Moto G Pure (XT2163DL) Review

Moto G Pure (XT2163DL) Review

The Moto G Pure comes with a large, 6.5" screen, Android version (11) and solid overall  features for a budget smartphone. 

The Pure, released at the end of 2021, also has a very affordable price which makes it even more enticing. But there is competition from another great budget device, the Moto G Play, which was also released at the beginning of 2021, and has many of the same features, but a few key differences. 

If the Pure is intended to replace the Play, is it worth it? We'll include a look at which of these two devices is better, in this full review of the Moto G Pure from Tracfone.

Don't forget to keep up with all the latest smartphones released from Tracfone to know what is newly available.

Now, let's look at the pro's and con's list:

Moto G Pure Quick Facts
What we Like:
-Large screen
-Latest Android OS
-Great price (under $100)

What we Don't Like:
-MediaTek processor
-Base-level internal storage and RAM

For a budget phone to be useable for most people, it generally needs at least 32 GB internal space and 3 GB RAM and the Moto G Pure brings those base numbers at a sub $100 price. 

The updated Android 11 OS is also a good feature, but the downside to this smartphone is the mediocre MediaTek processor. How does the Pure stack up, especially compared to the Moto G Play it seems to be replacing? Let's look closer at the full specs and features:

Tracfone Moto G Pure (XT2163DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 11
• 4G LTE compatible (Verizon)
• Access to the Google Play Store with over 1 Million Apps
• WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
• Bluetooth 5
• Alarm Clock
• MP3 Player
• Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Type-C 2.0 connection
• USB Charger (10W Fast Charging)
• Fingerprint reader
• Water-repellent coating
• Hearing Aid Compatible

Moto G Pure (XT2163DL) Specs
Size: 6.59 x 2.98 x 0.35 in (6.63 oz)
Camera: Dual rear camera - 13 MP main camera, 2 MP depth sensor. 5 MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD touchscreen with 720x1600 resolution (270 ppi)
Processor: Octa-core (MediaTek MT6762G Helio G25) Processor
Memory: 3 GB
Storage: 32 GB and dedicated MicroSDXC card slot
Battery: 4,000 mAh with about 36 hrs usage time (non-removable)

Motorola was originally founded as an American telecommunications company back in 1928. But in 2011, after several years of significant losses and challenges, the company was split and the mobile phone segment of the company was sold to Google. Two years later, the Motorola mobile phone segment was sold again, this time to Lenovo.

During the ownership by Google, the popular Moto G line was first released, as an unlocked, budget smartphone that still packed features to keep up with all the daily needs of users. Since transitioning to Lenovo, that has continued with now a large lineup of Moto G phones released every year. 

Many Tracfone BYOP users are very familiar with the Motorola brand as it has released a number of low cost unlocked phones capable of being used with Tracfone going back to the original Moto G. The Moto G Power is also available unlocked and can be used with any service provider.

Based on the specs sheet, the Moto G Pure will continue this trend but let's take a closer look in our full review

Tracfone Moto G Pure Review (XT2163DL)

Touchscreen
A generous 6.5" IPS LCD screen comes with the Moto G Pure with a resolution of 720x1600 and ratio of 20:9. The pixel density is 270 ppi which is to be expected from a budget phone. More expensive devices typically have full HD screens with 350 ppi and up, which delivers a sharper, clearer image. But the screen on the Pure is adequate and the colors and brightness are both good for watching videos and more.

The top of the screen has a center notch for the front facing camera.

Performance - Storage, RAM and Processor
The Moto G Pure comes with the base level amount of RAM and storage for a phone to still be useable for most people these days with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage. This allows for reasonably good performance overall and enough storage to hold a variety of apps and media. There is also a dedicated MicroSD card slot for additional storage.

The MediaTek Helio G25 Octa-core processor in the Pure is definitely a corner Motorola cut to keep the cost down. It's performance is acceptable for most activities, including gaming, but users may experience some lag and other issues.

It is surprising that the somewhat older, Moto G Play (2021) features a better processor in the form of the Snapdragon 460. It delivers better performance, better battery life, and also benefits form most developers optimizing games for Snapdragon processors. For those looking for a device for gaming and other resource intensive activities, it would be better to look at a more robust device. 

Camera
A dual rear camera at 13 MP and 2 MP is featured as the main shooter on the Pure along with a 5 MP front facing camera. They capture adequate images, and even offer portrait mode thanks to the depth sensor, but don't expect too much form them, especially in low light conditions. Both the front and rear facing cameras can shoot full HD video.

Check out our Smartphone Photography Tips to get the most from any cell phone camera!

Battery Life
Long battery life continues to be a standard for Motorola devices and the Pure has almost 2 days of life on a single charge thanks to the 4,000 mAh non-removable battery. 

Android OS
A highlight of the Pure is the Android 11 OS it comes with which is the latest version at this time. Tracfone will sometimes update older models when a new OS version is available, but they are inconsistent and it is best to look for devices that already come with the latest version.

Android 11 brings a number of new features as well as security and efficiency improvements. Some of the features include chat bubbles, screen record function, and improved media controls.

The Moto G Play, by comparison, has Android 10. But it may get an upgrade to 11 in the future.

Design
The overall design is quite good for the pure, with a higher than average screen to body ratio of 80% compared to other low-end devices. There is some empty space at the top and bottom of the device. On the back is the fingerprint reader, which is a nice feature to have. The bottom of the device has the speaker, charging port (USB Type-C 2) and 3.5mm headphone jack. 

The Pure also comes with Bluetooth 5 for connecting to other devices. 

While the construction is all plastic for the Moto G Pure, it is still feels solid and features a water repellant coating. We still recommend a cover or case to help protect it from any possible drops or falls.

Conclusion
The Moto G Pure has all the basics covered that most users want from a budget phone. It has the latest Android OS, Enough performance to handle daily use, and battery life for up to two days.

And at under $100 from Tracfone it is hard to beat as a low cost device.

That being said, for users who want a good camera, or want more storage for additional apps, consider spending a little more and give this device a pass.

Moto G Play VS Moto G Pure
The Moto G Pure is undeniable similar to the slightly older Moto G Play. They share the same storage, RAM, and screen. They have very similar form factor, and almost the same cameras (the Play has slightly wider aperture). Where they differ is the Play has the better Snapdragon 460 processor and a larger, 5,000 mAh battery, and the Pure has the newer Android OS.

It is a close call, but we would actually suggest the Moto G Pure, because it is currently available for a little less than the Play.

For those who want a little more performance and battery life, the Play is a good option. But it may be worthwhile to go with something even more powerful, like the Moto G Power or Stylus, for just under $200.

