October 7, 2013

Tracfone ZTE Valet and Samsung Galaxy Centura Smartphones

A Comparison of the Valet and Centura Galaxy from Tracfone

The Samsung Galaxy Centura and ZTE Valet are both in stores and online, including Amazon, eBay, and Tracfones website. We want to give you a quick comparison of these two new android powered smartphones.

review samsung galaxy centura tracfone
Samsung Galaxy
 Centura
These phones are just the first two of a total of four phones Tracfone has released that use Android OS, as we mentioned in our recent post covering Tracfone Android Smartphone Rumors.

Check out our review of the other two smartphones, the LG Optimus Dynamic and Huawei Glory to learn more.

The Samsung Galaxy Centura and ZTE Valet both come with Triple Minutes for Life, WiFi Connectivity and many more standard features that are also available on phones like the LG 840G.

What these two phones offer that has not been available before is the Android operating system, which allows users to access thousands of apps for almost anything you can think of. Tracfone will also be offering data cards alongside their normal prepaid minutes and service days.

Now, let's just cover some of the features that make these two phones stand out among the rest of Tracfone devices. We will do a full review for the Samsung Galaxy Centura and ZTE Valet in the near future, once these phones are a little more 'tested'.

Samsung Galaxy Centura Features and Specs

This touchscreen smartphone is pretty standard when comparing it to other smartphones with a 3.5 inch screen and standby batter life that will last 10 days (but battery talk time of only 7 hours). It comes with Android 4.0, which is one of the newest versions of the Android OS.

As we mentioned above, this phone has WiFi connectivity, which means that when there are wireless networks around, you can connect and surf the web without using up your data. So if you are usually in an area with WiFi, this phone could be very budget friendly.

tracfone android samsung galaxy centura
Samsung Galaxy Centura - Click for full size
Other great features for the Samsung Galaxy Centura:


  • Uses Verizon 3G Networks (CDMA)
  • 3MP Camera
  • 800 Mhz processor
  • Mobile Web
  • MP3 Player
  • Micro SD card slot (for up to 32 GB - But no card included)
  • Triple Minutes for Life
  • Airtime Display for Prepaid Minutes and Service days
For more features, specs, details and opinions, read our full Samsung Galaxy Centura Review.

Obviously, compared to older Tracfone mobile phones, the Samsung Galaxy Centura has a lot of powerful features. The most important features it comes with for us are Triple Minutes for Life, WiFi, and Android OS.

This phone (and the ZTE Valet) finally bridges the gap between cell phone and smartphone for Tracfone prepaid users. If you like the incredibly low cost of Tracfone ($6 a month for some) but want a newer phone with powerful features, this phone is a great option.

The Samsung Galaxy Centura is available at several locations online, including at HSN.com and eBay, but it retails for $129.99 at the Tracfone website.

We have also recently found the Samsung Galaxy Centura on Amazon for around $120.

Now, let's take a look at the ZTE Valet, which has a few nice surprises, and a lower price!

ZTE Valet Features and Specs

The Tracfone ZTE Valet comes with many of the same features as the Samsung Galaxy Centura, like a 3.5 inch touchscreen. The Valet has a slightly better processor, at 1.0 Ghz and it uses a slightly newer OS - Android 4.1.

Tracfone zte valet review android
ZTE Valet - click for full size
Features for the ZTE Valet:
  • 3G and WiFi
  • 3MP Camera
  • Mobile Web
  • MP3 Player
  • 4 GB Micro SD card included (expandable up to 32 GB)
  • 11 days Standby batter life, 5hrs talk time
  • Tracfone Airtime balance display - to track your prepaid minutes
  • 4.65 x 2.46 inches (height/width) and 4.5 oz.
  • CDMA Network

For more features, information, details and specs, read our full review of the ZTE Valet.

Both the ZTE Valet and Samsung Galaxy Centura have access to Android apps through Google Play (with over 700,000 apps available). Both phones also have Google Maps and other online Google services.

These two phones are fairly similar, but there are some important differences we want to point out.

review zte valet tracfone
ZTE Valet from
Tracfone
The ZTE Valet comes with a 4 GB Micro SD card, which the Samsung Galaxy Centura does not come with. The Valet also has a faster processer, and uses a slightly newer version of Android.

But perhaps the most interesting difference between these two Android smartphones is the price. As we already mentioned, the Samsung Galaxy Centura goes for $129. The ZTE Valet is available in stores and online for a retail price of just $99.

