported it as being a little slower than preferred.

But the Optimus is the cheapest option between the other Android Tracfone's, at under $50 on Amazon. And there is also a version of the phone offered in white for those who might prefer it.

On a side note, we have received information that there will be a LG Optimus Dynamic II coming to Tracfone in the near future with better specs and performance, so be on the lookout for that!

#3 Best Tracfone - Samsung Galaxy Centura

Samsung Galaxy Centura

The Samsung Galaxy Centura comes in third by just barely being beat out by the top two. With these top three Android phones, they all offer great features and value, but they have small differences that separate them.

The Galaxy Centura offers all the features you expect from an Android Tracfone - WiFi, Triple Minutes for Life, MP3 player, 3 MP camera and more (read our Review of the Samsung Galaxy Centura for all the specs ad features).

But what puts it in third and not second or first are two main points: First, the Galacy Centura uses Android 4.0 OS, while the ZTE Valet has a slightly newer operating system. Second, the Samsung has a slightly slower processor compared to the ZTE Valet and Huawei Glory.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Centura is a great phone, which is why it ranks third in our best Android smartphones from Tracfone list. View the Centura on Amazon at $30 less than retail price.

#2 Best Tracfone - ZTE Valet

ZTE Valet

The ZTE Valet reaches number two on our top Android smartphone list with powerful specs, great features and widespread popularity.

The Valet comes with Android 4.1 OS and all the other features you expect from Tracfone like Triple Minutes for Life, WiFi, and GPS. The Valet also comes with a 4 GB Micro SD card, adding to the value of this phone. You can learn all about the ZTE Valet by reading our review.

What keeps this smartphone from the top spot are the reports we've heard from users that the WiFi can be weak at times, and no where near as strong as some would like. This might be a problem with just some phones, but it does keep the Valet from our top spot.

Price-wise, the ZTE Valet is a great buy. We have found it on Amazon for under $80, and many places like eBay, Amazon and HSN sell it with a minutes bundle. The ZTE Valet and Samsung Galaxy Centura are both great phones, and have been the two most popular Android smartphones that Tracfone has released. But we believe the best android smartphone is the one below.

#1 Best Tracfone - Huawei Glory

Huawei Glory

The Huawei Glory is TracfoneReviewer's pick for the best Tracfone cell phone, and best Android Tracfone smartphone, for its' features, performance, specs and overall design.

The Glory is very similar to the ZTE Valet, with features like a 1 Ghz processor, Android 4.0 OS, GPS, 3 MP camera, WiFi and Triple Minutes for Life. But the Glory also has some features the Valet doesn't, like an FM radio.

But what really lead to the Huawei Glory grabbing the top spot is the quality users report of the WiFi signal strength. This was one of the only downsides to the Valet, and the Glory succeeds in this area. Read our complete Huawei Glory review to learn more about this phone.

In the end, all four of the Android powered smartphones Tracfone released offer great features and huge potential. It really comes down to which features you find are most important to have, and which phone you like the most. And don't forget that you can now bring your own phone to Tracfone! Read our post on this exciting Tracfone Android news to learn more.

We hope you found this article useful, leave a comment with your pick for the best Tracfone device. Also be sure to share this with your friends.

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We also want to share a quick heads up, we have learned that Tracfone is releasing the LG Optimus Dynamic II (LG L39). So be on the lookout for that! More information to come.

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! or you can see just the codes updated for January 2014!

Tracfone Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas Gift Giving Ideas with Tracfone

With Christmas and the holidays fast approaching, it can sometimes be very challenging to figure out gifts to get friends and family. Well we are here to help! This is our 2013 Christmas(or for any occasion) Gift Ideas Guide.

Tracfone Gift Guide for Christmas by TracfoneReviewer

This guide will help give you ideas and share some of the newest and best cell phones and accessories available from Tracfone. Use this guide to get a heads-up on some of the newer stuff available from Tracfone.

For those who might not know, Tracfone is a low cost, prepaid cell phone company that offers phones for $100 or less, and prepaid minutes in varying amounts.

In this guide, we will cover the latest and greatest Tracfone cell phones, cell phone accessories, and prepaid minute cards to give you a jump on what to buy others (or yourself...) for Christmas.

So let's get to it!

Cell Phone Christmas Gift Ideas from Tracfone

These phones are some of the best and newest available from Tracfone. All use Android OS, making them powerful, functional, and full of great features including tons of apps from Google Play.

A Tracfone cell phone can be a great gift for young teens, or anyone who doesn't have a cell phone and either wouldn't use the phone too often, or needs to learn not to talk and text all day!

These Android powered prepaid phones are each around $100 (some even less) and come with everything you need to activate them right away. You can even use an existing number if you want.