Where to Buy the Tracfone Moto G Pure

The Pure is available from a variety of online retailers:

Get the Moto G Pure on Amazon
Find the Moto G Pure with airtime bundle on HSN
View the Moto G Pure on eBay
Buy the Moto G Pure with airtime bundle on QVC

For a little more flexibility, there is also the unlocked version of the Moto G Pure available on Amazon but it is more expensive. It can be used with almost any network provider.

For additional information see the Moto G Pure User Manual and Device Tutorials.

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.

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.


Thanks for visiting!

Moto G Power 2022 (XT2165DL) Review

Tracfone Moto G Power 2022 Review

Tracfone Moto G Power 2022 Review, Specs and User Manual

The 2022 Motorola Moto G Power features a 6.5" HD touchscreen, 64 GB internal storage, 4 GB RAM, and octa-core processor. It also runs Android 11 and has a 50 MP rear camera.

Long battery life is one of the things that the Moto G Power line is known for and the 2022 version brings a 5,000 mAh battery that will last for several days on a single charge. 

The Moto G Power 2022 was first released at the end of February 2022, and available on Tracfone a few months later.  Will the 2022 version be a good replacement for previews versions? And how will it compare to other devices from Tracfone? We'll cover all of that here in this full review.

Don't forget to keep up with all the latest smartphones released from Tracfone to know what is newly available.

Let's start with the pro's and con's for the 2022 Power.

What we Like:
-Long Battery Life
-90hz refresh rate on screen
-Budget Friendly Price

What we Don't Like:
-Not an upgrade over previous models
-Mediocre Processor
-720p screen

The updated Power comes with plenty of internal storage and memory, but as we'll look into more closely later on, the processor seems to hold the phone back from being a top performer. 

The new phone does, however, boost the refresh rate on the screen up to 90hz which is a nice improvement and overall this phone is already available at a very reasonable price. 

Tracfone Moto G Power 2022 (XT2165DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 11
• 4G LTE compatible (Verizon)
• Access to the Google Play Store with over 1 Million Apps
• WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
• Bluetooth 5
• Alarm Clock
• MP3 Player
• Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Type-C 2.0 connection
• USB Charger (10W Fast Charging)
• Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
• Water-repellent coating
• Hearing Aid Compatible

Moto G Power 2022 (XT2165DL) Specs
Size: 6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in (7.16 oz)
Camera: Triple Rear Camera - 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 2 MP (depth), 2 MP (macro), 8 MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD touchscreen with 720x1600 resolution (270 ppi)
Processor: Octa-core (MediaTek Helio G37) Processor
Memory: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB and dedicated MicroSDXC card slot
Battery: 5,000 mAh with about 36 hrs usage time (non-removable)

Motorola was originally founded as an American telecommunications company back in 1928. But in 2011, after several years of significant losses and challenges, the company was split and the mobile phone segment of the company was sold to Google. Two years later, the Motorola mobile phone segment was sold again, this time to Lenovo.

During the ownership by Google, the popular Moto G line was first released, as an unlocked, budget smartphone that still packed features to keep up with all the daily needs of users. Since transitioning to Lenovo, that has continued with now a large lineup of Moto G phones released every year. 

Many Tracfone BYOP users are very familiar with the Motorola brand as it has released a number of low cost unlocked phones capable of being used with Tracfone going back to the original Moto G. The Moto G Power is also available unlocked and can be used with any service provider.

While not all the specs are the most impressive on this version of the Power, it is available at a very reasonable price and we will  take a closer look in our full review.

Tracfone Moto G Power 2022 Review

Touchscreen
The 6.5" touchscreen is a great size for many who like to watch videos or view other media from their phone and the Moto G Power also features a fast, 90hz refresh rate. But the screen itself is only 1600x720 (same resolution as last year's model) and has some sizeable side and bottom borders on the screen which leads to just a 79% screen to body ratio. The Samsung Galaxy A12, by comparison, has the same size screen, same resolution, but a higher screen to body ratio (meaning smaller bezels).

Overall screen performance on the 2022 Power is good, but don't expect too much from it as the overall brightness and color quality are average.

Front, side and rear of the Moto G Power 2022

Performance - Processor, RAM and Storage
Motorola had to cut some corners to keep the price low and unfortunately one major area was the processor on this year's Power. It comes with a MediaTek Helio P37 which is an octa-core processor. But the performance is actually lower compared to the Snapdragon processors in the 2020 and 2021 Moto G Power models. You also get the same amount of RAM and Storage is the past two version (4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage). 

So for those who have a 2020 or 2021 Power, is it worth the upgrade? For the performance alone, no, the older versions of the Power have better processors. Some slight stuttering and lag on the 2022 Power are indications of the underperforming processor. This 'step backwards' as many are calling it will certainly be the main reason many will skip the Power. With all that said, however, the processor is still very usable for most tasks on a smartphone and for low to moderate users, it will be more than adequate. 

Camera
On the rear of the phone is a triple camera setup with a main, 50 MP shooter, 2 MP Macro and 2 MP Depth. The macro and depth sensors are not that useful, but the main camera captures decent photos in good lighting. The front selfie camera is 8 MP and can also handle images well enough to share with friends on social media. 

Video can be captured at 1080p 30fps on the front or rear cameras but it tends to be shaky even with stabilization turned on. There is no 4K video capture available on this device.

Battery
One of the best features on the Moto G Power is the large, 5,000 mAh battery which gives all day, and even up to 3 days of life from a single charge. Getting away from the days of charging your phone every few hours is just fine with us. 

Charging up the battery does take a few hours, and uses a standard USB Type-C 2.0 cord.

Android OS
The 2022 Power does feature Android 11 which includes a number of performance and security improvements over past versions. Motorola is expected to provide an update to Android 12 at some point in the future. 

Some of the more interesting features include a built in screen recorder, more useful power button menu, and the ability to access notification history.

Check out our List of the Best Apps to use on Android.

Design
The Power's all-plastic design doesn't feel as cheap as it is and it actually has a nice texture on the rear panel. The back is also where the fingerprint reader is located which has a good response and unlocks the device quickly. The power and volume buttons are both are the right side of the phone and while the top has the 3.5mm headphone jack. The charging port is on the bottom along with the speaker.

This is a budget phone and as such it has a more 'bulky' look and feel to it. 

Conclusion
The 2022 Power is a good device for light to moderate use and can provide excellent battery life. And that is all at a very reasonable price for such a new device.

But, for users looking for the power that previous models brought to the table, this new version doesn't follow the trend and actually takes a step backwards in terms of performance. If performance is a concern, consider the Moto G Stylus 2021 from Tracfone, or even the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G.

The Moto G Power 2022 is not a bad phone, and actually has a lot of great features for a low price. But compared to past models, and other current options, it is not a significant upgrade.

