The ZTE Valet- Android Powered Smartphone from Tracfone
This review by TracfoneReviewer covers the ZTE Valet (Z665C) from Tracfone. |
| Tracfone ZTE Valet Android Smartphone |
The ZTE Valet, which we will review here, the Samsung Galaxy Centura, the LG Optimus Dynamic, LG Optimus Dynamic II and the Huawei Glory are the new smartphones offered by Tracfone.
Read our reviews of each of the other phones (by following the links above) to learn more about their features,
Tracfone also recently made it possible to bring your own phone to Tracfone, including smartphones and the iPhone 4/4S. Visit our Tracfone BYOP page for all the details and a list of compatible phones.
Visit our post on Android powered smartphones coming to Tracfone to learn more.
Now let's get to the review of the ZTE Z665C Valet from Tracfone.
Review of the ZTE Valet Android Smartphone
The Z665C is a candy bar style, touchscreen smartphone that runs on Android OS 4.1 and is available to use exclusively with Tracfone prepaid wireless. The Valet is a CDMA phone, and uses Verizon networks, although some Tracfone CDMA phones may use Sprint networks.Let's take a look at the full feature list for the ZTE Valet.
ZTE Valet Features and Specs:
- Android 4.1 Operating System
- 3 MP Camera and Video Recorder
- 3G/WiFi Connectivity
- Triple Minutes for Life
- Alarm Clock
- Bluetooth
- MP3 Player
- GPS Enabled
- Gravity/Proximity Sensor
- Instant Messaging
- Five customizable home screens
- Access to Google Play with over 700,000 Apps
- Multi-calling
- Hearing Aid Compatible
- 4 GB Micro SD card included, up to 32GB capacity
- Mobile Web
- Handsfree speaker, Voicemail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, and Text/Media Messaging
- Also comes with Battery and Charger
Specs and Dimensions for the Valet:
- 1.0 Ghz processor
- 3.5" touchscreen
- Size: 4.6" x 2.5" x 0.5"
- 4.5 ounces
- 11 days standby, 5.5 hours batter talk time
Before we got too far on this, let's look at some of the likes and dislikes for this prepaid Android smartphone.
Likes and Dislikes for the ZTE Valet
ZTE Valet Likes:First off, this phone comes with three great features we see on several of Tracfone's other top phones: Triple Minutes for Life, WiFi, and 3G connectivity.
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| Back of the ZTE Valet - Note camera w/ flash |
WiFi allows you to connect to wireless internet and surf the web for free without using minutes/data. This is a great money saving feature and especially useful if you are often in WiFi areas like you home or work. The ZTE Valet even has a feature that allows you to turn off the phones data, so that you will only connect to the web through the free WiFi whenever available.
3G speeds make this phone fairly quick when not connected to WiFi and, while not as fast as 4G, it is quite adequate for most people.
Two other convenient features for the Valet are the 3 MP camera and included 4GB Micro SD card. The camera on the ZTE Valet is decent, although you would want a better camera if you plan to take a lot of pictures in medium to low light areas. With the included Micro SD card, you can store pictures, apps or music without overloading the phone's internal memory. It is also possibly to purchase up to a 32 GB Micro SD card if you want to expand the memory.
Finally, our biggest like about the ZTE Valet is that it uses Android 4.1 OS. This opens up a world of options and features. You can choose from thousands of apps on Google Play and download them (save money by using WiFi) to the phone. You can use Google maps to get directions, or watch videos on Youtube. The possibilities are impressive and make this phone way more than just a device for calling and texting.
But there are a few dislikes about the ZTE Valet we want to mention in this review.
ZTE Valet Dislikes:
The main dislike we have for the ZTE Valet isn't really a problem with the phone, but rather a dislike about how Tracfone is going to charge for Calling, Texting and Data.
On all of Tracfone's non-Android devices, calling and texting are both deducted from a single minutes pool.
With the new Android Smartphones, calling, texting and data are split into three different pools. So if you add a 60 minute card, it will be automatically tripled, and you will get 180 minutes for calling, 180 texts, and 180mb of data.
The problem is that some people text way more often than call, and with this new break down of minutes, they would run out of texts rather quickly, but still have lots of calling minutes and data left over.
The same would happen for those who mostly use the phone for calling. They would run out of calling time, but have a lot of texts and data left over. The only good news is that all minutes, data and texts for the Valet will carry over to the next month. But this could be an issue for some people.
Another dislike about these new Android phones is that they may not accept promo codes. We haven't tested this extensively, and would appreciate feedback on this.
While there are a few more likes and dislikes we could mention about the ZTE Valet, this covers the major information that would be useful for learning about this phone.
How to Check your Airtime Balance on Tracfone Smartphones
Many are wondering how to find out what your airtime balance is on these new Android smartphones. There is no dedicated display that shows your balance, however, there is a very easy way to check your balance. This information courtesy of an anonymous visitor:To find out the number of minutes/text/data left, you'll need to log on to your Tracfone account and submit a balance request, OR set up a bookmark in your browser (on your computer or phone) to go to "https://www.tracfone.com/direct/CheckBalance?input_phone=1234567890" (replace 1234567890 with your phone number). You'll get a free text message on your phone with your balances. The service end date is not in the text message. It's only shown on the browser screen.
We recommend you signup for an account on the Tracfone website, which will make managing your cell phone and adding minutes much easier. If you have further questions or thoughts on adding/checking minutes, leave a comment below!
Overall Review and Pricing for the ZTE Valet
The Valet is a powerful mobile phone that offers a number of features appreciated by more tech savvy individuals. While it would not be a good choice for someone who just needs a phone to call and text, it is a great choice for those who like a lot of features, and want access to Google apps. It is a true smartphone, and provides good functionality while keeping costs low by using prepaid. This might be a great phone to use with Tracfone's family value plan. | ||
| ZTE Valet on Amazon |
The ZTE Valet retails for $99 in most stores, and online at the Tracfone website. We have also found the ZTE Valet on Amazon at a discount.
