Review of the LG Treasure (L51AL) from Tracfone
Welcome to TracfoneReviewer, a blog with information, reviews and promo codes for Tracfone. Below is our review for the new LG Treasure. We hope you find the information helpful! |
| Tracfone LG Treasure Review |
Tracfone is beginning to release phones at a faster pace, with several new devices becoming available over the last month (including the ZTE ZMAX 2, Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, and Samsung Galaxy S6). We are excited to be bringing to you today our review for the LG Treasure for use with Tracfone Wireless.
The LG Treasure is basically the Tracfone version of the LG K7, which was just released earlier in 2016. Tracfone has now also released several more LG phones in this lineup, including the LG Rebel and LG Premier. For more on these other phones, visit our post, New LG/Samsung Phones Coming to Tracfone.
The LG Treasure is a budget smartphone that still comes with a large screen and some great features. Many Tracfone customers are looking for smartphones that fit into the budget phone category and won't break the bank.
The question many users might be wondering is if this phone is worth upgrading to from some of Tracfone's older smartphone options. We'll try to answer that a little further on, but first let's look at the quick facts for the LG Treasure.
LG Treasure (L51AL) Quick Facts
The Good:-Android 5.1.1
-5" Touchscreen
-5MP Front and Rear Camera
-Reasonable Price - currently $99 from HSN.com
Not So Good:
-only 4GB useable space
-somewhat smaller processor - 1.1 Ghz
At first glance, this phone appears to deliver some great features for the price, but it does neglect a few things, like internal memory and processing power. But you can't really expect to get a high performance phone for a low cost, unless you buy a used/refurbished phone and bring it to Tracfone's BYOP program.
LG is one of the largest companies in South Korea and produces a wide range of products sold across the globe. They are also one of the largest mobile phone manufacturers, and have a diverse lineup of phone options, including their new flagship phone the LG G5 which features the latest version of Android, v 6.0.1 marshmallow.
The LG phones released by Tracfone to use with their prepaid service won't have quite the same performance features as LG's flagship, but they also won't cost as much.
Let's take a look at the full list of features and specifications for the LG Treasure.
LG Treasure (L51AL) Features and Specs
Below are the phone's features, followed by the technical specifications- Android 5.1.1 Lolipop
- 4G LTE service using AT&T's GSM Network
- 5MP Front and Rear Camera
- WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1
- Access to over 1 Million apps via Google Play store
- Alarm Clock
- MP3 Player
- GPS capability
- 2 Home screens
- Voicemail, Voice Dialing
- Handsfree speaker
- Size: 5.65" x 2.85" x 0.35" Weight: about 5 oz.
- 5.0" Touchscreen at 480x852 resolution (196 ppi Pixel Density)
- 1.1 Ghz Quad-core processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 8 GB Memory (about 4GB Useable) MicroSD card slot
- Battery: 2045 mAh with Talk time 9hrs, Standby 11 days
Let's get into our review of the LG Treasure from Tracfone with our pro's and con's for this device, followed by a quick comparison to some of the other similar devices available from Tracfone like the LG Sunset and LG Ultimate 2.
LG Treasure Review - Likes and Dislikes
What we Like about the TreasureThere's quite a bit to like about this phone. After all, it is a newer device built to be budget friendly while still maintaining some great features
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| Tracfone LG Treasure front, side and back |
The LG Treasure comes with a 5" touchscreen, which is about the average size these days for a smartphone device. The resolution isn't the best, at 480x852 pixels, but LG did a really great job on making this screen bright and clear.
When taking pictures with the LG Treasure, you will notice that it has a 5 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera. This gives you fairly good image quality for taking selfies or other photos. The rear camera also has an LED flash, while if you are taking photos with the front camera it has a neat feature that lights up part of the screen to act as a flash in low light situations. It is unusual for a budget smartphone to have such a high resolution front camera, and we hope this trend continues.
