Tracfone Smartphone Vs. Unlocked Smartphone - Pros and Cons

Unlocked Smartphone or Tracfone Locked Device? See the Pros and Cons List

Should you go with a Tracfone branded device or use an unlocked smartphone on the 'Bring Your Own Phone' program with Tracfone? There are reasons to consider either option, and we share all the pros and cons in this post. 

Use the following list to help make your decision if you are wondering which option is best.

Tracfone Branded Smartphone Pros and Cons

Pros - Tracfone Smartphone

• Subsidized retail price for a big discount on some devices
• Many sales and deals throughout the year
• Deals with airtime bundles of up to 1 year of service included with a new phone available
• No hassle with compatibility and typically easy to transfer service

Cons - Tracfone Smartphone

• Phone choices are limited to a handful of brands (but that is slowly growing)
• Must go through unlocking process to use on any other carriers or in other countries
• Some Tracfone smartphones have reduced RAM or other specs compared to unlocked versions
• Tracfone still offers phones from several years ago - so you must pay attention to what you are buying
• Tracfone sometimes takes months to release a phone that is already available unlocked
• Tracfone doesn't always provide OS or security updates (but that is getting better)

Why get a Tracfone Smartphone?

For the best deal on a phone and service

Tracfone's branded devices are often available not only at subsidized prices, but also with airtime bundles of up to 1 year of service included (see our Tracfone Deals list for more). Some savvy users opt to purchase a new phone with airtime bundle each year at barely more than the cost of the airtime alone.

If you want minimal hassle, don't mind a locked device, and want the cheapest option for a phone and service, go with a Tracfone branded device. Just be sure that the phone you are purchasing was somewhat recently released for the best security and performance.

See our list of the best Tracfone smartphones for under $100 for some great options or the top Tracfone smartphone picks.

Unlocked Smartphone Pros and Cons

Pros - Unlocked Phone

• Wide selection of compatible unlocked devices including 5G capable devices and many phones not offered by Tracfone
• Get new phones (and the latest features) as soon as they are released
• Can easily switch to a different network or replace the SIM card for international travel
• Get automatic OS or security updates from the manufacturer

Cons - Unlocked Phone

• Not all unlocked phones are compatible with Tracfone service
• No special discounts from Tracfone
• Sometimes there are issues with voicemail or other services working properly

Why get an Unlocked Phone?

For the widest selection of devices and the most up-to-date software and security, plus the option to switch networks or swap SIM cards.

There are many unlocked smartphones that are not offered by Tracfone and allow users much more flexibility and features, especially camera performance. The latest phones will command a premium price, but often have excellent update policies for extended usability.

If you want flexibility, access to the latest releases, and a wider selection of phones with more features, go with an unlocked smartphone. 

Take a look at our list of the best unlocked phones for Tracfone.

There are many great ways to make Tracfone work for you, and we hope these pros and cons help if you are trying to decide what to do.

Leave a comment or head over to our Facebook page to join our growing community and to send us a message directly for technical questions or problems.

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

Don't miss our new list of 23 Pro's and Con's for Tracfone.

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