Learn more about the CDMA network the Valet uses, in our post, GSM vs CDMA. You might also enjoy getting some free bonus minutes by using a Tracfone Promo Code. Although they don't work on the Android phones.
Be sure to leave a comment with any thoughts, reviews, or questions about this phone, and share this review with others who might find it useful.
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351 comments :
1 – 200 of 351 Newer› Newest»In the paragraph; In comparison to the....., there appears to be some errors. The rest of the review is great.
Nice review Peter! It's been about 4 days since I've had the phone, I love it!!! From what I hear on other websites, like turk's. The bonus/promo minutes will not apply on these androids.. but I will have to test that out when my airtime expires next month, I'll get back to you on that. But if it doesn't.. it's understandable, I mean.. triple minutes... for life!!!
Oh, I just realized something.. maybe you might know a solution. When I make a phone call, my screen just goes blank.. I have to keep tapping my screen to show.. but then seconds later, it goes black again. Usually, doesn't it just stay lit up? Maybe I fooled around with my phone that I made it do something like that. Other than that, the calls are clear.. just like my old TF phone. :)
how does one find out how many minutes are left on the phone? cannot fine on the phone where it is.
To find out the number of minutes/text/data left, you'll need to logon to your Tracfone account and submit a balance request, OR set up a bookmark in your browser (on your computer or phone) to go to "https://www.tracfone.com/direct/CheckBalance?input_phone=1234567890" (replace 1234567890 with your phone number). You'll get a free text message on your phone with your balances. The service end date is not in the text message. It's only shown on the browser screen.
Great info, I'll repost this above so everyone will see it!
Thanks for catching that - it's been corrected.
That would be a little sad if promo codes don't work on these phones!
For the screen going black, that could be a feature that helps save battery. When you talk, you don't usually look at the screen, so it automatically makes it go blank when you are on the phone. It shouldn't affect your calls.
See comment below :D
Do you see any report talking about A.Stesec.a.3 sypware in /system/etc/verify.zip ? My Junos Pules' Full Scan detect this sypware. Anybody else has this too??
I'm not sure I understand the complaint about billing. If you get 180 minutes for talking (from buying a 60 minute card) doesn't that make the additional 180 texts and 180mb of data free? Conversely, if you're mostly buying the card to make texts, you get the 180 texts that you pay for, plus 180 minutes and 180mb for free.
Am I missing something here?
For most users, the android billing method is a plus. Like you said, they still get the usual talk minutes, plus text units and data. Heavy data user can buy data cards. The ones who are complaining are the heavy text users. On the old phones, 180 minutes (from a 60-minute card) can get them 360 text messages or more (messages are billed at .3 or .5 minute). On the android phone, they have only 180 text messages, and a surplus of talk minutes and data. Oh well, can't please everyone. For those users, they should stay with the non-Android phones.
Go to www.tracfone.com on a computer and read the fine print at the bottom of the promo codes list that keep scrolling to the left. Each one has fine print that reads "Bonus Minutes are not avaliable for Android Phones."
I also set my phone up to use mobile.tracfone.com as a homepage. It has a nice list for adding and checking minutes.
Novice question from a flip-phone user:
When you use apps on your smart phone, or put events into the calendar or notepad, or anything else of that nature, are you using up minutes or data units at all?
The first app I tried to load is incompatible with this phone. Shopkick. I may have to return it.
No. If your app (or activity) doesn't need to access the Internet or phone service for information, no minutes or data units are used. There's a widget on the phone to toggle Wifi, GPS, Data, Sync, ON/OFF quickly. I usually keep Data turned off so no minutes/units will be used inadvertently. I also keep Wifi turned off to conserve battery.
Tracfone now has a free app on Google Play to check your balance and service date, without having to enter your phone number. It still sends a free text message to your phone with the balance info (but without the service date). The app can also be used to add more units.
Hi. Can you download and run "square.com" on this ZTE Valet phone?
I checked Google Play and it said the Square app is compatible with the ZTE Valet phone. I didn't download and install the app, because I don't have the Square reader.
I have read some reviews that say the WiFi signal range for the ZTE Valet is only about 20 feet, which is not very much. Can anyone confirm that they receive good WiFi range at long distances of 100 ft with this phone? (For example: outside of a public space or place of business.)
My Wifi router is about 40' from where I usually sit in my living room, and it's on a lower level of the house. The signal strength is 2 bars out of 4. It probably won't work from 100' away.
Are one year cards compatible with the ZTE Valet, and if so, will I get 1200 talk + 1200 text + 1200mb data? Also, how are existing minutes left from current non android phone added to the Valet? Thanks in advance for your help.
I was able to go into the backyard which 150 feet from the base. I love this new phone.
Here's link to the Google play store data app, it seems pretty good
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tracfone.tracfone.myaccount
Does the Valet come with a USB adapter, or is there one that I can buy separately? I will want to move songs/pics via the phone and computer easily without having to use the cloud.
Sweeet!!! Good job Tracfone!
I can not receive picture text messages on this phone.
Yes, a one year card will get you 1200 talk + 1200 text + 1200 Mb of data. Minutes transferred from a non-android phone get the same amount in each bucket. I transferred 2700 minutes from an LG840 over to my ZTE Valet, got 2700 talk + 2700 text + 2700 Mb of data. Heck of a deal.
The ZTE Valet comes with a USB cable which is part of the charger. The first time you connect the Valet to a computer (with the USB cable), it'll install a driver on your computer. My computer runs Windows 7 and that process went smoothly. Somebody on Amazon said his computer running Windows XP had trouble installing the driver.
Once the driver has been installed on your computer, subsequent connection will show the Valet as an external drive.
A text message with picture will come in with a "download" icon. You have to turn on Data, then touch the download icon to get the picture. Some amount of Data Mb will be deducted, depending on the size of the attached picture(s).
Thank you so much!
The glory is at walmart for 99.99 triple minutes
Can I have it on a monthly plan?