You can also buy the ZTE Valet on Amazon for about $90.

So while you will have to choose for yourself which of these two Tracfone smartphones you prefer, based on price and features, we at TracfoneReviewer prefer the ZTE Valet.

Both phones can be found and purchased at the Tracfone website, under 'shop for phones'. Just enter your ZIP code and you should be able to browse these phones and others. If you can't find the phones, leave a comment below.

We hope you found this useful, and we will be trying to put together full reviews for each of these phones in the near future. Be sure to share this with friends or family who might want to know about these new Android prepaid phones!

More articles on Tracfone that might be useful: Learn about the Difference between GSM and CDMA Tracfone Cell Phones and which one is right for you. Also check out our Tracfone Promo Codes for October 2013 but you may want to see the full Tracfone Promo Codes page where we list lots of codes to get free minutes whenever you add airtime to your phone.

We've got lots more info on Tracfone phones and service, so just take some time to browse! Thanks for visiting!

87 comments :

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to a review on these new phones, particularly the ZTE since it specs out better than the rest, but ZTE not having the quality associated with Samsung, LG or even Huawei.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the mini review/specs/etc. I'm pleased to finally see Tracfone getting on the android bandwagon! I've had my Tracfone flip-phone for nearly 7 years!! At one point in the beginning of this year I wanted to switch to Net10 or Straight talk, but in the long run, I told myself, why waste $45 a month when I'm not a heavy "web" user, and NO ROLLOVER?! That's what drew me into TF in the first place, racking up almost 2000+ minutes (thanks to some of your bonus codes I use every 3 months!). So, now.. I see that TF rolls out with their androids.

At first I was leaning towards the Samsung version, because I mean.. why not.. Its SAMSUNG! But I'm with you, not I'm leaning more towards the ZTE.. more bang for your money. I just ordered mines earlier, I can't wait to try it out! Cheers tracfonereviewer!

TracfoneReviewer Team said...

The ZTE Valet does look pretty good! Post your thoughts on it once you get it. Glad we could provide some useful info, by the way, you might want to call Tracfone and make sure you can transfer all of your saved minutes to the new phone. They have a limit of how many minutes you can transfer.

Anonymous said...

I just bought an android that doesn't work for tracfone 2 weeks ago because I have an lg840 with a dead screen with 300 minutes and over a year of service. I wonder if it's worth paying another $100 to stay with tracfone since I use so few minutes. $25 a month with att to use my current phone or $27 for 360 minutes on tracfone, decisions decisions. Maybe I'll sell my current phone and recoup some cost. Wish I could use my current android phone with tracfone.

Unknown said...

Does anyone have a guess as to whether both of these smart phones will treat text messaging the same way as current Tracfones, specifically will it NOT deduct units if I receive a text but delete it before looking at it? I read somewhere that Tracfone is the only service that does this..every other service deducts units when your receive the text whether you look at it or not. I know it sounds silly but this is important to me.

Anonymous said...

love love love tracfone, and more now with the triple talk, text and data when you purchase minute card..finally long time customers (7 years) can say hurray...I upgraded to the centura, beautiful, lots of new stuff to learn, but hey, thats what waiting rooms are for.

TracfoneReviewer Team said...

It seems unlikely that Tracfone would change the way they have done things in the past, but I don't have any solid information for you at this point!

Anonymous said...

From what I've heard, the new Androids deduct text units as soon as the text goes through the network -- it doesn't matter if you open it or not, it still deducts from your texting 'bucket'.

Anonymous said...

The three buckets division of prepaid talk/text/data is rather scary to me.
It was simple just to buy minutes and just use the phones I have owned in the past.
We all want to own nice smart phones.
I will no doubt keep moving on up as TF introduces new ones with more for our money.
I think TF makes even the poor man able to get into the texting and cell ring.
So keep the advanced phones a commin TF I will keep upgrading as I have for many years now.

Anonymous said...

Rollover minutes and to keep what you already have paid for makes sense to me. I do love that TRACFONE rolls over and lets the customer keep adding minutes.
I like to see the scroll of minutes and should be on all TRACFONE PHONES.
It musy however use up something they do not want the scroll to use up?

Anonymous said...

I was looking for cheap cases for my ZTE Valet, while on ebay it shows ZTE Valet/Fury/Director.. I'm assuming all 3 of the phones must be around the same size, should I chance it and order one?! After all its $3.99

TracfoneReviewer Team said...

