A Newer Phone From TracFone with 3G and WiFi
This review from Tracfone Reviewer covers the LG 840G.The LG 840G is a recently released touchscreen phone from Tracfone that offers a smartphone feel and look but with a no-contract prepaid cell phone.
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| LG 840G |
It is basically a much improved LG 800G with only a slightly higher price tag.
Many people agree that the LG840G is Tracfone's best offering yet, with a handful of great features that give this phone a similar feel to other smartphones on the market. But be aware this phone does not compare with top of the line phones from other major contract companies.
Features - LG 840G
This phone has most of the standard Tracfone features, but also includes several useful features worth spending a little extra for.- Triple Minutes for Life
- Mobile Web
- Media Player
- 2.0 MP Camera/Video
- Hands Free Speaker
- Voice Recorder
- Wall Charger
- 3-4 day normal use battery life
- 3G and WiFi Connectivity
- 2GB MicroSD Card
- About the size of an iPod Touch or iPhone
Likes and Dislikes for the LG 840G from Tracfone
Let's begin with the Likes:
There are quite a few features for the LG 840G that make it a very worthwhile upgrade from other phones.
Triple Minutes for Life means that if you add a 60 minute card, you would get 180 total minutes! (and don't forget to use a promo code!)
The battery life is advertised to last 4hrs of constant talk time, or 13 days on standby. Users have determined that with normal use, the battery lasts an impressive 3-4 days.
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| Large view of LG 840G |
Finally, one of the best features for the 840G is the 3G/WiFi. When connected to WiFi networks, such as in your home, at work, or other locations with free WiFi, browsing does not deduct from your prepaid minutes. This makes it possible to actually use the Mobile Web without draining your prepaid minutes in a hurry.
Additionally, the previous standard minute rate for web browsing of .5 units per minute has been changed to a ratio of actual data used, instead of time spent online. This also makes web browsing more economical than in the past.
New - Check out our post on How to Install Google Maps on the LG840G
New - Check out our post on How to Install Google Maps on the LG840G
Dislikes for the LG 840G
This phone does a good job of correcting a lot of the Dislikes we had about previous Tracfones. The included SD card, WiFi connectivity and Triple Minutes for Life leaves only a small handful of possible dislikes, which we will quickly mention here.
The phone runs a java based proprietary operating system which allows the installation of .jar apps, and is not a smartphone. This means that android apps etc. won't work on this phone. But, with a little effort, apps such as Google Maps can be installed on the phone.
Another interesting dislike is the QWERTY keypad that appears when texting or entering a web address. The problem occurs when one navigates to a website that has open text areas for entering information (such as registering for a website). No keypad appears and so it is impossible to enter any information. Using a different browser such as Opera Mini, is one way to get around this problem. Hopefully this issue will be addressed in the near future.
If you are interested in a great phone with a QWERTY keypad, consider the LG 530G.
If you are interested in a great phone with a QWERTY keypad, consider the LG 530G.
Overall Opinion and Review of the LG 840G
The LG 840G is stylish, modern and faster than previous Tracfone mobile phones with the feel of an iPod touch or iPhone. It provides plenty of useful features such as the microSD card, WiFi, and Triple Minutes for Life.
This phone is a great upgrade from other Tracfones, but those who are thinking of switching from a contract smartphone to the LG 840G may be a little disappointed with some of the limitations.
The cellphone retails for $59.99 most places, with occasional sales at various locations. However, it can sometimes be found for much less from Amazon
(last check it was $40 w/ free shipping!)
(last check it was $40 w/ free shipping!)With any touchscreen phone, covers and cases are very valuable in protecting the phone from scratches or other damage. Here is a link to LG 840G Covers on Amazon
with lots of options to suit anyone's needs and preferences.
Looking for more info on other phones? Check out our other Tracfone Reviews
Do you know what the texting rates are for this phone? I've heard the rates are different for each TracFone.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
sms is .30 minute/message
Deletemms is .50 minute/message + 1.00 min for pic message
half a minute thats what .5 means
DeleteWhen I send a photo, Tracfone deducts 1.00 for the pic and then another 4 plus minutes? Why is this? Before I had the LG 840 I was only charged 1.00 for sending pics. I tried making sure I was connected to Wifi when sending pics, but it doesn't make any difference. I lose almost 6 minutes every time I send or receive a text photo.
