Bring Your Own Smartphone to Tracfone

Bring Your Smartphone to Tracfone

Tracfone 'Bring Your Own Phone' Program

A new program from Tracfone allows consumers to bring certain smartphones to use with Tracfone prepaid service.

A few months back Tracfone somewhat quietly launched their BYOP program, allowing access for consumers to a wide variety of new phones beyond the Tracfone branded devices.

A long standing complaint with Tracfone for many users was their typically outdated and limited phone options. Tracfone released five Android powered smartphones in 2013, but these phones didn't meet everyone's needs. The LG Optimus Dynamic II, which is probably the best phone of the five, still has certain drawbacks, and retails for close to $100.

But now with Tracfone BYOP, the game has changed. You can choose from a wide variety of Android and Apple smartphones and bring them to use with Tracfone service.

There are certain requirements for the BYOP program:

• Phone must use Verizon CDMA 3G network
• Phone must be out of contract or unlocked
• Phone cannot use 4G/LTE 

See the complete list of BYOP requirements to learn more.

What this does is make it possible to use phones like the Motorola Droid 3 and iPhone 4S with Tracfone prepaid service.

Visit our BYOP Phone List for the full updated phone list.

Many of the phones that will work with the Tracfone BYOP program can be found on Amazon or eBay for around $100 new, or below $50 used. Some people have already found really great deals on smartphones and successfully activated them with Tracfone.

It is important to note that the BYOP program might not be for everyone. It does require you to find and buy your own phone, and there is no guarantee that once you have a phone Tracfone will accept it. BYOP phones will have Triple Minutes, but they won't accept Tracfone Promo Codes.

You can test the serial number or MEID with Tracfone to check compatibility by visiting their BYOP page.

The system is still new, and some people report having a hard time activating their smartphone. Some have even had their minutes or phone number lost. So know that it might take a bit of patience to activate your smartphone.

We would appreciate any feedback from those who have successfully activated phones with BYOP. Let us know in the comments what phone you chose, and how the process went.

Visit our Tracfone BYOP page for the central resource on information, requirements, and phones that work with BYOP.

Thanks for visiting, and leave a comment if you have questions or thoughts.

Tracfone Deals and Phone Sales May 2014

A List of Great Deals, Discounts and Sales for May 2014

Deals, Discounts and Sales on Tracfone Cell Phones

Here at de9w2dsl we love to help people get minutes for free with promo codes. But we also love to help you save money by highlighting some of the best recent discounts and deals from around the web.

Tracfone is a prepaid wireless cell phone company that offers low cost phones and minutes plans around America. Sometimes you can even find their phones online at a great discount.

Today we will highlight some of the best deals, sales and discounts on Tracfone cell phones from around the web.

These discounted cell phones sometimes include great deals on minutes, so find the sale that works best for you!

Deals, Discounts and Sales on Tracfone Cell Phones

Here are 5 deals we've scooped up from around the internet. These deals don't always last long, so don't wait to check them out.

Let's get this list of deals kicked off with an Android phone from Tracfone:


1. Samsung Galaxy Centura with 1 Year/400 Minutes just $109
The Samsung Galaxy Centura is an Android powered smartphone from Tracfone with WiFi and a 3.5" touchscreen.

The Centura originally retailed for $129, but is now available on Amazon for $79 (without the minutes bundle).

This great deal includes the Samsung Galaxy Centura, plus a 1 Year/400 Minutes card (which usually costs $99) for $109 from QVC. You also get a few other accessories including a case.

Check out the Deal - Samsung Galaxy Centura plus 1 Year/400 Minutes

Read our Review of the Samsung Galaxy Centura


2. Motorola EX431G Triple Minute Phone for under $10
The Moto EX 431G is a somewhat older phone but it has a full QWERTY keyboard for fast texting and most importantly, Triple Minutes for Life.

If you're holding out with an older Tracfone that only has Double Minutes for Life, you should switch to this, or something else that has Triple Minutes for Life.

The Moto EX 431G is on sale for a low price of $7.99 on Amazon

Another option is to get the Moto EX 431G with 2000 minutes for $99 from QVC if you need the minutes!


