June 27, 2017

Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro S727VL Tracfone Review

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro (S727VL) Specs and Review

Full details about the Galaxy Sky Pro, one of the more popular Tracfone devices (updated 3/2018)

review tracfone samsung galaxy sky pro j7 s727vl
Tracfone Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro
The Samsung Galaxy J7 (called the Sky Pro) is the big brother to the Samsung Galaxy J3 Sky and the Galaxy J3 Luna Pro which have both been available from Tracfone for several months now.

Update: There is a new version available, the Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown, with updated features including newer Android OS and faster processor. Follow the link above to view more details.

The Galaxy J7 Sky Pro has a large, 5.5" touchscreen, quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal memory. It also comes with Android 6.0.1 and an 8 MP camera.

One of a handful of popular phones released by Tracfone in 2017, the Galaxy Sky Pro is one of only a few phones that comes with 2 GB RAM.

View the Samsung Galaxy Sky Pro on Amazon ($149 currently $99)

Tracfone has continued to release new phones with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB memory, with the LG Fiesta 2 and LG Rebel 3 some of the more recent options.

Many Tracfone users have been looking for a phone from Tracfone that can offer performance at an affordable price, will the Galaxy J7 meet that need? Let's take a closer look to learn more.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro (S727VL) Features and Specs

Features and specs for the Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro
  • 4G LTE using CDMA (Verizon) service
  • Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS
  • Voicemail, Caller ID, MMS/SMS
  • 8 MP Rear Camera/ 5 MP Front Camera
  • Handsfree speaker, Alarm Clock, MP3 Player
Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro Technical Specs
  • Size: 3.09" x 6.0" x 0.30"
  • 5.5" HD Touchscreen 720x1280 resolution (TFT)
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 16 GB Internal Memory (Up to 256 GB memory with external Micro SD Card)
  • 1.4 Ghz Quad-core processor
  • 3300 mAh Battery (31 hours talk time, 22 days standby)
The Galaxy J7 brings improvements in several areas over its predecessors, the Galaxy Sky and Galaxy Luna, most notably increased RAM, screen size and processor. It has a few similarities to the Galaxy Luna Pro, such as Processor, RAM, and internal memory.

We will share more comparison details further down, but first let's look at a breakdown review of each of the main components on the J7.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro Review

Screen
At 5.5", the screen on the Samsung Galaxy J7 is large enough to make watching videos and texting easy, but not so big it won't fit in a pocket. It is a very popular size for many smartphones these days, with a several other phones, such as the LG Fiesta 2, also featuring a 5.5" screen.

It has an HD screen with resolution of 720x1280 (266 dpi), and most users find it vibrant and easy to see. There are options to make it brighter for outdoor use, and to dim it when using it at night. Overall it is one of the better screens for a phone in this price range from Tracfone.

Internal Specs
The Galaxy Sky Pro comes with 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory and a quad-core 1.4 Ghz processor (Snapdragon 425) that pair well together to allow multitasking and good responsiveness. The operating system and pre-installed apps take up about 8 GB, leaving 8 GB free for adding apps, pictures, music and videos. There is also a Micro SD Card slot for additional storage.

Although many would prefer this phone with extra storage space, such as 32 GB , it is quite capable of everyday use and loading a good number of apps on it before running out of space.

Check out our list of the Best Apps for Android for some ideas.

Camera
The camera performs well for both video and photos, and is capable of 1080p HD videos and 8 MP images. The front selfie camera shoots 5 MP pictures and has a 'wide angle' mode to allow more people to fit into one shot.

Battery
Battery life for the J7 Sky Pro is very reasonable, with 3300 mAh that should easily last the day for most users. It does have a battery saving mode to help reduce power usage when running low. Screen brightness and processor speed are usually the largest power consumers on a device, so if you find yourself running out the battery quickly, consider reducing these, or invest in an external battery pack.

tracfone samsung galaxy j7 s727vl
Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro for Tracfone
Android OS
The Galaxy J7 Sky Pro uses Android 6.0.1 which was first released at the end of 2015, and comes with a number of improvements, enhancements and appearance changes over previews versions. One issue with Tracfone smartphones is that you cannot update the OS. So whatever the version the phone comes with, it will not update to any newer versions. For most people, this isn't a problem, but if you like using the latest and greatest Android OS, consider looking into an unlocked phone like the Moto G5 Plus, and bringing it to Tracfone BYOP.

