October 15, 2014

Tracfone MOTO E (XT830C) - Now Available!

Tracfone Moto E Android Smartphone is Available!

This post provides details and specs for the Moto E XT830C which is has recently become available for use with Tracfone We will continue to update as more information arrives.

Moto e specs
Moto E for Tracfone Now Available
Tracfone continues to (slowly) release new Android powered smartphones to add to their offering of prepaid mobile devices and the Moto E from Motorola is the latest announcement. Tracfone is a low cost prepaid cell phone service provider with a variety of both regular phones and smartphones.

The Motorola XT830C, which is more commonly referred to as simply the Moto E, is a powerful little smartphone running Android 4.4 and giving users a 4.3" touchscreen.

UPDATE: The Moto E is now available from several sources, including eBay, and Target stores. See below for links to the phone.

The Moto E comes from a small family of three phones produced by Motorola and is the lowest cost. The higher end Moto X, and extremely popular mid-level Moto G fill out this selection of highly rated phones. While there are some reports of the Moto G working with Tracfone BYOP, it is anything but easy or certain, so the Moto E may be the next best thing for many Tracfone customers.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Style (not yet released) and the LG Optimus Fuel (available) are the two previous new phones to come to Tracfone. Each have upgrades that other Tracfone Androids don't have, but they still don't have everything consumers are looking for. Perhaps with the Moto E, and two other smartphones new to Tracfone, users will find a mobile device that fits their needs.

Along with the newly released Moto E, there are two more exciting phones currently available. The LG L41C Ultimate 2 and Alcatel A564C which each sport screens larger than 4.5" inches (more information on these phones available at the links above!). Many Tracfone users have been hoping for Android devices with screens larger than 4", so these phones are very exciting to hear about.

Let's take a closer look at what the Moto E offers, including some of the important specifications.

Tracfone Moto E Specifications and What to Expect

The Moto E is better than some of Tracfones other smartphones like the LG Optimus Dynamic II and LG Optimus Fuel in several areas. (But each phone has certain strengths and weaknesses). The two biggest features for the Moto E that set it apart are the 4.3" screen, and 1GB of RAM.

Below is the full list of features and specs for the Moto E:
moto e Motorola XT830C
Tracfone Moto E
  • Android 4.4
  • 3G on Verizon CDMA Networks
  • WiFi
  • 5MP Rear Camera 
  • Micro USB 2.0 port
  • 3.5mm Headphones
  • 4GB Micro SD Card
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS
  • FM Radio
  • Handsfree Speaker, MMS, Alarm clock
  • MP3 Player, Proximity Sensor
  • Call Waiting, Caller ID, Voice Dialing
  • Triple Minutes for Life
Moto E Specs and Features:
  • Size: 4.91" x 2.55" x 0.48"
  • 4.3" qHD Touchscreen at 256ppi (540x960) and Gorilla Glass 3
  • 1.2 Ghz Dual-core processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 4 GB Internal Memory, up to 32 GB External MicroSD slot
  • Weight: 5 ounces
  • 1980 mAh battery with 16.5 hrs talk time/30 days standby

Some of you might be very excited for the opportunity to have a Tracfone Smartphone with a dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. The Moto E is expected to be a great overall smartphone with its solid features and specs. And because it was made in partnership with Google, it will likely continue to be updated with the latest Android OS.

We could go on about the 4.3" screen, 1.2 Ghz processor, and all the other specs, but you probably get the idea that the Moto E comes with many features that beat Tracfone's other smartphones. However, the lack of a front facing camera (which the Alcatel Onetouch and LG Ultimate 2 both have, is a bit disappointing).

But let's move on and look at where the newly released Moto E might even be available.

A quick note, as one visitor mentioned in the comments, the Moto E doesn't have a front facing camera, nor flash, and the battery cannot be removed. These are some cons for the phone worth being aware of.

What to Expect and Where is the Tracfone Moto E Available?