DeleteHey! That's happening with my new LG840 Tracfone also! When sending a pic or receiving one, the phone will say it's deducting 1 minute, then a few seconds later an additional 4 to 6 minutes is also deducted. Can anyone offer an explanation for this overcharge?? I've submitted this question to tracfone tech support on 4/15 but didn't get any response.
DeleteI'd like to be able to use this phone to send/receive pics, but until I can get an explanation and/or fix, I won't do so.... Other than this issue, I'm quite happy with the phone.
Any help will be appreciated!!
My last tracfone did not charge me for receiving messages only sending them. This one does. Also I noticed that one text done not always count as one. You have to watch and see how many pages your text is. A longer text might be two or more pages long. If it is two or more pages long you will get charged for sending a text message per page. I did not notice this until I sent a 4 page text out and got charged for sending out 4 separate text. This is the same for receiving text. Bottom line if you do not want to get charged more then make your text short and sweet.
DeleteAs far as we know it is still .3 units per sms. The 3g browsing rate is different, however. It supposedly charges based on data used, not time spent online, which seems like a nice change. Browsing using wifi is free however.
ReplyDeleteDoes this phone allow you to see who text is from before accepting it and being charged? The Samsung S390g does while the LG800 does not.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it doesn't seem so. It would be nice if it would show some of the message information before you had to spend to open it, but it does have triple minutes for life, and texts are only .3 units.
DeleteThis was my question also, can't seem to find a way around it, funny though once you open the text it will show you who it is from when you go back into your messages. Think it should be able to show you before opening, shows you who it is when it is a call. Still trying to see if there is a way around this.
DeleteI believe you can see the beginning of the message by tapping 'Ignore' on the pop-up notification. (I am not sure about this because I just got the phone, and only suggested it because it was effective with my last LG tracfone)
Delete1. Sign up for a Google Voice number.
ReplyDelete2. Disable your Tracfone voicemail and use Google Voice's voicemail
3. Configure your Google Voice account to "Receive text messages on this phone" as well as "Notify me of new voicemails via text"
3. Tell friends to text you/call you through your Google Voice number (from step 1)
4. When your Tracfone phone alerts you of incoming texts (as a result of step 3), use the phone browser over Wifi to login to your Google Voice account to view as well as reply to text messages for FREE (No mins wasted). You can also listen to voicemails through your Google Voice account without wasting minutes.
This is a great money saving tip that I have actually used before as well. A little tricky to work things out, but it can save you a lot of money over time! Especially if you only text a few people a lot and are located in a place with free wifi. Thanks for sharing this!
DeleteHow do you disable the Tracfone voicemail? The only solution I could find was to make sure my GVM answered first.
DeleteMy question is the same as KaylaKaze.....how do you disable the Tracfone voicemail? So, although I haven't set my tracfone VM up yet, I suspect it's not free.....as in, it uses minutes? Any help is appreciated.
DeleteIf you sign into your account online at the tracfone website, you can go to your voicemail settings and adjust it there.
DeleteDon't buy tracfone from Dollar Gen.
ReplyDeleteThey will not refund, and do not advise you of
this when you buy.
ah, a good tip, thanks for the info!
DeleteHow about buying the phone and then keeping it?
DeleteI don't see any problems there...
DeleteI am having difficulty with the LG840 QUERTY keyboard being way too sensitive. It is very difficult to type a text msg without having to correct the words several times. Is there a sensitivity setting or a stylus I could use to overcome this?
ReplyDeleteBecoming accustomed to a touchscreen can be challenging. Even switching between one touchscreen phone to another can be difficult. The best suggestion we have is to give it some time, and keep working with it. After a few days/weeks of use, you should get accustomed to it and be just fine.
DeleteToday I saw a "capacitive" stylus at a drug store for $7.
DeleteThey are MUCH cheaper online.
I think it is easier than most smartphones qwerty. all of them take time to get used too
DeleteI have trouble with the sensitivity when I get a call and the phone is in my pocket. When I touch it the call goes away. I have tried to set it to "send only key", but that made no difference. I miss a lot of calls. Tony S
DeleteWhat's the CPU on this new phone like? I have the LG800G and trying to run most java games, it's very slow. Also, does it allow for mp3s to be accessed by track number? The LG800G, when I open an album, lists the tracks by title alphabetically and I've found no way to change this.
ReplyDeleteHi, What do you think is better, LG840 or Samsung S390g? Is it really just a matter of personal taste preferring a qwerty or touch? Quality seems the same.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are both good phones so it probably just depends on your preference, although the S390G will have a better battery life.