The combination of features and specs on the Galaxy J7 are impressive, especially at the price it can be found for online, and it is no wonder it has been a popular choice for many users.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro Compared to other Tracfone Smartphones

How does the Galaxy J7 compare to some of the other recently released smartphones? Let's take a look.

The Galaxy Luna has a 4.5" screen, while the Galaxy Sky comes with a 5" screen. Both of these devices have been popular choices for their good performance, and reasonable price, and both the Galaxy Luna Pro (5" screen) and Galaxy Sky Pro (5.5" screen) step it up another level with the increased RAM, Storage and screen size.

The main difference between the Galaxy J3 Luna Pro and Galaxy J7 Sky Pro are the screen size, and improved RAM on the J7.

The Galaxy J7 runs Android 6.0.1 which is a fairly recent version of the OS, but the LG Fiesta 2  and LG Rebel 3 already come with Android 7.0. The Fiesta also has a 5.5" screen, and 16 GB storage/2 GB RAM. The LG Rebel 3 has a smaller 5" screen, and the same RAM/Storage.

With the great performance of the Galaxy J7 Sky Pro, we have added it to our List of the Top 5 Tracfone Cell Phones.

Verizon will also be getting their own version of the Samsung Galaxy J7, which may have different specs than the Tracfone version. And it may be possible to bring it to the Tracfone BYOP program at a cheaper cost.

Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Sky Pro is currently available from Amazon and QVC.com for $99 with airtime bundle (1500 talk, text, data and 1 year service) which is a great deal. The airtime is worth about $125, making the phone free! We expect the price to go up slightly in the near future.

Find it on Amazon with an airtime card for $99

Overall the Galaxy J7 Sky Pro is very similar to the Galaxy Sky and Galaxy Luna, but with a larger screen and improved processor and RAM to keep up. If you are looking for a phone with a large screen the Galaxy Sky Pro might be a great option.

View the online tutorial for the J7 Sky Pro to learn more and here is the user manual.

Let us know if you have questions or thoughts by sharing a comment below. We will continue to update this as more information becomes available.

Keep up with the latest news and posts by following us on Facebook.

For more information on which airtime cards are cheapest/best value, read our Tracfone Airtime Comparison article

If you're new to Tracfone, get started with our Beginners Guide to Tracfone which includes a lot of helpful information.

And also take a look at our recent list of Tracfone Deals and Discounts for some great bargains.

Thanks for visiting!

June 5, 2017

Tracfone Promo Codes for June 2017

Tracfone Promo Codes - June 2017

The latest promo codes gathered and shared here for the TracfoneReviewer readers. 

tracfone promo code june 2017
Tracfone Promo Codes June 2017
As summer arrives so does a fresh batch of promo codes to use with Tracfone. We collect these codes and share only the latest here in this promo code list. We also have a larger list of codes on our main promo code page.

Use these codes when adding an airtime card to your Tracfone device. Each code is for a specific airtime card, but usually can be used with cards of greater value (for example, a code for the 60 minute card can also be used with the 120, 200 and 450 minute cards).

Some promo codes can only be used once, while others can be used multiple times.

These promo codes may also work on Tracfone smartphones like the LG Fiesta and Samsung Galaxy Sky, as well as BYOP devices like the Moto G5 Plus. Initially Tracfone appeared to not allow smartphones to accept promo codes, but a number of readers have confirmed promo codes adding bonus talk airtime on their smartphone devices. Tracfone is now offering bonus airtime on Smartphone Only airtime cards. Below is the only code available at this time, which gives bonus data for the $25 smartphone card.