The Moto E will be for use on Verizon CDMA towers and you can probably expect the same kind of service as many of Tracfone's other current smartphones.

All of Tracfone's Android smartphones come with Triple Minutes for Life, and minutes are separated into talk, text and data. For a full explanation about this, view our Guide to How Minutes Work with Tracfone Android Phones.

Now, the big question most of you are asking is, where can you find the Moto E?

The Moto E is popping up in several places online, starting at $99:

Tracfone Moto E on Amazon - $99

Tracfone Moto E on eBay - $99

Tracfone Moto E with 600 Minutes on eBay - $129

Tracfone Moto E with 1200 Minutes on eBay - $149

You can also find the Moto E on the ShopCellDeals website.

Some people have also found the Moto E in Target stores.

The retail price for an unlocked Moto E is about $120 and the Tracfone Moto E for is available for a little less, but may still eventually be listed on the Tracfone website for $120.

We will keep you updated with the latest information on the Moto E. As soon as we find it available we will update this page. Stay even more up to date by following us on Facebook where we share lots of information on the latest Tracfone devices, as well as Tracfone Promo Codes!

For more on the Moto E, take a look at the Tracfone Motorola XT830C Tutorial.

If you're looking for a new phone, be sure to visit our Cell Phone reviews page where we have a list of all our reviews of Tracfone cell phones.

You might also find our Guide to the Tracfone Family Value Plan useful because it shares all the details on how to put your whole family on a monthly no-contract Tracfone plan! (And all for less than $10 per phone!)

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

68 comments :

Peppa_pot said...

I have noticed a trend from Tracfone since they have been offering android phones. There is always an android Tracfone offered on HSN around Thanksgiving time. It could be the LG Fuel this time around, but I'm betting it will be the Moto E.

Hoody said...

Yes its one of the better "trackphones" but read the specs carefully.

it has no front camera, no LED flash, can not remove or replace battery.


but it does upgrade the OS

http://motorola-blog.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-official-android-50-lollipop-coming.html

Now if it was the G lte model than it would be even more of a surprise

I'm waiting for the LG Volt to make its debut on TF :) but like I said before, by time these come to TF there will be several new slices of white bread to look over :)

TracfoneReviewer Team said...

Good points about the camera and battery.

Anonymous said...

I notice that the phone doesn't have autofocus. Since it has a 5 MP camera, will it be able to scan barcodes?

Anonymous said...

"A quick note, as one visitor mentioned in the comments, the Moto E doesn't have a front facing camera, nor flash, and the battery cannot be removed."

Really.....to bad. It would have been a great phone instead of a very good phone. Why does tracfone do this????

Anonymous said...

It has a 1.2 Ghz processor you, misquoted this in the text...

Hoody said...

Yeah, cause the screen has pretty good res.and is of a good size for a "phone" the new moto's will go to 5" screens, kinda gettin a bit too big for just phone use. But than texting should be easier as the keyboard should match the screen, if your into that more.

The G lte (new model) will,have the better features, but as usual it won't be for TF :(

I'd like to see the LG Volt show up on TF myself :), but that's another pipe dream.

Face it, TF figures the people that use their service are the low class, smirks, the contract crowd 24/7/365 texters/phoners/webbers are the preferred crowd Its a wonder they even added a few "Android" smartphones at all.

But as time goes on, these things will be like the PC craze, they will,just keep getting faster and more useable by all, I suspect the old java based dumbphones will be gone not to far from now. I just picked up a 306G and its good enough for me for now :) :)

Hoody said...

Here is the one I'm waiting for :)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Straight-Talk-LG-L41C-Prepaid-Android-Smartphone/39443652?wmlspartner=je6NUbpObpQ&sourceid=32220700062431606151&oid=351988.1&u1=1c76ruqw7f90f&affillinktype=10&veh=aff

So here it is on Walmart, so I figure its not too far from TF, maybe like the 34c was. It sold on Walmart too early on but useable only with Straight talk (which is part of TF anyway)

Looks like its gona be called "ultimate 2" hy what ever as long as the specs stay :) and it gets cheaper :)

Hoody said...