DeleteI don't like the S390G because if I have it in a pocket it always seems to unlock or dials 000 which is a distress code. It will dial 911. They seem to answer, hang up, and then call you back asking if everything is ok. Very annoying! I'm wondering if the LG840G has a similar issue?
DeleteIs there any way to transfer contact info from one trac phone to another. Just bought 840g dredding adding contacts.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good question but the only answer I can think of is trying to put the contacts on a micro sd card and then switch the cards. Not sure if this will work but I'll give it a test myself. Tracfone's aren't exactly known for being easy to do things with besides call/text.
DeleteRadio Shack used BlueTooth to transfer all my contact information from my LG240 to my new LG840. This took less that 10 minutes. I was very pleased.
DeletePeter Vanosdall
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review on the LG840g, I ordered one from amazon got it for Under $110.00 plus another $30.00 off for putting it on their credit card. But I think I am going to have trouble. The last time I bought a phone online, I had to send it to TracFone and they sent me a different phone because I can not get a good enough signal with a sim card 0 to 2 bars, with my older LG slide I get, well got 6 or 7 bars + 1x. Do you think they make the LG840g in a non sim card phone ? I do not think that the wifi mode will work with a bad signal?
Could you advise me of what I might be able to do. I really, really like the new 840.
Don Burnett in Montana [pm59433@hotmail.com]
PS Just got email from TracFone,Unfortunately, your local calling area does not provide data services. Therefore, you will only be able to make and receive calls from your new TracFone. You can click "Yes" to proceed with the upgrade process acknowledging that that your new handset's browser will not work, or you may stop the upgrade process.
Could this mean none or just not at home?
Thanks again for your imput
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal on the phone. It may be that you are in an area that is not covered well by CDMA tracfones, so you might have to switch to GSM phones. They are two different networks that tracfone has phones for. I would suggest going on tracfones website and go to their phone section, enter your zip and see what kind of phones they try to sell you. if they have a G at the end, like LG 840 G, then you are in an area for GSM phones. If they have a C at the end, like LG 501 C, then you are in a CDMA network area. Once you know what network works in your area, try to get a phone that matches that.
DeleteHope this helps!
As far as upgrading your phone, that sounds like it would make the browser unusable anywhere, which would be a bit of a loss unless you don't plan to use it.
DeleteThe tip on determining GSM phones is great - thanks! I assume then the phone can be used in Europe if it is GSM.
DeleteHow long, I wonder, before Tracfone offers a true Android phone? Net10, which is Tracfone's pay-by-month division, already has several models.
ReplyDeleteWhen you can get a true Android, pay Tracfone's minute rates for call/text, and use Wifi for everything else... well, that's the day the cellular contract providers begin sliding into the dustbin of history. And good riddance to them.
I agree, and hopefully this will be in the near future! The LG 840g is a great step in that direction, but still some distance to go.
Deleteis the phone verizon towers
ReplyDeleteIt uses GSM, which is usually ATT towers and some other carriers.
DeleteCan you scan QR codes with this phone? If so, how? Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI bought my LG840 TP thru an HSN offer and they showed GPS as a feature. Nothing was mentioned about buying an app or anything additional for it. I cannot locate it or any instructions. Anybody have the same issue?
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteI am having the same trouble. It iscalled Google Maps not GPS. You can try to download it, but will have trouble bringing it up. Go to main screen and tap on Games and app. You will see the info about Goole maps. If you can bring it up, let me know.
I bought my LG840G also from HSN. The feature is called Google Maps.If you go to the main screen and tap on Games and App, you will see info on Google maps, you can download it , but I am having trouble bringing it up, keep getting message about it being an untrusted Midlet. Maybe you won't have the same trouble. If not, let me know. Thanks
DeleteI bought a lg840g from tracfone and I want to update the microsd card from a 2 to 32 has anyone done that? I am looking at microsd memory cards and see only microsdhc cards, can the lg840g take a microsdhc card or only as microsd card. I'm confused?
ReplyDeleteWhile I have not tried a 32gb micro sdhc card, I have heard from others that the LG 840g can take up to a 32gb card so it should work. If you don't want to take the risk, go for a 16gb microsd card, it should hold plenty and be a little bit cheaper.