According to ZTE website, the Valet is available on StraightTalk which has monthly plans. The only thing you can setup with TracFone is monthly minute purchase plans, not exactly the same thing.
How much time can u spend on the internet with a 60 unit card 180mb.
Good to know. I have about 700 minutes on my non-android phone, so I was assuming that I would get 700 in each bucket.
The tracfone chat rep told me that I would only get 700 minutes total, not 700 talk + 700 Text + 700 MB data when I transferred minutes. She said that I'd have to buy a data card to get minutes/data in each of the three buckets, but that didn't sound right.
GUYS THERE'S AN APP IN THE PLAY STORE CALLED "TRACFONE MY ACCOUNT APP" IT LETS YOU SEE YOUR BALANCE AND ADD AIRTIME ITS AN AWESOME APP!!!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tracfone.tracfone.myaccount
I purchased 2 of these phones on HSN website for $99 and they come with 600 min talk, 600 text, 600 Data. Plus they offer 3 month payment plan for no extra charge. You must activate by 1/31/2014. Not a bad deal but I think it is today only.
I ported my old tracfone with 1326 mins to my new Valet, and got 3000x3 mins! Added the 200 min card that came with my ebay purchase, but couldn't use a promo code (I even called tracfone about it), so out of luck with that.
I am having the same problem with the screen going blank when making or receiving a call. This is usually caused by the proximity sensor being covered by a screen saver but I don't have one
Comparing the ZTE to a Google Nexus 7 in terms of wi-fi range, the Nexus has no problem getting signals, but the ZTE does. Looks like the range is shorter on the ZTE, but not sure by how much.
Range seems to be less than my Nexus 7. Having trouble staying connected with the ZTE, but not the Nexus 7.
Solved the problem of the blank screen. Thinking i might have cleaned the screen with screen cleaners that left a film behind, I wiped the sensor location with a damp paper towel. The sensor is located just below the left end of the speaker. Before if asked to press 1 for English I couldn't do it so it is a serious problem.
Has anyone attempted to Root their Z665C as yet? I'm not interested in a new ROM but would like to be able to increase the selection of available Apps for the device. Some of them do require rooting to function. I've checked XDA, Phandroid, etc but no mention of Rooting this particular phone.
This is directed to current Valet owners:
- I currently have an LG800G from Tracfone (love Tracfone!). I have photos of key people on the screen and can call them at any time by just touching their photo. Is this possible with the Valet?
- Has anyone tried the Voice to Text option when writing a text message? I would likle to just speak into the phone, have it create the text, and off it goes. I saw this work on the Samsung Centura but have not seen a demo on the Valet.
- Does the voice recognition dialing work well? I also like to just say "Call Alex" and have the phone do it. I miss this feature that was availble on my old Virgin Mobile Kyocera ...neat $15 phone ... poor value company (Virgin) in my opinion.
- Has anyone posted some photos taken with the Valet? Maybe you have a Flickr account where we can check them out? Even though I use a Nikon aim and shoot for most photos, it's nice to know that when in a crunch you have a decent camera around.
-Is the camera autofocus or fixed focus?
Thanks so much for any answers. My friend just ordered one of these off of HSN .. great buy ...$99 shipped with 600 min. in each of all 3 categories plus you can port over your old minutes plus it is triple. They even have an extended warranty for about $13 that includes return shipping. Not bad! (only wish the phone was made in USA)
I've been waiting for Tracfone to come out with a true smartphone. Your review is very helpful in making an informed decision. Thanks!
Does the phone play youtube videos or is streaming disabled?
On my LG 840G all video and audio streaming was disabled (confirmed by Tracfone as normal) whether or not I was on 3G or Wifi. Plus the browser and alternating keyboard inputs was nuts.
Has anyone tried tethering with the Easytether or PDANet app?
I had a LG800G had 3 bars of signal at home all the time on my WiFi connection upgraded to the LG840G had 1 bar of signal in the same spot went back to my LG800G In a rural area newer is not better.
This new plan is a HUGE ripoff and they will be losing me as a customer if they don't change it by the time my minutes or service days run out. With the old plans, 60 minute card tripled=180 unites, which is good for 600 texts (as one text cost 0.3 unites.) With the android phones, you only get 180 texts with the same card. They've more than tripled the price of texting. I've stuck with tracfone for many years and have been waiting ages for them to have android phones. Why can't I use an android phone with the old plan? Switching to Ting if they don't fix it.
If you are a heavy text user, why not use the FREE texting feature of Google Voice???
I have also looked extensively for a Root solution but can't find any...can't even get a ROM manager that will work so I can backup the current ROM. Holding out hope so I can tether my iPad even though 3G connections really suck.
Voice to Text works like a charm! I found this by accident but made me very happy because it works so well.
Voice dialing also works well.
Camera is not auto-focus which is a real disappointment. I can't find a QR scan app that will work because the camera will not bring in a clear picture.
The picture quality is surprisingly good for the few pictures I have taken...just don't expect an iPhone experience.
The phone is a good value for the money. Don't hesitate to take the plunge.
Phone comes with YouTube installed (I think)...anyway, I installed most Google apps and YouTube works fine.
WiFi Tethering does not work with either of those two apps. I have not tried to see if USB tethering will work since I have no need for that. Since no Root is available (yet), we are stuck with no WiFi tether available.
I recently upgraded to this phone and I was pretty excited, I loved all the features on it...however, compared to my last phone I noticed my text messaging minutes were disappearing FAST. After contacting tech support via e-mail, I received this message:
"Please be informed that the TracFone Android phones do not use the 0.3
minutes/text message plan. Your text message allotment will be deducted 1
unit per text message sent and received. Please keep in mind that text
messaging charges are also dependent on the length of the text message"
While this IS a nice phone and I like it a lot (especially since my previous phone was the crappy Motorola W376g, BE AWARE: Sending/receiving texts uses 1+ minutes rather than the "advertised" 0.3 minutes with this phone and other Android Tracfones.