Yeah, I think those phones might all be the same size. That is fairly common where the same case can fit several phones. I would probably go for that, but of course its up to you. $4 isn't too bad!

Anonymous said...

Got a Samsung Centura from HSN had to no problem switching my old phone date minutes & number over to the new one. However this Centura must have a problem GPS says I'm in a city 150 miles away. The timezone is wrong timezone off and display time is 6 hours slow. If I take a photo has the wrong time and GPS address on it. Want to try the ZTE model and hope it works better. So I will have to return the Samsung to HSN. Factory reset and flash over Verizon network from Tracfone did not fix problems maybe if it had Jellybean on it not Ice Cream Sandwich ? Disappointed with this model Centura.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I bought the Samsung Centura when HSN offered it as their today's special. It's a nice phone with alot of nice features, but the clock sets itself back 5 hours. I have changed it 3 times already and it keeps going back 5 hours. Also, I only receive 1 to 2 bars at home with this phone (live in a large city on the East Coast) and the clarity is not as good on this phone as it was on the Motorola flip phone I was using. Will be returning the phone and look into the ZTE model. Wanted to mention these things as they may be helpful to others considering the Samsung model.

texx4linux said...

I ordered the ZTE and as I can see the shipping will come in today, I am an independent Computer Tech working out of a rural area Radioshack. I already had a customer come in with questions about the Samsung model and I could not for the life of me find the prepaid time and minute readout... OR the prepaid menu to add minute codes... I will keep you updated but if anyone has more info on this Id love to know.

Anonymous said...

just got my ZTE Valet and am returning it. It's a total turkey. After turning it on I was able to get it to connect to the wifi in my home but it took a few tries because the on screen kbd keys are so small it was hard to enter the WPA key without making mistakes. My first inclination was so far so good. But then I tried to connect it to my PC to move over contacts from my old phone (an LG800) and that's where I ran into problems doing something that should be a no brainer.

When I connect my LG to my PC with the usb to mini usb cable the PC (running win XP) recognizes the SD drive right off the bat. When I did the same with the ZTE Valet it wanted me to install some drivers. OK, so I install the drivers. 2 drives show up in Windows Explorer. The first is a tiny 12MB partition that has the driver install on it. When I go to click on the 2nd windows says "please insert a disc". For some reason the ZTE supplied driver is looking to windows like a CD-ROM. Not good. Restarting the machine yields no better results.

Next I try going in to the settings on the Android phone and changing the PC connection settings so it won't automatically install the driver. Options are to make it look like a media device or a camera. Either way the SD card won't show up as a drive and the system wants a media application I don't have and don't want to bother installing.

Next attempt was to pull the SD card from my LG and just put it in the ZTE directly. No better luck here because although it did see the mp3s on the SD it would only recognize some of them. So much for wanting to customize my ringtones like I have on the LG.

Then I took a crack at downloading a SW tool from ZTE called "JoinMe". Initially this tool wouldn't even see the phone was there. But then I recalled I'd uninstalled the drivers that the phone had installed. So I went back and changed the setting PC connection setting from Media to Auto Install and once the drivers installed the JoinMe app on Win XP started to recognize there was a phone there but couldn't get the device info. The app had some tips in very broken English that I eventually figured out wanted me to go to the settings, developer options, and activate the developer options and then enable USB debugging mode.

Once I did that it started to recognize the device info and it then wanted to push some driver up onto the phone so I let it. However even after it did that, while the JoinMe tool was able to get the device info that was all it was able to do. All of the tool icons at the top of the JoinMe win XP app stayed greyed out. It was like ZTE's own app for talking to the phone couldn't even communicate with it. And just to get it that far required putting the phone in developer mode and turning on debugging, all of which I'm sure is not very conducive to phone security.

So I never even bothered to have TracFone move my phone number to it. Instead I called the 800 number on the 30 day no hassle warranty and got a return authorization because after trying for 3 hours to do something the LG can do in 30 seconds (even though it's not a "smart" phone) and seeing the meager, miserable documentation in broken English that ZTE has for the Valet I was real sure this phone would be nothing but trouble if I kept it.

If your really want an Android phone from TracFone then spring the extra for the Samsung since it is probably not half baked like this ZTE Valet is. I myself am going to wait a little longer and hope TracFone picks some better models to offer than this turkey...

