June 13, 2014

Moto EX431G Tracfone Review

Review of the MotoGO EX431G from Tracfone

This review will provide the specs and technical details, likes and dislikes, buying tips and overall review for the Tracfone Motorola EX 431G by TracfoneReviewer.

moto ex431g review
Moto EX431G Review
Tracfone Wireless is a prepaid cell phone service provider that offers low cost cell phones and service throughout America.

The Moto EX431G is a full QWERTY keyboard phone from Tracfone for use on their nationwide prepaid service. It is used on GSM networks, most commonly AT&T (We will cover more on the GSM network further on).

This is not a new phone, and does not use a standard operating system, but it does deliver on durability, low cost, and easy to use.

Let's take a look at the features and specs for the Moto EX431G

Moto EX431G Features and Specs

The MotoGO comes with many of the standard Tracfone features:
  • Full QWERTY Keyboard
  • Double/Triple Minutes (See below for more information)
  • 2MP Camera
  • MP3 Player
  • Compatible with MicroSD Card (up to 32GB)
  • Mobile Web
  • Bluetooth wireless technology
  • Hands-Free Speaker
  • FM Radio
  • 500 Entry Phone Book
  • Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, 
  • Hearing Aid Compatible
  • Alarm Clock 

Moto Ex431G Specs and Technical details:
  • Size: 4.1 x 2.5 inches
  • .5 inches thick
  • 3.3 ounces
  • 2.2 inch TFT screen
  • Battery: 8 Days Standby, 4 Hours Talk Time

The Motorola EX431G comes with some great features that make it a good choice for texting and everyday use. It is fairly similar to other Tracfone devices like the LG 500G and LG 530G.

This phone, as the name suggest, comes from the American mobile phone company, Motorola, which was recently acquired by Google.

Important Note: It is important to be aware that there are two option for the Moto EX431G, one with Double Minutes for Life, and the other for Triple Minutes for Life. At this time, you can only buy the Double Minutes version on the Tracfone website, but you can get the Triple Minutes Moto EX431G on Amazon. Be sure you read the details about this phone when you go to buy it.

Next we will go into our likes and dislikes for the phone.

Moto EX431G Likes and Dislikes

Starting with our Likes:

motorola ex431g review
Moto EX431G Menu
The Moto EX431G is a sturdy phone with some key features we really like about it including Triple Minutes for Life, QWERTY keyboard, and super low price.

Triple Minutes is a great deal with Tracfone. It means that for every minute you purchase and add to the phone, you get three. So if you buy a 60 Minute card, you will get 180 minutes total! And don't forget to use a Promo Code for even more minutes.

Remember that some versions of this phone only come with Double Minutes, so look carefully when buying this phone to be sure you get Triple Minutes.

The QWERTY keyboard on the Moto EX431G is probably one of the best features about this phone. It makes for fast and easy texting, although for those inexperienced with QWERTY keypads it may take some time to adjust to the small key size. If you tend to prefer larger keys, like the Alcatel Big Easy phone, then this might not work for you.

Finally, The price for the Moto EX431G is nearly unbeatable. This phone doesn't have the most advanced features, but it does give great value. It is currently $10 on the Tracfone websites (for the Double Minutes version) but you can get the Triple Minutes Moto EX431G on Amazon for $8.

Moto EX431G Dislikes

There are a few things we don't really like about the MotoGO, and will mention them here to help give you a better idea of what this phone has to offer. We will start with the Mobile Web.

This phone comes with Mobile Web, which allows you to surf the web from the phone. But it does go through minutes quickly, and is hardly worth it. Perhaps the most you will want to do is download new ringtones.

Another problem with the Mobile Web on the Motorola Ex431G is that the top right button is a shortcut to open Mobile Web from the home-screen. And each time you accidentally hit that button you are charged 0,5 minutes. It is annoying, but most will become accustomed to avoiding that button.

The MotoGO uses its own operating system which means it won't run Android apps like Tracfone's other smartphone devices. But this isn't so much a dislike as a heads up, if you're expecting a lot of additional features, look into our reviews of the Android Tracfone devices or Using an iPhone with Tracfone.

Overall, we don't have many dislikes for the Motorola Ex431G. It is a simple phone that provides good features and performance. It is a good choice for either a backup/emergency phone, or for those who enjoy saving money on cell phone service.

Overview and Final Thoughts on the Moto EX431G

The Moto EX431G is a good phone with great features and a nearly unbeatable price.

It runs on the GSM network, which many people might prefer if AT&T and T-Mobile service is strong in their area. (for more on what GSM means, read our guide to GSM Vs. CDMA)

At just $8 on Amazon for the Moto EX431G with Triple Minutes, if you have a phone with double minutes you should seriously consider switching.

Looking for a minutes bundle? Check out the Moto EX431G with Triple Minutes and 600 minute bundle on eBay for just $20!

View the Interactive Tutorial for the Motorola EX431G to help you learn more about the phone.

We hope this review helped provide some information. If you have questions or comments, leave them below!

We've got the details on the new Tracfone BYOP program which allows you to bring your own smartphone to Tracfone. Check out the page to learn more, and see our compatible phone list!

You may also find our Cell Phone Deals and Sales useful in shopping for the best prices.

Thanks for visiting!

9 comments :

Anonymous said...

This really isn't a comment as much as it is a question. I purchased two of these phones on ebay so I could get the minutes that came with the card and in case I might ever need a backup to my smartphone. I thought it was much too small for my old eyes and fingers, so I sent them back in the recycle bag that came with each phone. I wonder if anyone has other ideas about what to do with them? Thanks.

Anonymous said...

We'll be sending these phones to a women's resource center. They can add minutes and give them to women who are domestic violence victims; these women often need a new phone and phone number to avoid being tracked by their assailants.

Anonymous said...

Centers for battered women need these desperately! Even without registering them they can call 911. They are cheap to register, too, as you know. This is a much better use for them!

Anonymous said...

I have a question, please. I have had my phone for three months, no problems. All of a sudden, I can't hear my callers. The phone rings, I answer, they can hear me, I can't hear them. I am not the techiest tool in the box. Did i perhaps push a button, or do I have a broken phone? Appreciate your help. Thank you...

Anonymous said...

If you ever answer a call and the caller cannot hear you, simply look at your phone, press the right side of the silver keypad (the silver outside the black menu box) and start pressing the volume up key on the side of the phone. It only works when your on a call, so call a friend, or your house phone, and do this. Right side of the silver box around the black square key, then up on your volume. I found this on another forum and it works every time!

Anonymous said...

I just got my EX431g about three weeks ago, and I LOVE it. Problem is, it gets no service in the area where I spend nine months of the year. My old LG430g (which I think ran on AT&T) had awesome service in the very same area. Is there any way that I can get my Motorola switched from T-Mobile to AT&T so I can actually use it? Thanks!

Unknown said...

I'm looking for a good prepaid phone with sliding qwerty and voice dial....any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

I had that problem. Turns out my fingers were touching the volume buttons and I inadvertently turned the volume down to 0. It might be your problem.

Anonymous said...

Just bought this as a Backup/Emergency phone so I could also have a disposable phone number to give out for various reasons like selling things or leaving a number with the public. The fact that it isn't Android like my expensive main phone is a big plus. If I lose it or it's stolen, no one can track it to my Google/Android account that would identify me.