Saw mention of successfully 'rooting' the Valet on the Turk TracFone Forum. You might check there. Though, as I remember, they mentioned the XDA site as their source...
how do you port your existing contacts from a Samsung Tracfone to the Valet?? My address book is on an SD card can I port from that?
My question is how is the call clarity and connectivity? I've been an LG non-Android user for over 10 years and love the idea of smart phone capabilities, but am wondering about how the phone performs. Plus I've never heard of LTE
I was about to purchase one of these new Tracfone Androids and from your review was about to choose the ZTE. Valet but a comment above got me to wondering:
"Camera is not auto-focus which is a real disappointment. I can't find a QR scan app that will work because the camera will not bring in a clear picture."
I would like to use the google play shopping price comparison apps like redlaser where you scan a barcode on an item and it searches for the lowest price. Will this phone or any of these other new androids be able to use these shopping apps?
LOL..just got a LG840g on Hsn...with 1500 min and 1year service..now..thanks to your excellent reviews I was made aware of that Valet...and I want it ...anyone know if the 1500 minutes AND 1 year service will roll over to Valet? Cant make my Tracfone live customer service link work on their website to ask (no time to call here at work) . Thanks for the excellent reviews!
On the Verizon network Tracfones, including smartphones, use 3G at this point, as I understand it. I have also heard that Verizon has announced they will go 100% 4G within a couple of years. What happens to my Tracfone at that time? Will I still be able to use it?
How do you configure the email function on this phone? Is the email to retrieve your messages from other websites like Gmail and Yahoo? Or is it an email address that TracFone gives you to send/receive emails from the phone itself?
activated mine on line & transferred 1280 mins. from a LG840, got 1280 talk/ 1280 text/ 1280 data.
if your existing phone has Bluetooth I ported mine that way
yes I had a LG840 with a 1 yr. card & 1280 mins left & it rolled over fine & so did my phone #. did it on line @ tracfone website. got 1280mins. talk/ 1280 text / 1280 mb data
Just bought a ZTE Valet a week ago. It came with a Gmail app already installed and I simply used my existing gmail account to log on to email (using WiFi or enabling data). I also added a Google Drive app so that I can share data easily between my phone and computer(s). For Yahoo, I found the Y!Mail app (written by Yahoo) in the Play Store, downloaded it and configured it to my mail.yahoo.com account. Easy. Now I can read my mail whenever I have WiFi enabled or if I decide to enable Data.
does the tracfone app charge you data to check balance
Where have you found a case for the Valet? Will I need to apply a clear film to protect the screen? I just ordered one from HSN and I'm very excited to get my first smartphone! I have been looking in local stores for cases, but they all seem very phone specific and none for anything ZTE. Everyone recommends Otter Box, but they seem very expensive and don't have any for the Valet anyway. How worried should I be throwing a smartphone in and out of my purse all day? My old, old Tracfone was indestructible - with about a 1 inch screen - LOL.
Thanks for this information pertaining to the ZTE Valet. I have the same question about the LG840g. It does not come with a Gmail app installed nor a Google Drive app. Instruction manual for the LG840g doesn't explain how to use the email function on that model (or for that matter the music player either).
Cases for either zte fury or director fit this phone. The case I bought was for the fury and it fit perfectly. Try amazon.
I just got this phone and so far so good, except that I HATE the camera shortcut button on the lower right side. It's always turning the camera on when I don't want camera, just from holding the phone.
How do I disable the feature?
Sorry for the thread bump. I was just wondering if anyone knows if you are charged for sending and receiving texts? Thanks.
On Windows 8, installed the driver, and connected w/o problem. However, I mostly use Ubuntu, where I didn't need anything -- it just worked. The USB adapter is a "micro USB type B", and many other phone us it.
Yes, sending and receiving texts costs 1 text each. It used to cost .3 minutes but with the new system of calling/data/texts, the texting is separate.
local stores for cases - got one at a dollar store that fit - no lable or # just tried & fit. use same case for LG840 - going to check out Big Lots & see if they have anything - & Mall to see if jelly & screen's avail
Wow I can't believe how much I loooove my new ZTE Valet!!! I've been with tracfone for 9 years and have been waiting for then to come out with a smartphone and was it ever worth the wait. I got a case for $2.99 and a screen saver for $1.99 on ebay for a ZTE Fury and they fit perfectly. My last TF was a LG840 and there's no comparison. I'm like a kid in a candy store..er I mean the Google Play store. Happy Happy:)
What does the Mobil Web feature do or mean?
Does anyone know if this phone will sync up properly with Ford Sync? I have an LG800G that syncs fine, tried an LG840G and it would not sync, so returned it. I would love a new Android Tracfone if I can use it hands-free in my car.
I have an LG420G Tracfone. Can I transfer my existing phone number over to the ZTE Valet?
Yes, you should be able to.
It should, but you can't know for certain until you try it.
It means you can surf the web even when you are not on WIFI - but it will use your data.
As a first time Android phone user, all I can say is ... awesome! Still familiarizing myself with it but still very happy. Downloaded a couple of apps that made the phone a bit goofy, so I deleted them and the phone worked normally. Read some reviews that users weren't getting service in areas that worked with their old phones, but in my case, just the opposite. Getting service in areas where I never did before (with Tracfone for about 12 years). Synced fine with my Subaru Forester, retrieved my contacts from the old phone, via Bluetooth, seemlessly and the Tracfone app from Google Play is working with no trouble. So far, my only regret is that I didn't check Best Buy before purchasing from Tracfone. $80.00 vs. $100.00! Oops! My bad!
I turn off my data, and use wifi over google apps to make and receive calls and texting thus saving my minutes. I don't open my text unless its over wifi, but if its an emergency, I ask my family and friend to call.
HSN has stock of this phone again. $99 and thats for the phone, 600 minutes, car charger, and a google app pack with a value of $55. Free shiping. Bought it for my mom for Christmas, im hoping that its not to much for her to handle as shes only had a "dumb" cell phone for a year.