If you're considering a new phone, start with our Cell Phone Reviews page or have a look at our recent list of the Best Phones for Tracfone BYOP.

With recent changes to the Tracfone website, it appears that the best way to ensure you receive bonus minutes is to call Tracfone directly and add airtime over the phone where you should have the chance to try more than one promo code.

Tracfone Promo Codes - June 2017

(We are still gathering the latest codes, and will update this as soon as possible)

60 Minute Card use code 22703 for 60 bonus minutes

120 Minute Card add 74790 and receive 40 extra minutes

200 Minute Card enter 73158 to get 40 free minutes or 96336 for 50 minutes

450 Minute Card  (no new codes yet, use one of the above codes)

1 Year/400 Minute Card (no new codes yet)

$15 off 1 Year/400 Minute Card with code 71279 (Only on Tracfone website)

100 MB free with code 34313 on the $25 smartphone only card

These are the latest Tracfone promo codes for June 2017. Let us know in the comments which code you used, and how it worked for you!

Looking for helpful information on how Tracfone service works? Look no further than our recently updated Beginners Guide to Tracfone which shares the basics of Tracfone airtime, phones and much more.

Visit our post on Unlocking Your Tracfone Device which shares how you can check if your phone is unlock-able, and details the steps to do it.

Also check out our latest Deals and Discounts including both Tracfone smartphone and unlocked devices.

Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and information, and connect with our helpful community.

Thanks for visiting!

May 18, 2017

LG Fiesta (L64VL/63BL)/Fiesta 2 Review - Tracfone Android

Tracfone LG Fiesta (L64VL/63BL) Review

Full details and specs on the LG Fiesta collected and shared by TracfoneReviewer.

tracfone lg fiesta review
LG Fiesta Review
The LG Fiesta was just released by Tracfone with a large 5.5" touchscreen, Android 7.0 and 16 GB memory. It is a big phone with big specs, but comes at a reasonable price.

Tracfone is continuing to add smartphones to their lineup that feature 16 GB internal memory, which is a must for many users. We have been expecting the Samsung Galaxy Sky Pro, which will have 16 GB memory and a 5.5" screen, but there is still no word on when that will be released.

Only the CDMA version (the L64VL) of the Fiesta is available right now, but we expect a GSM variant (the L63BL) to be released sometime soon.

NOTE: The Fiesta 2 is now available, which features the same specs as the Fiesta, except 2 GB RAM instead of 1.5 GB.

Let's have a look at the quick facts about the LG Fiesta

LG Fiesta Quick Facts:

The Good:
Android 7.0
Large 5.5" touchscreen
16 GB Internal Memory
13 MP camera

Not so Good:
Screen Resolution is just 1280x720
Does not come with triple minutes for life

There are a lot of promising specs listed for the LG Fiesta that we are very excited about. A 13 MP camera in a phone at this price range is very uncommon. And the fact that this phone runs the newest Anroid OS (at this time) is also quite good.

It's not all good, as you may have noticed. It appears that Tracfone is not offering the LG Fiesta with Triple Minutes for Life. If its true, it would be the first, and only, smartphone from Tracfone that doesn't have Triple Minutes for Life. We will go more in-depth on this further on.

Before we get into the details, lets look at the full features and specs on the Fiesta

LG Fiesta (L64VL/63BL) Features and Specs

Below are the features for the Fiesta, followed by the technical specifications
  • Android 7.0 Nougat
  • 4G LTE capability (L64VL version uses Verizon CDMA coverage, L63BL version uses ATT GSM coverage)
  • WiFi (only 2.4 Ghz)
  • GPS
  • Access to over 1 Million Apps from Google Play
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • Alarm Clock
  • Accelerometer, proximity sensor
  • MP3 Player
  • SMS/MMS
  • Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
LG Fiesta Technical Specs
  • Size: 3.07" x 6.09" x 0.33" (164g)
  • 5.5" IPS LCD Capacitive Touchscreen at 1280x720 Resolution (HD)
  • 1.4 Ghz Quad Core Processor
  • 1.5 GB RAM (Fiesta 2 comes with 2 GB RAM)
  • 16 GB Memory (about 10 GB usable, up to 2 TB external storage via MicroSD card slot
  • Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable with Talk Time 28hrs, Standby 25 days

One feature we haven't seen on any phones in this price range is the larger megapixel camera. The fiesta has a 13 MP rear camera which far exceeds most other Tracfone devices, including the 5 MP camera on the Galaxy Sky.