DeleteI am using a SanDisk Ultra 32GB (Class 6) micro sdhc card in my 840g with no problem. I can transfer files quickly from my PC with a LG micro-USB cable that was purchased seperately from ebay@$4.99. Phone shows up as an external USB drive. There only seems to be a couple draw backs with using a large capacity card: 1) depending on the amount of data stored, you may have to wait a short time as the phone "loads" pictures for viewing. 2)more mp3s can be loaded into the music player, but file management of the songs is a bit cumbersome (especially if you have a lot of music loaded.)
Deletecan't seem to transfer any music or photos, phone just shows massive storage connected & just sits there. Any Ideas, Tracfone no help, rep said you can only transfer from the phone to computer, not what the manual says.
Deletehello yes it can use the 32 gig card its a micro sdcard slide out the old one and slide in new one then install battery turn on thats it if it dont work formatt it on ur computer then reinstall it
DeleteDo you know what class SD this phone uses or how quickly it can read and write? Anything over the data transfer speed of the device is pretty much useless so it does not make sense to spend more $ for a 6mbs if it only reads @ 2mbs etc. I Can't find any info on the LG website, they do not even list this phone?
DeleteI have not been able to get my pc to recognize my 840G (as a mass storage device). I called LG... they don't want to provide support per Tracfone's request.; however, I was able to speak with a sympathetic tech. He stated that the 840G only supports up to 4GB micro SD (contrary to page 11 of the user guide). I saw tha "anonymous" on 2-1-13 used a LG USB cable to connect. Would this be any different from any other standard A-to-micro USB cable? Any other thoughts on this issue?
DeleteAlso, would you have a link to find Opera mini to download?
When I connect to wi-fi, I can check my gmail account, but how can I use Google as my browser on the LG 840g? If I must use the Tracfone default browser while on a free wi-fi, will I be charged for time/data by Tracfone?
ReplyDeleteNo, fortunately you won't be charged while using the default browser with wifi. You could put Opera Mini on the phone, and choose to use that if you prefer.
DeleteHi, Peter, and thanks so much for your blog and all of the highly useful info here! I want to download a high(er)-speed browser to my LG840G, but also want the option to use the qwerty keyboard in text fields while surfing, e-mailing, etc. (as the solely available keyPAD option is slow and annoying)... Which version of Opera Mini would you recommend? 4.4 or 5.1? (I hear that version 7.1 is too slow/sluggish on this phone...) I also hear that 4.4 is fast, but I am unsure whether or not it has the qwerty option available...(?) 5.1 does, but this version is supposedly a little slower than 4.4. And, also, what about UC's browser, as an alternative to Opera? What are the pros and cons of each? Does UC have the qwerty option? Additionally, another key consideration for me is data-compression. I know that Opera compresses data by up to 80-90%... which is GREAT! Lastly, will the new downloaded browser replace the existing Tracfone homepage when I login??? Any and all info on this is greatly appreciated... Thanks again very much! - R. Adams, CA
DeleteWell, you have a lot of good questions. I would probably go with opera mini 4.4 for the speed aspect as that is always nice to be fast. As far as some of you other questions, they are just a little too technical for me, but I can direct you to a really great resource I have found with a forum of knowledgeable people who can probably answer all of these very specific questions. Check out http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php/330-Tracfone-Net10
DeleteHope that gives you some answers and thanks for your questions!
Awesome! I'll definitely check that website/forum... Thanks again very much, Peter, for your incredible service. Please keep it up!
DeleteWhat Network is this phone on? Verizon? ATT?
ReplyDeleteWhile Tracfone uses the networks of most major cell phone carriers, the 'G' at the end of LG 840G signifies that it uses the GSM network, which ATT and T-Mobile are the main companies. So, yes this phone uses ATT networks usually.
Deletehow could lg840g be better than motorola ex240 camera better on motorola
ReplyDeletetwo words, touchscreen and wifi.
Deletein the end though, its personal preference.
will a iphone 4 case fit the lg 840g?
ReplyDeleteI would like to know how to make my old wma ringtones useable on the LG 840g. My 800g would accept wma files and use them as ringtones, but this phone doesn't have the "use as" button activated when these music files are open. Is it that the phone will only recognize mp3 files for ringtones or will it only use Tracfone ringtones? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt might be that it will only recognize mp3, so try converting these files on your computer, it is easy to do and may solve your problem.
DeleteThanks for your reply. I did experiment and the mp3's will work, but I don't know how to convert wma to mp3. I suppose I would need a new program for that.