3. LG Optimus Dynamic II for $90

LG Optimus Dynamic II

The Optimus Dynamic II is currently the newest Android smartphone offered by Tracfone and comes with Android 4.1 and the largest touchscreen at 3.8".

The phone originally retailed for $129, but is currently $89 on Amazon. There are also other deals available for the LG Optimus Dynamic II that bundle it with minutes, so keep an eye out.

Check out the Deal - LG Optimus Dynamic II for $89
Also, LG Optimus Dynamic II with 200 minute card just $99

You can read our full Review of the LG Optimus Dynamic II to learn more about the phone.


4. ZTE Valet Smartphone plus Minutes Bundle - $59
The ZTE Valet is a recent Android 4.1 powered smartphone from Tracfone. It has a 3.5" touchscreen and Triple Minutes for Life (as do all the other Android Tracfones).

This deal has the Valet plus a 200 minute phone card bundled for just $59 on Amazon.

The ZTE Valet typically retails for $60-100.

Check out the Deal - ZTE Valet plus 200 Minute Card (600 Minutes total with Triple Minutes)

Read our Review of the ZTE Valet and learn more about the current smartphones available from Tracfone.


5. LG 440G - A Simple Flip Phone for $5
The LG 440G is a durable, simple flip phone from Tracfone that is a great choice for a backup or emergency phone.

With a long battery life, camera, and 3G connectivity, the phone has all the basic features.

Best of all the LG 440G is currently on sale for just $5.

Check out the Deal - LG 440G for $5 from BestBuy online.

Read our Reveiw of the LG 440G


That's the current best deals we've found. We hope you find this list useful, and get a great deal if you are buying a new phone.

Be sure to visit our Tracfone Promo Code page for codes to get free minutes when you add a new minutes card. But note, the Android smartphones won't accept promo codes.

Follow us on Facebook where we post updates and news, and our community keeps each other informed on the latest deals from around the web.

Thanks for visiting, and leave a comment with your thoughts or questions!

How to find your lost iPhone.

(This story is told through the eyes and words of an iPhone)

The memories are foggy as to how my owner lost me, but that's not really what's important here.  What is important is that she found me, thanks to a really knowledgeable and awesome dude (The MacMentor), and a really smart mom (who kept her Apple ID and Password safe).

So here's what I remember...I was having a blast with my owner, down at the beach.  She was living it up, tanning and having fun with her friends, it was a great day!  A few hours go by, the sun started to set, and the next thing I know, she's gone!  Left without me.  I was so sad!  I didn't know what to do, so I waited, and waited and waited.  Thankfully I had a full battery charge.  My only hope was that my owner (who asked to remain anonymous here) remembered her Apple ID, and password.

So here's what happened next (I know because she told me).  My owner was so nervous that her mom was going to go berserk, but thankfully she has a Mac Guy who could help her, his name is The MacMentor (aka, Geoff Horwitz).  She called The MacMentor and told him of her terrible situation and asked him what to do.  The MacMentor asked her if she knew her Apple ID.  She gave him the ID she thought she used, and The MacMentor went to his trusty Mac, opened up Safari and proceeded to go to http://icloud.com.

Once there, he entered the Apple ID and Password my owner gave him (hidden for obvious reasons).  Sadly, he got a message back from iCloud that the Apple ID and password had not been set up!  The MacMentor shook his head in disbelief.  If iCloud had not been set up, how on earth would I (the iPhone) be found?  The MacMentor was sure that my owner had set up her iCloud, so he had her call her mom.  What happened next was just plain awesome!  Thankfully mom had written down the Apple ID and password my owner used for iCloud.  So, mom opened up Safari, went to iCloud.com and signed in with my owners Apple ID and password.

When mom did that she came to the screen capture above.  Next, mom pressed the Find my iPhone button which took her to a map, similar to the one below, but for security reasons, the map below is simply being used as an example.

It's a little hard to see, but on the top right of the screen capture above, there's a window with me, the iPhone, and underneath three buttons.  Play Sound, Lost Mode and Erase iPhone.  Mom was able to locate the iPhone on the beach where my owner had forgotten me, but it was dark out, and it would be really hard to find me!  So, mom called The MacMentor, and he told her to press the Play Sound button (I tell you, that MacMentor dude is a genius!).  This story keeps getting better!  You see, thankfully my battery still had plenty of charge, and I was still on.  So when mom pressed the Play Sound button on iCloud I started making a loud sonar noise.  And low and behold, a few minutes later, even though it was dark, my owner and her friends heard me calling her and she came and got me!  Yeah!  I love stories with a happy ending, and thanks to the wonderful MacMentor, and a resourceful mom,  I didn't get washed up in the tide and lost at sea!

