Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Tracfone Review

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Features, Specs and Review

The Galaxy A36 5G is a sleek and powerful mid-range smartphone newly available through Tracfone. With a vivid 6.7" AMOLED display, excellent software support, and fast charging, it stands out as one of the most feature-rich options in its price category.

Samsung offers several new phones in their popular Galaxy A line for this year, including the A16, which is already available from Tracfone, and A56m which is only available unlocked at this time. 

The A36 5G is a mid-level option in Samsung's lineup, while still offering some exciting features and upgrades over last year's model. We will also be comparing it closely to the newly available Moto G Power 2025, and some other new devices from Tracfone.

Let's start this review with our pros and cons for the A36.

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Pros:

• Bright and sharp AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Long battery life with 45W fast charging
• Good build quality and IP67 rating
• Excellent software support (6 Android upgrades)
• Solid all-around performance

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Cons:

• No microSD card slot
• No 3.5mm headphone jack
• No wireless charging

Samsung's A36 brings a number of modern features like a bright screen, IP67 waterproof rating, fast charging speed, and the latest Android OS. But it leaves a few notable features behind, like expandable storage, or wireless charging - both of which are included in the Moto G Power 2025.

Now let's go over the full list of features and specifications.

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Features and Specs:

• Display: 6.7-inch SuperAMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2340 pixels
• Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Octa-core processor
• RAM & Storage: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (no external storage)
• Operating System: Android 15, One UI 7, six major Android upgrades
• Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
• Front Camera: 12MP (wide)
• Battery: 5000mAh, 45W wired charging
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
• Security: Under-display fingerprint sensor
• Durability: IP67 dust/water resistant, Gorilla Glass Victus
• Audio: Stereo speakers, no headphone jack

Additional features from Tracfone include LTE/5G network access on Verizon's network, no-contract service, data carryover and a variety of flexible plans. When purchasing a Tracfone device, it comes locked to Tracfone, but is automatically unlocked after two months. Follow our Guide to Unlocking your Tracfone Smartphone if you run into any issues.

A big benefit of purchasing the Galaxy A36 5G from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is significantly lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Design and Build

The Galaxy A36 5G features a premium design with a Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back, surrounded by a sturdy plastic frame. Weighing 195g and measuring just 7.4mm thick, the phone feels slim and refined in hand, and is notably lighter than last year's model. It carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind for everyday use.

The phone does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature Samsung is leaving behind for all their devices in 2025. We do get stereo speakers which offer good performance, and  it includes NFC and an in-display fingerprint reader.

By comparison, the Moto G Power 2025 has better durability and waterproof rating and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, but is slightly heavier.

Display

A major highlight is the 6.7-inch SuperAMOLED display, which boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a sharp 1080 x 2340 resolution (~385 ppi). With peak brightness reaching up to 1900 nits, this screen remains visible even under direct sunlight. The Always-On Display feature and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection round out an excellent viewing experience for the A36.

The A16 5G from Samsung offers a similar screen, but has a lower brightness rating and only 90hz refresh rate. 

Whether you're streaming videos, browsing, or gaming, the SuperAMOLED display provides one of the best screens in this price range and is one of the things Samsung is well known for.

Performance and Software

Equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, the A36 delivers solid performance for multitasking, media consumption, and even moderate gaming. Its octa-core CPU and Adreno 710 GPU ensure responsive operation. The A36 comes with 6GB RAM, which may hinder the performance in some areas, and we would have liked to see at least 8GB.

There is no external storage slot for the Galaxy A36, but it does include 128GB internal storage. 

For software, the phone runs Android 15 with One UI 7 and is promised six major Android updates, making it one of the longest-supported phones in this price segment. By comparison, Motorola is only offering 2 major OS updates.

The performance on the Galaxy A36 5G strikes a balance between power and versatility, and is a significant upgrade over devices such as the Moto G Power 2025 and Galaxy A16 5G. 