Anonymous said...

You probably need to upgrade your computer. Windows XP is an ancient operating system. Don't know why you're posting a phone review here, you posted a customer service and user manual review. Just because you can't figure out how to use the phone doesn't mean it's a "turkey."

Anonymous said...

Do you know how well either of these phones (I'm leaning towards the ZTE Valet) will work with credit card swipers such as "Paypal Here" or "Square" as I would like to use either for my business. Thanks. Jane

texx4linux said...

OK.... I got my phone and transferred my service from my LG 505C to the ZTE Valet. No problems there so far and the WiFi is nice... I used that to set up my Gmail account which fired up the Google Talk contacts and some of my other Google account info. So far so good... now comes the trouble of adding minutes and checking current airtime. NO PREPAID MENU in Android. Instead they have defaulted the homepage in the default web browser to a.tracfone.com seems a bit broken at the moment so i switched my home page to www.tracfone.com which automatically switches to mobile.tracfone.com and now i have a neat menu which shows a button to check current airtime balance. HOWEVER, if you click the "add airtime" button just below the "check airtime balance" it defaults to the full desktop home page where you have to "zoom" in to see the links and buttons for adding airtime. All minutes are added this way.

I also noticed that they seem to have a problem with the page that lets you see your current airtime display, sometimes it works and sometimes it shows you a OOPS page. When it does work it also sends you a quick text message displaying that same airtime info you currently see on the page.

On a side note I was able to Bluetooth all my contacts, calendar events and pics from my Old LG 505C... but the photos stay in the Bluetooth folder and you have to manually move them over to the Camera folder on the phone. Even then they didn't show up for quite a while... not too sure on the reason.

Other then that I use WiFi for all app downloads and all seems to be OK.

I just wish tracfone would come up with a prepaid "app" for easier use.

I will be keeping mine I suppose since I already committed and transferred everything over to it.

Anonymous said...

Found the Huawei H868C Glory at Walmart's(Michigan) today for $98.89. I have had Tracfone for years & would like to upgrade, but think I'll wait awhile. Tracfone picking up smartphones should be a no brainer since Net 10 & Straight Talk has had them for years----right?

Anonymous said...

Confirmed by testing on my phone .... even if your phone is off you will be charged one unit for each incoming text! Each outgoing text also costs one unit.

Anonymous said...

Very interesting! I'm all over the Internet reading up on the ZTE and this is the first report of the ZTE being a turkey. Let us know what you replace it with and how good that is.

texx4linux said...

New UPDATE.... it states on tracfone's website, and I can confirm this to be true, "Bonus minutes are not available for Android phones." so no promo codes for Android users.... however upon adding a 120min card I got 360min 360Texts and 360Mb-data... all three have separate counters now... kinda cool..... Remember to use mobile.tracfone.com on your phones browser to check current minutes and time via text.

Disgruntled College Grad said...

I have an LG430 and have been with tracfone for over 10 years; they only deduct 0.3 minutes if you open the text

Anonymous said...

I agree with you texx4linux I hope, TF does come out with a prepaid app for us to check our balances, add minutes, etc that would be real cool indeed. If anyone from TF reads this, tell a developer to create one! heh!

Although, they sent me a text message me my balances instead of displaying it on the site. I actually find it pretty need that they have a little green light notification that blinks if you missed a call and/or text message

I've been running on wifi right now since I'm in the middle of porting my old TF number to the ZTE. So far so good, I'm glad I didn't splurge for an extra $30 for the Samsung.. I just wanted more for my money, rather than the brand name.

Anonymous said...

Just found the huawei glory at walmart for 99.99! 3 out of 4 ;)

Anonymous said...

you could if you purchase a sim card and unlock your phone, that way it will be a 'tracfone' phone. You would also want to purchase a double minute card to get more minute bang for your bucks. Instructions to unlocking your phone are found on the net.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if one can upgrade the OS when kit kat comes out??

valbeth said...

Just got my ZTE tonight, so far very good. My first smartphone. Fyi when the ported my number from my old phone they transferred all my minutes PLUS an equal number of text messages and Mb on internet. Also, packaging that came with it showed data only cards for sale. Now if they can fix the mystery of the remaining minutes... And if any one has more info on cases I'd appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

I read somewhere that the time/text/data units are separate. If you use some text minutes, it leaves the rest alone, so your talk and data units are not affected.