Here are the four Android Tracfone Christmas gift ideas:

ZTE Valet

ZTE Valet - With great features like Android 4.1, WiFi, and Triple Minutes for Life, this is one of the top Android phones from Tracfone. Some users report low signal strength on the WiFi, and you can read our complete review of the ZTE Valet to learn more. It does come with a free 4 GB Micro SD card. The Valet can be found in many stores and online, but we found it on Amazon at $15 off!

Huawei Glory - Running Android 4.0, the Glory has many of the same great features as the Valet, and even has an FM Radio! Check out our review of the Huawei Glory for complete features and specs. It can be found on the Tracfone website, or from many other major retailers.

Samsung Galaxy Centura - A great phone from a well known brand, the Centura also runs Android 4.0, and has WiFi, Triple Minutes and much more. Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Centura for all the details, including how to check your balance from the phone. The Samsung Galaxy Centura is available in many stores and websites, but you can get it on Amazon for $30 off!

LG Optimus Dynamic - Last but not least, this phone resembles the LG 840G in some ways, but comes with many more features, most notably Android 2.3. Get our review of the LG Optimus Dynamic for more information. The Dynamic is available in many places online and in store. We even found it on Amazon for just $60! (prices are current at time of posting, but may change!)

All four of these phones will make a great gift. But if you're looking for something that just does the basics like calling and texting, you might be interested in the LG 840G or the Alcatel 382G.

Cell Phone Accessory Gift Ideas

With cell phones, it is always nice to have plenty of accessories, whether that consists of car chargers, touchscreen covers or sturdy cases, below are some of the best options for your Tracfone device.

Tracfone Covers - A cover for your cell phone is one of the best ways to protect it form scratches, and even from dropping it. Covers come in many different colors, costs and levels of protection. Be sure to get the right cover for phone, as they come in all kinds of different sizes.

One easy way to find covers for your cell phone is to head over to Amazon and then search for the name of your phone, followed by 'cover' or 'case'. There should be plenty of options to choose from.

Charger and Accessories - Sometimes it's nice to have a car charger, or other accessories that make your phone more convenient to use. Some cell phone bundles come with extra accessories, but you can also find lots of options on ebay or Amazon.

Tracfone Prepaid Refill Cards

A 1 year/400 minute card

Let's not forget about the prepaid minutes! If you know someone who uses Tracfone, one of the best gifts you might be able to get them is a prepaid refill card that will give them extra minutes for talking and texting.

Tracfone refill cards come in sizes ranging from 60 minutes for $20 to 450 minutes at $80.

One of the best deals is to get the 1 year/400 minutes card which gives the user 1 full year of service with 400 minutes.

You can find Tracfone prepaid minutes in most stores and online.

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We hope this gives you some new holiday gift ideas to help find something for your friends and family!

Definitely go check out our Tracfone Promo Codes if you don't already know about that!

You might also be interested in learning about the Difference between GSM and CDMA Tracfone devices (and which is right for you).

Thanks for visiting, and leave a comment with your top gift ideas, or any questions you might have!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

LG Optimus Dynamic Review - Tracfone Smartphone

The LG L38C Android Powered Smartphone from Tracfone

This review by TracfoneReviewer covers the LG Optimus Dynamic (LG L38C) offered by Tracfone.

LG Optimus Dynamic Review

The LG Optimus Dynamic is one of four new Android powered smartphones that Tracfone has made available to consumers.

The ZTE Valet and Samsung Galaxy Centura (click the links for our reviews of each phone) are two of the other three smartphones, and are both widely available. The fourth Tracfone smartphone is the Huawei Glory, which we have just reviewed, so check it out!

These four phones are the first smartphones (using Android OS) Tracfone has made available for use with their prepaid service.

Tracfone has also just recently released the LG Optimus Dynamic II, an Android smartphone with many improvements over the original Dynamic reviewed here, but also more expensive.

Tracfone Wireless is a prepaid cell phone company that offers relatively inexpensive phones and prepaid minutes/service days at low prices. Learn more about Tracfone by reading our Overview of Tracfone.

Now, let's get to the details of this  LG Optimus Dynamic review:

Review of the  LG Optimus Dynamic from Tracfone

The  LG Optimus Dynamic is a touchscreen, candy bar style phone with Android Operating System 2.3. The LG Optimus Dynamic is a phone offered by several different cell phone service providers (like Net10), but a Net10 LG Optimus Dynamic will not work with Tracfone service.

This phone uses the CDMA network (you can tell by the 'C' at the end of LG L38C), which is the case with all of Tracfone's current Android phones. Using the CDMA network means that this phone will most likely use Verizon towers. Learn more about the difference between GSM and CDMA cell phone networks.