Moto G Power 2022 VS 2020 and 2021 Models

The 2022 Power shares many of the same or similar features to the 2021 Power including similar screen size and resolution, camera, storage and RAM. The main difference is the better snapdragon processor in the 2021 model, and the 90hz fast screen refresh rate in the 2022 model.

Rather surprisingly, the 2020 Power actually has higher resolution screen, and more powerful processor compared to the 2022 version.

So if you already have the 2020 or 2021 Moto G Power, there's not much of a reason to upgrade to the 2022 model. And if you're shopping for one of these three devices, the 2021 or 2020 models have the more powerful processor.

Where to Buy the Moto G Power 2022 from Tracfone

The Moto G Power 2022 is available from several different online sources at the moment, but it is already discounted to under $100 which is a great deal.

Get the Tracfone Moto G Power (2022) with airtime bundle on HSN
Get the Tracfone Moto G Power (2022) with airtime bundle on QVC
Get the Tracfone Moto G Power (2022) from Amazon
Get the Tracfone Moto G Power (2022) from Tracfone

(the Amazon listing says it is the 2021 model, but all the specs and photos match it to the 2022 model)

Moto G Power 2022 User Manual and Device Tutorials

Get the most from your phone with the Moto G Power User Manual and Device Tutorials from Tracfone.

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.

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.


Thanks for visiting!

Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Review

 Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 Review, Specs and Features

Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL)

With a 6.8" 90Hz touchscreen, 128 GB internal storage and 50 MP rear camera, the 2022 Stylus by Motorola packs in lots of great features. It also comes with Android 11, Octa-core processor and 6 GB RAM.

The Moto G Stylus line has been very popular for several years, not just for the detachable stylus, but for the large screen and great value. The Tracfone version doesn't disappoint with a sub-$200 price from many sources. It is the 'step up' from the Moto G Power line (like the Moto G Power 2022), which usually strikes a balance between performance and affordability.

The unlocked 2022 Stylus was first released in February 2022, and eventually released by Tracfone for their network in mid-2022. 

Let's get straight to our pro's and con's for the Stylus.

Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Quick Facts

What we Like:
-Large, full HD screen
-90Hz screen refresh rate
-Lots of internal storage/RAM
-Responsive fingerprint reader

What we Don't Like:
-Mediocre processor
-Slow charging speed
-No 5G
-Not a big upgrade over previous models

Motorola made an interesting decision to go with the cheaper, and somewhat less powerful, MediaTek Helio G88 processor for the Stylus. This was likely to keep the price down, but may be also motivated by the fact that Motorola recently released the Stylus 5G 2022, which comes with a more powerful snapdragon processor (and a higher price tag), but many of the same other features..

5G networks are still fairly limited, and likely won't be fully implemented for a number of years, but it still is a feature we would have expected to see, along with a more powerful processor. (Learn more about What 5G is, or find out more about Tracfone's 5G network coverage and maps)

Time for the full break down of features and specs on the Stylus.

Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 11 (Upgrade to Android 12 sometime in the future likely)
• 4G LTE compatible (Verizon)
• Access to the Google Play Store with over 1 Million Apps
• WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
• Bluetooth 5
• Alarm Clock
• MP3 Player
• Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Type-C 2.0 connection
• USB Charger (10W Fast Charging)
• Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
• Water-repellent coating
• Hearing Aid Compatible

Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Specs
Size: 6.70 x 2.99 x 0.37 in (7.62 oz)
Camera: Triple Rear Camera - 50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (depth), 16 MP front camera
Screen: 6.8" full HD touchscreen with 1080x2460 resolution (396 ppi)
Processor: 2.0 Ghz Octa-core (MediaTek Helio G88) Processor
Memory: 6 GB
Storage: 128 GB and dedicated MicroSDXC card slot
Battery: 5,000 mAh with about 37 hrs usage time (non-removable)

Motorola was originally founded as an American telecommunications company back in 1928. But in 2011, after several years of significant losses and challenges, the company was split and the mobile phone segment of the company was sold to Google. Two years later, the Motorola mobile phone segment was sold again, this time to Lenovo.

During the ownership by Google, the popular Moto G line was first released, as an unlocked, budget smartphone that still packed features to keep up with all the daily needs of users. Since transitioning to Lenovo, that has continued with now a large lineup of Moto G phones released every year. 

Many Tracfone BYOP users are very familiar with the Motorola brand as it has released a number of low cost unlocked phones capable of being used with Tracfone going back to the original Moto G. The Moto G Power is also available unlocked and can be used with any service provider.

Time to take a closer look at all the features on this year's Stylus.

Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 Review

Touchscreen

The 6.8" IPS LCD screen on the Stylus has a 90Hz refresh rate and full HD resolution of 1080x2460. This gives the device a pixel density of about 396 ppi, which leads to a nice, sharp screen. The phone also has a pretty good screen-to-body ratio of about 84%, which just means the bezels are relatively small, especially compared to the 2022 Moto G Power, which had a 79% ratio.

The screen looks very good overall, and operates well with the included stylus. In direct sunlight, it does struggle a little to be bright enough, which is pretty typical for devices in this price range. The saturation and colors on the Stylus look very good, and make any images or videos also seem colorful and vibrant.

Performance - Processor, RAM and Storage

The 2022 Stylus comes with 128 GB internal storage and 6 GB RAM as well as a MediaTek Helio G88 octa-core processor. While the storage and RAM are both great features, the processor is a little underperforming.

If the internal storage isn't enough, there is also a dedicated MicroSD card slot in the SIM tray for even more storage. 

The 6 GB RAM included on the Stylus does a lot to help with multitasking and resource intensive apps. 

Motorola opted to cut some corners by including the MediaTek G88 processor in the 2022 Stylus. While the processor does handle most apps, web browsing and games well, it is just not as performance oriented as some of the processors in past Motorola devices. The 2021 Stylus, by comparison, has the Snapdragon 678, which outperforms the Helio G88 in most areas. The 2022 Stylus does handle almost all tasks very well, but for those upgrading from an older Stylus model, keep this in mind.

For those that want the higher performance, the Moto G Stylus 2022 5G (coming soon to Tracfone) has the Snapdragon 695 5G, which outperforms the Helio G88 by quite a lot, and features 5G capabilities.

Camera

The triple rear camera setup consists of a 50 MP main lens, 8 MP ultrawide lens and 2 MP depth sensor. On the front is a 16 MP selfie camera. Images and video from the rear camera are both adequate, and have nice colors. The ultrawide lens is a great feature, although the image quality isn't quite as the main camera.

For video, the Stylus only has 1080p at 30 FPS. It would have been nice to see some additional features, such as 60 FPS, but we don't get that here.

Get our 8 Simple Tips for Better Cell Phone Photos!