DeleteAlso, I haven't been able to find how to set a text message tone. The only settings that come up are "Ringtone" and "Ringtone ID." It's my husband's phone and I don't have much time to play with it, so any help would be appreciated.
Found today that in order to set a message tone, you can't set it from "set as" in the Audio section. You have to go into Sound Settings > Message Tone > Sounds in order to set a tone for texts.
DeleteHi Peter!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently using a Tracfone Motorola w376g flip cellphone and considering the LG840G cellphone. I like Tracfone and I want to upgrade and still avoid getting into a 2yr contract with a smartphone.
A few questions:
[1] LG840G is not considered a smartphone but does have an onboard operating system? How does this compare with the OS in the smartphones?
[2] How good is the 2.0 camera re taking group pics at family gathering or office parties? Can these pics be sent to other phones via wi-fi?
[3] Do I need to get a new phone number if I make the LG840G the primary phone and keep the Motorola W376G as a backup phone? Or, as an alternative--should I transfer my current number to the LG840G and get a new number for the Motorola W376G phone?
[4] Does the LG840G have GPS or can this be downloaded and added to the phone? What about getting a different browser for using the Internet on the phone?
[5] How hard will it be to transfer contact info between phones? Or should I keep the contact info on both phones?
[6] Since the LG840G is not a smartphone, does it require some kind of data plan for using GPS, sending/receiving email, texting, etc.?
[7] Is it better to get the LG840G thru QVC, HSN, or Amazon vs. buying directly from Tracfone or Radio Shack?
I know I'm asking a lot, so thanks in advance for your responses!
GW
Well, sounds like you have thought this through! I'll try to answer all your questions if possible.
Delete1 - the LG 840g is in sort of a gray area as to whether it is a smartphone or not. It does not have the capabilities, such as an app market, of android or other smartphone OS, it has been somewhat limited in that area. However, I believe you can still put java based applications on it, or some other type of application that allows you to use google maps and such.
2 - The camera is decent, but don't count on taking any pictures you will want to print and frame. It is possible to send them via MMS, or email them using the WiFi. It is also easy to store them on the phone, and then download them to a computer.
3 - If you want to make the LG 840g you primary phone, switching numbers is very easy to do. However, this will deactivate your old phone, so you will have to reactivate it if you want to keep using it. I would probably suggest switching your current number to the new phone, especially if you have a lot of friends/family who already have it.
4 - While the phone does not come with a GPS, many people download and use Google Maps which works well. You can also download other mobile internet browsers besides the default. Opera Mini is a popular one.
5 - I have gotten feedback that RadioShack can move or copy your contacts from one phone to another, which might be very nice if you have a lot of contacts.
6 - the LG 840g works very similar to previous tracfones - you are charged a certain number of minutes for calls, texts, and web browsing. However, it also has WiFi capability, which means that when you are at a location with WiFi, such as your house, you can connect to that and surf the web, email, etc for free. So, for example, if you are using Google Maps to look for directions while at home on your WiFi connection, it won't cost you any minutes. But if you use Google Maps while driving in your car out of range of WiFi, you will have to use the Mobile Web, which will deduct minutes from your phone.
7 - I've seen a lot of different deals, and so it just depends on where you can get it the cheapest. I have purchased several phones on Amazon, and they tend to be a really good deal, but the prices go up and down a lot so you have to watch them.
If you buy the phone from RadioShake, they might have a good deal plus they might transfer your contact list.
Hope this information helps!
How is the coverage with this phone? Does it work all over USA? On the tracfone website, this phone comes up when I key in my zip code. But when I key it into Wal-mart's website, it says phone will not work.
ReplyDeletezip code 14830.
The LG 840g uses the GSM networks (which is where the 'G' at the end comes from). Thus, it uses primarily AT&T service towers. It does use some other companies towers, such as T-Mobile I think, so where ever those companies have good coverage, so will this phone. I tested your zip code as well, and it seems like coverage should be just fine in your area for this phone according to tracfone.
DeleteDoes the LG 840G ever use Verizon towers?
DeleteNo, it won't because it is only on GSM networks and Verizon is a CDMA network. However, Tracfone does have a variety of CDMA phones which use sprint and werizon towers. Any tracfones with a 'C' at the end use these towers.
DeleteZip-code is not precise enough to detect some "dead-zones" I bought my Motorola W376G years ago and Tracfone has served my basic needs extremely well at very controllable costs. Some months I use many minutes, sometimes none. I'm totally happy with it, at home or driving across the US.
