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August 25, 2022

Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Tracfone Review

 Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 Review, Specs and Features

Moto G Stylus 2022 review tracfone
Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL)

With a 6.8" 90Hz touchscreen, 128 GB internal storage and 50 MP rear camera, the 2022 Stylus by Motorola packs in lots of great features. It also comes with Android 11, Octa-core processor and 4 GB RAM.

The Moto G Stylus line has been very popular for several years, not just for the detachable stylus, but for the large screen and great value. The Tracfone version doesn't disappoint with a sub-$200 price from many sources. It is the 'step up' from the Moto G Power line (like the Moto G Power 2022), which usually strikes a balance between performance and affordability.

The unlocked 2022 Stylus was first released in February 2022, and eventually released by Tracfone for their network in mid-2022. 

Let's get straight to our pro's and con's for the Stylus.

Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Quick Facts

What we Like:
-Large, full HD screen
-90Hz screen refresh rate
-Lots of internal storage
-Responsive fingerprint reader

What we Don't Like:
-Mediocre processor
-Slow charging speed
-No 5G
-Not a big upgrade over previous models
-Tracfone version offers only 4GB RAM

Motorola made an interesting decision to go with the cheaper, and somewhat less powerful, MediaTek Helio G88 processor for the Stylus. This was likely to keep the price down, but may also be motivated by the fact that Motorola recently released the Stylus 5G 2022, which comes with a more powerful snapdragon processor (and a higher price tag).

5G networks are still fairly limited, and likely won't be fully implemented for a number of years, but it still is a feature we would have expected to see, along with a more powerful processor. (Learn more about What 5G is, or find out more about Tracfone's 5G network coverage and maps)

It is important to note that the Tracfone version of the Moto G Stylus 2022 comes with only 4GB RAM instead of 6, which the unlocked version has. Most of the Motorola phones offered by Tracfone have a similar reduction in RAM which hurts the devices multitasking ability and gaming performance. 

Time for the full break down of features and specs on the Stylus.

Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

  • Android 11 (Upgrade to Android 12 sometime in the future likely)
  • 4G LTE compatible (Verizon)
  • Access to the Google Play Store with over 1 Million Apps
  • WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
  • Bluetooth 5
  • Alarm Clock
  • MP3 Player
  • Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
  • SMS/MMS
  • USB Type-C 2.0 connection
  • USB Charger (10W Fast Charging)
  • Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
  • Water-repellent coating
  • Hearing Aid Compatible

Moto G Stylus 2022 (XT2211DL) Specs
Size: 6.70 x 2.99 x 0.37 in (7.62 oz)
Camera: Triple Rear Camera - 50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (depth), 16 MP front camera
Screen: 6.8" full HD touchscreen with 1080x2460 resolution (396 ppi)
Processor: 2.0 Ghz Octa-core (MediaTek Helio G88) Processor
Memory: 4GB
Storage: 128GB and dedicated MicroSDXC card slot
Battery: 5,000 mAh with about 37 hrs usage time (non-removable)

Motorola was originally founded as an American telecommunications company back in 1928. But in 2011, after several years of significant losses and challenges, the company was split and the mobile phone segment of the company was sold to Google. Two years later, the Motorola mobile phone segment was sold again, this time to Lenovo.

During the ownership by Google, the popular Moto G line was first released, as an unlocked, budget smartphone that still packed features to keep up with all the daily needs of users. Since transitioning to Lenovo, that has continued with now a large lineup of Moto G phones released every year. 

Many Tracfone BYOP users are very familiar with the Motorola brand as it has released a number of low cost unlocked phones capable of being used with Tracfone going back to the original Moto G. The Moto G Stylus 2022 is also available unlocked and can be used with any service provider.

Time to take a closer look at all the features on this year's Stylus.

Tracfone Moto G Stylus 2022 Review

Touchscreen
The 6.8" IPS LCD screen on the Stylus has a 90Hz refresh rate and full HD resolution of 1080x2460. This gives the device a pixel density of about 396 ppi, which leads to a nice, sharp screen. The phone also has a pretty good screen-to-body ratio of about 84%, which just means the bezels are relatively small, especially compared to the 2022 Moto G Power, which had a 79% ratio.