So the moral of the story is this.  If you own an iPhone, make sure you sign in to iCloud, and make sure you remember your Apple ID and password!  And it would help if you knew The MacMentor as well...:).

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to keep your iPhone and iPad safe, using iCloud!

Tracfone Promo Codes for May 2014

List of New Tracfone Promo Codes May 2014

Provided below are a list of promo codes for Tracfone cell phones updated for May 2014. These codes are collected and provided by de9w2dsl.

Tracfone Promo Codes May 2014

Tracfone Wireless is a cell phone company offering low cost prepaid cell phones and service plans to people across America. They sell prepaid minute cards in most stores, as well as online.

When adding a prepaid minutes card to your phone, you can also use a promo code to get additional minutes for free, as a bonus!

We have collected these codes just for the month of May, to make it easy to find a code that is working. If you want more codes, visit our full Tracfone Promo Codes page!

You don't need to do anything to get these codes, simply find them below and enter one as you add a new phone card.

We hope you find this list of codes useful, be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts and questions, and also like our Facebook page where we update with the latest news and codes!

Now here are the promo codes for May 2014:

Tracfone Promo Codes for May 2014

These codes work with 60 minute cards up to 450 minute cards. Codes will work for a certain minutes card, and any card of larger value. (So the code for a 60 minute card will work for all minutes cards)

60 Minute Card - Use code 84464 and get 30 bonus minutes.

120 Minute Card - Enter promo code 69665 for 30 bonus minutes.

200 Minute Card - Put in code 72524 and get 40 bonus minutes.

450 Minute Card - Use promo code 93528 or 63257 for 50 bonus minutes.

400 Minutes/1 Year Card - Enter code 93729 for a great bonus of 250 minutes free.

These are the codes for May! Hope you find this useful and get some free minutes! Leave a comment with which codes you used and worked, and share this with others who might find it useful.

Please note, the new Android phones from Tracfone don't work with Promo Codes, but they are pretty good nonetheless. Check out our cell phone reviews page to see all our reviews, or read our post about iPhone 4/4S available on Tracfone.

Didn't find a code to suit your style? Visit our full promo code page for many more options!

Also check out our Deals, Discounts and Sales for May 2014 on Tracfone Cell Phones!

Thanks for visiting!

iCloud basics

Those of us that have owned Apple devices for more than 3 years may or may not remember a service from Apple called MobileMe.  All you need to know about MobileMe is that it never really provided the functionality on the scale that Apple had hoped.  In 2011, Apple re-branded MobileMe to iCloud.  In the almost three years that it's been up and running, it's been a blessing to iOS users.  Offering a cloud service that syncs and backs up your content, and it works!

Why is having a cloud service important?  Simply put, every other major software/hardware vendor has one, and without it, you'd still be plugging your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch into your Mac (or PC), and muddling through iTunes to sync and back up your content.  That is so early 2000's!  Today it's ease of use we all desire (or demand).  I can tell you, I applauded mightily in October 2011, when my iPhone 4S connected to iCloud and sent my content through iCloud to my Mac and iPad, it was an awesome moment!

So what is iCloud?  In short, it's a cloud based service that syncs your content and it is the best (and easiest)  option to back-up your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch).  Let' start with syncing.  If you have multiple devices, and I'm not just talking about multiple Apple devices.  You can have an iPhone and a PC, or an iPad and a Mac, or an iPhone, iPad and Mac.  The combinations are endless (well not really but you get where I'm going).  If you have multiple devices iCloud will sync your content seamlessly as long as your iCloud settings are turned on, on the respective devices.