DeleteHOWEVER, I bought it for WA State, and now temporarily in MD, I rented a room in a "Dead-Zone." The entire community (Greenbelt, MD outside DC) is in a shadow area. I must drive a mile or so going from 1-bar passing into full-bars reception. At home, the phone may beep for incoming text or voice-mail notification -- however, in-coming or out-going VOICE is 98% impossible.
With my older Motorola W376 "G" (GSM), I assume it's just AT&T (or T-Mobil) serving this area. Verizon (with FiOS) is great and very aggressive around MD-DC.
Bottom line: It IS possible to find shadow "dead-zones" with totally unacceptable service within Zip-code areas. Traveling, that's okay; but for home use -- it just don't work.
Thanks for your excellent work.
I just received the LG840G today and also saw the strange zip code search you mention from the Walmart site. After entering many zip codes from around the country into their search, I realized their search tool must not be working, because no zipcodes were coming up fine.
DeleteI used the zip search on Tracfone site and the phone is said to work at all the zips I entered.
Appears Walmart doesn't want to sell this model. I ended up ordering from QVC...LG840G with triple minutes, car and wall chargers, jelskin and 1400 minutes for $100!
Yeah, Walmart's system may be acting up or something. Checking on tracfone is your best bet. Sounds like you got a great deal though!
DeleteThanks for the helpful information.
ReplyDeleteI have had the LG840 for two months now and today I attempted to email pictures, using WiFi and my gmail account. Could not find the icons to help me attach pictures from the phone. Is this possible? Any help will be appreciated.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI bought the phone from HSN about a month ago and it works great. One question, my phone beeps occasionally for no reason and I'm not sure if it is related but the phone deducts fractions of minutes when it's not being used. Any idea why this would be happening?
You dont happen to be hitting the iternet browser do you? If so it will deduct mins. Also has anyone been sending you or have you been sending picture or multimedia messages or emails? Because the phone will wait a few moments after the messages or emails have been sent and then it will beep and take away the mins that were used for the message, email etc.
DeleteI have the same problem with my s390 if you set up your email on the phone it beeps and some time is taking off so I took off my email and it stop
Deletedoes it switch to wifi on its own when you are home or at a free unsecured wifi locatoin or does it stay on 3g?
ReplyDeleteI have looked everywhere for a phone cover to fit this phone. I ordered one off of fatorder.com and it was not the right case and plus I would like to have a nicer one like you can get for iphones or other phones but it seems like there isnt any. Does anyone know if they will be making them here soon or if there is another phone case similar to the phone that would fit?
ReplyDeletePhone covers can go a long way in protecting a phone. I had a friend who dropped his phone from 2 stories up. Only thing that saved it was a good case.
DeleteI've found quite a few covers specifically for the LG 840G on Amazon. I've added a link above in the review to the covers on Amazon. Hope that helps!
Ever hear of Ebay? Type in LG 840G and select from a variety of different Covers/Cases in different colors too!
DeletePERFECT fitting CASE found............................
DeleteI found a GREAT fitting case for the LG840 Tracfone! Leather-type with a swivel clip. It's for the BlackBerry 9900. It's currently on Amazon for $1.38 and titled "BlackBerry HDW-38842-001 Swivel Holster for BlackBerry Bold 9900 9930 - Black". If you don't mind your case etched with "BlackBerry" on it that is. The LG840 from Tracfone slips right in and is well protected. I'm not one for wearing a phone on my person, but I like to have the phone protected in a case that I can clip on a purse, lunch bag or backpack!!
What is the call rate? is it always 1 unit for 1 minute or is it more units per minute if any roaming?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is always 1 unit per minute. Whether its roaming or cross country calling, the rate is the same. In the past, it was different, but fortunately Tracfone has standardized it with one flat rate which is nice.
DeleteWe've had a Nokia tracfone since 2006 and it's been perfect for us, but for the past month or so it indicates 'check call restrictions' whenever we try to make an 800 number call or any other long distance call. Tracfone makes no response to my inquiries about WHY or HOW can we upgrade this phone? We are happy with our little old no-frills phone but it looks like we're out of luck with it if we're not calling locally. So, which phone is best for a no-frills (except mobile web and external caller id) that will work with tracfone cards? Thanks for your expertise.
ReplyDeleteWell, it depends on what you want. If you want a touchscreen phone, the LG 840g is your best option from Tracfone. If you want a QWERTY keyboard, which I must say I like the most, I would suggest either the LG 530g or Samsung s390G. All these phones come with triple minutes for life which is nice, and are fairly simple to use.