Check out the specs on this Volt, this is one great phone at this price. Just not for us TF people :( this one is for boost mobile, another one of those monthly "non contract plans")

Its just a bit better than the 41, and even lower in cost.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sprint-LG-Volt-Smartphone-Unlocked/39138943

Hoody said...

BTW: its not TF that gave it those specs, they come like that

Hoody said...

http://www.motorola.com/us/consumers/shop-all-mobile-phones/Moto-E-pdp/moto-e.html

Anonymous said...

New Android Tracfones 10/21/14

Just checked the Tracfone website and two new phones came up.
LG Ultimate 2 and the Alcatel onetouch® ICON™ Pop.

TracfoneReviewer Team said...

The LG Ultimate 2 and Alcatel Onetouch are both available! We'll be sharing some details on these phones soon, and let's hope it means the Moto E is coming soon too!

Hoody said...

Android is a operating system, and as such should be "update able/upgradeable as any other software, (it could be like a download from MS.for windows)

The consumer should have the option to do it every time a new OS comes out, if the phone hardware is capable or the consumer wants to do it.If there is a small cost involved so be it,the cost should be very minimal, since your already paying for time as it is to use the item.

The ability for updates should be available to any software , to keep said product up to date and useable for newer apps.

Just my opinion, as for now I use a java based 306G, don't use a cell enough, but probably will in time. ps got my eye on the Volt :)

Anonymous said...

New smart phones can't come soon enough. Tracfone is soooooo slow with phone upgrades.
MacD

Anonymous said...

I think I like the Ultimate 2 better. Looks like a very nice phone.

Peppa_Pot said...

Wow. That was quick. Its nice to see all these options available for tracfone, but I just purchased the optimus II and it has not even been a year. I hope I don't get into a habit of upgrading my phone every year. Hopefully the Moto E fits the bill despite the 4.3 inch screen which is a bit much but might be a better alternative than the fuel at 3.5 inches.

I also plan on buying the Asus smart watch so I have to upgrade to 4.4.2 or better.

Unknown said...

bootloader locked not much you can do with it

Anonymous said...

Does anyone think tracfone will eventually include the Moto G or X?

SlowSally said...

I found the MotoE at Target today!

Anonymous said...

i found it at target too today, didnt realize it was already out, hope i can get one online with a one year card for not too much over $100 like the ultimate 2 for $129 on qvc with the one year card then it is a sweet deal not so much if you pay $119.99 plus tax just for the phone

Anonymous said...

Tracfone just lowered the price on the Alcatel One Touch Pop Icon to $99.99.

Unknown said...

I am hoping it with the LG Ultimate 2!

Unknown said...

Yes! There is always something!

Unknown said...

It seem this phone does not have a SD slot from the review i been looking up. Can anyone give info on this?

Anonymous said...

The Moto E does have an SD card slot. I think you're confused since the first gen Moto G(2013) and the Moto X both don't have SD card slots. The second gen Moto G(2014) does have an SD card slot however. I think Motorola made a mistake, they realize expandable memory were popular.

Anonymous said...

Will Moto E work in any region / state in USA?

Anonymous said...

Yes they will work on any region/state in the US that uses Verizon's CDMA towers. Make sure you have Verizon CDMA coverage in your area in order for your phone to work or else you'll be out of luck. You must note that all Tracfone Android phones uses Verizon CDMA instead of AT&T or T-Mobile's GSM.

Anonymous said...

its also at radioshack

Anonymous said...

It will work in any region/state in the US that has Verizon CDMA coverage. You must note that all Tracfone Android phones will only work on Verizon CDMA towers. If you don't have coverage in your area then you're out of luck.

Anonymous said...