Battery

Long battery life is a favorite feature on Motorola devices and the 2022 Stylus does not disappoint with a 5,000 mAh battery that easily lasts all day with moderate usage. With gaming or video usage, you might find it goes through the battery a bit faster because of the large screen.

It will take quite a bit of time to recharge the Stylus because it only has 10W fast charging so plan to leave it on the charger for several hours. This is a minor inconvenience, but when many of Motorola's older phones can charge much more quickly, we're surprised to see this downgrade. 

Android OS
The 2022 Stylus does feature Android 11 which includes a number of performance and security improvements over past versions. Motorola is expected to provide an update to Android 12 at some point in the future. 

Some of the more interesting features include a built in screen recorder, more useful power button menu, and the ability to access notification history.

Check out our List of the Best Apps to use on Android.

Design

The all-plastic back and sides on the Stylus keep it just short of feeling like a premium phone, but it is very sleek and well designed (other than the bump-out for the rear cameras).

On the bottom of the phone are the 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C charging port, and solo speaker. There is also the small port for the stylus, which 'clicks' in or out of it's storage location. It generally stays pretty secure when stored away and the feel and weight of it is great for drawing or adding notes.

The volume rocker and power button are on the right side. 

The integrated power button/fingerprint reader on the side of the phone works well and is snappy most of the time when reading the fingerprint. It seems to be a more convenient location vs the back of the phone on tome of Motorola's older devices.

We would suggest at least a simple plastic or rubber case to help protect the device. The phone does have a water repellent coating, but there's no mention of gorilla glass protection for the screen.

Conclusion - Should You Buy? (Plus Other Options)

The 2022 Stylus is a solid device overall and one of the cheapest options with a large, full HD screen and stylus. Plus, the Tracfone version is already over $100 cheaper than the unlocked device. There is plenty of internal storage and RAM, and the processor performs just fine for the majority of everyday tasks.

For some, however, the Stylus may be one to skip, especially for those looking for 5G network capability, or a powerful processor for heavy gaming or other resource intensive apps. Those who already have the 2020 or 2021 Stylus may also consider skipping the 2022 Stylus, or opting for the 2022 Stylus 5G (coming to Tracfone soon).

The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G offers somewhat similar features and price (although less RAM, storage and screen resolution) but comes with 5G network capability and may be a worthwhile option to consider, particularly for users who want 5G, and are looking to keep the price low.

The Galaxy A53 5G offers even more than the Stylus, with a beautiful Super AMOLED HD screen, powerful processor with 5G network capability, IP67 protection and more. It is available from Tracfone for just about $100 more than the Stylus.

For those that don't need the extra internal storage or stylus, the 2022 Moto G Power is a modest but solid device that can be found from Tracfone for around $100.

Finally, for some users the unlocked version of the Moto G Stylus 2022 may be a consideration. You get the freedom to quickly switch to different SIM cards and other carriers. However, the price for the unlocked 2022 Stylus is listed at $300 (But currently on sale for $200) and at that price, there are several options with similar prices that offer a little more performance and features. 

For more devices from Tracfone, head over to our List of the Latest Tracfone Smartphones.

Where to Buy the Moto G Stylus 2022

The Tracfone Stylus 2022 is available from several online retailers, with a variety of prices. Here are the best sources and prices we've found.

Get the Moto G Stylus 2022 with airtime bundle from QVC (Sale price - $132)

Find the Moto G Stylus 2022 with airtime bundle from eBay (Price - $161)

Get the Moto G Stylus 2022 from Amazon (About $199)

Find the Moto G Stylus 2022 from Tracfone (About $169)

Moto G Stylus 2022 User Manual and Device Tutorials

Get more information about the Stylus and some of the basic tutorials here:

Moto G Stylus 2022 User Manual

Moto G Stylus 2022 Device Tutorials

That's it for our review of the Stylus, we hope you found this information useful. Please leave a comment with any thoughts or questions, or reach us on our Facebook page for faster response.

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.

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 5G 2022 (XT2213DL) Review

Moto G 5G (XT2213DL) Review, Specs and Features

Featuring a 6.5" HD screen, octa-core processor, Android 12 and 5G network capability, the Moto G 5G (2022) is a budget smartphone with good specs and available from Tracfone at a surprisingly low price.

The Moto G 5G joins several other 5G budget devices newly available from Tracfone in 2022 including the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G and Galaxy A23 5G. (We'll compare all of these devices further along in this review). Motorola has offered other 5G capable devices, but the Moto G 5G is targeted as their budget 5G smartphone.

Along with the 5G speeds, the Moto G comes with 50 MP triple rear camera setup, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage. How does that all stack up? We'll here's our list of pro's and con's.

Moto G 5G 2022 Quick Facts

What we Like:
Long Battery Life
5G Network Access
Smooth performance

What we Don't Like:
720p screen
Slow charging speed
Mediocre camera

Straight away we can see some solid features on the Moto G 5G but, as with most low-cost devices, there are a variety of corners that had to be cut. 

The 5G network access at this price point is a big plus and a feature many users are looking for. Even if 5G networks are still several years away from being fully implemented, it is still a feature we like to see. (Learn more about What 5G is, or find out more about Tracfone's 5G network coverage and maps)

An unlocked Moto G 5G version is available that comes with 6 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage while the Tracfone version has just 4/64 GB. But the Tracfone version reflects the difference with a subsidized price that is a lot lower. In general, we find the original retail price to be a bit too steep, but that has quickly dropped to more enticing sale prices for both the Tracfone and unlocked versions.

Motorola also offers the Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 (unlocked) which has a larger screen, better processor and a variety of other features. We expect Tracfone to offer it in the near future.

Time for the full break down of features and specs on the Stylus.

Tracfone Moto G 5G 2022 (XT2213DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 12
• 5G Network Capable (Verizon)
• Access to over 1 million apps on the Google Play Store
• WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• GPS, GLONASS
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Alarm Clock
• MP3 Player
• Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Type-C 2.0 connection
• USB Charger (10W Fast Charging)
• Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
• Water-repellent design
• Hearing Aid Compatible

Moto G 5G 2022 (XT2213DL) Specs
Size: 6.51 x 2.98 x 0.37 in (7.2 oz) 
Camera: Triple Rear Camera - 50 MP (wide), 2 MP (macro), 2 MP (depth), 13 MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD touchscreen with 720x1600 resolution (270 ppi)
Processor: 2.2 Ghz Octa-core (MediaTek Dimensity 700) Processor
Memory: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB and dedicated MicroSDXC card slot
Battery: 5,000 mAh with about 38 hrs usage time (non-removable)

Motorola was originally founded as an American telecommunications company back in 1928. But in 2011, after several years of significant losses and challenges, the company was split and the mobile phone segment of the company was sold to Google. Two years later, the Motorola mobile phone segment was sold again, this time to Lenovo.