Anonymous said...

Can anyone tell me where on the Samsung Galaxy Centura can you find the minutes and time displayed. In the review he listed in the Other Features.... "Airtime Display for Prepaid Minutes and Service days "
Thanks so much if you can tell me.

Anonymous said...

I just looked at the pictures on ebay, and it looks like there is not a cut-out for the camera button. Perhaps the silicone case would have enough give that it would allow you to use the button through the case, or you could just use the touch screen instead of the button to use the camera function?

Anonymous said...

I was wondering the same thing. I got a text saying I had 800 talk minutes and 800 text minutes after I set the phone up. I had 700 minutes that should have carried over from my older phone, but I don't know for sure how to check it.

pussmom212 said...

Both of these phones are available on HSN.com with 600 minutes at better prices.Originally ordered the galaxy for 129 as one day deal will be returning it for the ZTE instead because of operating system. One question though can you voice text on the ZTE as you can on the Galaxy?

Unknown said...

LG Optimus Tracfone Android (Black/White) w/ 600 Minutes as special buy on QVC for $99.96

Anonymous said...

Yes, but the OS is 2.3

Anonymous said...

And the processor is 800MHz.

Anonymous said...

There is no airtime display on the android tracfone. You have to log in to your Tracfone account and click on the feature "request current airtime info". It comes via email in a few seconds. You can only add airtime either by phone or online. No feature for this on the android tracfone

Anonymous said...

Having issue with ZTE Valet tracfone and WiFi connection dropping out/losing connectivity. Have multiple other devices/computers using WiFi in house without issue. Anyone else experiencing?

Unknown said...

I had the same problem with the small buttons entering passwords and such. I went to the APP store and downloaded an app call big buttons, no problem now even with my big fingers.

Anonymous said...

Yes, my new ZTE Valet does not have great WiFi connectivity as well. Is the Samsung Centura any better with WiFi.
Also, mine will not wake up after sleeping for a long period.. like overnight. Have to do a battery pull.. any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

i dont know, i want to know the same thing...i hope it will let us do that!

Anonymous said...

yes you can i believe

Anonymous said...

the samsung is no better at the wifi part

Anonymous said...

On the ZTE Valet, so it is just like a stock jelly bean (android 4.1) OS? And do picture messeges count the same as a text message?

Anonymous said...

Yes, but you need to have the data turned on for the picture message to send. So you use 1 text unit and whatever data it takes to send the picture.

Anonymous said...

Actually my samsung is much better at wifi than my Ipad or my ipod. It connects and stays connected to signals the other devices do not even see.

Anonymous said...

You definitely can use voice for texting, emails, and searches. Google voice is pre-installed. It doesn't always get it right, but it will open apps, send text messages, etc. When you start email or text messages there is an icon with a microphone on the keypad. Push that to activate voice mode inside an app. I love not having to deal with tiny keyboards. I also downloaded Dragon from Google Play and that works ok too. Dragon actually joked around with me and said my music just keeps rolling in or something silly like that. Kind of surprised me and got a chuckle from me. Dragon will also set calendar appointments on the native app, but not always perfectly. Between the two, Google does a much better job with what you are actually trying to say, especially for long texts or emails.

pachares family said...

My son will text more than talk but the new program will cause him to blow through the prepaid card on text while having lots of talk and data left.

Do text messages sent when connected to WiFi count against the purchased time?

If so, can you download a text app like Textra and send texts over WiFi and not have it count?

My son will text more than talk but the new program will cause him to blow through the prepaid card on text while have lots of talk and data left.

Anonymous said...

I just got the ZTE Valet from Tracfone, and it works great! The battery life is good, The processor is decent, and it is overall a great phone for someone who hasn't had a smartphone in the past.

Anonymous said...

I really hope someone answers this as it is my question too.

DoinkTheClown316 said...

I just got my ZTE Valet two days ago and am thoroughly impressed! I will say this, and it is the only knock on the phone, is that the data speed is only 3G compared to the 4G I had been using and it does put a small damper on what is an excellent phone! Since the world of cell phones are turning to data, I would want the fastest and most up to date services out there and since 3G speed is old school now, I would probably get a phone and service that offers 4G speed as the difference in the two are remarkable. But if you are like me and just want a smartphone and can live with the 3G speed, then I would go out and get the ZTE Valet pronto yo!!

Unknown said...