The volume and power buttons are located on the back of the phone, which may be more convenient for some users, and keeps the edges of the phone free from any buttons. This is great for those of us who tend to accidentally hit the buttons on the side of phones when trying to hold them.
Tracfone devices, unlike most unlocked phones, do not get Android OS updates (it has something to do with compatibility issues, and Tracfone would have to be involved in making sure the updates worked properly, but they don't currently want to do this) so it is nice to see that the LG Treasure comes with Android 5.1.1, which is a newer version that doesn't have some of the vulnerability issues previous Android versions had.
Finally, we are really happy with the overall value of the LG Treasure as it is currently offered by HSN bundled with an airtime card worth $100, and the whole bundle is going for $99, making the phone free. If you need airtime anyway, you might as well upgrade to this phone. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, lets look at a couple of concerns we do have.
What we Don't Like about the Treasure
There are two main concerns we have about the LG Treasure and we want to mention to help our readers before they buy this phone.
First, the LG Treasure only comes with 8 GB internal memory, of which, only about 4 GB is actually usable (the other 4 GB is used by the OS and pre-installed apps). For many users, this won't be a big deal because most of Tracfone's other smartphones, like the LG Sunset and LG Ultimate 2, have a similar amount of internal memory. Just keep in mind that you can't load this phone up with too many photos or large applications. Some apps can take up a full GB of space, so you would run out quickly.
The LG Treasure does come with a Micro SD card slot, which allows you to use up to 32 GB of external storage. This is great if you have a lot of music or other files you want to add.
The second concern we have is with the processor performance. The Treasure comes with a 1.1 Ghz quad core processor. This is more than enough power for everyday apps like Facebook, Instagram or calling/texting. But if you want to running larger, resource intense apps like certain games, you may run into performance trouble. The Treasure does have 1 GB RAM, which is average, yet overall we think the average user won't have any issues with performance.
That concludes our likes and dislikes, let us know in the comments if we missed anything, or if there are certain features you like/dislike!
Update - initially it appeared that the LG Treasure would have 1.5 GB RAM, but it urns out to only have 1 GB RAM.
LG Treasrue compared to LG Sunset and LG Ultimate 2
The LG Treasure is similar or an improvement over the LG Sunset and LG Ultimate 2 in almost every way, which makes sense since it is much newer. The improvements, however, are generally only small improvements.Compared to the LG Ultimate 2, the Treasure comes with a larger screen (5" vs 4.5") a better processor (quad-core vs dual-core) better cameras (5 MP front and rear vs 5 MP rear camera and 1.3 MP front) and more internal memory (8 GB vs 5 GB). The LG Treasure also comes with Android 5.1.1 versus 4.4 which the Ultimate 2 come with. These improvements are noticeable, but not huge. If you are currently using an Ultimate 2 and considering upgrading, the Treasure would probably be a little faster and have a little better performance overall.
One important piece of information to note is that the Ultimate 2 is a CDMA phone that uses Verizon towers while the Treasure is a GSM phone that uses AT&T service. So be sure to check your coverage before switching.
The LG Treasure is an upgrade over the LG Sunset, but we might only suggest you upgrade if you are also in need of the airtime that comes in the bundle. Otherwise, you might want to want and see what other phones Tracfone releases in the coming months.
Overview and Where to Buy the LG Treasure
The LG Treasure brings great features including a 5" touchscreen and Android 5.1.1 at a very reasonable price making it a great upgrade from older Tracfone smartphones.It doesn't have the performance to match some of Tracfone's other recent releases, like the Samsung Galaxy S6, but it also is significantly cheaper.
You can find the LG Treasure bundled with a 1 Year/400 Minute airtime card (and other items) on HSN where it is currently on sale for $99.
You can also view Tracfone's Tutorial to learn more about how to use this device.
There is also a CDMA version of this phone which we expect to be released sometime in the near future.
We hope you found this review useful, and if you have any questions or thoughts you can share them in a comment below.