Not only does the Fiesta have a large camera and large screen, it also has a large battery which is desirable for consumers.

While the specs on the Fiesta look quite good, there are better phones offered by Tracfone, including the Samsung Galaxy S5, S6 and S7. Tracfone also offers several iPhone's, including the iPhone 6, 6 Plus and SE. But these phones all come at a higher (in some cases much higher) price. Have a look at our List of the Best Tracfone Smartphones for more information.

And now let's get to our review of the LG Fiesta with more detailed information about the main features and specs on this device.

Tracfone LG Fiesta Review

Screen Size
The most obvious feature on the Fiesta is the 5.5" touchscreen. This is a popular screen size and a number of smartphones are available at or below $200 with the same size screen. The Moto G4 is one example.

However, the Fiesta only has a screen resolution of 1280x720, while the Moto G4 has full HD 1920x1080. It is a noticeable difference, but LG had to find a corner to cut somewhere, and this appears to be it. For typical users, it won't make much of a difference, but videos and games won't look as good compared to devices with full HD screens.

Internal Specs - Memory, Processor and RAM
Overall the internal specs on the Fiesta are good, with 16 GB memory, 1.5 GB RAM and a 1.4 Ghz quad core processor, the fiesta shouldn't have a problem keeping up with most games and apps, but if you plan to load a lot of media onto the device, you should get a MicroSD card for it because the 10 GB of usable space fills up quickly (especially shooting HD video with the camera). Not that the Fiesta does not allow adoptable storage, and not all apps can be moved to a MicroSD card.

The LG Fiesta 2 comes with the same specs, but 2 GB RAM instead of 1.5 GB, which is a nice upgrade, but not enough of a difference for those who already have the Fiesta to go and purchase the Fiesta 2.

Camera
The Fiesta's camera is 13 MP for the rear camera and 5 MP on the front. There is an LED flash, auto-focus, face detection and HDR. Videos are recorded at 1080p 30fps full HD.

Quality is great in good lighting (as are most cameras), but noise starts to really affect the image quality in poor lighting conditions. Overall it is nice to have the extra resolution in the images for better detail.

Battery
A big phone usually comes with a big battery, but the Fiesta goes way beyond that with the 4500 mAh non-removable battery. By comparison, the Moto G4 has the same size screen, but only a 3000 mAh battery. The iPhone 6S Plus also has a 5.5" screen, but uses just a 2750 mAh battery.

The Fiesta is advertised to last, 'all weekend', and we will have to see with further testing if this holds true. In general it does appear to last throughout the day without a problem.

One surprise with the Fiesta is that despite the much larger battery, the phone is only slightly heavier than the Moto G4, and actually lighter than the iPhone 6S Plus.

Android Operating System
Android 7.0 Nougat comes on the LG Fiesta, which is the latest operating system available at this time. It comes with a number of performance, appearance, and security improvements including optimization for extending battery life.

With Android OS, access to over a million apps on Google Play is possible and there are apps for nearly anything you can think of, with most of them free. See our list of the Best Android Apps for some ideas.

No Triple Minutes for LIfe
This came as a surprise to us, and everyone else. It appears that Tracfone is not offering Triple Minutes for Life on the LG Fiesta, and any phones with Android 7.0 or newer.

At first take this seems like a big negative, but when considering things further, it might not be such a big deal. Triple Minutes only works on regular airtime cards (60, 120, 200, 450, etc.) and these cards generally aren't as good a deal as the smartphone only cards which Tracfone now offers (take a look at our Comparison of Tracfone Airtime Cards for details).