During the ownership by Google, the popular Moto G line was first released, as an unlocked, budget smartphone that still packed features to keep up with all the daily needs of users. Since transitioning to Lenovo, that has continued with now a large lineup of Moto G phones released every year. 

There has not been much consistency from Motorola when it comes to naming their devices each year other than the classic 'Moto G' name. For 2022, their 'budget' offering for the Moto G line are the Power, the 5G, and the Stylus with a Stylus 5G version as well. 

Many Tracfone BYOP users are very familiar with the Motorola brand as it has released a number of low cost unlocked phones capable of being used with Tracfone going back to the original Moto G. 

Time to take a closer look at all the features on the Moto G 5G.

Tracfone Moto G 5G 2022 Review

Touchscreen

For a budget phone, the 6.5" HD screen on the Moto G 5G is what you would expect. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. It has a resolution of 720x1600, a ratio of 20:9 and pixel density of about 270 ppi. The screen is an IPS-LCD panel with 90hz refresh rate. 

While the faster screen refresh rate is a nice feature to have, the lower resolution 720p display is a little disappointing but one area Motorola had to shortcut to keep the price low. Brightness and colors are both pretty good, but struggle a little outdoors in the sunlight. The screen is generally on par with similarly priced devices.

For a better touchscreen experience, consider the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G or the Moto G Stylus 2022.

Performance - Processor, RAM and Internal Storage

The Moto G 5G gets the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor which is a mid-level chip mostly seen in budget 5G devices. For the Moto G 5G, it does provide surprisingly smooth operation and can handle most games and resource intensive apps just fine. It is paired with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage.

There is also an external Micro SD card slot for up to 1 TB additional storage and it is often a great place to store media or music to free up space on the device.

The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G shares the same processor, and is about the same price, while the slightly more expensive A23 5G features a better Snapdragon processor. 

Camera

While the Moto G 5G does have three cameras on the rear, the 2 MP depth sensor and 2 MP macro shooter aren't all that useful. The main, 50 MP camera does produce pretty good images in good lighting but detail starts to struggle in lower lighting situations or at night. The main camera uses pixel binning and so the images you get are actually 12.5 MP.

On the front is the 13 MP selfie camera that does a great job capturing images to share with family and friends and generally has good details and colors.

For video, the Moto G 5G offers 1080p and 30fps and the quality is good enough for sending to a friend or posting on social media, but not that great compared to video technology in more expensive devices.

Battery Life

Long battery life is the standard on budget Motorola devices and the Moto G 5G get's that thanks to a 5,000 mAh battery that provides up to 2 days of usage on a single charge. 

The long battery life is a great feature, but the slow charging speed will force many users to simply put the phone on the charger over night. It's just 10W charging speed and no wireless charging so it will take several hours to recharge fully.

Android OS

The Moto G 5G comes with Android 12 OS and will likely get an upgrade to Android 13 when that becomes available down the road. 

Android 12 comes with a host of design, performance and security updates over previous versions that make it safer and more useable. Some of the updates include more privacy control, the ability to limit apps from using your exact location, and improved accessibility options.

Motorola provides a handful of additional features including their popular gesture controls that add things like chop to turn on the flashlight, and twist to open the camera app.

In general, Motorola is known for keeping a more stock version of the Android OS which many users prefer.

Design

The overall design is a little chunky with somewhat large bezels on the front but this is pretty common for lower-end devices. Motorola is very consistent with the overall design of the Moto G 5G and it follows many of their recent releases with a familiar layout of buttons and ports. 

The side mounted fingerprint reader doubles as the power button and provides very snappy results. On the bottom are the 3.5mm headphone jack, power plug, and speaker. 

Construction is plastic, with a matte back panel. If you have seen or tried a recently released Motorola smartphone, the feel of this device will be very similar, and that's not a bad thing. 

Conclusion - Should You Buy the Moto G 5G?

The Moto G 5G offers a budget smartphone with 5G network capability that will be an attractive option for some users, especially those who prefer Motorola's features and almost stock Android experience. 

At it's retail price, there are several other attractive options available, specifically the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G which shares many similar features but has a lower retail price, and the Galaxy A23 5G which is about the same price, but offers a full HD screen, better processor, and quad-rear camera setup.

For many, the choice to buy the Moto G 5G should come down to price. And as we expect it to get some significant discounts to attract buyers in the coming months, that might tip the scales.

When it was first released in May 2022, the unlocked Moto G 5G (with 6GB RAM/256GB storage) had an MSRP of $400, which is overpriced in our opinion. The price since has quickly dropped below $300 as consumers just weren't enticed by some of the modest features.

The locked version from Tracfone was much more reasonable, but still priced around $219 on the Tracfone website. However, we've since spotted it as low as $129 (with an airtime bundle) and at that price, it becomes practically a steal.

Bottom Line - The Moto G 5G isn't the most exciting device, but it gets the job done and covers all the basics while also offering 5G. And the fact that it is already on sale for surprisingly low prices, it would be a great deal for many users who want 5G network capability but don't need a powerful camera or high resolution screen. The Samsung alternatives we mentioned above, are also good options to consider, but likely won't get as steep a discount as the Moto G 5G.

Where to Buy the Moto G 5G

The Moto G 5G is available from several online retailers and prices are likely to change often. Look for sale prices under $200. We'll continue to update this as needed.

Get the Moto G 5G with airtime bundle from HSN for $129

Get the Moto G 5G from Tracfone website for $219

Moto G 5G User Guide and Phone Details

Moto G 5G User Guide

About the Moto G 5G (Device Tutorials)

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

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

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Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (S536DL) Review

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Review, Specs and Features

The A53 5G comes with a 6.5" full HD touchscreen, Octa-core Exynos processor, 128 GB storage and 6 GB RAM. Plus it has Android 12 and a quad-rear camera setup capable of 4K recording.

Tracfone released the A53 to use with their prepaid service along with several other Samsung Galaxy models in mid 2022 and it sits at the top of their budget lineup.

It also is available unlocked, but the Tracfone version comes with a sizable discount to the retail price. 

The Galaxy A53 replaces the previous year's A52 smartphone, which Tracfone never offered. Instead Tracfone released the Galaxy A32 5G. Before that, Tracfone did offer the A51 and A50 devices. So for Tracfone, the A53 5G is the replacement for the A32 5G and A51.

Here's our quick pro's and con's list for the A53.

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Quick Facts

What we Like:
-120hz fast screen refresh rate
-Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection
-Dust/waterproof rating
-Long battery life

What we Don't Like:
-No wall charger included
-No headphone connection
-Mediocre Processor

For budget phone users, there's a few things missing that might be a surprise, primarily the 3.5mm headphone jack that has been gone from flagship phones for a while, but still comes standard on low-end devices. The other missing part is the wall charging block which Samsung has stopped including with their phones. 