BTW, can anyone tell me how the call quality is on this phone. She is a bit hard of hearing and im hoping its volume level is sufficient
I have the Z665C and bought a Jabra BT2046 earpiece for hands free. I can answer calls but can't make calls by voice. Does this phone have the capability or not?
It comes with a voice dialer app. It still requires you to touch the phone avout three times.
This review was very helpful to me. I ended up purchasing the ZTE Valet from HSN. It is one cool phone! I posted a review of my own on my Wordpress blog. You are invited to take a look. http://www.kb1awv.com Thanks!
Just got this a week ago. I don't know if this is how it suppose to look, but the graphics,lettering is a little jagged and poor to read. Especially the black letters/numbers.
I've been looking for a smartphone for a while. I'm older generation, so looking to catch sport scores and use gps mapping/golf apps, so this looks exactly what I'm looking for. I have a wi-fi only nexus 7 that I want to tether to a 3g phone. Anyone tried to do this with this phone?
To use a headset and have full functionality you'll need to download another app to improve the bluetooth. Once I did that, voice dialing was thru the headset and it also plays music thru the headset. For some reason, the ringtone is different on the phone compared to in your ear, and BTW you can't initiate a call from the headset (Plantronics M50). So you still touch the app icon for voice dialing, then the rest is voice. So it's only one touch to open voice dialing once you've put on the better bluetooth app. My headset will allow me to hangup from the headset, and redial from the headset, but opening the voice app still requires one touch.
What's odd about this phone is you really can't get any useful help from Tracfone or ZTE, as they don't really have any info. Your phone is now controlled by software they don't have in their manuals so all your answers are found online by Googling the question and trying apps.
My wife and I have had our Valets for a little over a month now. Volume is plenty sufficient. I'm a bit hard of hearing in one ear but still don't need full volume using that ear. My wife can even hear some of the conversation if she's next to me in a quiet setting...
Yes, you can do it online from Tracfone website.
I'm still running XP, and my PC had no trouble automatically installing the driver the first time I connected the phone via USB.
My question also. Same experience with LG800G/840G. If the android phones will work with my Ford Sync, I want one!
Had the tracfone for a few weeks. Overall it seems like a mediocre smartphone but that might be because I'm not used to touch-screen smartphones period. One dislike is how sensitive the camera button is because is seems to pop up when I'm holding the phone even though I don't want to take a photo. Also, it seems as if the phone seems to add additional blank pages so I end up having to go to "Screen Edit" and delete the added screen pages. I guess I can live with doing that every once in awhile. Otherwise, I feel like I'm getting an authentic android 4.1 experience. NOTE: The microphone on my ZTE Valet with tracfone recently defected meaning I was barely audible when trying to talk to the person on the other end of the line. Called Tracfone and they're shipping me a replacement ZTE Valet since it's a known problem. This was a little bug-a-boo but am patiently awaiting the replacement via FedEx now...
Who or what is ZTE have never heard of them, would assume some china company.
Do they have any track record, service life etc??
I just bought a zte valet tracfone, when you first turn your phone on it tells you you at the top of the screen in small print your balance of air time and so on.
One error is the line that says, "You might also enjoy getting some free bonus minutes by using a Tracfone Promo Code."
Yes, I WOULD enjoy it but your article says it is not possible (as does Tracfone's site).
My current phone has triple minutes AND can use promo codes, so triple minutes is not the reason.
Having the same amount of data available instead of eating up minutes just being connected or trying to connect, is nice.
I got my case on EBay, $4.95
I have problem connecting to WinXP. WinXP recognized the ZTE when first connected (or when "update driver" on phone is checked). Update completes without problem. But when I checked the "Media Device-MTP" box in "connect to PC" screen, WinXP device manager detects the XTE as Android Device, but with "error in device driver" flag. The ZTE does not show up in Windows Manager. Yes, I repeated the driver setup; rebooted the PC. Any body else have this problem?
HSN has great deal.
http://www.hsn.com/products/android-tracfone-600-minutes-texts-and-data/7345833
Zhongxing Telecommunication Equipment Corporation is a Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company headquartered in Shenzhen, China. It is the world's fourth-largest mobile phone manufacturer measured by 2012 unit sales[2] and the world's fifth-largest telecoms equipment maker measured by 2012 revenues after Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung, and Nokia Siemens Networks.
Have you had a chance to check out the LG Huawei Glory yet? Of the android tracfone options available, would you take the Huawei over the ZTE Valet? Thanks!
Working on the review now! It will be posted as soon as it is done!
Soooo got my son a Galaxy Centura for his bday (good thing for being responsible for managing time/data) anyhow WiFi is free...so my question isssss...out of the WiFi zone do we need to somehow close the running apps so his data isn't getting smoked? Accuweather is always on...simple but little confused....clear my cranium please..thanks
I have lg 840g how do you get contacts from it to zte
If you run out of minutes or time (in other words, an expired account) can the non-phone dependent android features still work through a local wi-fi?
Pretty much see how you gotta look at the Android phone as it has 3 tanks..1 for data, 1 for time, and 1 for text.....sooo when we buy a data card does this triple or only time & text minutes....another simple ?
yes 60 unit card gives you 180 talk 180 text 180 mb of data
Is there any way to use the native messaging app over wifi so as not to use up all the texts?
Please explain the same pool thing. So if I send 5 texts and they take away from my minutes they would still take from voice mines
Ebay will likely have plenty of them.
Solved the problem with an app in the Store--Proximity Sensor Calibration. Free, simple to install, and it works.
On my old phone I just put a dab of epoxy on the side camera button and permanently disabled it.
Not that I am aware of. You could install the TextFree app for free texting when you are on WiFi. But I think that would require a different number than your Tracfone number. I don't know if that's a big deal to you.
Your phone is set up into 3 pools one is talk the next is text then data. So if you put a 60 unit card on your phone it triples. You get 180 min of talking 180 texts and 180mb of data.