Cameras

The triple-camera system includes a 50MP main lens with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5MP macro lens. The main camera captures detailed shots with strong dynamic range, while the ultrawide is great for landscapes. For video, the rear camera shoots up to 4k@30fps and includes gyro-EIS for smooth recordings. 

The 12MP front camera captures impressive selfies and supports 4K video and HDR, offering clear images and smooth video. 

Samsung devices typically have good camera performance, and the A36 is no exception, achieving good overall images and video. 

Battery Life and Charging

Packing a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy A36 5G easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. Its 45W wired charging can take the battery to 66% in just 30 minutes and to 100% in about 68 minutes. While wireless charging isn’t supported, the fast wired option good to have.

The Moto G Power includes both 68W fast charging, and wireless charging. and we are a little surprised that the A36 does not include wireless charging at this price point.  

Final Thoughts

For Tracfone customers looking for a high-performance smartphone with future-proof software support and a premium design, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is an excellent choice. It combines an immersive display, strong cameras, fast charging, and years of OS updates at a mid-range price.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Comparison:
Compared to the Galaxy A35 5G, the A36 brings several meaningful upgrades: a brighter, slightly larger AMOLED display, an updated and efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, faster 45W charging (up from 25W), and extended software support with six years of Android updates. While both share a similar design and IP67 rating, the A36 edges ahead with better AI features, a refined build, and longer-lasting relevance. Plus the A36 5G is actually less expensive than the A35 5G from Tracfone at this time.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Comparison:
The A36 5G is a significant step up compared to the A16 5G, with both phones sharing a similar screen, but the A36 offering a brighter and higher refresh rate. In almost all other areas the Galaxy A36 offers upgrades over the A16, including a better processor, improved cameras, faster charging speed, stereo speakers and a more sophisticated design. The A16 is more than $100 less than the A36, which may be a factor for some users who don't need the additional features of the A36.

Moto G Power 2025 Comparison:
When looking at the Moto G Power 2025, the A36 5G excels in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and long-term software support, making it ideal for users seeking a feature-rich smartphone experience. The 2025 Power stands out with its rugged design, superior durability, and wireless charging, catering to those who prioritize resilience and battery longevity. The Power is also about $100 less expensive from Tracfone, and includes more RAM and an external storage option.

With its compelling feature set and durable design, the Galaxy A36 5G is one of the best mid-range smartphones available from Tracfone in 2025.

Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Get the Tracfone version (phone only) of the Galaxy A36 5G from Tracfone for $279.

For the Unlocked version of the Galaxy A36 5G, shop on Amazon starting at $339

Get the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G User Manual to learn more about the device and how to setup your phone.

That concludes our review of the Galaxy A36 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.

If you're shopping around for other plans, take a look at the Best Alternatives to Tracfone. 

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.

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Top 10 Best Tracfone Smartphones - 2025

List of the Best Tracfone Cell Phones for 2025

Everyone wants to know, what is the best Tracfone device? Which cell phones are the best options from Tracfone? There are a lot of phones available from Tracfone and we have collected our top options from the prepaid service provider below.

As you might expect, this list mostly more expensive smartphones that Tracfone has released over the last few years. But which one will receive the top pick? And where in the ranking do the rest of the phones fall?

If you would like to see all of our recent reviews, visit our Cell Phone Review page. Also keep up with new devices on our Latest Tracfone Cell Phone List.

We are judging this list of the best cell phones based primarily on features, specifications, and performance as well as feedback from consumers. These phones are all available directly from Tracfone at typically subsidized prices, but they do come locked for at least the first few months of use. 

Here's the our picks for the top Tracfone smartphones in 2025:

Top 10 Best Tracfone Smartphone (2025):

1. iPhone 16e
2. Motorola Edge (2024)
3. iPhone 13 128GB
4. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5. iPhone SE 3rd Generation
6. Moto G Stylus 2025
7. Google Pixel 6a
8. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
9. Moto G Stylus 2024
10. Moto G Power 2025

While these top devices offer a lot of great features, most Tracfone users are more interested in budget friendly options with great value. Take a look at the Best Tracfone Devices Under $100 for some options.