I have a four year old LG500g with over 4,000 minutes and one year of remaining service. Does anyone know if I will be able to transfer my phone number, all of those minutes and service time to the Moto E?

Anonymous said...

I saw moto e on amazon for $100 plus shipping. Here is the link.

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Android-Prepaid-Minutes-Tracfone/dp/B00PWEN2ZE/ref=sr_1_14?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1417289524&sr=1-14&keywords=tracfone

By the way, I need some advice. I currently have the zte valet and want to upgrade sometime in the future. Should I get lg fuel, alcatel onetouch pop icon, lg ultimate 2, or moto e? I want a phone that is fast and can run 8 apps or so. Thanks any help appreciated!

Anonymous said...

You should be able to. But I don't know because the phone you have is a feature phone and the Moto E is an android phone. They use different pools for your minutes. I would email tracfone before you do anything. Hope it helps.

Anonymous said...

Phone number yes, minutes no.

Peppa_Pot said...

Personally, I no longer consider the LG fuel as an option unless you are comfortable with the size of your valet but are looking for an upgrade in performance. Plus the Fuel still has a 3mp camera and the 3mp camera on the 39c is awful. The Centura has a better camera.

The LG Ultimate and Alcatel are the premier phones amongst the options you listed. The main advantage they have over the Moto E is the camera, but those advantages are in the options. Both have front facing cameras, auto focus and flash which the Moto E does not, but it doesn't mean that equals better quality photos. Just more options.

My personal choice is the Moto E because it's closer in size to the 39c and it has a radio, but overall I think most people would agree the Ultimate 2 or Alcatel are the best of the bunch. You can't go wrong with either. The Alcatel is like a tablet/phone which is too big for my liking. There are enough reviews on Amazon to help you make a choice.

Anonymous said...

anyone know if this phone will be upgraded to lollipop?

Unknown said...

just got the moto E for $99 with one year service and 1200 minutes . from shopcell deals .ordered fri came Monday.

Unknown said...

transferred minutes from a lg840 took about 45 minutes had 665 minutes on LG so got 665 minutes 600 text and 600 data plus for some reason new phone added one year service plus the two years on the LG also note the E had free shipping added the minutes that came with the phone after everything was transferred No problems at all.

Unknown said...

yes I just did it .worked with no problem From lg840 with 665 minutes I got the 665 minutes plus 600 text and 600 data .plus same phone number

Peppa_Pot said...

Dude, I envy you. I remember when I went from the 840g to the Centura. I was like a kid in a candy store. I was so obsessed I got into a fender bender in PA because I was busy looking at the navigation on the phone which was not mounted. I'm going to pick up my Moto E from shopcell in a week or so. There are cheaper Moto E's available on ebay, but the max is probably a $20 dollar difference and the extra 1200 minutes (400 min card) would cost you a minimum 80 bucks so it's a heck of a deal.

Anyway, enjoy and don't make the mistake I made and "obsess over the options on your smart phone" while driving.

Anonymous said...

The issue is that unlike the Windows structure with device drivers, Android needs to be customized for each specific phone by the phone manufacture.

To stay up to date with the Android OS, you need to either:
Buy a new phone each time a new OS comes out
Use third party builds that risk not working with your carrier
Or, learn enough coding skills to be able to customize the new version of the OS for your phone.

Anonymous said...

Does the show the minutes & days like the standard Tracfones?

Unknown said...

no you have to use a app but its easy to do.

Unknown said...

beware that the moto e is a fixed focus camera so no bar code readers will work also does not have front facing camera so no selfie. .that's the only two drawbacks that I see And since I don't need or use them I'm very happy with the phone.

Unknown said...

would like to add phones from ShopCellDeals website. has no tax at least in FL.or shipping charges and like seem to have the tracfones before any one else including the tracfone web site plus they are super fast on delivery. I buy minutes & phones from them never more then 3 days on delivery .Did return one phone and got the refund same day even before the phone was mailed. Yes I do like the company.