DeleteFull reviews for these phones, as well as several other phones, can be found in the 'Tracfone cell phone reviews' section at the top of the page. Hope that gets you going in the right direction!
We've had a Nokia tracfone since 2006, which has worked perfectly for us until about a month ago when we suddenly started getting a 'check call restrictions' message whenever we tried to make a long distance or 800 number\er call. Tracfone customer service makes no response to WHY this happened or HOW to upgrade this phone. So we're looking for another tracphone, simple, no frills, recently manufactured, with only two requirements: mobile web and external caller id. What do you recommend? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a Nokia tracfone since 2006, which has worked perfectly for us until about a month ago when we suddenly started getting a 'check call restrictions' message whenever we tried to make a long distance or 800 number\er call. Tracfone customer service makes no response to WHY this happened or HOW to upgrade this phone. So we're looking for another tracphone, simple, no frills, recently manufactured, with only two requirements: mobile web and external caller id. What do you recommend? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how to set time on tracfone 840???
ReplyDeleteno need to, done automatically.
DeleteI just got a tracfone 840 and can't find how to set the time. Got the calendar set but no info anywhere for time. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThe phone will automatically update the time, and keep it on time. No need to worry about daylight savings time, or changing it when you travel through time zones. Very convenient.
DeleteI assume that the time is controlled externally by Tracfone. I had the same issue and the time set itself as soon as it was activated.
ReplyDeleteI just got my LG840G and I've been loving it. Using the Wi-Fi in my home, I was getting all of my emails on the phone. Then suddenly I got a message: "There is no more email space available." So I deleted all of the emails from my inbox / outbox / sent folders etc. But I still get the same message. I have been through every option on the phone that I can find. I have rebooted the phone several times and charged it over night. The message remains every time I try to "update" the email. I can access email via the browser, but the email function of the phone will not work anymore. I also tried to create a new email account but it tells me that this account already exists. I'm stumped. Love the phone, but am really frustrated now. help?
ReplyDelete-paul
Well, this is a challenging question, and at this point I don't have an answer for it. You might want to check out some cell phone forums, and see if there are others who have had this problem. A good forum I recommend is HowardForums.
DeleteWe got the Tracfone deal phone thru HSN. We continued to have a problem staying connected to the wifi while on the web and called tracfone. After a number of calls and talking to many folks of increasing knowledge we were told that Tracfone does not support the wifi/web feature and once connected you will be disconnected after a short time. We called HSN and informed them and they were going to change their ad on the HSN network. They said that Tracfone was working to allow this feature to work but were not sure when it would be available. Sounds like they want you to burn those extra minutes when using the web. While on the wifi/ web feature before you were to be disconnected you were informed there would be charges if you continued to surf.
ReplyDeleteAlso post you question on Howardforums, there are many ongoing discussions on the LG840G.
Delete[url]http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php/330-Tracfone-Net10?s=f297f3b2131aa046a796764277d69fb1[/url]
Mine was way to sensitive, too. Then I put a thin screen protector on it, and now it's much better.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize I was downloading email to it through my wifi. Ooops....
I have an LG 840g that shows 3g service. I can not get service inside with the 3g the same as with a previous 1x service. Is there any way to get 1x service on my 840g
ReplyDeleteI've had some version of a Tracfone for almost ten years now. I'm currently using an LG500G. One problem I've had on every Tracfone phone I've used is the speaker quality. Or maybe it's the signal strength. I don't know. But it's difficult to hear the person I'm speaking to because the volume seems to cut in and out. There's no point in even trying to listen to voicemail because of the way it breaks up. My phone usually shows 2-3 bars of signal strenght. Is it te phone or my service area? How can I find out? I'd like to upgrade to a newer phone, but don't want to waste the money on another Tracfone if I'm just going to have the same problem again.
ReplyDeleteWell, I can tell you that in my experience with several Tracfone's, including the LG 500g, that I have not experienced this problem. So it could be your service area, or just your certain phones.
DeleteAs far as new phones, the lG 530g is a really good upgrade from the 500g, and the LG 840g is also an impressive phone.
i HAVE LG 840G. How do I download music into my phone from the computer?