We expect Tracfone to continue to release several new Android and Apple smartphones in 2025, including the Moto G Edge 2024 (now in our list), and the iPhone 16 and will update as needed.

Now below is a more detailed breakdown of the top five phones from our list.

Best Smartphones from Tracfone in 2025 (Top 5)

#1 iPhone 16e

Screen: 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED display (2532 x 1170 pixels)
Camera: 48MP Fusion rear camera with 2x telephoto; 12MP front camera
Storage: 128GB
RAM: 8GB
Processor: A18 chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
Operating System: iOS 18​

The iPhone 16e combines the design of the iPhone 14 with the performance of the latest A18 chip, offering a 6.1-inch OLED display and a durable aluminum body. It comes with a 48MP Fusion camera system capable of capturing high-resolution photos and 4K Dolby Vision videos, along with a 12MP front-facing camera. Beyond the superiors photos and videos this device also supports 5G connectivity, eSIM, and includes safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. Battery life is good, with up to 26 hours of video playback. The iPhone 16e is available in black and white, starting at $599 for the 128GB model on the Tracfone Website.

#2 Motorola Edge (2024)

Screen: 6.6" FHD+ pOLED Endless Edge display, 144Hz refresh rate (1080 x 2400 pixels)

Camera: Dual rear cameras (50MP main + 13MP ultrawide); 32MP front camera

Storage: 256GB

RAM: 8GB

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Octa-core processor

Operating System: Android 14​

Newly available from Tracfone in 2025, the Motorola Edge (2024) offers a premium design with a curved pOLED display and vegan leather back. Its 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor provides efficient performance. 

The device features a versatile camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, complemented by a 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies. With 256GB of storage and 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking and storage needs effectively. 

Additional features include 68W TurboPower fast charging, 15W wireless charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and NFC support. Running on Android 14, the Motorola Edge (2024) is a compelling option for those seeking a feature-rich smartphone. ​

The Edge has a retail price of $249 and is available on the Tracfone website.

#3 Apple iPhone 13 128GB

Screen: 5.1" Super Retina XDR OLED touchscreen (1080 x 2340 pixels)
Camera: Dual 12 MP cameras with OIS, ultrawide angle and 4K video up to 60 fps
Storage: 64 GB
Processor: A15 Bionic Chip
Operating System: Apple iOS 15

The iPhone 13  has some of the most advanced features and specs of any phone available from Tracfone, thanks in part to the A15 Bionic hexa-core processing chip. Yet it is also now several years old, and that should be a factor when considering this phone.

Photos are a major feature due to a dual 12 MP camera with wide and ultra-wide angle lenses that capture excellent images even with limited light. Video recording capabilities reach up to 4K, and are good enough for casual video production. Also included in this device are 128GB storage, iOS 15 and IP68 dust/water resistant rating.

The iPhone 13 has Apple's well known performance and high quality screen, camera and app store. While it is a top pick, the iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, and it might not be the best option for most users who may want to go with a newer device. We are expecting the iPhone 16e to be available form Tracfone soon.

The price is high for most Tracfone users, at $399 currently on the Tracfone website.

Choosing between Apple and Android is usually a matter of personal preference, as the operating systems differ quote a lot, and many users prefer to stick with one or the other. Apple offers a consistent experience with all their smartphones, but they also have a much higher price compared to Android offerings from Tracfone.

#4 Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Screen: 6.6" FHD+ Super AMOLED 120hz display (1080 x 2340 pixels)
Camera: Triple rear camera (50 + 8 + 5MP cameras)
Storage: 128 GB
RAM: 6 GB

Processor: Exynos 1380 Octa-core processor
Operating System: Android 14

Samsung offers the A35 with a host of solid features, and a number of similarities to last year's Galaxy A54. The A35 has a stunning 6.6" touchscreen with Super AMOLED technology for plenty of brightness and color vibrancy. It has 5G network compatibility, NFC, and runs Android 14 OS with 4 updates and 5 years of support from Samsung.