Here are some additional helpful resources we have created for Tracfone Android users:
How to Check your Airtime on Tracfone Android Phones
How Minutes Work on Tracfone Smartphones
How to Buy Only Texts for your Smartphone
Are Data Cards a Good Deal from Tracfone?
Analysis of the New Smartphone Only Airtime Cards from Tracfone
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LG Treasure has 1 GB RAM instead of 1.5 GB.
ReplyDeleteGood catch!
DeleteI won't upgrade till there is more RAM, that's the most significant issue I have with the Ultimate 2. A slower processor is also a bummer.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI currently have an LG Ultimate 2. What is the best 4G LTE Verizon phone currently for sale branded tracfone (without using the bYOP program)? Is it the Samsung Galaxy E5? Will the E5 ever be available outside of HSN?
Also, why are so many of these phones only available at HSN to start?
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHello again, sorry for the double post. What are your thoughts on the LG Rebel CDMA from here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/TracFone-LG-Rebel-4G-LTE-CDMA-Prepaid-Smartphone/51413983
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it would compare favorably to the LG Ultimate 2 at a similar price point. Do you plan to review this phone?
The LG Rebel is a decent phone that compares similarly to the Ultimate 2, but with newer Android OS and other newer specs which is good. The LG Stylo 2 is another option with a large 5.7" screen. The Samsung Galaxy S7 is now available from the Tracfone website and is a very nice phone, but expensive.
DeleteI have the LG Treasure. How can I enable speech to text in messageing?
ReplyDeleteon your home screen tap the microphone icon in the upper right and when it comes on, say you want to send a text to whoever ( any contact in your list) and it will ask you the message...just follow what she asks.... you even get a chance NOT to send if you make a mistake.........sooooo easy to do
DeleteHow do I enable voice to text in the message app?
ReplyDeleteLG Treasure 5 LG L51AL have any lights to let you know you missed a call or have a test message?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately NO...must keep checking```bummer
DeleteHas anyone seen the CDMA LG Treasure anywhere?
ReplyDeleteBought one today at Walmart, LG Treasure LTE, runs LTE/CDMA off of Verizon towers.
DeleteYou can get one from HSN (Home Shopping Network).
DeleteAlso seen at Fred Meyer store but only with with a 10 minute card where HSN give one year service.
DeleteThis Question is pertinent to all of your Android Pages or Phone Review Pages and haven't seen it covered in the 15+ I've poured over so far:
ReplyDeleteBesides charging for the download of the App itself, does the dowloadable TracFone Service/Time App Charge Data or Text just for using it or reading the texts? In other words, is there a repeating charge of any sort if a user is not in Wi-Fi Mode and wants to check balances on the actual phone?
If you don't have wi-fi it uses Data to check your balance with the app. I don't think it is that much Data though. It takes a few seconds to access the info and display your balance.
DeleteHas anyone tried using Android Auto with these phones?
ReplyDeleteDoes the Treasure support moving apps to the SD card? The storage problem could be reduced a bit if it does, but it doesn't seem like a standard feature in 5.1 so it's up to LG here.
ReplyDeleteHere are instructions on moving apps: http://www.howtogeek.com/114667/how-to-install-android-apps-to-the-sd-card-by-default-move-almost-any-app-to-the-sd-card/
Once Android 6.0 is everywhere, installing to SD will be a built in option, but it'll probably be another year or two before that happens.
I ordered my LG Treasure through HSN. For most things it is a great phone for the price. Some apps can be moved to the SD card and most new apps as well which saves storage issues with the phone. Also I uninstall all updates for apps that I don't use, such as Hangouts, iCloud print, etc. since disabling them altogether would cause problems. So far I really like this phone and except for the memory issue it is an excellent value. I can read and print PDFs, Google docs, Word docs, etc. I have only one game downloaded and that is on the SD card. BTW HSN has sold out of these phones so you will need to order through Tracfone directly.