Query: if you use a 60 unit card and get 180 talk, 180 text and 180 data, how is that 60x3? It seems to me that you ARE getting a good deal. More than just a flat 60x3=180 min. Or am I missing something here? It seems more like 60x3x3.
Yes I guess you are getting more in a way. A regular tracfone that triples your min a 60 unit card gets you 180 min.BUT that is for texting talking and if you get on the web it takes units for that. Where a new smart phone Gives you 3 different pools. A60 unit card will triple and give you 180 talk time 180 text that is one unit to send and one unit to get a text. Then you have 180 mb of data. to get on the internet.
I have had the ZTE for a month now. I have had 3 incidents where the screen goes black and unless I remove the battery and put it back in, I can't use the phone or any features. It turned black on me today and took 6 hours to come back. I think I need a new phone but wonder if anyone can give me any help why this happens. there is always battery life left. I only saw one other comment on dark screens and he said he cleaned off some sensor near the speaker. I'm not following where he means. Any help out there?
Can you expand on this? What is the FREE texting feature of Google Voice?
Does the ZTE Valet on Tracfone support Google Now if it is installed from Google Play?
There's a proximity sensor near the Tracfone logo, shine a flashlight on that area and you'll see it. The sensor blacks out the screen when the phone is near your face, so your ear/face won't accidentally dial any numbers. You can test this by holding the phone in one hand, make a call then place your other hand above the phone, the screen will go black then comes back when you move your other hand away.
Maybe there's smudge that cover up the sensor on your phone. If not, the sensor may be defective. I've had my ZTE since mid-October. There was one time when the screen went black and didn't wake up. I thought maybe because I dropped the phone earlier that day. I removed and reinstalled the battery, the phone hasn't had any more problems since.
Since the ZTE Valet is a CDMA phone, does anyone know for certain if it is using the Verizon or Sprint network?
Mine said Verizon when I tried to use it before my number trasferred.
You can stay on the internet forever for free, if you shut off data and stay on WiFi!
Walmart has them from $5!
Great phone! It is identical to the ZTE Whirl, and you can use it on WiFi to make and receive calls even when it is not on a data plan!
Is there a way to type in my contact on my Windows 7 pc and import them to the Huawei Glory? I had them all in there but wiped them out.
I am planning to get the Valet soon, though I have been happy with the GSM texting on my Samsung querty phone, but even at 1 unit per text it is still only 4 cents per text if you buy the minutes 1500 at a time, tripled. It is more expensive than 1 or 2 cents @, but remember that you get the text units above and beyond the calling minutes for the same price. Seems like a wash to me.
This may be a stupid question but...does it take data when you use Instagram on this phone? Also, is the camera really crappy? Like will my instagram pics turn out OK?
I snagged this today from Target for $70... with my Target credit card, it knocked $3.50 off the 69.99 price tag, taking care of tax. Final total $71.14. A steal! $30 off retail.
mine synched to a 2009 f-150 with no problem .
Having the minutes for talk-text-web being separate is not such a bad a deal. If you can find a way to use all three, It's like getting nine times your minutes instead of triple minutes. It's triple-triple minutes or ninominutes.
Just bought the ZTE Valet at Target for $70. It's slick!
Great information and tips! That's a great point about getting the Big Buttons Keyboard Deluxe app, will make it much easier for those who don't like the small buttons!
I've had the Valet, my first smartphone, for 2 weeks. Uses Verizon but you have to have a Verizon tower in the zip code area you use when activating. Customer service can check if there is a Verizon tower available if you give them your zip code where you will base the phone. In my case the zip code for my area did not have Verizon service and the activation failed multiple times, even over the phone with a customer service rep. The workaround was to ask them to check a few other zip codes for other towns in the same area code. I used one over 100 miles away that had Verizon service and was still in the same area code. Worked fine. The problem only occurs when you first try and activate the phone. Once you activate it in a zip code that has Verizon service, it works fine everywhere. Learned this from Best Buy salesperson who sold me the phone.
You should keep Data turned off when not using it. This will prevent accidental use. If your in wifi area no need for it. There is an app called Groove ip at google store. Use it when on wifi for free calls. This may end in April I believe unless the find way to continue. But its good till then save a lot of mins.
I bought the zte today. Transferred the number and minutes from my old phone with no problem. BUT I cannont manage to connect the phone to our wifi. It shows our network, and after entering the (mile-long) network code several times, it shows as "saved, secured with WPA/WPA2 PSK. The network icon has a lock next to it. We have connected other phones, computers and a tv to the network easily. Is there some setting in the phone I'm missing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I just ordered my new Vaet-
This will be my 5th different tracfone...cant wait to get it!
When I try and connect to computer as a media device, it isn't being recognized properly or at all? anyone else have these issues or possible fixes?
How can I use the speaker phone option can't figure it out have had the phone for about 2 weeks
After you dial a number or answer a call there is a speaker icon showing just tap it.
Are you selecting media device MTP setting? If so your computer should show Phone and SD card as mass storage devices after you click on Phone Z655C icon. Which should show up on MY Computer.
I would also suggest using the free texting feature by Google - it's an app I plan on downloading when I buy one of the Android TFs. This way you can use either free Wifi or your 3G to send and receive texts, instead of your minutes. It will, however, give you a different number, so you may want to give your friends and family both your phone number and this number if you plan on texting with it.
Just bought a valet from HSN today, $79.99. Got the 600 mins. Everything tripples for life. Comes w/ car charger, wall charger & ear buds. Switching from a tf LG840G(hate it). I have 1800 mins. & service days until 3/31/16. As I understand(I think) when I port my # to the valet the 1800 mins will tripple to 1800 talk/txt & data. What happens to the service days?
Your remaining service days on the LG840 will get added to the service days on your ZTE. Transferring minutes online seems to be limited to 1100 minutes. So, call TF customer service to do the transfer.
I'm looking into buying the Valet from Best Buy, however, I don't see where it mentions anything about triple minutes on the website. Want to make sure that this is included before I sink $100 into a new phone.