The A35 also has the Exynos 1380 processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage and triple rear camera setup. These are all just about the same features as the Galaxy A54 5G from last year, and it looks like Samsung has taken some of the best features from that phone and added it to the A35 with a few updates.

The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G retails for around $300 and take a look at our Galaxy A35 Review for more details and where to buy.

For a less expensive phone that is still quite capable, consider the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G.

#5 Apple iPhone SE 3rd Generation

Screen: 4.7" Retina IPS LCD Touchscreen (750 x 1334 pixels)

Camera: 12 MP wide angle camera 
Storage: 64 GB
Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
Operating System: Apple iOS 15.4

The iPhone SE is on our list as a top pick from Tracfone for the good balance of performance and price. It is as close to a 'budget' smartphone as you can get with Apple but it still retains all the features and performance of an iPhone, just in a smaller size. It was released in March 2022.

The 3rd generation in the popular SE lineup brings updates and upgrades to the older iPhone models with faster processor and improved camera. It has the A15 Bionic processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage and 12MP rear camera that can shoot 4K up to 60fps. 

Apple devices are well known for the combination of a great user experience and solid design. As well as an excellent camera. For die-hard Apple fans this phone is a great option. But for the average Tracfone user, there are a number of less expensive Android smartphones that are just about as capable.

The price may be the only drawback, at $399 currently on the Tracfone website. 

There are newer iPhones available, including the iPhone 16 which was just released, but they are not available from Tracfone at this time.

For more options, visit the Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones.

That concludes our list of the Best Tracfone Cell Phones. For many, buying the expensive phones, like the iPhone 12, would be impractical because of the high cost. Most Tracfone users are looking for a good balance of price and features, which includes the majority of the phones from Tracfone. 

Leave a comment with your thoughts, and if you enjoyed this list, take a look at our List of the Best Phones for Tracfone BYOP.

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We also want to share that Tracfone continues to add new phones to their lineup, and we will work to update this post as needed.

For more on the cell phones offered by Tracfone, visit our Cell Phones Review page.

Also don't forget about our most popular page, the Tracfone Promo Codes!

Finally, keep up with all the latest news and info on our Facebook page!

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How to Unlock a Tracfone Mobile Phone (Updated 2025)

Unlock Your Tracfone Mobile Phone for Free

Unlock your Tracfone smartphone for free with this guide so that you can use your phone with other carriers in the US or even internationally. TracfoneReviewer shares the requirements and a step by step guide below!

An unlocked phone makes it easy to switch between carriers, or travel to another country and insert a new SIM card to have data and service. All Tracfone smartphones are locked to Tracfone for a certain amount of time, but now it is easier than ever to get your phone unlocked!

Tracfone is well known for not allowing their phones to be unlocked (several years ago), but because of FCC rules, and a ruling against Tracfone, they are required to unlock phones from after a certain date, offer a credit towards an exchange, or offer a partial cash refund for older devices.

Here is the free and easy unlocking guide, with detailed requirements below.

Most Tracfone Smartphones Now Unlock Automatically

For all cellphones Activated on the Verizon network on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone will be remotely unlocked automatically 60 days after paid Activation and 60 days of paid active service.

This means that if you purchased a Tracfone device in the last few years, and have used it with Tracfone, it should be automatically unlocked now.

However, for devices activated before November 23, 2021, or those activated on ATT or T-Mobile, the phone must have active service for 12 months before the user can request it to be unlocked.

If you have a phone that is not on Verizon's network or was activated prior to November 2021, use the following steps to unlock your phone.

Unlock a Tracfone Cell Phone - 3 Steps:

Be aware that not all Tracfone devices can be unlocked, many of the older phones are not eligible, and can only be traded for a small cash refund. However, many phones are eligible, and these are the steps to unlock your phone:

Step 1: Contact Tracfone for Unlock Code

Go to www.tfwunlockpolicy.com and enter your phone number at the bottom of the page. You can also call 1-888-442-5102 during normal business hours, but using the web is typically much easier.