ReplyDeleteHSN has these (LG Treasure)phones in Stock again. 9-7-2016
DeleteP.S. I use the epson iprint app for printing documents.
ReplyDeleteSomething unmentioned (?) thus far, If a user clean restores an Android, would the 3 buckets get emptied or would the serial number/ phone still hold the important data?
ReplyDeleteI noticed that while on the phone especially with the speaker on I could not access the internet. How can I do both? Also, I tried disabling word corrections and yet extra words pop up if I backspace to correct. How do I change this?
ReplyDeleteIs there any such thing as Anti virus for these Treasure phones?
ReplyDeleteInstall CM Security from the google playstore and then let it scan your phone every week or two
DeleteHow do you silence the phone? I sometimes don't want it to ring or vibrate, but I don't find a silence option.
ReplyDeleteI just received one of these from Tracfone. I read all the materials that came with the phone and have spent nearly six hours now trying to discover where the Tracfone minutes are displayed or referenced in the phone. I have over 2000 minutes transferred to this phone, yet unlike any of the five Tracfones I have used in the past, this particular phone does not appear to show minutes. Does your phone have this feature?
ReplyDeleteThe phone is activated and shows an end date in October.
Yes, Android phones don't display the airtime balance. You have to check it through other means. On some phones, you can dial *777*1# and your airtime will show up. You can also go onto the Tracfone website and log into your account and check from there. Another option is to download the Tracfone My Account App. Once you have this set up, you can see your airtime balance through the app. You can even install a widget on your homepage that shows your balance using the app. Hope this helps answer your question!
DeletePhone continues to drop off the 4g network. Huge inconvenience. Any attempts to resolve this issue has proven fruitless including calling my provider for assistance.
ReplyDeleteHows this stack up with the Samsung Grand Prime?
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty similar. The Grpand Prime has a better camera, but is also more expensive. The LG Treasure is on HSN for $99 with minutes bundle which is a great deal.
DeleteHow would this compare to a samsung s5 I found on ebay for $178?
ReplyDeleteThe Samsung Galaxy S5 is a far superior phone with better camera, storage, processor, memory and more. The S5 is also water/dust resistant. If you're comfortable going with Tracfone BYOP, I would definitely go with the S5 over the Treasure. The Treasure is a decent phone, but cant compare with the S5, even if the S5 is almost 3 years old.
DeleteI am having problems receiving text. It says I have a storage problem, but I just put in a new card for storage. Any idea how I can fix this>
ReplyDeleteDoes this phone have a led notification light? ?
ReplyDeleteThere should be, but you may have to enable it. Try following these instructions:
DeleteThe device comes with LED notification lights and to use this feature the user must be enabled on the device. To use the LED Lights on your device, open the Settings, tap on Brightness & display in the device section and click on Indicator light. You will find options like Calls, Messages, Notification, Charge and Low battery. Tap on the options for which you want to get an LED notification on your device.
Peter - My LG Treasure settings don't have the options you suggest. Too bad.
DeleteGoing to brightness, etc is incorrect. There are no notifications as on other LG phones, which stinks. All you can do is go to Settings>Accessibility>Hearing and click flash alerts. With this,the flash on the back of the phone flashes on calls and notifications. But it only does twice, the stops. Also,you have to have phone with the back visible or you won't see. Not very helpful to me.
DeleteIve got the LG Power which is the same as the LG Sunset except its 3g instead of 4 G. I also have a 32 gig sd card installed and have been enjoying it the last year. Should i upgrade or wait? I want 4g, a reasonably price phone, Same or greater specs than my current phone, what do you guys think?
ReplyDeleteIm in the same situation, with the same phone (power) l just bought the treasure today, why not- 79 bucks at walmart & l got a cheap plastic case. The whole thing set me back a little over a 100 bucks (NYS tax) its a pretty nice phone for the $$$
DeleteWorst phone ever..have had it 2 days..you cant be on the net and talk on the phone at the same time..this should be written in product info so we arent dumb enough to buy this piece of crap.