This phone is going for $75 on amazon, and similar prices on HSN and ebay. All of the tracfone android phones come with triple minutes.
Review my post just prior to yours
Has anyone has trouble adding airtime? I did it on the Tracfone website directly from the phone. I received a message affirming it had been added, yet my numbers and date remained unchanged. Of course attempting it again failed because it recognized the airtime card pin. Had to call CS to get my units added, which took quite a bit of time, then had to transfer to someone else to get the date updated. I really hope this isn't going to be a problem...
Absolutely. I rarely use data; when I'm at home, I have wi-fi, and I tagged onto wi-fi with my device before I even bothered activating it. It basically functions like an iPod. :)
I also ordered from HSN on 12/19/13 same phone an deal as you. 79.99
Thank you Peter for this site, and thanks to everyone who posted questions and answers!!! I found all information very useful!!! Merry Christmas to everyone!!! :-)
Can you use the ZTE Valet on Tracfone as a wi-fi hotspot? If so, how do you configure it?
To those who wanted to know if there was a Barcode app that worked with the ZTE Valet even though the camera is not auto-focus, the answer appears to be yes.
Pic2shop (http://www.pic2shop.com/) or can be found on google play does seem to work with the camera.
Haven't actually tried it myself, but have seen it mentioned that it does a that does a nice job of scanning and reading the codes for many items..
Um...no, and why would you even want to?
Anonymous
If you are getting a signal from 150 feet away you have some special ZTE Valet or the router has a tremendously strong beacon. I just bought one and it is lucky to get one bar but my old LG gets a full set of bars. The location is outside of the coffee shop where I sit at their outside tables.
At home in the basemet recreation room where the LG got a full set...I get one.
Out on the indoor patio where I normally get full bars with the LG, I can't even connect.
The Wifi on this thing is a POS. I read the reviews before buying and there were a lot of Wifi complaints.....I should have listened to those complaints.
I'm going to return it.
Mine is also the HSN $79 deal and I am wondering if my poor Wifi is because it is from HSN. There are situations that an item offered through a store like Walmart may be what is a B item. Meaning that the Mfg. cut back on quality to sell and meet Walmarts low price demands. Could it be the same for HSN?
I know this, because of the terrible Wifi I can't keep this phone.
This app is not cpmpatible wiyh ZTE Valet
I've used older Tracfone models since the ZTE and when I received texts I wasn't charged as long as I didnt open then, is the same true for this phone?
Trying to use an mp3 song as a ringtone but the volume is very low.
I am not happy with the fact that a text message with a picture uses data. I didn't have data turned on so my text didn't ' download'.
Why do we hear a bleeeeeep sound frequently that seems to have no meaning but is annoying and disturbing especially in a quiet setting?
Can u add individual contacts to a home page?
I have no bleeep sound. Try turning of notification sounds in setting.
Had same issue using mp3 I had downloaded. Might be way it was coded. Try making your own mp3. I'm going to try that I just haven't gotten to it yet. I'll post after I try it.
I just downloaded it on my ZTE, seems to work fine.
I have noticed that my data has turned itself back on occasionally. I usually just make a quick check on the gadget once or twice a day to be sure it is off. I am amazed that some of these apps are using data (like the photo gallery?) but they are :-)
Are you sure it isn't signaling an incoming email or something? Mine will do it for emails and Facebook notifications. You can set notifications to silent while still ringing for calls in the Settings.
I may have solved the problem with the low volume ringtones and mp3s. I just open the mp3 I want in Audacity, cut the bass and amplify it,,not too much or it will distort. I can select about 20 seconds and use it as an mp3. I use the fade in and out.
I am new to smart phones & have missed several calls on my new Valet, because I don't get phone out & swipe icon in time. When friend calls, they hear 3 rings before mine starts to ring & I get 3 rings. Is there a way to change it to more rings before answer ?
thanks
You can run the square.com credit card processing app on the ZTE. I did it a lot this year at various craft shows etc. However, you cannot use the credit card swipe device so you have to manually enter the credit card number, expiration date, security code and the person who owns it's zip code. It also costs 3.0% + a few cents vs the 2.75% if you swipe. But it does work.
Just checked out the local Dollar General Ad which shows the ZTE Valent for $79.00 if you purcchase a $19.99 / 90 day card. The phone carries the usual triple minutes for life. Seem like a good deal.
No, the ZTE will not act as a hotspot.
Has anyone had problems downloading things to the SD card only. When I down load music from my lap top they go to both the SD card and the phone hard drive. Also when I take a pic it goes to the SD card and the phone hard drive, How can I get them to load to the SD card only to save phone hard drive space? Is there a place where I can choose where to load things: SD card or phone hard drive?
Beware when transferring old Tracfone number/minutes to this phone. I've been a Tracfone user for 9 years and bought this phone in November from HSN with the 600 minutes deal. I called customer service to transfer minutes/number from old Tracfone to this new ZTE. Old phone had 250 minutes left, so new phone should have had 600 + 250 minutes. However, customer service changed the phone number and told me that the minutes had carried over too. When I tried to activate after hanging up with customer service, zero minutes. I called again, and was told that they had NO RECORD OF ANY BALANCE ON MY PHONE. I was in disbelief. No record of either the 600 minutes, or the 250 carryover minutes. After several calls and what amounted to 4 hours on the phone with customer service, they finally "accommodated" me and credited me SOME of the minutes I should have had, but not all. TIP: The first c/s rep I spoke with said I had 0 minutes and he could do NOTHING for me. I asked for a supervisor and was told that he was the supervisor and that there was no one above him I could speak to. I would not let him off the phone, and after 30 minutes, he says all of a sudden that "because this call is taking longer than usual you will now be transferred to my supervisor." So the lesson here is be persistent. The supervisor was able to help me.
Yes, there can be some hiccups along the way, but as you mentioned, if you are persistent you can usually get them to do what you want.
Turned out I didn't know how to use the headset. Now I can initiate calls, hangup calls, or redial without touching the phone.