On the two screen captures above (from my iPhone), you'll notice most of the settings are green (or On), however I have a couple (Notes and Reminders) that are off.  The reason I have those two off is because I use other apps for my Notes (Evernote) and Reminders (Wunderlist).  By having Mail, Contacts and Calendar settings all set to on, it allows all content from those apps to be shared amongst any iCloud enabled device that I sign into with my Apple ID and Password.  So if I enter a new contact on my iPhone, iCloud takes that content to the ether, and passes it to my iMac and iPad (without me having to do anything except make sure the same iCloud settings are turned on, on those devices).  Below are the iCloud settings from my iMac.  There is a caveat for the Mail setting.  If your mail address is not an Apple email (@Mac, @Me, @iCloud), in most cases, not all, the mail setting will be grey (Off).  The reason being, if you use another mail host, like Gmail, Yahoo, Comcast or AOL, you don't need Apple to Sync or back up those systems.  Those other systems are supposed to handle that for you.  So if your iCloud account (Apple ID) is "xyz@gmail.com".  There is no need to have that setting on.  Make sense?  Good!

If you looked closely, you'd notice that on my iMac's settings, Notes is checked.  Why would I have it checked on my iMac, and not on my iPhone?  Because prior to using Evernote, I did use the Notes App on my devices, and if I turn the setting off on my iMac, it will erase the notes that are there, and I don't want to do that...:).  I also took screen captures of the Photos setting and the Documents and Data setting.

So as you can see, iCloud handles, or can potentially handle quite a bit of information.  If you chose not to use iCloud, as I mentioned earlier, you'd be stuck in iTunes hell!  

Now iCloud not only syncs your content, but, it also backs up your iOS devices.  Now, what does that mean, and how does that work you ask?  Great questions!  iCloud back ups work like this:  as long as the Backup setting is turned on (see below)

And your device is On, charging to an outlet, and you are in a wireless network, iCloud will ping your device, check when the last backup occurred (in my case 7:22 PM yesterday), and if you are beyond 24 hours since the last backup, iCloud will create a new backup for you.  Or, you can manually backup your iOS device by pressing the "Back Up Now" option if, and only if it is blue, as in the screen capture above (must be in wireless network for this to work).  Please keep this in mind.  iCloud only keeps 1 backup per device.  So you can manually backup as many times as you'd like during the day, but iCloud will only keep the latest.  Reason is because you only need 1 complete backup.  If you are charing your device, and in a wireless network, but your device is off, guess what will not happen, your device will NOT back up!  Any guesses as to why?  If you said "because when your device is off the GPS is disabled, and iCloud can't ping your device", you are 100% correct!  So, don't expect backups to occur when your device is off, because they will not!

Now I wrote about Photo Stream in an earlier blog, so I'm not going to go too much into it here, except to say that you should make sure your Photo Stream settings (below) for My Photo Stream and Photo Sharing are turned on.  The Burst Photos is specific to the iPhone 5S, no other devices currently have that capability.   If Photo Stream and Photo Sharing are off, your pictures will be stuck on your iOS device, until you will manually move them to your Mac (or PC).   

Now if you are a PC users with iOS devices, don't feel left out, you can download the iCloud Control Panel for your PC, and that will allow you to sync content between your iOS devices and your PC, nice move Apple!

Another key element of iCloud, is space.  How much do you get, how much does it cost, what if you run out!  When you create an iCloud account, you get 5GB of free storage.  If you have multiple devices attached to that iCloud account, you'll run out of 5GB quickly.  You can purchase an additional 10GB for $15/yr, 20GB for $40/yr, and 50GB for $100/yr.  Honestly, the additional storage is costly considering what other services offer.  I wonder if and when Apple will lower the prices here.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if you have an Apple ID for iTunes, should you use that for iCloud?  My best answer here is, it depends.  If you have a family, sharing an Apple ID for iTunes, I recommend each of you having your own Apple ID for iCloud.  An example would be family of four, mom, dad and two kids.  The Apple ID for iTunes has been set up under dad's email.  Now everyone has multiple devices, and if everyone is sharing dad's Apple ID for iCloud, you'll find you have no space to back up.  Not to mention your contacts, calendar events etc, etc, etc are a combination from everyones devices!  Yuck!  So Mom, and kids should create their own iCloud account (Apple ID).  Don't fret, you can still share calendar events and other content, you'll just share what you want to.  

Well I hope this iCloud intro has been helpful.  Until next time, best to you and your devices!