These 'missing' pieces are pretty easy to forget about when we see that the A53 does come with really nice features like an IP67 waterproof rating, Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the beautiful display, and a rear camera setup that is a step above any budget devices.

How do all the features stack up and does it make the A53 5G worth the extra spend over other models? Let's start with the full list of specs and features.

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (S536DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 12
• Samsung One UI 4.1
• 5G (Verizon)
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Alarm Clock
• GPS
• MP3 Player
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Access to over 1 Million Apps on Google Play
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Charger (USB Type-C 2.0)
• Compatible with Samsung Gear Smartwatches
• In-display Fingerprint sensor

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Technical Specs
Size: 6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in (6.67 oz)
Camera: Quad rear camera 64+12+5+5MP and 32MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits display (1080x2400 resolution)
Processor: Octa-core Exynos 1280

Memory: 6 GB
Storage: 128 GB internal storage, supports up to 1 TB MicroSD Card
Battery: 5,000 mAh battery (non-removable) with 25W fast charging

Most consumers are familiar with the Samsung brand as they are a global manufacture and the largest consumer electronics maker (by revenue) in the world. They are based in South Korea and have a broad lineup of smartphones with their high end device, like the Samsung Galaxy S22, a contender for some of the best phones in the world.

Samsung phones are well known for their quality, something that can't always be said for some of the other brands Tracfone offers. Samsung also often offers several years of OS updates and security fixes.

The Galaxy A53 5G does get some of the classic design elements of Samsung phones with a familiar layout for the charging port, beautiful screen, and it also features Samsung's UI changes. But a budget phone will have to cut some corners, and we will dive into that below.

Now let's get into the details with our review of the A53.

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Review

Touchscreen

The 6.5" full HD Super AMOLED screen is one of the exciting features on the A53 5G. It has a resolution of 1080x2400, 20:9 screen ratio, and 120hz fast refresh rate. The pixel density is very good at about 405 ppi, making for crisp, clear images and text.

The Super AMOLED screen is a feature we usually only see in more expensive Samsung devices and offers brighter, more vivid display colors while also reducing power consumption. The in-display fingerprint reader for biometric security functions well and adds another feature generally found in flagship models.

The A53 also comes with Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection as well as IP67 waterproof rating for increased durability and resistance to water damage. 

The screen on the A53 5G is about as good as it gets for a phone in this price range and renders very good colors, detail and brightness. 

Performance - RAM, Storage and Processor

With 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage and an Exynos 1280 octa-core processor, the A53 5G offers excellent performance and storage capabilities. And, in case more storage is needed, there is an expandable storage slot.

For the processor, Samsung opts to use their in-house developed Exynos 1280 in the A53 which has 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. It offers a good balance between performance and battery life, and also offers 5G network compatibility. It is only slightly better in some ways, than the Snapdragon 695 processor in the Galaxy A23 5G, and we would generally prefer a Snapdragon processor.

Most actions and processes on this device are smooth and reliable, but there are occasional hiccups that are likely due to the processor. We would have preferred to see a more powerful Snapdragon processor.

Camera

The quad-rear camera setup in the A53 offers a lot of features and megapixels, starting with the main, 64MP shooter. The other rear cameras include a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, 5MP macro and 5MP depth 

Image quality is quite good, with sharp, clear shots. And even in moderate lighting, the A53 performs well due to the Optical Image Stabilization.

On the front of the phone is a 32MP selfie camera that captures solid images, but nothing spectacular. 

For video, there is 4K at 30fps on both the front and rear cameras, a great feature to have, and something we don't see on any lower priced phones.

Overall the cameras on the A53 are a nice step up from just about any other budget phone, especially from Tracfone. For better camera quality, consider an iPhone, Google Pixel, or other flagship phones.

Check out our 8 Tips for Better Cell Phone Pictures.

Battery

Most budget phones offer good battery performance and the Galaxy A53 delivers that as well thanks to a 5,000 mAh battery. The additional combination of the more power efficient screen and processor means that the A53 will generally last two days on a single charge with low usage.

25W fast charging helps recharge the large battery quickly, and is a nice feature to have. Many budget devices only have 10W or 15W charging, which is a bit slow.

Android OS

The Galaxy A53 5G comes with Android 12 OS and will likely get an upgrade to Android 13 when that becomes available to Samsung devices. Samsung boasts software support for the A53 for several years, and hopefully the Tracfone version will also take advantage of these updates.

Android 12 comes with a host of design, performance and security updates over previous versions that make it safer and more useable. Some of the updates include more privacy control, the ability to limit apps from using your exact location, and improved accessibility options.

As a Samsung device, the A53 also comes with One UI 4.1 which has features like Smart Calendar, Samsung Pay, Smart Widgets, extra brightness toggle, and pro camera features. For those who are fans of Samsung's additional UI features, the A53 will feel very familiar. But for those who prefer a more stock Android experience, consider devices from Motorola or Google.

Design

Bridging the gap between budget and high-end devices, the A53 takes some features from both when it comes to design. It has a matte plastic back and polished plastic sides which seem to hold up pretty well. The rear camera bump has been reduced a little to not stick out as much as before. And the screen to body ratio of 85% is pretty good and leaves only small bezels on the front.

As we mentioned earlier, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, only the USB Type-C 2.0 port. So headphones will need to be wireless or get an adapter. 

The A53 5G does feature IP67 waterproof rating, which means it should withstand up to 1 meter in water for up to 30 minutes. While we wouldn't put it to the test, this does indicate it should be capable surviving accidental dips in water without needing a bag of rice to revive it.

On the right side are the volume and power buttons in a familiar place and the fingerprint sensor is integrated into the screen, which is a neat feature

Conclusion 

The Galaxy A53 5G is a very capable smartphone that offers a handful of premium features while keeping the price reasonable. The large, beautiful screen, great camera setup, and waterproof rating are all enticing features. Plus, the Tracfone version is already discounted over $200 off the retail price.

For the retail price of the unlocked version (about $450), there are some other very good options available, specifically the Google Pixel 6a, that we would likely recommend. The unlocked Pixel 6a is about the same price, but offers a better processor, better camera, and cleaner Android experience. The A53 does have the larger screen, and better battery life.

The Bottom Line: The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G from Tracfone is hard to beat for the features and price. But not every Tracfone user will want to spend the money when there are several other options from Tracfone that are $50-$100 cheaper and still offer solid performance and features (and even 5G compatibility). For those that want performance, great camera, and are willing to spend a little more, look no further than the A53 5G from Tracfone.