So for most users, buying the smartphone only cards is a better deal, and the lack of Triple Minutes on the LG Fiesta won't affect them. But if you do prefer to use regular airtime cards, you should probably avoid the LG Fiesta.

Up until this point, all smartphones, including those on Tracfone BYOP, came with Triple Minutes for Life. If you already have a phone with Triple Minutes for Life, nothing will change for you.

We are going to continue investigating any changes to Triple Minutes for Life on Tracfone smartphones and will be sharing what we learn in the near future.

LG Fiesta Overview and Where to Buy

Some of LG's budget smartphones have been known to have quality issues, such as the LG Treasure and Rebel. Time will tell if that is the case with the Fiesta, but at this time it is a very attractive phone for the price.

Comparison Chart (Click to View Full)
While some consumers may not want such a large phone, for the majority this will be a great option to upgrade to from older Tracfone smartphones. The large screen takes a little getting used to, but pretty soon it is hard to want a phone with anything less.

The Fiesta is fairly similar to the Samsung Galaxy Sky Pro and ZTE ZMAX Champ, but comes with the improved camera and newer Android OS. See the chart on the right for a breakdown of the key differences between these phones, which all feature a 5.5" touchscreen.

The Fiesta has a larger screen, better camera and more internal memory compared to the LG X Style. However, the X Style does offer a slimmer, more stylish appearance. And as for the Alcatel OneTouch Pixi Glory we recently reviewed, the Fiesta is better in just about every way, and available for a similar price.

Where to Buy the LG Fiesta

  • Amazon: Find the LG Fiesta on Amazon for $99 including 1000 talk minutes, 2000 texts and 2 GB Data.
  • HSN: The LG Fiesta is currently available with 1500 minutes from HSN for $119 (usually $139). This is a great value, as the airtime bundle is worth over $125..

The HSN bundle does include a cover for the phone, but if you are looking for more options, the LG x Power 2 is the same size, and there are a number of cases and more on Amazon

That concludes our review of the LG Fiesta (L64VL/63BL) from Tracfone. Take a look at the user manual for specific details on using the phone and leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions.

Take a quick look at our latest list of Tracfone Deals and Discounts which includes some good prices on unlocked smartphones

And learn about unlocking your Tracfone device (or if you qualify for a cash refund)

Keep up with our latest posts, news and other info by following us on Facebook!

Thanks for visiting!

May 10, 2017

Tracfone Deals and Sales - May 2017

List of Deals, Discounts and Sales on Tracfone Devices - May 2017

Here are the latest and greatest collection of discounted Tracfone devices and unlocked smartphones on sale. 

best price tracfone smartphone
Tracfone Deals and Discounts - May 2017
We know it can be a challenge to find the lowest price when you are shopping for a new phone, so we monitor and share the best deals from around the web here. 

We've included both Tracfone smartphones and unlocked devices that can be used with Tracfone BYOP. If you are not sure how bringing your own phone to Tracfone might work, visit our BYOP page or see our Guide to Activating a Tracfone Smartphone or BYOP Device.

One of the best ways to get a good deal when buying a Tracfone is to get it with an airtime bundle, which several websites offer. With a bundle, you usually get both airtime and a phone at a discounted price.

Let's take a look at some great deals on Tracfone Smartphones bundled with airtime.

Tracfone Smartphone Deals


Samsung Galaxy Sky - $109
One of the best affordable smartphones from Tracfone at this time, the Galaxy Sky comes with a 5" touchscreen, Android 6.0, 16GB memory and 1.5 GB RAM. It is a popular phone for good reason, and available from QVC bundled with 1350 total minutes plus 1 year of service, which is worth over $100. View our Review of the Galaxy Sky to learn more about the specs.


LG Premier - $89
The Premier features a 5.3" touchscreen, 8 GB memory, Android 5.1 and 1 GB RAM. The specs aren't quite as good as the Galaxy Sky, but it does have a larger screen and is capable of most everyday needs. It is available with 1350 minutes and 1 year of service (over $100 value) for just $89. Visit our Review of the LG Premier to see full specs and details.


Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime - $89
While the Galaxy Grand Prime has been available for about a year, it still delivers some great performance at the price, featuring a 5" screen, 8 GB memory and Android 5.0. This bundle comes with the Grand Prime and 1350 talk/text/data minutes plus 1 year of service for just $89.


Now for a few unlocked smartphones that are available at a great price, and can be brought to Tracfone BYOP.

Unlocked Smartphone Deals


Moto G4 Plus 16GB - $$189 or 64GB - $219
While the Moto G5 Plus was recently released, the G4 Plus still packs great value and now can be had at a discount. The G4 Plus features a 5.5" full HD touchscreen, Android 6.0 (with upgrade to 7.0 now available) an octa-core processor and 12MP camera. Visit our review of the Moto G4/ G4 Plus to learn more about what this phone offers.

Moto G4 Plus 16GB on Amazon - $189 ($60 off)

tracfone moto g5 plus
Moto G5 Plus 
Moto G5 Plus - $184 for Amazon Prime members
The best budget unlocked smartphone, the Moto G5 Plus has a powerful 2.0 Ghz octa-core processor, 5.2" screen Android 7.0 and 32 GB memory. Visit our Moto G5 Plus page for full specs. It is listed at $229, which is a reasonable price for the performance this phone offers, but Amazon Prime members can get a $45 gift card, reducing the price to $184.

Moto G5 Plus on Amazon - $229 (Amazon Prim members get $45 gift card with purchase)

Visit our list of the Best Unlocked phones to use with Tracfone BYOP if you are looking for more smartphone ideas. We also recently updated our list of the Best Tracfone Smartphones - 2017

If you have any questions, leave a comment below. And please let us know if you find any great deals on unlocked devices or Tracfone smartphones.

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Thanks for visiting!

May 2, 2017

Tracfone Promo Codes for May 2017

Tracfone Promo Codes - May 2017

New Promo Codes for May gathered by TracfoneReviewer. We share more than just codes, check out all our news, reviews and information!


Tracfone promo code
Tracfone Promo Code
Each month we collect the latest promotional codes from Tracfone and share them here for our readers to use and enjoy.

Promo codes can be used with the regular Tracfone airtime cards and each code is meant for a certain card amount, but can also be used on cards of greater value.

Tracfone recently changed their website which is making it hard to tell if a code will be accepted or not before adding it. If you're concerned about ensuring you get the bonus minutes, we recommend calling Tracfone and adding the airtime over the phone.

We work hard at providing just the newest codes that are valid and working for everyone, but sometimes promo codes don't work because they are limited to certain phones, geographical areas, or are one time use.

If you would like to view more promo codes, visit our full Tracfone Promo Code page.

These promo codes are npt supposed to work on Android smartphones, but sometimes they do so it is worth trying.

If you're considering a new phone, be sure to check out our list of the Top 5 Phones from Tracfone in 2017. You can also visit our Cell Phone Reviews page to see all our recent reviews.

Now, let's get to the codes!

Tracfone Promo Code List - May 2017


60 Minute Card use code 12745 for 60 bonus minutes

120 Minute Card enter 72218 to get 30 free minutes

200 Minute Card add code 34024 and receive 40 extra minutes

450 Minute Card enter code 97437 for 50 bonus airtime minutes

1 Year/400 Minute Card use 16806 to receive 300 additional minutes (only on the Tracfone website)

Get $15 off the 1 Year/400 minute card with code 42273 (only on the Tracfone website)

These are the latest codes and should all be valid through May 2017. Let us know in the comments below which code you used and how it worked.

We recently created a guide to Unlocking your Tracfone Cell Phone for those interested. Not all phones are able to be unlocked, but there is an easy way to check.

Join us on Facebook where we have a helpful community and also check out our YouTube channel.

And you might want to see our list of Tracfone Triple Minute Cell Phones if you don't already have one!

Thanks for visiting!