You must have had the phone active with Tracfone service for 60 days or in some cases up to 12 months to be eligible for unlocking. See full requirements below.

Step 2: Get Unlock Code and Write it Down
If your phone is eligible, you will be able to continue the process to receive an unlock code for your phone. If your phone is not eligible to be unlocked, you may need to wait a little longer, or in some cases you may still qualify for a credit towards a new phone, or a cash refund.

We tested several older Tracfone devices and while they were 'eligible' to be unlocked, Tracfone wasn't able to unlock them due to various issues, and offered instead a cash refund of $5-$15. Many of Tracfone's older devices are unable to be unlocked due to software issues.

Step 3: Insert New SIM and Enter Unlock Code When Prompted
Once you get the unlock code from Tracfone, you can purchase a SIM card from another carrier, power off your phone, switch the SIM cards, and turn it back on. You should get a notification that your phone is locked, but there should be a place for you to enter your unlock code. After the code is entered your phone will be able to use the new SIM card. You can always switch SIM cards whenever you like, just remember to turn your phone off and back on.

And that is all it takes to unlock a Tracfone prepaid device. It is a fairly easy process, if your phone is eligible. If you have questions or need help, connect with our community on Facebook.

NOTE: Some online websites offer unlocking services for a price. We do not recommend using these, they will charge you whether or not they can unlock your phone and there is no guarantee it will work.

Going through the process of unlocking a Tracfone device doesn't seem worthwhile in most cases with the huge number of unlocked devices available on the market at very low prices. Amazon, eBay and many other online retailers have plenty of unlocked phones, and if you buy older models, or refurbished phones, you can often get a great deal.

Check out our list of the Best Unlocked Phones for Tracfone to get some ideas about the great options already available.

Three Steps to Unlock a Tracfone Smartphone

Requirements for Unlocking a Tracfone Device (Updated April 2025)

There are several key requirements that you must meet in order to get your phone unlocked. Here are the requirements:

Unlocking Requirements for both Android and Apple devices:
For customers with cellphones capable of remote unlocking (this includes most iPhones and some Android cellphones):

Verizon Value will remotely unlock the phone when it becomes eligible for unlocking, provided it meets the following conditions:

• The cellphone must be in working condition and turned ON.
• The cellphone has not been reported stolen or lost and there are no indicators of fraud.
• The cellphone was activated with Verizon Value service by purchasing and redeeming an airtime plan on that specific phone ("Activation")
• For all cellphones Activated prior to November 23, 2021 on any carrier network and all cellphones Activated on the T-Mobile or AT&T networks on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone will be remotely unlocked upon customer request after twelve (12) months of active paid service.
• For all cellphones Activated on the Verizon network on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone will be remotely unlocked automatically 60 days after paid Activation and 60 days of paid active service.
• (Source - www.tfwunlockpolicy.com/)

For customers with cellphones NOT capable of remote unlocking: (this includes most Android cellphones for Verizon Value brands purchased prior to June of 2023):

Verizon Value will provide an unlocking code or codes to customers who request unlocking, provided the cellphones meet the following conditions:

• The cellphone must be in working condition.
• The cellphone has not been reported stolen or lost and there are no indicators of fraud.
• The cellphone was Activated with paid service.
• For cellphones Activated prior to November 23, 2021 on any carrier network and on or after November 23, 2021 on the T-Mobile or AT&T networks, the cellphone must have been active with paid service for no fewer than twelve (12) months.
• For cellphones Activated with new service on the Verizon network on or after November 23, 2021, the cellphone is eligible for unlocking after paid Activation and 60 days of paid active service. Notification of the phone's unlock eligibility will be sent via SMS along with a link to the website where the unlock process can be accessed.
• (Source - www.tfwunlockpolicy.com/)

(You can also check if your phone is eligible by entering your phone number or serial number at the bottom of this page)

There are a lot of requirements, but for many users, your phone may be automatically unlocked after just 2 months. For some, you may need to have your phone active for 12 months with Tracfone in order to unlock it. For iPhone users, Tracfone says they will automatically unlock it when eligible, but we have not been able to confirm this.