Alternatives to the Galaxy A53 5G:

There are several other good options available from Tracfone, and budget-conscious shoppers may want to consider some of these as they offer good performance at a lower price.

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is almost as good as the A53, minus a few nice upgrades, for about $50 less. It offers a little less RAM (4GB) and storage (64GB) but has a Snapdragon processor that is just about as good as the one in the A53. The A23 does not have any waterproof rating, and the camera setup is a little less capable. The screen is actually a little larger, at 6.6" and is full HD with 120hz refresh rate but is not a Super AMOLED display. The A23 does retain a 3.5mm headphone jack. For some, the A23 5G will be more than capable, and comes at a lower price.

Samsung's A13 5G is another option, and one that is about $100 less than the A53. But that comes with a significant drop in features including a much less powerful processor, lower resolution screen, less RAM, storage and less capable cameras setup. The A13 does still offer 5G network capability, and is one of the cheapest options from Tracfone at this time that offers that. We generally suggest the A13 for light to moderate smartphone users, who won't be playing resource intensive games or planning to download large numbers of different apps.

Motorola is often a big competitor in the budget phone space, and the Moto G Stylus 2022 is an option, and can be found for about $50 less than the A53. It has the same amount of RAM and storage, but an inferior processor and camera setup. And it doesn't have 5G capability. For 5G network capability, the Moto G Stylus 2022 5G is an option, and it packs a more powerful processor, but it is actually the same as the one in the A23 5G. The Galaxy A53 5G is a little less expensive from Tracfone, and offers a little more.

Best Prices on the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

The A23 is not as widely available as some Samsung devices, but here are the top options we've found:

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on eBay - $219

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on Amazon - $219

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on the Tracfone Website - $219

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G with airtime bundle on HSN - $279

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G User Manual and Device Detailed Information

View the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G User Manual and Tutorials

View the Galaxy A53 5G Detailed Information

That concludes our review of the Samsung Galaxy A53 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!

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Best Cheap Smartphones (Under $100) for 2023

 Top Budget Smartphones from Tracfone under $100 (Updated 2023)

Whether its a backup device, gift to a family member, or just looking for a good deal, sometimes you want to shop the cheapest options available here's the best options.

We've already shared our picks for the Best Unlocked phone list for Tracfone BYOP and our Top 5 Tracfone Smartphones so now it is time for our list of the best ultra-budget phones available from Tracfone.

These smartphones are the best options under $100, now updated for 2023, and include both some recently released low-end devices along with some older, but more powerful phones that are now available at a super low price.

Be sure to keep up with all the Latest Tracfone Smartphones for new and soon to be released phones. Now let's get to the list.

Best Cheap Tracfone Smartphones List - Our Top Picks

Moto G Power (2022)
The updated model from the popular Motorola line of phones, the 2022 Moto G Power offers a 6.5" screen, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, large, 5,000 mAh battery, and octa-core processor. It comes with Android 11 and a 50MP rear camera system. While it is a little underpowered compared to previous models, it is still a great device and the price quickly dropped below $100 for such a recently released device (originally retailed for just under $200). Read our Moto G Power 2022 review to learn more.

Moto G Power 2022 on Amazon - $75 (Note: Listing says it is the 2021 model, but it is actually the 2022)

Moto G Stylus (2021)
Go big on a budget with this mid-level smartphone that offers a 6.8" screen, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage and octa-core Snapdragon processor. Yes, it's about 2 years old, but it is the most powerful phone in this list and under $100 (at least for now). The Stylus 2021 also features a 48MP quad camera system and 4,000 mAh battery. It comes with Android 10, but there should be an upgrade to at least Android 11 available. The Snapdragon 678 processor in the phone is actually more powerful than the processor in the 2022 version, so for those that want power, this is a great budget option.

Moto G Stylus 2021 on Amazon - $99

Samsung Galaxy A03s
One of the cheapest Samsung phones available, the A03s offers a 6.5" screen, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage and an octa-core processor. It does come with Android 11 (and likely an upgrade to 12). The best things about the A03s are the large screen, long battery life, and low cost. Get all the details in our Galaxy A03s review.

Samsung Galaxy A03s on Amazon - $49

Moto G 5G (2022) (Limited Deal)
Offering a 6.5" HD screen, octa-core processor, Android 12 and 5G network capability, the Moto G 5G (2022) is a budget smartphone with good specs and available from Tracfone at a surprisingly low price. It also ahs 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and 50MP triple rear camera setup. Take a closer look with our Moto G 5G review. This phone retails for much higher usually, but is sometimes on sale for just $99!

Moto G 5G 2022 on HSN (with airtime bundle) - $99 (Limited time deal!)

More Cheap Phones to Consider:
These are some additional options, but we would recommend one of the phones above. However, some of these devices are under $50, and even less, for the ultra-budget conscious. 

BLU View 2
Featuring a 5.5" screen, 32 GB internal storage, Android 11 and a quad-core processor, the BLU View 2 is one of the cheapest smartphones available from Tracfone that still has enough capability to run most basic apps and such. Check out our BLU View 2 review for more information about the phone.

BLU View 2 on Amazon ($29)

Moto G Pure
The Pure has a 6.5" screen, 32 GB internal storage and runs Android 11. It is a low-end device, but one that covers all the basics and performs very well for a budget phone.

Moto G Pure on Amazon ($49)

For a flip phone device, the Alcatel My Flip 2 is a feature phone with 4G LTE and available from for $19 from Tracfone.

Note - prices change often, and sometimes Tracfone will discount a $200 smartphone to under $100 if a new model comes out. We'll try to update as needed and as prices/phones change.

That's it for our picks of the best under $100 Tracfone smartphones. Leave your top picks or any questions, in the comments below.

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!

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.

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

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Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Review

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (S236DL) Review, Specs and Features

A 6.6" full HD screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor and quad-rear camera setup are just some of the exciting features on the Galaxy A23. This budget friendly smartphone newly available from Tracfone  also comes with 5G network capability.

Samsung's lineup of budget phones is a somewhat crowded space. Their Galaxy A13 is just a little cheaper than the A23 while still offering 5G network access, and their A53 5G has more powerful features, for just a little higher cost. 

Where does the Galaxy A23 5G fit in and is it a worthy smartphone option? We're going to find out. Let's start with our pro's and con's of the A23.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Quick Facts

What we Like:
Full HD touchscreen with 120hz refresh rate
Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection
Quad-rear camera
Qualcomm Snapdragon processor

What we Don't Like:
Mediocre video recording
No wall charger included
No water/dust protection rating

The full HD screen and Gorilla Glass protection are a huge plus that help the A23 stand out among budget phones. That, combined with the rear camera setup and solid performance make it a very attractive device. Samsung currently offers a number of different phones through Tracfone, each at different price points and with different features. So does the A23 have the right features at the right price?