Unknown said...

Motorola site claims it is working on the release now and moto e will have the update soon
. Lets hope so.

Anonymous said...

Actually the 5mp rear camera works justfine for selfies - fyi
The moto e also allows encryption for those who need it. About an hour is needed to set it up, and it's included as an option with the phone.

Anonymous said...

Can you set this up for wi-fi use only? I just received mine, and I want to try it out before transferring my number to it, and it won't get past an "activation" routine that fails and tells me to contact TF.

Anonymous said...

Actually, I have an app called QR Code Reader on my LG L39C that works great reading bar codes and QR codes - and the L39C has just a 3 MP fixed focus camera. I'm hoping the Moto E with a 5 MP camera works at least as well.

Anonymous said...

The Moto E works fine in wi-fi only mode. Just keep hitting the (virtual) return button until you get to the Home screen. Until you activate the phone by calling TF, you will have to repeat this routine each time you power up.

Anonymous said...

the moto G does work and its only about $60 if you buy it used

Anonymous said...

I got a Moto e. I am very impressed with it's all around quality. It is a very well made phone. The reception and call clarity is excellent. I had a ZTE Vallet and enjoyed it somewhat but the overall quality was poor. The Verizon signal in my area is weak. The ZTE call clarity was poor but the Moto e makes clear calls using the same signal. The ZTE had weak Wifi reception. The Wifi receiver on the Moto e is excellent. The Moto e has corning gorilla glass on the screen. Very good looking screen. It also repels fingerprints. It has noise cancelling calling only found on more expensive phones. Some folks have expressed concern about the low internal memory. You will have about 2 gigs for apps. I loaded 12 moderate sized apps and still have 1.3 gigs free internal space. I was able to put some app data on a SD card. The Moto e also comes preloaded with many of the most useful apps. The 5mp camera will take excellent photos in well lit situations. Photos look yellowish in low light. I like the 4.3 inch screen size but ideally a little bigger might be nice. The Moto e is a high quality smartphone! Its performance exceeds its technical specs. I really enjoy using it. Tracfone finally offers a phone that you can be proud to own.

Anonymous said...

Yes you can transfer minutes from a feature phone to an android phone with no trouble at all. I did it with my LG 840g to a ZTE Vallet. I had 1000 minute that turned into 1000 call minutes, plus 1000 texts, and 1000mb of data.

By the way don't get a ZTE Vallet. Go straight to the Moto e. You will love it IMO!

Anonymous said...

I also just bought the Moto E and 400 minute 1 year refill card. I will transfer the phone number and airtime from my LG840G to the Moto E. Is there any reason why I shouldn't add the airtime to my old LG phone first and pick up 250 bonus minutes and then activate the new Moto E phone and trasnfer the phone number and airtime? ( I read that Tracfone does accept promo codes on the the Android phones.)

Anonymous said...

Yes, use the card on your LG840G before transferring your number to the Moto E. That way you get 250 extra minutes + 250 extra texts + 250 MB of data when you transfer balances to the new phone. TF bonus codes do NOT work on Android phones.

Anonymous said...

Once disappointment with this phone is the camera, It is fixed focus so it can't be used to scan barcodes and selfies aren't sharp.

Anonymous said...

You are incorrect i have the xt830c and have no issues with either ... put exposure into manual setting please review your phone documents before being disappointed
that's an operator error not phone error

Anonymous said...

A little LG flip phone Tracfone is always in my pocket. I 'd like to acquire a Tracfone Smart Phone for occasional use while traveling. Is it possible to have the Smart Phone use the same telephone number as the flip phone?

Nana said...

Yes, you can transfer your phone number and remaining minutes to a new tracfone smartphone. The process is easy and can be done on their website under Activate/reactivate tab or by calling them. Plus side is you will have triple talk, text, and data on your smartphone. FYI...You will not be able to use promo codes on smartphone when buying more minutes.