Its using Zulu time. I also had this same deal on HSN and returned it.

Anonymous said...

What does the blinking light on the ZTE Valet mean??

Anonymous said...

That's the pulse notification light that notifies you of new incoming messages and texts without you waking up your screen. You can turn it off in your settings display options. I turned mine off and now it only comes on when the phone battery is really low.

Anonymous said...

Thanx, good to know.

Anonymous said...

So far I'm loving my valet. But, can anyone please tell me if there is a way to sync my Samsung Galaxy tab 2's S calendar data to the one on this phone? I've tried adding and syncing via Google+ or gmail or whatever. But all my appointments and reminders etc. don't show up. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Yes. The ZTE barely sees my wifi, though its in the same room with the router, and has barely one bar or no connectivity at all with the phone. This is strange since the only reason I kept the Tracfone was that it had good connectivity is my rural town that my Virgin Mobile android did not. Now I'm considering going back to my old Motorola tracfone to get the connectivity and forget the ZTE. Maybe its an android thing? VM has spotty coverage anyway, but Tracfone was FINE before I got this particular phone. ZTE connectivity is poor even in the city where it's great with the other android phone however. I'm really wondering about this ZTE. A big disappointment.

Anonymous said...

How do you get a Tracfone SIM? I have never seen those for sale anywhere. That would be perfect for my Nexus 3 that is compatible with all GSM networks.

Anonymous said...

Make sure the Tab and the Valet have the same Gmail account. Make sure the account is selected and logged in. Also make sure the calendar is made visible. Your phone can have multiple accounts, sync to multiple shared calendars from other accounts and make those calendars selectively visible or not and finally sync automatically or not. I don't have Android 4.1 so you will have to search your menus to turn those features on or off. Those features worked for me on android 2.2, 3.0 and 4.3.

Clean & Simple Crafts! said...

Does anyone know what cell towers the Valet uses? I'm hoping it's verizon.

TracfoneReviewer Team said...

Yes verizon.

Anonymous said...

Re: Prepaid Minute and Time Readout - you can find the "Tracfone App" on Google Play. It's pretty neat. You can use the widget on a home screen. It shows the minutes, texts, data and time remaining. You also have the option of inputting your airtime card PIN # from this app. No need to login from website.

Anonymous said...

Text messages always count against your total whether you're on wifi or not. As long as you're on wifi, you can use Skype or Google chat or any other message program for free though.

Anonymous said...

I can't send or receive pictures on my ZTE Valet even with the data on and hitting the download button. Can anyone tell me how to get this to work?

Unknown said...

Can someone tell me the difference between adding a new phone to an existing account or transferring my number to a new phone. I have several minutes built up

Anonymous said...

Can you access the google play store for free while connected to wifi? If so, I am purchasing the huawei

Anonymous said...

When you do your all 4 Android phones together review after more trial time, be sure to mention that the Android phones won't work with a Family Value Plan (or promo codes) as stated in the Glory review. The other three reviews didn't mention that and I almost didn't read the Glory review--would have been upset to buy the ZTE Valet only to find I can't use it with my Family Value Plan...will have to stay with my flip phone....

Anonymous said...

Am having the same issue with Wifi at home. PC and laptops work fine, but even if I go into the same room as the router the phone Wifi drops

urdrwho said...

From the multitude of comments through out the internet about bad Wifi I think it is a poor design.

You find remarks such as ---

"The reception of Wi Fi is not strong. Requires closer setting than hoped for. "

"I have noticed that the WiFi range doesn't seem to be as good as with my other wireless devices."

"I had to reposition my wireless router into the room I most often use my ZTE in to get a signal that didn't periodically drop out."

ZTE should do a quick fix to the Valet or it will very quickly get a bad reputation for bad Wifi. After Christmas you'll have a lot of Tracfone people trying to use this thing and will find great disappointment with the Wifi.

I have a lot of accumulated Tracfone minutes from my GSM phone. I don't like the new Smartphone Tracfone scheme. Your minutes are split between talk/text/data. Before a Test was .03 minutes but the new smartphone fee would take an entire minute of your test time. Sure you get triple minutes but if like me, you aren't a big data user, I am paying for something I will never use. I'm thinking of just giving up the accumulated Tracfone minutes and going with my wife's AT&T no contract deal. She pays $25 a quarter for text/talk/no-data. I am not a big talker on my cell and I think the AT&T may work for me.