Let's take a look at the full list of features and specs.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (S236DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 12
• Samsung One UI 4.1
• 5G (Verizon)
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Alarm Clock
• GPS
• MP3 Player
• Standard 3.5mm Headphone Jack
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Access to over 1 Million Apps on Google Play
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Charger (USB Type-C 2.0)
• Compatible with Samsung Gear Smartwatches
• Face unlock
• Side mounted Fingerprint sensor

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Technical Specs
Size: 6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in (6.95 oz)
Camera: Quad rear camera 50+5+2+2MP and 8MP front camera
Screen: 6.6" HD PLS LCD 120hz display (1080x2408 resolution)
Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G

Memory: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB internal storage, supports up to 1 TB MicroSD Card
Battery: 5,000 mAh battery (non-removable) with 25W fast charging

Many consumers are familiar with the Samsung brand as they are a global manufacture and the largest consumer electronics maker (by revenue) in the world. They are based in South Korea and have a broad lineup of smartphones with their high end device, like the Samsung Galaxy S22, a contender for some of the best phones in the world.

The Galaxy A23 5G does get some of the classic design elements of Samsung phones with a familiar layout for the charging and headphone ports and it also features Samsung's UI changes. But a budget phone will have to cut some corners, and we will dive into that below.

Now let's get into the details with our review of the A23.

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Review

Touchscreen

The 6.6" full HD screen on the A23 5G is one of the standout features. It has a resolution of 1080x2408 for about 400 ppi pixel density, which is on par with more expensive devices. Plus it has 120hz refresh rate, something also generally only available in high-end phones.

Screen ratio is 20:9, for a taller, thinner look and feel that has become common these days. Besides the great resolution, the A23 also features Gorilla Glass 5 which improves durability for both drops and scratches. 

In direct sunlight, the A23 still has some issues with adequate brightness, but that's a common issue for many low-cost smartphones. 

The PLS-LCD screen is a big step up from the budget brother, the A13 5G, and for some will be enough reason to warrant the slightly higher price tag.

Internal Performance - Processor, RAM and Storage

With 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage and the Snapdragon 695 octa-core processor, the A23 5G performs very well for the majority of tasks thrown at it. 

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 has generally only been available in mid-level smartphones, like the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), so we're very impressed to see it included with the A23. It outperforms the processor in the A13 5G (MediaTek Dimensity 700) by a significant margin and provides smooth operation even with a variety of games or other resource intensive apps. The processor also provides the 5G network capability.

64 GB internal storage can get used up quickly, but there is an additional 1 TB expandable external storage via a MicroSD card slot. We recommend at least 128 GB card (find it on Amazon) and then you can set certain things to be stored on the card rather than the phone.

Camera

A 50MP main shooter along with a 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro and 2MP depth come on the back of the A23 5G. There is also an LED flash. While most people will only find the main camera and ultrawide mode useable, it is nice to have the depth and macro options.

The 50MP rear camera on the Galaxy A23 5G actually only produces 12.5MP images due to pixel binning. This is pretty common on most smartphones, even the iPhone 14, and is used to help improve lowlight performance. But even with the extra help, lowlight performance on the A23 is mediocre. For most other uses, the main camera sensor does just fine and captures good images.

On the front is an 8MP selfie camera in the tear-drop cutout in the screen. The images are adequate for social sharing and things like that.

Video performance is nothing special, with just 1080p at 30fps on the rear and front sensors. The quality is just fine, but goes downhill quickly when in low-light situations. For 4K and other features, consider the Galaxy A53 5G.

Get the most from your camera with our Best Tips for Better Cell Phone Photos.

Battery

Both battery life and charging speeds are quite good on the Galaxy A23 5G thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery, and 25W fast charging.

The large battery size has become the norm on most budget smartphones, allowing for 2 or even 3 days between charging. But a rather annoying trend on many low cost phones is a slower charging speed of just 10 or 15W. We're happy to see not only the big battery, but also fast charging on the A23.

Android OS

The Galaxy A23 5G comes with Android 12 OS and will likely get an upgrade to Android 13 when that becomes available to Samsung devices. Samsung boasts software support for the A23 for several years, and hopefully the Tracfone version will also take advantage of these updates.

Android 12 comes with a host of design, performance and security updates over previous versions that make it safer and more useable. Some of the updates include more privacy control, the ability to limit apps from using your exact location, and improved accessibility options.

As a Samsung device, the A23 also comes with One UI 4.1 which has features like Smart Calendar, Samsung Pay, Smart Widgets, extra brightness toggle, and pro camera features. For those who are fans of Samsung's additional UI features, the A23 will feel very familiar. But for those who prefer a more stock Android experience, consider devices from Motorola.

Design

The design of the A23 5G is consistent with Samsung's budget phones and retains many of the features that consumers like, such as a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and side mounted fingerprint reader which is quick and efficient for unlocking the device. 

The screen on the front of the device has a 82.5% screen-to-body ratio which is pretty good. There is a notch at the top of the screen for the front facing camera.

On the back of the phone is a noticeable bump where the rear cameras are located. We would recommend a cover or case to protect the device and it would also help eliminate the camera bump which is a little awkward. 

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G falls right in-between the Galaxy A13 5G and A53 5G. 

Compared to the A13, the A23 offers a significantly improved touchscreen with both a higher resolution, and 120hz refresh rate. That alone might be worth the $50 difference between these two phones. But the A23 5G also has a better processor, and improved camera setup. For many users, it may be worth it to spend a little more on the A23.

So does that hold true for Samsung's A53 5G which is just $50 more than the A23? The A53 has a Super AMOLED full HD screen, IP67 waterproof rating, slightly improved processor and increased RAM and storage. Plus it has a more robust camera setup. The A53's features are very impressive for the price, but it starts to stretch the bounds of a 'budget' device and for many, Samsung's Galaxy A23 will be more than capable for handling everything required.

Finally, the Galaxy A03s is the ultra-budget option that really can't compare to the A23 and is only a device for those with a budget under $100.

The Bottom Line - Samsung has produced a phone that 'fixes' the top complaints about the A13 5G and only costs a little more. The discounted price through Tracfone is rather reasonable, and we may see an even lower price during the holidays.

UPDATE: The Galaxy A23 5G, A13 5G and A53 5G have all dropped about $50 in price, leading them to all be a little more worthwhile considering.

Best Prices on the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G

The A23 is not as widely available as some Samsung devices, but here are the top options we've found:

Get the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G on the Tracfone Website

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G User Manual and Device Detailed Information

View the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G User Manual

View the Galaxy A23 5G Detailed Information

That concludes our review of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. 

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