I concur about the lousy Wi-Fi. If I get much more than 10ft from my router, signal goes to good; 15-20 poor. Much more than that won't stay connected and try's to connect over and over. My Tabs don't have a problem, neither did my other smart phone. I'm returning it under the 30 day guarantee.
Regarding knowing the minutes remaining on a Tracfone contract, it is pretty easy to do on the new ZTE Valet which I have. Just tap on the blue earthlike Internet icon at the right bottom of your screen, and then when the next screen comes on with a series of framed suggestions, tap 'Check Your Balance'. 'Enter your Tracfone Number' will appear on the next screen, so tap the blank white space, the keyboard will come up from the bottom, and then type in your number. Tap 'Submit', and the remaining alotment of Minutes, Text Messages, Data (MB), as well as your Service End Date should appear within 10 or 20 seconds. Why do I write this posting in such a basic manner, you might ask? It's because I am a tech dummy, appreciate a real 'step by step', ( which is so often missing today ), and hope it helps others like me...:-) !!!
Has anyone experienced a black screen so the ZTE tech had me do a hard reset to factory settings erasing all my apps/data? I only had the phone a few weeks while I was setting it up using WiFi only. So only a week or two using it full time as my primary mobile phone. I had anti-virus software and am limited in the sites/sources for downloads I use, etc. Just curious if anyone else has had this problem when their ZTE Z665C? Kim
Are you talking about the Talkatone app? I LOVE Talkatone! I have it installed on my iPad and use it every day. I can't believe the app is free and it costs NOTHING to call or text. As long as I'm in a Wi-Fi zone it is the ONLY way I talk and text! It saves me a TON of money!
Anybody know if it can be installed on the Valet?
I am looking for the free in store app -promixity sensor calibrator- where do I find it?
I did a couple of weeks ago. I read online that someone had the same problem. He said he took the battery out of his phone and reinstalled it and that worked. So, I tried the same thing, and, yes, the screen came back. So far, the problem hasn't returned.
I am having a problem with sending and receiving multi media messages looking for a solution. Please help.
I am having a problem downloading pictures on my valet . The data button is on. When I hit the download tab in the box it says it cannot download because there is no subject. I had no problems with pictures before on my 1 inch screen the phone that is sending the pics is an iphone from australia. Thank you for any help. Mikey
Mine will flash on and off so I can not use the keypad or hang up a call. Any solutions you know of?
Why not wifi? It has to use the 3g to receive texts with pictures?
This happens to me often, and have to remove the battery too. Still love this phone. I bought the extended warranty so I will wait for something better to come out in a few months and then return it if this continues. My screen will flash on and off when I make a phone call, so maybe it is a bad sensor. 15 dollar insurance was and is a good call on these new models for tracfone!
My screen goes black whenever I bring the phone up to my ear but turns back on when I lower it. There's a sensor that does it. If I put my hand close to the upper part of the screen while on a call it goes off too. I was testing it. It's normal.
Tracfone does not advertise, however, that their CDMA phones have a double minute roaming charge. This roaming charge eats up minutes at a prohibitive rate!
To track your minutes/texts/data.... Go to the playstore and download " Tracfone my Account" . It does everything for with just a tap on the icon that installs on your desktop.
I just got mine in the mail today...so just beginning to play with it. After having my little LG 290C slider, this my first venture into actual smart phone territory, and I fear the 3.5" screen is a bit small. Guess I have been spoiled by my 5" and 10" tablets! But...the phone Did automatically copy many of my apps from my tablet, so that was helpful! Before I attempt to transfer my number and 1200+ minutes from my old phone, I will take a picture of the minutes and date as proof, in case of problems with Tracfone! I will come back here to read everyone's advice...thank you for that!
^^X^^
Okay....I've only had this phone for 10 hours and I already need help! I am trying to download some apps from amazon app store...it shows 'installing' but nothing is getting done--it's been over an hour now and I see no way to Stop the attempted installations. Anyone have an idea or two?!
Thanks!
My transfer went pretty smoothly. I transferred 1190 minutes. I did this on their website. The only other thing I had to do was make a call to, *22890 to finish the activation.(I may have called twice) That number connects you with Verizon. .
This problem has been driving my crazy. Anonymous December 2, 2013, THANK YOU! It is working. The app worked.
That is an issue with the new app from Amazon. I had same problem. Talked to Amazon tech support and they had me download old Amazon Store app and that fixed the problem for installing apps. Its just a work around until they fix new app as Ive had to switch between the new and old app store app a few times.
I am having a problem getting email in data mode. Can anyone help?
Yeah...I did the *22890 also...and got a confirmation email from Tracfone...but still only got 300 minutes (times 3)!? So, Now I will have to Call them...and waste my minutes to Get my minutes!
I am also finding some differences with this phone, after using my little LG290C for a few years...the Volume was Higher on the LG...the Phone Book was much easier on the LG...Battery Life was Much Longer on the LG...So, as a PHONE, the LG was Better! This Valet just gives me the Tablet capabilities in a smaller form. Oh, well....I will adapt.
^^X^^
Thank you, C. John...I was able to find that all of my minutes Did transfer over, by using your instructions, ever after Tracfone told me that my new phone only had 300 of my 1200+ minutes!
One other quirk I did not like...this phone automatically transferred all of my facebook contacts into its contacts/phone book! All I want in my phone book are names and numbers! So, Now I have to Manually go and change everything! In some of them it won't even Let me edit to Add a phone number! ?!?
And now...I am unable to get this phone to connect to a bluetooth speaker that worked just fine with my old LG phone! Very annoying.
I DID get all of my minutes though...but the Tracfone Widget does Not work for me.
And twice already this phone just Died on me...just black screen, buttons do nothing...if I hold the power button the three navigation 'buttons' light up but then nothing else.
Since this is my Only Phone, this is unacceptable! I had to pry the new red ( to match my truck!) case off, then open the phone and remove the battery.
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