Anonymous said...

I recently went from an old but trusty LG 420G to a Moto E Tracfone because the 420 (now obsolete) was failing slowly in a variety of small ways. I cannot say I'm impressed with the MOTO E. Signal strength reception of this CDMA phone is definitely less than the older GSM phone. The camera while having more pixels does not have auto focus features and does not have a flash or lighting compensation. If you are not careful to limit data to WiFi only it's a data hog. I find myself worrying about damaging the phone instead of just throwing it in my pocket or canoe dry bag like I could with the old flip phone. The Android comes with a nice viewing screen but that comes at the price of plenty of annoying pop-ups with most "free" apps. My advice. If you are considering a change-over simply to modernize your phone and if you use it as a phone not a mobile-for-everything reception device, get another low-cost GSM flip phone. Don't worry, you'll be happy!

Anonymous said...

Can the Tracfone moto e be used in Europe? Thanks for all this great info.

Anonymous said...

This is my first smartphone, and after my first 5 days of us, I like it. I've used Tracfone dumb phones for years, but always wished I had a cell connection for important emails, weather checking, and web page access. I'm not in to heavy smartphone uses/needs, but do like the occasional cell access. I normally carry my iPod Touch 5G to use where ever I can get free WiFi, but it relies only on WiFi. I'm already thinking I can replace my iPod with the Moto E for my uses. I like the fact that the Moto E is the same size as my iPod, since I always like to carry it in my shirt pocket. I paid $50 for the Moto E on Amazon, and bought a nice rubberized case and screen protector for another $10. My iPod has a nice camera with great focusing and a flash, but I rarely use it. I prefer a small "real" camera with more capabilities and quality results. The Moto E camera cannot focus very closely, but I did find a partial work around if anyone is interested. See this link; http://androidbuzzed.blogspot.in/2015/06/how-to-get-auto-focus-on-1st-generation.html

Anonymous said...

I have the NEW Moto G 3 gen ( Amazon) and I got a sim card from TF for BYOP and transfered all my min, text, data from my LG Ultimate 2. No problems at all. Did it all online in less than an hour. I will never buy another TF when you can BYOP to TF, it is BEST of both worlds!!! TF phones are too far behind everyone else. 4G LTE speed is unbelievable!!!!!! If you want a SMART phone, buy a real one. If you just want to talk and text, buy a TF. My 2 cents :)

Anonymous said...

Update. This phone is no longer offered in our service area which in itself may be telling. I have found it so useless as to rarely use it any more. I'm very seriously considering returning to a good 'ol flip phone. Gush all you want about bells and whistles as far as I'm concerned this is an expensive paperweight!

Bob Chalice said...

I just ordered a GSM unlocked Moto G 1540XT. I'm worried it may not activate. Do you have any further advice on using Moto G as Tracfone. Your above post is dated Sept 2, 2015. Would you just tell me to go for it based on your last positive post re MotoG? Or would you say otherwise based on your most recent experiences? I'm very interested in our advice. Tx. Bob

TracfoneReviewer Team said...

I just activated a GSM moto G a few weeks ago with Tracfone and had no issues, took only 20 minutes.

Anonymous said...

I bought a Tracfone Moto E at the end of last year. I have had a Tracfone for over 16 years along with my same number. I have upgraded my phone several times. I just recently wanted to upgrade to the Moto E with my same number but I haven't been successful. I was told 24 hrs, then 48 hrs, then 72 hrs...then told I might not be able to have my number after all. I immediately stopped the transfer after 60 hrs of waiting and still have my old phone and number. I am highly disappointed in tracfone because it is one of their phones. I spent $75 for the phone & was looking forward to using the Moto E. Really disappointed in Tracfone's tech support.

Anonymous said...

Just got it from FedEx today and it wont charge! Guess since it was made in 2014 that battery is bad, but as pointed out you cant change the battery. So this was a complete waste of time.