The screen looks very good overall, and operates well with the included stylus. In direct sunlight, it does struggle a little to be bright enough, which is pretty typical for devices in this price range. The saturation and colors on the Stylus look very good, and make any images or videos also seem colorful and vibrant.
Tracfone Moto G Stylus user manual

Performance - Processor, RAM and Storage
The 2022 Stylus comes with 128GB internal storage and 4GB RAM as well as a MediaTek Helio G88 octa-core processor. While the storage and RAM are both good features, the processor is a little underperforming.

If the internal storage isn't enough, there is also a dedicated MicroSD card slot in the SIM tray for even more storage. 

The Tracfone version of this phone comes with less RAM than the unlocked version, with 4GB instead of 6GB. The 6GB RAM included on the unlocked Stylus does a lot to help with multitasking and resource intensive apps. While low to moderate users won't notice the difference in most cases, it will hurt the phones performance, especially combined with the already underpowered processor.

Motorola opted to cut some corners by including the MediaTek G88 processor in the 2022 Stylus. While the processor does handle most apps, web browsing and games well, it is just not as performance oriented as some of the processors in past Motorola devices. The 2021 Stylus, by comparison, has the Snapdragon 678, which outperforms the Helio G88 in most areas. The 2022 Stylus does handle almost all tasks very well, but for those upgrading from an older Stylus model, keep this in mind.

For those that want the higher performance, the Moto G Stylus 2022 5G (coming soon to Tracfone) has the Snapdragon 695 5G, which outperforms the Helio G88 by quite a lot, and features 5G capabilities. Or consider the newly released Pixel 6a from Tracfone.

Camera
The triple rear camera setup consists of a 50 MP main lens, 8 MP ultrawide lens and 2 MP depth sensor. On the front is a 16 MP selfie camera. Images and video from the rear camera are both adequate, and have nice colors. The ultrawide lens is a great feature, although the image quality isn't quite as good as the main camera.

For video, the Stylus only has 1080p at 30 FPS. It would have been nice to see some additional features, such as 60 FPS, but we don't get that here.

Image quality on the Stylus is fine for most things, but does not keep up with more expensive phones and struggles in low light.


Battery
Long battery life is a favorite feature on Motorola devices and the 2022 Stylus does not disappoint with a 5,000 mAh battery that easily lasts all day with moderate usage. With gaming or video usage, you might find it goes through the battery a bit faster because of the large screen.

It will take quite a bit of time to recharge the Stylus because it only has 10W fast charging so plan to leave it on the charger for several hours. This is a minor inconvenience, but when many of Motorola's older phones can charge much more quickly, we're surprised to see this downgrade. 

Android OS
The 2022 Stylus does feature Android 11 which includes a number of performance and security improvements over past versions. Motorola is expected to provide an update to Android 12 at some point in the future. 

Some of the more interesting features include a built in screen recorder, more useful power button menu, and the ability to access notification history.

Check out our List of the Best Apps to use on Android.

Design
The all-plastic back and sides on the Stylus keep it just short of feeling like a premium phone, but it is very sleek and well designed (other than the bump-out for the rear cameras).

On the bottom of the phone are the 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C charging port, and solo speaker. There is also the small port for the stylus, which 'clicks' in or out of it's storage location. It generally stays pretty secure when stored away and the feel and weight of it is great for drawing or adding notes.

The volume rocker and power button are on the right side. 

The integrated power button/fingerprint reader on the side of the phone works well and is snappy most of the time when reading the fingerprint. It seems to be a more convenient location vs the back of the phone on tome of Motorola's older devices.

We would suggest at least a simple plastic or rubber case to help protect the device. The phone does have a water repellent coating, but there's no mention of gorilla glass protection for the screen.

Conclusion - Should You Buy? (Plus Other Options)
The 2022 Stylus is a solid device overall and one of the cheapest options with a large, full HD screen and stylus. Plus, the Tracfone version is already over $100 cheaper than the unlocked device. There is plenty of internal storage and RAM, and the processor performs just fine for the majority of everyday tasks.

For some, however, the Stylus may be one to skip, especially for those looking for 5G network capability, or a powerful processor for heavy gaming or other resource intensive apps. Those who already have the 2020 or 2021 Stylus may also consider skipping the 2022 Stylus, or opting for the 2022 Stylus 5G (coming to Tracfone soon).