I do know that the ZTE Valet wot work for me.

Joe said...

Has anyone had a problem with your voice sounds gobbled when you talk to some one? The other person sound fine on my end.

Anonymous said...

yes, sound is worst than lg 550

Anonymous said...

The samsung centura galaxy has poor voice quality and battery runs down in a couple of hours, any suggestions for improving this? Seems like turning off google stuff works for a couple of seconds. Are my settings wrong?

dajabi said...

Battery consumed in less than a day. Have resorted to living on the charger 75% of the time. When battery gets drained so low, the only way to restart the phone is to open case, open phone back and briefly remove battery. The the phone will restart. It's turning into a true pita to have to restart this way. Any ideas?

Anonymous said...

How to send pictures on my ZTE VALET????????

Anonymous said...

Same battery and time/clock issues with my Galaxy Centura, bought at Radio Shack late July. This "smartie" would never last a year (glad I bought the extra RS "insurance"). Centura issues get worse with age. Samsung needs to address the now widespread clock/time problem that adversely affects many other functions and renders the Centura undependable -- to say nothing of a huge time-and-patience drain. As such, at this time, I will not step up to a higher grade Samsung or recommend them, alas.
Also, the Clock Sync app did not remedy Centura's malfunction.
In sum: What a huge disappointment with Samsung.

Unknown said...

This phone is JUNK I have had nothing but issues with it. And good luck getting any help with tracfone Customer Service, some of the worse I ever had.

Bruce Wayne said...

I agree....they are Useless! I added minutes to my phone Saturday, had Plenty in all three banks, but Today--All Zero!!!? Have been on the phone (thanks to Google Chat!) All Day, being assured with each of the Three people I spoke to, that it was all restored!
Nothing! Now they say to wait 24 hours!!?
My old LG 290 was Perfect, as a Phone...I just thought it was time to upgrade, but this is garbage, and the Tracfone people are worthless!
Somewhere I saw a phone number for Tracfone in Florida, but can't find that in any previous posts...was hoping to get better help there.
Sad...after all the money I have spend over the years of Tracfone phones for myself and several others...I now want Out!

S Rose said...

Thanks for helping me make my decision

Anonymous said...

Yes, not only can you do this with all Androids, I can vouch for it being perfectly free on a Tracfone Android.

Anonymous said...

Depending on how motivated you are to save money there are creative ways to use up the new buckets via texting. You can download the "textfree" app from the playstore which is designed to allow free texting over wifi. But I did an experiment and shut off wifi and turned on 3g and the app still worked- it took off less than one mb to send one text and did not deduct anything from my text bucket. Also, if you have a lengthy text to send, say several paragraphs, with an android you can always toggle over to email and send the recipient a one liner to click on their email to read a long message. My Tracfone Android uses very little data allotment to refresh email. Cheers.

Anonymous said...

try downloading a battery saver app from the playstore for the battery issue. Also fully charge overnight. One of my phones is a high-end Samsung. I got so tired of the battery issue I just bought a 2nd battery and a backup battery wall charger. As soon as the phone gets low I slide another battery in and throw them in the recharger when I get home.

Anonymous said...

4-11-2014 ZTE Valet phones are vulnerable to Heartbleed bug and Tracfone ignoring it.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1829569-Some-ZTE-Valet-phones-are-vulnerable-to-Heartbleed-bug

Anonymous said...

This may be an old question, but i got a new phone [Samsung Centura];
Where is the enter button on the message qwerty keyboard?
don't say bottom right because there is a dedicated :-) button

Unknown said...

Is this device compatible with a mobile hotspot if not what prepaid service can you recommend to use

Anonymous said...

On my 4th Samsung Galaxy Centra Tracfone from Straight Talk. They have replaced it three times for the same problem. When on a call if you need to use the keypad to enter numbers it flashes on and off and is useless. Cannot get on to my voice mail account because of this. They waste your time for a month trouble shooting over the phone remove battery, apply for updates & hard resets none of which only work for a day before the problem comes back. They claim there are no software problems with the phones but 3 phones in a row with the same problem cannot be a fluke. I will be taking my business somewhere else if this one doesn't work. Beware of this phone and maybe Tracfone itself.

Anonymous said...

The ZTE Valet is junk I returned mine lost all of my minutes, and waiting to return my wife's. Batteries would not hold charge more than two days three the most on stand by. The wifi is weak would not recommend them to anyone.