Let's take a look at the full feature and specifications list for the LG Optimus Dynamic:

LG Optimus Dynamic Features and Specs:

• WiFi Connectivity
• 3G Network Speeds
• Triple Minutes for Life
• Android 2.3 'Gingerbread'
• 3 MP Camera and Video Recorder
• 4 GB Micro SD card included
• Supports up to 32 GB Micro SD Card
• MP3 Player
• Bluetooth Wireless Technology
• Access to over 700,000 Apps on Google Play
• GPS Enabled
• Gravity/Shake/Tilt sensor
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Alarm Clock
• Text/Picture Messaging
• Email and Mobile Web
• Hands Free Speaker
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting

Specifications and Dimensions for the LG Optimus Dynamic:

• 800 Mhz Processor
• Size: 4" x 2.4" x 0.5"
• 3.2" Touchscreen
• Battery Standby: 6 Days
• Batter Talk time: 6 Hours

A powerful list of features, especially compared to Tracfone's older, non-Android phones. While the LG Optimus Dynamic comes with Android 2.3, which is not the most recent version of Android, it will still provide plenty of bang for your buck. If you want a phone with a newer version of Android, like 4.0, check out the other smartphones Tracfone offers, as they all use Android 4.0 or higher.

But before we get too far into analyzing the features, and comparing this phone with the others, let's just see the likes and dislikes we have about the LG Optimus Dynamic.

Likes and Dislikes for the LG Optimus Dynamic

LG Optimus Dynamic Likes:

Let's begin by saying there is a lot to like about this phone. Comparing it to older Tracfone mobile devices, this phone is light years ahead because of one great feature - Android Operating System.

LG Optimus Dynamic
(click image to zoom)

The Android Operating System allows the user to access Apps (applications) that are available through Google Play. There are over 700,000 different apps, which means lots and lots of features at your fingertips.

Some of the top apps include the Chrome web browser, YouTube, Instagram, Google Calendar, FIFA 14 and plenty more. To get many of these apps, you simply download them to your phone.

Some of our other big likes about the LG Optimus Dynamic are the WiFi, Triple Minutes for Life, and 3MP Camera.

WiFi on the Optimus allows you to surf the web for free when connected to a wireless network, like at home, work or at a coffee shop. You won't use any minutes when you are surfing the web using WiFi.

Triple Minutes for Life is the best deal Tracfone offers at the moment, and it basically triples any minutes you add to the phone. So if you buy at 60 minute refill card, you will get 180 total minutes.

The 3 MP camera is decent enough, and can take good photos in well lighted situations. Don't expect too much from it, as many newer smartphones have much better cameras.

Finally, we really like that the LG Optimus Dynamic comes with a 4 GB Micro SD Card. It is convenient to be able to lead music onto it for the MP3 player, or store pictures and other information from the phone on it. While the ZTE Valet also comes with a 4 GB Micro SD card, the Samsung Galaxy Centura does not.

There are several more nice features on this phone, but we want to take a look at some of the dislikes to give a balanced perspective.

LG Optimus Dynamic Dislikes:
It's true, there are a few things we don't really like about this phone, but none of them are enough to keep us from buying this phone. Let's run through them so you have an idea, and can make your own decision.

First off, while the Android 2.3 OS is great, it is not the newest, and all the other smartphones from Tracfone offer newer versions of the OS. So this is important to be aware of.

A dislike that is more of a disappointment is that these new Android Smartphones won't accept promo codes. In other words, you can't get any bonus minutes when adding a new card.

Which brings us to another slight dislike, the prepaid minutes for this phone (and the other Android smartphones) are broken up into three pools or buckets - calling minutes/texting/data.

When you add a 60 minute card, for example, you will now get 180 minutes for calling, 180 texts, and 180 MB of data to use (because the phone has Triple Minutes for Life). While this is a good deal for people who use all three of these functions, people who just text will not get as great a deal.

Finally, this phone is not exactly a new smartphone, it has been around for a few years. So if you are looking for the latest and greatest smartphone, this is not a phone for you. However, it is a tried and tested phone that is used by several different cell phone service providers, so it has been thoroughly tested (as is the case for most Tracfone mobile devices).

To conclude, there are things about this phone that we really like, and there are a few things we didn't like, but all in all it is a good phone for most users, especially those who would like their phone to have additional features beyond the basics.

How to Check your Airtime Balance: 

On the LG Optimus Dynamic (and all of Tracfone's new smartphones) there is no airtime display like we are accustomed to. You must now check your airtime through other methods. The easiest is as follows:

Download Tracfone's official app on Google Play which will allow you to sign in, and check your airtime balance from there.

Another options is to log on to your Tracfone account and submit a balance request, OR simply set up a bookmark in your browser (on your computer or phone) to go to "https://www.tracfone.com/direct/CheckBalance?input_phone=1234567890" (replace 1234567890 with your phone number). You'll get a free text message on your phone with your balances. The service end date is not in the text message. It's only shown on the browser screen.

Overall Review and Pricing for the LG Optimus Dynamic

The LG Optimus Dynamic is a good phone, and offers a huge upgrade for most longtime Tracfone users. LG is a great brand with a history of good phones.