The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G offers somewhat similar features and price (although less RAM, storage and screen resolution) but comes with 5G network capability and may be a worthwhile option to consider, particularly for users who want 5G, and are looking to keep the price low.

The Galaxy A53 5G offers even more than the Stylus, with a beautiful Super AMOLED HD screen, powerful processor with 5G network capability, IP67 protection and more. It is available from Tracfone for just about $100 more than the Stylus.

For those that don't need the extra internal storage or stylus, the 2022 Moto G Power is a modest but solid device that can be found from Tracfone for around $100.

Finally, for some users the unlocked version of the Moto G Stylus 2022 may be a consideration. You get the freedom to quickly switch to different SIM cards and other carriers. However, the price for the unlocked 2022 Stylus is listed at $299 (But currently on sale for $160) and at that price, there are several options with similar prices that offer a little more performance and features. 

For more devices from Tracfone, head over to our List of the Latest Tracfone Smartphones.

Where to Buy the Moto G Stylus 2022

The Tracfone Stylus 2022 is available from several online retailers, with a variety of prices. Here are the best sources and prices we've found.

Get the Moto G Stylus 2022 from Amazon (About $149)
Find the Moto G Stylus 2022 from Tracfone (About $149)

Moto G Stylus 2022 User Manual and Device Tutorials

Get more information about the Stylus and some of the basic tutorials here:



That's it for our review of the Stylus, we hope you found this information useful. Please leave a comment with any thoughts or questions, or reach us on our Facebook page for faster response.

If you are new to Tracfone, Start with our Beginners Guide!

Join us over on Facebook for the latest news and posts or send us a message for more direct help questions.

Take a look at some of our recent posts, including a Guide for Making your Airtime Last Longer and Everything you Need to Know about Data Cards.

And don't miss out on the best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales!

Thanks for visiting!

August 5, 2022

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (S136DL) Tracfone Review

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Specs, Features and Review

Galaxy A13 5G review Tracfone S136dl
Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Specs, Features and Review

One of the cheapest 5G capable devices from Tracfone, the Galaxy A13 5G also features  a 6.5" screen, triple rear camera, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage. 

To make the most of Tracfone's 5G network access, consumers will need phones that are compatible with the updated frequencies and speeds. And Samsung has been releasing a number of compatible devices, including the Galaxy A32 5G last year, and recently the A53 5G. But the A13 5G is the first device that features a sub $200 price.

The A13 is the successor of last year's A12, which was a solid performing budget device. But the big news is the 5G capability on the A13. Until now, most 5G capable phones for Tracfone (or even unlocked) have been outside the price range of most users..

Let's get straight to our pro's and con's for the A13.

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Quick Facts

What we Like:
-5G capable for under $200
-Large battery and 15W fast charging
-Fast screen refresh rate
-Good internal performance

What we Don't Like:
-Screen resolution is just 720p
-No water or dust protection mentioned
-Mediocre camera

Many of the features on the A13 are a great improvement over the previous model including the processor, internal storage, RAM, screen refresh rate and 5G capability.

Let's get to the full list of features and specs.

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (S136DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

  • Android 11 (upgrade to Android 12 likely)
  • 5G (Verizon)
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
  • Bluetooth 5
  • Alarm Clock
  • GPS
  • MP3 Player
  • Standard 3.5mm Headphone Jack
  • Hearing Aid Compatible
  • Access to over 1 Million Apps on Google Play
  • Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
  • SMS/MMS
  • USB Charger (USB Type-C 2.0)
  • Compatible with Samsung Gear Smartwatches
  • Facial recognition for unlocking
  • Fingerprint sensor
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Technical Specs
Size: 6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in (6.88 oz)
Camera: Triple rear camera 50+2+2MP and 5MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD PLS IPS display (720x1600 resolution)
Processor: Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) MediaTek Dimensity 700 
Memory: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB internal storage, supports up to 512 GB MicroSD Card
Battery: 5,000 mAh battery (non-removable) with talk time up to 34 hrs, standby 16 days

Many consumers are familiar with the Samsung brand as they are a global manufacture and the largest consumer electronics maker (by revenue) in the world. They are based in South Korea and have a broad lineup of smartphones with their high end device, like the Samsung Galaxy S22, a contender for some of the best phones in the world.