  

LG 306G Tracfone Review

Full Review of the LG 306G from Tracfone

This review by de9w2dsl will cover the features, specs, likes and dislikes, and buying tips for the LG 306G.

Full Review of the LG 306G

Tracfone Wireless is a prepaid cell phone company providing low cost phones and minutes to customers throughout the US. They have a variety of phones, including Android smartphones (See our reviews of these phones on our Cell Phone Reviews page).


The LG 306G is a relatively new (2014) offering from Tracfone that features a touchscreen, WiFi, Triple Minutes for life and runs on GSM networks. (We will cover more about the GSM network further down).

It is similar to the very popular LG 840G, but a few years newer. Both phones use a non-Android OS and are a somewhat small size compared to other phones.

Let's take a look at the detailed features for the LG 306G.

LG 306G Features and Specs

This phone comes with all the standard features you expect from a non-Android phone.

• WiFi Capability
• GPS Connectivity
• 5 Customizable Home Screens
• 2MP Camera
• Mobile Web with 3G Speeds
• Text and Picture messaging
• 4GB Micro SD Card (up to 32GB Compatible)
• Bluetooth
• MP3 Player
• Gravity Sensor (tilt sensor)
• 1000 Entry Phonebook
• Handsfree speaker
• Alarm Clock
• Call Waiting, Caller ID, Voicemail, Voice Recorder

Specs and Dimensions

• 3.2" Touchscreen
• Size: 4.08" x 2.47" x 0.47" (inches)
• Weight: 3.72 OZ
• Battery: 3 Hours talk time, 17 days on Standby

The features and specs for the LG 306G are comparable to other Tracfone devices like the LG 530G, Samsung S390G or, as we mentioned already, the LG 840G.

The key features for this phone are GSM network, touchscreen, WiFi and Triple Minutes. Let's get into what we like, and don't like, about the LG 306G to break it down a little further.

LG 306G Review - Likes and Dislikes

Starting with what we Like:

Apps on the LG 306G

The LG 306G is similar to the LG 840G which was a very popular phone for Tracfone users. Thus, the LG 306G has many of these same great features.

WiFi access, 3G speed, and the 3.2" touchscreen are all very nice to have. The touchscreen is fairly bright and responsive. The phone also has 5 home screens which you can customize.

Battery life on the LG 306G is good, especially compared to smartphones. It should last a few days with moderate use, and even a week with light use (it is advertised to last 17 days on standby).

The phone comes with a 4GB Micro SD card which you can put music on, or use to store pictures etc. For those who want to put a lot of stuff on the phone, you can upgrade your SD card to up to 32GB.

We like that the LG 306G does not use the new '3 buckets' system for minutes, but rather the older option where you have minutes from one pool used for data, texting and calling. (If you would rather have separate pools for data, texts and calling, take a look at the Android smartphones.) This is the same way the LG 840G worked. Basically, if you do a lot of texting this is a better option for you. And this phone also comes with Triple Minutes for Life, so every time you add minutes they will be tripled.

The LG 306G uses the GSM network, probably running on AT&T cell phone service. All of the new Android smartphones use CDMA networks, which are Verizon towers. So if Verizon service isn't very good in your area, you should go with a GSM phone like the LG 306G (but make sure AT&T service is good in your area). To check, try asking your friends or neighbors, or enter your zip code on the Tracfone website. (for more on these networks, read our GSM vs CDMA Guide.)

Lastly, this phone will work with Tracfone Promo Codes! Unlike the Android smartphones Tracfone offers.

Now for a few dislikes.

LG 306G Dislikes
This phone is a pretty solid device that doesn't seem to have any big dislikes, but also doesn't really 'wow' in any areas either.

The lack of a main operating system like Android is a little disappointing. With Android OS you have access to thousands of apps. With the LG 306G, there are apps available, but not as many. We would recommend Opera Mini, which is a great app for browsing the internet.

The LG 306G isn't a new phone, even though it is new to Tracfone. So don't expect too much from it. There are a variety of quirks, such as the phone switching to landscape mode for texting, but if you don't mind things like this it is a good option.

The 2MP camera is not great, but that is to be expected for a phone like this.

If you find any problems with your LG 306G, let us know in the comments so we can mention them here.

Also, if you want more information, be sure to check out the full user guide linked below.