If you have an unlocked phone, you can activate it with Tracfone BYOP. Then, if you travel to another country and need to use cell phone service, simply power off the phone, switch the SIM cards, and you are ready to use your phone in the new country. Switch the SIM cards back when you return to the US.

We hope this information has been helpful. Leave a comment below with any questions or thoughts, and also share your experiences.

We are also on Facebook, with a large community who help answer questions, share news and much more.

New to Tracfone or still trying to figure things out? Visit our Beginners Guide.

Also take a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones under $100

See our latest post about the Best Tracfone Deals, Discounts and Sales including several recent smartphones with airtime bundles. 

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Motorola Moto G 2025 Tracfone Review

Tracfone Moto G 2025 (XT2513V) Smartphone Review

The Motorola Moto G 2025 is an affordable 5G smartphone available from Tracfone, offering a large 6.7" display, long battery life and a price tag under $100. 

The phone is newly available from Tracfone in 2025, and there are actually two versions of the Moto G - one with 64GB internal storage, and the other with 128GB. 

Along with those two variants, Tracfone has the new Moto G Power 2025, which is basically the big brother to the Moto G, and offers several upgrades and improvements, as well as significant durability ratings. Keep up with all the new phones in our Latest List of Tracfone Smartphones.

Let’s take a closer look at what this device has to offer with our pros and cons:.

Moto G Pros: 
Large 6.7-inch 120Hz display
5000mAh battery with fast charging
Water-repellent design
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
5G connectivity at an affordable price

Moto G Cons: 
720p display resolution
Limited to two major Android updates
Only 4GB RAM
Camera performance is average

As with all budget friendly phones, there are compromises the manufacturer must make and the Moto G has a few drawbacks worth noting including a lower resolution screen, mediocre cameras, and modest processor performance. 

Yet there are also some surprise inclusions, such as 120hz fast refresh rate, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, and 30W fast charging speeds. What makes the Moto G even more enticing is the lower subsidized price from Tracfone. 

For a closer look at all the details, let's get into the full review.

Moto G 2025 Features and Specs:

• Display: 6.7" IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720 x 1604 pixels, Gorilla Glass 3
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
• RAM & Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
• Operating System: Android 15, with two major Android upgrades
• Main Camera: 50MP (wide) + 2MP (macro)
• Front Camera: 16MP (wide)
• Battery: 5000mAh, 30W wired charging
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, NFC, Nano-SIM + eSIM
• Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
• Durability: Water-repellent design
• Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm headphone jack

Additional features from Tracfone include LTE/5G network access on Verizon's network, no-contract service, data carryover and a variety of flexible plans. When purchasing a Tracfone device, it comes locked to Tracfone, but is automatically unlocked after two months. Follow our Guide to Unlocking your Tracfone Smartphone if you run into any issues.

A big benefit of purchasing the Moto G from Tracfone is the subsidized price which is significantly lower than the unlocked retail price. We will go over the best options for buying this phone later on, but first, let's get to our review.

Design and Build
The Moto G 2025 features a sturdy yet stylish build with  Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front screen, a silicone polymer (eco-leather) back, and a plastic frame. At 6.8oz, it is a little lighter compared to some competitors while still providing a premium feel. The phone includes a water-repellent design to help protect against spills and light rain, though it does not have an official IP rating.

Button layout remains similar to past devices, with the popular dual power button/fingerprint reader on the side. For audio, the Moto G includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos along with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

If durability is a concern, users may want to upgrade to the Moto G Power, which features robust durability and waterproofing ratings that didn't get included with the Moto G this year.

Display 
Offering a large 6.7" IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Moto G 2025 has a smooth and fluid viewing experience. However, its 720 x 1604 resolution (~262 ppi) is a step down from Full HD displays, resulting in slightly less sharp visuals if you look closely. While adequate for daily use, those seeking high-definition clarity may find the display lacking. 