The Galaxy A13 5G does get some of the classic design elements of Samsung phones with a familiar layout for the charging and headphone ports and it also features Samsung's UI changes. But a budget phone will have to cut some corners, and we will dive into that below.

Now let's get into the details with our review of the A13.

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Review

Touchscreen
Adequate is the best way to describe the 6.5" PLS-LCD screen on the A13. It is not a Super AMOLED screen (like the one on the A53 5G), but it offers a 720x1600 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. The screen features 270 ppi and a 20:9 ratio. 

In general, this screen is fairly similar to many phones in this price range. It is not the brightest, especially compared to more expensive models, but gets the job done. We would have liked to see higher resolution, but at this price point it is hard to expect it. 

Tracfone samsung S136DL galaxy a13 5g user manual

Internal Performance - Processor, RAM and Storage
The MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor is a fast mid-range processor with 5G capability. It features two fast cores, and six power efficient cores. It is a very capable budget to mid-range processor and we're impressed it is included with the A13 at this price.

To complement the processor, the Tracfone Galaxy A13 also has 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage with additional external storage via a microSD card. 

The processor and 5G capability might be one of the most impressive features on the A13 and is more than capable for everyday tasks and gaming. While it is not a top of the line processor, it is a big step up from the MediaTek Processors in the A12, and in several 2022 Motorola Moto G devices (Moto G Power and Stylus). 

Overall the perform acing of the A13 is an improvement over the previous model, and a step up from many similarly priced smartphones currently available. 

Camera
The main camera on the triple rear shooter setup is a 50MP lens that offers good results in normal lighting. There is also a 2MP macro camera, and 2MP depth sensor for portrait style photos. Images from the main camera are adequate for most uses, and don't really standout compared to other phones at this level. Low light and night-time shooting situations may cause the camera to struggle. 

The selfie camera is nothing inspiring, with just 5MP it captures adequate images. Both the front and rear cameras are capable of 1080p at 30fps video recording.

For better photos, check out our list of camera phone photo tips.

Battery Life
Users can expect all day battery life from the A13 thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery and efficient processor. With light use, this device could easily last up to 2 days on a single charge. 

It does come with 15W fast charging, but be aware that it might not come with a charging block as Samsung has cut that from this year's models. 

Android OS
The A13 5G comes with Android 11 out of the box which includes some great features such as improved permissions controls and built in screen recording.  The 13 is expected to get Android 12 very soon, and Samsung has promised several security and OS updates in the future. How that will work with a Tracfone branded device is not quite clear.


Design
At this price point, plastic is the primary material and the Galaxy A13 5G is no exception. It offers a pretty similar design experience to the previous model the A12, with moderate bezels on the front and a tear-drop style selfie camera. The dual power button and fingerprint reader is quite nice and snappy, and the A13 also includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G covers all the basics for a good, cheap smartphone. The processor, RAM and storage are all a solid combination that provide more than enough performance for most Tracfone users. The screen and cameras are nothing exciting, but adequate and on par with other devices in this price range. 

The major feature for the A13 is the 5G capability. And while 5G networks are still somewhat limited, it does help future proof this phone while also allowing users in certain areas to take advantage.

Samsung's newly released Galaxy A23 5G may be a very attractive option for those considering the A13. The A23 comes with a far superior screen with much higher resolution, features a more powerful processor, and improved cameras. And all of that for just $50 more than the retail price of the A13.

Bottom line - for the price of under $200 from Tracfone - the A13 5G is hard to beat. But for a little more money, there are several other interesting option that offer more, especially the A23 5G (see more options below).

A13 5G Vs A03s
The Samsung Galaxy A03s is the ultra-budget option from Tracfone and shares the same size screen and battery with the A13. But the A03s has less RAM (3GB), less storage (32GB), less powerful processor, less megapixels on the rear camera, and no 5G access. 

The Galaxy A03s is under $100, and sometimes closer to $50, but we would only suggest it to users who hardly do more than talk or text with their phone, and maybe a few social media apps. The Galaxy A13 5G is far more capable for about $100 more (although we've already seen the A13 for just $100 on Amazon Prime Day).