Overview and Buying Options for the LG 306G

Overall, the LG 306G is similar to the LG 840G, which isn't a bad thing, unless you are looking to upgrade from the LG 840G (in which case we would suggest a smartphone like the LG Optimus Dynamic II).

LG 306G

The LG 306G is a simple, durable phone that will get the job done and won't be as bulky as most smartphones. It is a great choice for people who want something at a reasonable price, and don't need all the latest features. Overall, we like this phone. It isn't too fancy, but works well and has most of the features you would need for a cell phone.

For Tracfone customers, this is a pretty standard Tracfone device, and would make a good upgrade if you have an older phone, especially if you only have double minutes for life.

Where to find the LG 306G from Tracfone
You can find the LG 306G on the Tracfone website, currently selling for $50.

Dollar General among other stores is also selling this phone usually for a bit less.

There are sometimes some great bundles with this phone on HSN.com or ShopHQ.com.

We have also found the LG 306G on Amazon for less than $40.

Additional Resources and LG 306G User Guide
Take a look at the interactive LG 306G Tutorial to help you learn how to navigate this phone. Or you might want the 100 page LG 306G User Guide (PDF).

We hope you found this review useful, leave a comment if you have questions or thoughts (and don't forget to check them for additional information from others).

Be sure to check out Tracfone Hot Deals for the Summer and you might be interested in the news that iPhone 4 and 4S now work with Tracfone.

Follow us on Facebook where we share information, deals and promo codes!

Thanks for Visiting

LG Optimus Dynamic II Review

Review of the Android LG Optimus Dynamic II by Tracfone

This review by de9w2dsl, will cover the features, specs, buying information and overall opinion for the LG Optimus Dynamic II (LG L39C) from Tracfone.

Front of the LG Optimus Dynamic II

The LG Optimus Dynamic II is essentially the replacement for the somewhat underwhelming (although much cheaper) LG Optimus Dynamic that Tracfone released with three other Android Smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Centura, Huawei Glory, and ZTE Valet, in mid 2013.

The Dynamic II is for use with Tracfone prepaid wireless service, and will not work with other service providers. Tracfone is a low cost, prepaid cell phone company throughout the US and they have several other companies under them, including StraightTalk and Net10. But Phones from one will not work with other companies.

The Dynamic II, along with the other Android Smartphones offered by Tracfone, runs on Verizon's 3G CDMA network. Be sure to check how the coverage in your area is before buying this phone.

Let's get straight to the Features and Specs for the Dynamic II.

LG Optimus Dynamic II Features and Specs:

This smartphone comes with several impressive and convenient features.

• 3.8" Touchscreen
• Android 4.1 'Jelly Bean' with access to thousands of apps on Google Play
• Triple Minutes for Life
• Separate talk/text/data
• 3G speeds on Verizon's network
• WiFi Connectivity
• Bluetooth
• 4GB Micro SD card included
• 3MP camera (fixed focus)
• MP3 Player
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• GPS
• Gravity/Shake/Tilt sensor
• Mobile Web, Email, Text, Caller ID etc.
• Handsfree speaker
• Voice Dialing

LG L39C Specs and Dimensions:

• Phone Size: 4.43" x 2.55" x 0.47"
• Screen Size: 3.8" (320x480)
• Weight: 4.44 OZ
• 1 Ghz Processor
• 512MB RAM
• Compatible with up to a 32GB Micro SD card
• Battery Life: 8 hours talk, 11 days on Standby

If one compares the Dynamic II to the Dynamic, the Dynamic II is basically an improvement in almost every category. Screen size, battery life, processor and Android OS are all improved over the older version, and even over some of the other Android offerings from Tracfone.

Let's briefly highlight some of the features we like, and don't like on the LG L39C:

LG Optimus Dynamic II - Likes and Dislikes:

What We Like About the Phone:

He Dynamic II comes with Android 4.1, which is a newer version of the OS, but not the newest (the newest is currently 4.4). However, this is one of the newest versions that Tracfone is offering.

Google Maps on the LG L39C

For those that might be unaware, Android is an operating system like Apple or Windows 8 but for cell phones. It allows you to have access to thousands of apps (like programs) that give the phone a huge list of possible features, depending on which apps you install. For more information, visit Google Play.