ReplyDeleteyes it can
DeleteExactly
ReplyDeleteI just upgraded my LG Ultimate 2 to the LG Treasure. I had seven screens on the U2, but the Treasure only seems to allow five. Am I missing something?
ReplyDeleteI cant figure out a couple things with this phone and its driving me crazy. Please let me know if u can help. First, it looks like there is a notification light at the top left corner but there is no way to turn it on. Ive always had one with every other phone ive owned and really need it. Second, there is no option to turn on auto correct for the keyboard. Ive always hated auto correct, but now that i dont have it, im finding that i really do need it.
ReplyDeleteI have looked up both issues online and in the phone's manual.
Please someone help me.
No notification light. It's one of the few things I dislike about this phone. There's a post here that says something going to brightness, etc but that's incorrect. All you can do is go to Settings>Accessibility>Hearing and click flash alerts. With this,the flash on the back of the phone flashes on calls and notifications. But it only does twice, the stops. Also,you have to have phone with the back visible or you won't see. Not very helpful to me.
DeleteYou can turn the notifications on in settings ��
DeleteHello i have a question does anyone know if the phone. Case for the LG treasure is interchangeable with any other phone? Im looking to buy a case and curious....tia =)
ReplyDeleteThe LG K7
DeleteYou can find cases at walmart for the Treasure ($15.00)
Also online Ebay & Wish have them cheap
thank you for this information! i have wanted this phone ever scince i saw my friends with it.i loved the fact that you can double tap the screen to turn it on and off,now my cousins won't know how to turn it on and go through my phone but if they figure it out i will put in a password.i can't wait for my birthday then i will finally get this phone. i am trying to learn about it as much as i can so that when i get it i will know everything there is to know about it.thanks and if there is any information that i am not aware of let me know.
ReplyDeleteIf the return and Home buttons are on the screen, then the 5" screen is diminished by 1/2 ".
ReplyDeleteWhere can I purchase a case and screen saver for this phone?
ReplyDeleteWalmart has the cases & screen protectors
DeleteThey also have some cute cases ��
Cases for LG K7 will also fit.
I also seen Ebay, wish and some other places on line had cases (cheap) which at walmart for a good case your looking at $15.00
I was with straight talk for years and decided to switch to total wireless..i was with them for several years, i decided to come back to straight talk bc i was buying 2 data cards a month and since straight talk has unlimited data
ReplyDeleteI had the LG X power and cracked my screen (loved that phone, refurbished $19.99) since i had to get a new phone and my service was ending in a wk i thought it was a great time to come back to straight talk (total has the worst customer service and every month i had to call back in to have my data fixed)
Yesterday i got the LG Treasure went on line activated and transfered my number my phone was switched within 5 mins with no problems. Signed in to my Gmail account and it automatically transfered my contacts and pics
Logged into the playstore went to my apps and just downloaded the ones i wanted from my old phone)
There is cases for the treasure ebay, wish and walmart also sells them. Warranty is offered $15.00 per year (water damage, cracked screen) and no dedutible on the treasure.
So far I love it and would recommend it (basically same phone as the LG K7 (which those cases will also fit the treasure)
Does any one no how to create a wireless hotspot so I can use it connect my laptop to the internet?
ReplyDeleteThe manual for the LG Treasure says that all micro SD cards are not compatible, but it doesn't say which ones are- where can I find this info?
ReplyDeleteLG Rebel LTE is horrible. The keypad is inaccurate and often gives double digits with one tap. This is mildly annoying if you can correct with backspace and very frustrating if you cant use backspace key. I will go back to Samsung for a few dollars more to save a few grey hairs.
ReplyDeleteDoes the LG Treasure from Tracfone come with the double or triple time/text/data option!
ReplyDeleteThere is an LG Premier Pro on HSN and Walmart now as of 05-2018. I can find zero info on it review wise though.
ReplyDelete