A13 5G Vs A53 5G
Tracfone just released the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and it comes at a surprisingly reasonable price of under $300. At that price you get quite a few more features. For users that like Samsung, and like plenty of internal storage and a powerful processor, the A53 5G may be worth spending the extra money on. It has a 120Hz Super AMOLED 6.5" screen, Android 12, quad-rear camera, IP\67 waterproof rating, and improved performance. 

There will always be something better, the question is, is it worth it? For some, the added features at just about $100 more for the A53 5G will certainly be worth it. But, if you are not a power user, the A13 should check all the required boxes.

A13 5G Vs Moto G Power (2022)
The Moto G Power 2022 shares a number of similar features with the A13 such as RAM, storage, screen size, Android OS and price. But the A13 comes with a much more powerful processor that also has 5G capability. The 2022 Power has been somewhat lackluster, and the A13 5G would likely be a better buy for most users.

Motorola devices do come with a much cleaner OS, where as Samsung adds in their own UI, so for those that prefer to avoid excess apps and software changes, Motorola is still a good option (just maybe consider some of their other smartphones).

That's it for our review of the A13 5G. It is an impressive phone for the price, and below are the best shopping options to find it for the lowest prices.

Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G




The best deals are usually with an airtime bundle included. The lowest price we've seen for the A13 was $99 on Amazon prime day. 

Samsung Galaxy A13 User Manual and Devices Tutorials

Get the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G User Manual to learn more about the device.

View the Device tutorials to see how to do various actions on the phone.

That concludes our review of the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. 

If you are new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide!

Join us over on Facebook for the latest news and posts or send us a message for more direct help questions.

Take a look at some of our recent posts, including a Guide for Making your Airtime Last Longer and Everything you Need to Know about Data Cards.

And don't miss out on the best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales!

Thanks for visiting!

Tracfone Promo Codes for August 2022

 Tracfone Promo Codes List - August 2022

Tracfone Promo Codes AUgust 2022
Tracfone Promo Codes - August 2022

Every month wee gather and post new Tracfone discount codes from around the web for our readers to use for free. 

To get the free minutes, just enter the code when buying or adding airtime online, on your phone, or over the phone. Some codes are for use with certain devices, or can only be used a one time.

Be sure to double check that you get the bonus airtime, as Tracfone has had a lot of issues lately with actually adding the bonus airtime to customers account balance. They have also had issues with showing new promo codes as expired for some users. If you have problems, reach out to Tracfone Customer Support.

Below are codes for regular airtime cards, add-on cards, and smartphone only cards. Select the code for the card you will use, and enjoy the bonus minutes!

These are just the latest codes, but we also have many more options listed on our main Tracfone promo code page.

Don't miss out on the newest phones from Tracfone, like the Moto G Power (2022) and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, visit our List of the Latest Tracfone Smartphones to see all the new devices.

Let's get to the list of codes!

Tracfone Promo Codes - August 2022

Smartphone Codes:
27301 - 100 bonus Talk - $15 Smartphone Card - August 2022

54715 - 100 bonus Data - $25 Smartphone Card - August 2022

44282 - $15 off - $125 Smartphone Only Card - August 2022 (online only)

Regular Airtime Codes:
78500 - 30 bonus minutes on 120 Minute Card - August 2022 (basic phones only)
99117 - 40 bonus minutes on 200 Minute Card - August 2022 (basic phones only)
83597 - $15 off 1 Year/400 Minute Card(online only/basic phones only) - August 2022
26505 - 50 bonus minutes 450 Minute Card- August 2022 (basic phones only)

These are the latest promo codes from Tracfone for August 2022. Recently, Promo Codes have not always been working, which is likely due to Verizon acquiring Tracfone and the transition. We hope these codes worked for you and leave a comment below with any thoughts or questions. If you didn't get your bonus minutes, check out our recent post on what to do.

What is the best Tracfone smartphone? Check out our updated post to find out!

New to Tracfone? Start with our Beginners Guide which walks through the basics of how it all works and some resources for learning more about adding airtime, activating new phones or getting the best deals. Or learn more about the new Unlimited Smartphone Cards and how they work.

How secure is your phone? We have the top Smartphone Security Tips!

Join us on Facebook for all the latest posts and send us a message if you have questions!

Don't miss out on the best Tracfone Deals and Sales including unlocked phones for Tracfone BYOP.

And lastly, get 7 Tips to Make your Airtime Last Longer plus data saving tips!

Thanks for visiting!