Screen size: The LG Optimus Dynamic II comes with the largest screen size of any Tracfone yet, at 3.8 inches (measured diagonally). This makes it easier to see things, easier to read things, and provides more area to work on the phone.

To give some perspective, the older, LG Optimus Dynamic had just a 3.2" inch screen and the even older LG 800G had even less at 2.8". The other Android smartphones from Tracfone have 3.5" screens.

Additional points about the LG L39C: The phone comes with a 3MP camera which will take good pictures outdoors, but probably will major problems in low light. WiFi has been reported as quite decent, and is a great way to save your data. Just make sure you turn off data when not using it!

There are many other great features included with this phone which you can see in the feature list above. Now let's take a look at some shortcomings for this phone.

What We Dislike about the LG Optimus Dynamic II

First off, this phone is, at this time, the latest and greatest offering from Tracfone, so there is a lot that it does right. However, we do want to point out a few shortcomings, or things we wish Tracfone would change.

The internal memory and RAM are still somewhat small compared to other modern smartphones. The 512mb of RAM is decent enough, but if you load up a lot of apps, you might push this phone to its limit pretty quickly. The Dynamic II has a little less than 2GB of internal memory for apps and other storage. This is OK, but if you plan to store a lot of movies or pictures, get a large SD card and try to put it on there. (This phone does come with a 4GB SD card which is nice).

The LG Optimus Dynamic II runs on Verizon 3G, along with all of Tracfone's other smartphones, and gets fairly good connectivity and coverage. However, roaming on these phones is not good, so if you travel frequently, you might want to wait to buy a new phone.

Finally, Promo Codes no longer work with Android phones from Tracfone which is a disappointment.

Adding and Tracking Prepaid Minutes on the Dynamic II

The way your track minutes, and how minutes are split up on the Android phones from Tracfone are a bit different, so we will cover that here.

Data, Talk and Text are now split into three separate 'pools' so that when you call or use data, you will still have the same number of texts as before. (EX: If you add a 200 minute card, it will be automatically tripled, and you will receive 600mb of data, 600 minutes for talk, and 600 texts).

This is a pretty good deal for almost anyone, except those who might do a lot more texting than calling or surfing the web. However, there are free apps that will text others for free when on WiFi or Data.

To check your airtime balance:
The easiest way to check your airtime on the LG Optimus Dynamic II is to download Tracfone's Airtime App. It is pretty simple to set up, and you can add airtime through it as well. You can almost go on the Tracfone website and check your account from there.

Phone Covers and Cases for the LG L39C:

The Dynamic II is prone to scratches, especially on the glass touchscreen, so it is a good idea to get a case and screen protector.

The Thousand Eight rubberized L39C cover is a good option, or you can view all the cover choices on Amazon including screen protectors.

Overall Review and Buying Tips for the LG Optimus Dynamic II

Dynamic II on Amazon

The Dynamic II is a sleek, modern smartphone that is honestly one of the best choices from Tracfone at this time. It has a larger screen than any other phone, and the rest of its features are similar or better as well.

Users have been reporting a large number of positive reviews, with few problems unlike the ZTE Valet or older Dynamic. (the Valet has had many reports of poor WiFi connection, and the old Dynamic is slower, and smaller).

Retailing for about $110, the LG Optimus Dynamic II is $99 on Amazon at this time, and can also be found at a great deal on sites like eBay, HSN and others.

If you check out the phone on Amazon, it has received an average rating of 4.2 out of 5, and there are a number of questions and answers available for additional information.

We do want to mention that there are some new phones on the horizon coming from Tracfone: The LG Optimus Fuel (LG L34C) is currently available, and the Samsung Galaxy Ace Style and Moto E are coming soon.

Thanks for visiting and reading, and be sure to leave a comment below with your questions, or your thoughts on the LG Optimus Dynamic II.

If you're phone shopping, check out all or reviews on the Cell Phone Reviews page.

You might also want to see the Top Sales and Discounts on Tracfone Cell Phones.

Additional Resources:
LG Optimus Dynamic II Tutorial - View the full and interactive tutorial to learn more about the Dynamic II

LG Optimus Dynamic II User Guide - This is a complete, 80 page PDF user guide.