Tracfone recently released the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G which also comes with a 6.7" screen, but Super AMOLED technology for an upgraded viewing experience. This may be a good upgrade for those who enjoy consuming a lot of media on their device, and the A16 is only a little more expensive.

Performance and Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the Moto G 2025 delivers decent performance for everyday tasks. Its octa-core processor is paired with only 4GB RAM, and can get bogged down by gaming or intensive applications. This phone just isn't made for major gaming, but functions with minimal issues when switching between menus or operating basic apps.

None of Tracfone's budget phone options are ideal for gaming or high performance, and users will need to spend significantly more if that is a priority. The Moto G Power 2025 does include twice as much RAM, which helps improve performance, but uses the same processor and still struggles running intensive games.

For storage, the Moto G comes in two variants - 64GB or 128GB internal storage with a $40 price difference. While we generally recommend the increased storage option, the phone also features up to 1TB external storage using a microSD card. Photos, videos and even some apps can be moved to the external storage to free up space on the device.

We suggest taking a look at your current phone and how much storage it has, and whether you have filled it up or not, and then determine if you need 64GB or 128GB form the Moto G.

With Android 15 out of the box and support for two major Android upgrades, users can expect some software longevity. Samsung, however, offers a much longer software update policy making it a better option for those planning to keep their phone for more than 2-3 years.

While the Moto G Power and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offer some performance improvements over the Moto G, for many users, the improvements are only slightly noticeable and to get a big performance upgrade users will have to consider devices like the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G or Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 (both were released last year).

Cameras The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with PDAF and OIS, capturing reasonably good images in bright lighting. A secondary 2MP macro lens is available, though it offers limited functionality. Camera quality and performance isn't usually a strength for Motorola, and the Moto G is no exception. Photos in less than ideal lighting struggle with detail and sharpness. 

The 16MP front-facing camera provides decent selfies and 1080p video recording. While camera performance is respectable for its price range, the overall performance is pretty average.

Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, the Moto G 2025 can easily last a full day of usage on a single charge. Combine that with 30W wired charging, and this phone can get fully recharged in just a few hours. There is no wireless charging, with is a feature included on the Moto G Power, but that's not really a big deal for most users.

The economical processor and lower resolution screen actually help make the battery last longer than most phones, and users will likely be able to get almost two days on a full charge with light use. 

Final Thoughts
For Tracfone users looking for an affordable 5G smartphone, the Motorola Moto G 2025 offers a balanced mix of performance, battery life, and essential features. While the display resolution is lower than ideal, the high refresh rate and strong battery life are nice improvements. At its price point, it serves as a very enticing option for budget-conscious consumers.

Comparing it to the Moto G Power 2025, the Moto G is less expensive, especially the 64GB version, but it can't keep up in most other categories. For under $200, the Power has a full HD screen, 8GB RAM, wireless charging and impressive water and dust resistance. Both phones share the same processor, and come with the latest Android OS.

The unlocked version of the Moto G retails for $199, which is likely to see some sales in the near future, but even with a sale, it is a little overpriced for what you get.

Tracfone's price point, especially for the 64GB version, is incredibly low for what you get with this phone and makes it a great option for replacing other aging budget phones like the Moto G Play, Pure or similar devices. For those who are willing to spend more, the Power has some nice upgrades and extra durability.

The Moto G 2025 is one of the best new smartphone options under $100. Plus it comes with 5G capability, a large screen, great battery life and decent performance, making it a good option for those looking to upgrade aging devices on Tracfone's network. 

Where to Buy the Moto G 2025

The Tracfone version of the Moto G 2025 can be purchased on the Tracfone website and there are two versions available at different price points: 

Get the 128GB Moto G on the Tracfone website for $99

Get the 64GB Moto G on the Tracfone Website for $59

We expect it to be available from more retailers in the near future.

Get the Moto G 2025 unlocked from Amazon with a retail price of $199. It is likely to go on sale in the near future.

Get the most from your phone with the Moto G 2025 User Manual.

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

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