Avoid Buying these 5 Tracfone Smartphones in 2024
Tracfone offers a variety of smartphones to use with their prepaid network, often at reduced prices. But if you're in the market for a new phone from Tracfone in 2024, we recommend avoiding the devices listed below.
Major phone manufactures such as Samsung, Apple, Motorola and Google are all offered by Tracfone and can be unlocked after a certain amount of time.
While Tracfone offers many new devices in 2024, they are also still offering some older, outdated phones that we don't recommend purchasing anymore. The phones in this list are offered by Tracfone but should be avoided because the phones are outdated, or there are newer, better models at cheaper or comparable prices.
Now if you currently own one of these devices, don't be too worried, they may still be functioning well. But you can also look at our recommended upgrades when you shop for a new device. See all the new devices from Tracfone in our Latest List of Smartphones.
Don't Buy These Tracfone Smartphones in 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Released in 2021, the Galaxy A32 5G had a lot of great features at the time and it was one of the first Tracfone smartphones to offer 5G network access.
But now it is more than 3 years old, and there are many better options available from Samsung and other brands at lower prices. Not only are there cheaper Samsung devices that still include 5G network access (such as the Galaxy A15 5G), there is also the updated version of the A32, which is the Galaxy A35 5G. It offers much better performance, a better screen, and improved camera capabilities.
So while the A32 might be available at bargain prices, it is best to avoid it and go with one of the latest Samsung smartphones.
What to buy instead: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G or the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
2. Moto G Stylus 2023
The Moto G Stylus 2023 is another device that might catch your eye, especially if you're looking for a phone with stylus functionality and a large screen. However, this model is hindered by its aging MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which leads to sluggish performance, as well as a low resolution screen and poor camera setup.
When the Stylus was released, it was quickly overshadowed by the 2023 Power, which has better performance and a higher resolution screen for almost the same price. And now in 2024, there are more options in the $100 range that outperform the 2023 Stylus.
For a similar price point to the 2023 Stylus, consider the Moto G Power 2023, or the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. For those looking for the large screen and stylus functionality, shop the new Moto G Stylus 2024 5G which has a full HD touschreen, and powerful Snapdragon processor.
What to buy instead: Moto G Power 2023, Moto G Power 2024, or the Moto G Stylus 2024 5G
3. Moto G Play 2023
The Moto G Play 2023 is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market with a retail price of around $50, but you get what you pay for. With just 3GB of RAM and a basic Snapdragon 460 processor, this phone struggles with multitasking and running demanding apps. Other features such as the camera and screen, are also not the best.
One of the main reasons we recommend avoiding the 2023 Play is the release of the 2024 Play which offers several upgrades at the same price point. Better yet, consider some of the budget options from Samsung which can be found for around $100 and include better software update policy and extra features like 5G and NFC.
What to buy instead: Moto G Play 2024 or the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G might be a surprise addition on this list, but it's included for good reason.
While it offers 5G connectivity, a good display, great camera performance and Samsung's excellent update policy, it has recently been eclipsed by a new smartphone that offers improved performance and features at a similar price.
The Galaxy A54 5G retails for around $300 from Tracfone and has not dropped in price very much over the year it has been available. Now, Tracfone offers the Galaxy A35 5G which includes the same processor, an upgraded screen and latest Android OS, at a similar retail price of $299.
If you were considering the A54 5G in 2024, we recommend shopping for the Galaxy A35 5G for a few upgrades at a similar price.
What to buy instead: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5. Moto G Pure
The Moto G Pure is an entry-level phone that falls short in many areas. With a low-resolution display, minimal RAM, and an underpowered MediaTek Helio G25 processor, this phone struggles with basic tasks. The camera performance is lackluster, and the overall user experience is subpar. Even at a low price, the Moto G Pure is a phone that’s hard to recommend in 2024.
Compounding those issues is the wide variety of better phones available at a similar budget price such as the Moto G Play 2024, or the Galaxy A14 5G. These devices are available for under $100 and offer improved performance and connectivity. For all our budget picks see our list of the best Tracfone smartphones under $100.
What to buy instead: Moto G Play 2024 or the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Conclusion
There are plenty of other devices we could also include in this list, such as the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, which customers should choose the A25 5G instead, but we hope the included phones will help guide your shopping this year.
Tell us about your experiences or phones you suggest avoiding (or buying!) in the comments below, or head over to our Facebook page to join the conversation!
For more on the basics of Tracfone, visit our Beginners Guide and also read our 7 Tips and Tricks to Save Money with Tracfone
Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100!
Finally, learn how to Make your Airtime Last Longer and also check out our recent post on How Data works with Tracfone.
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