LG Optimus Dynamic

It is a phone best suited to people who want more out of their cell phone than just calling and texting. The app market on Google Play brings a huge selection of features to the table that older Tracfone devices don't have. If you are looking for a more simple phone, visit our Cell Phone Reviews Page.

The LG Optimus Dynamic is available in some stores and many places online including Tracfone's website. It retails for $99 most places, although it can be found for less, especially when bundled with minutes or other accessories form eBay or HSN.

We have also found it on Amazon for $79 plus Free Shipping!

And there is even a white version of the LG Optimus Dynamic for those who want to stand out a little more than the rest.

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Centura, the LG Optimus Dynamic is better in several ways, such as price and included Micro SD Card, however it uses an older version of Android, which is a drawback.

When comparing the LG Optimus Dynamic to the ZTE Valet or Huawei Glory, TracfoneReviewer would likely choose the Valet or Glory because of the slightly better processor, similar price, slightly larger touchscreen, and newer Android OS. But these phones are very similar, and it could come down to specific features or even brand.

Additional Resources: LG Optimus Dynamic Tutorials and Information

Leave a comment with your thoughts on the LG Optimus Dynamic, and any questions or reviews you have.

You might find our recent post with the New Tracfone Promo Codes for November useful if you haven't upgraded to a smartphone yet, or learn how to Get a Burn Phone Fast with Tracfone.

We hope you found this useful, thanks for visiting!

Android Powered Cell Phones Coming to Tracfone

Will Tracfone Finally Have an Android Powered Cell Phone?

Details are still a little murky, with lots of rumors and anonymous claims, but they all have one consistent aspect, and that is that Tracfone might be on the verge of releasing Android powered smartphones for their customers.

**UPDATE**
This Post is out of date! Tracfone has released four new Android Smartphones, and you can read our review of each one below:

LG Optimus Dynamic

Samsung Galaxy Centura

ZTE Valet

Huawei Glory

You can also view our Comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Centura and ZTE Valet to learn more.

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Tracfone Released the Samsung Galaxy Centura Android for Tracfone available to purchase at HSN.com.

Samsung Galaxy Centura Android
 for Tracfone

You can see the Samsung Galaxy Centura at HSN.com to learn more (although it might be sold out by now).

The Samsung Galaxy Centura has been around for Net10 and Straight Talk users for a little while, but Tracfone has never had a smartphone, or an android powered phone. The closest thing was the LG 840G.

This Samsung Galaxy Centura will be able to use apps, browse the web via Google, use Google Maps and other Google products with ease. It is an exciting direction Tracfone is heading.

At this point, HSN.com is the only place we have found selling this new Android Tracfone, but we will keep you updated if other options become available!

EDIT: We have also found the Samsung Galaxy Centura on eBay, although the price is not great, and getting it from HSN.com is a better deal at the moment.

Possibly Four New Android Tracfone Cell Phones

If you read this forum post from HowardForums it suggest that there will be four new Android powered cell phones coming to Tracfone, as well as special data cards you can purchase from Tracfone.

Many of the details are still unclear, like when these phones will be available or what they will cost. (or how the data charge will work). But the phones look pretty exciting. The phones that possibly will be available for Tracfone are:

• LG L38C Optimus Dynamic with Android 2.3 (see Tracfone tutorial)
• Samsung S738C Galaxy Centura with Android 4.0 (see Tracfone tutorial)
• ZTE Z665C Valet with Android 4.1 (see Tracfone tutorial) 
• Huawei H868C Glory with Android 4.0 (see Tracfone tutorial)

Samsung Galaxy
Centura

While we don't have confirmation that these phones will be available for Tracfone users, it seems very likely. What we do know is that Android powered cell phones are finally coming to Tracfone.

EDIT: The ZTE Z665C Valet has been spotted in stores! At this point it has only been found in Best Buy retailing for $99. It is the only one of the four mentioned above that has been found in store for sale, but it is a pretty good sign the rest will soon follow!

EDIT 2: Both the ZTE Z665C Valet and Samsung Galaxy Centura are now available at Tracfone.com under 'cell phones'. As are the Hauwei Glory and LG Optimus Dynamic!

ZTE Valet

One thing to note is that all of these phones appear to be for CDMA networks, which would be Verizon. Learn about the Difference between GSM and CDMA and which is right for you.

Check back often as we will try to keep everyone updated as more details become available.

While this is exciting news, for many Tracfone users, this won't change anything. You can still use your current cell phones for whatever capacity you choose to, and prices should stay the same. In fact, some older Tracfone cell phones are actually going on sale for great low prices! Check out our recent post with the Best Tracfone Deals in September!

Thanks for stopping by, leave a comment with your thoughts or questions on this exciting development of Android smartphones coming to Tracfone.