ReplyDeleteCheck out our post about how to play MP3's on Tracfone cell phones to learn how to do this:
Deletehttp://tracfonereviewer.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-play-mp3s-on-tracfone-cell-phones.html
Help? How do I actually enter a name into contacts? The phone keeps doing amazingly stupid autofill. I want to type 'Steph'. I can type St - then it starts putting in CRAP, none of which is 'e', when I try for the 'e'.
ReplyDelete1. How can I beat this game?
2. Can I turn off auto-bad-guess?
This is making me regret buying the phone. It should not be this hard.
The autofill is annoying, I agree. You simply need to change the "Text Entry Settings".
DeleteAfter you click ADD NEW contact, click in name then:
In upper right corner, click on the icon with 3 vertical lines. This will bring up a drop down screen.
Click Text Entry Settings, then click "hide next word". You should be good to go!
Any way to use downloaded .mp3 files as ring tones?
ReplyDeleteI believe you can put any mp3 into the 'ringtones' folder on the MicroSD card and then select, and use them as the ringtone. Will test and check back.
DeleteCan the Tracfones be activated online or is it best to do it over the phone.
ReplyDeleteYes, online activation has been very easy for me in my experiences. If you have trouble, then calling works too. I find activating the phone online saves a lot of time.
DeleteDoes this phone block calls from callers not on your contact list?
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I do not have any Minutes on my LG840G. But I still am able to send and receive "Texts" for FREE over WiFi connection. Basically the way the Peek Pronto devices used to work. -- Configure your email account on your phone (I suggest google, as its very fast for this, no delays). While connected to set your email account settings to "Push On". To text someone with an at&t phone, compose an email on your LG840G, and in the "To:" field enter the persons phone number/email as this (where the "x's are the numbers): xxxxxxxxxx@mms.att.net -- Your phone will route your msg/txt through google and the person will receive your text. They need to reply using your gmail email address. You'll receive their msg/text right on your LG840G phone. Have tried this with other email providers, aol, yahoo, hotmail .. and they do work, but very slow in receiving the messages. Google is almost instant. I do not know the email addresses for other carriers, but you can look that up.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Thanks!
DeleteHow do i remove widgets and short cuts from my lg840g screen; i don;t want to see them all the time, thanks, jim
ReplyDeleteGW 041413
ReplyDeleteHi Peter!
Just wanted to let you know I purchased the lg840g phone in February based on your answers to my list of questions. Very happy with the phone--great upgrade over old tracfone (Motorola w376g)--and its features!
2 new questions
[1] how do I hook up the lg840g to the wi-fi so that i can use the email feature on the phone? if i'm using wi-fi anywhere, there are no minutes deducted, right?
[2] are there games that can be downloaded onto lg840g, and what are the sites for downloads?
Thanks again for your help!
On occasion when I want to email a picture I took to my Facebook account when I hit send it shuts my phone off and restarts it. Anyone else had this issue??
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Does the LG840g have the option of using swype?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question which I am not 100% sure about, but I don't think so. The LG 840G does not use android or other common OS, it uses its proprietary java based software which makes it unlikely Skype would be available. But that is worth looking into.
DeleteI'm very glad I found this blog, it was very helpful buying a new tracfone. I bought one of these last week, and so far I've been very happy with it! However, there's one thing I want to mention. This month Tracfone is offering free overnight shipping, HOWEVER, if you actually want it delivered the next day, make sure to order between monday and thursday. I ordered mine before 3pm last friday, but because they don't do saturday or sunday deliveries, they didn't ship the phone out until monday. The shipping was still free, and arrived sooner and cheaper than if I'd ordered it off Amazon, but still worth mentioning I think.
ReplyDeleteI recently purchased my 840G to finally cut the phone cord. To a large degree it's OK. I do dislike the "touchyness" of the screen. But I have a MAJOR complaint - signal detection. This cell phone loses service several times a day while at the same location. I end up having to turn it off and back on and fool with phone location (usually a matter of a few feet). I have tried various locations with no real success. Problem with the carrier? Not to my older Tracfone Samsung T301G which is usually only a few feet away, and in some cases only inches. Tracfone "support" is totally useless in helping me determine my problem. One so-called technical person even suggested that the phone needed to be outside the building in an open space. How very useful for a cell phone that it seemingly could not be used inside. As it is, I have to constantly check the 840G to see if it has service. I must now consider dumping this phone for another. And after getting comfortable with the screen and use of widgets. And if I change phones, I will probably not use Tracfone again due to their poor service.
ReplyDeleteOn the positive side... I purchased a Bluetooth device from Radio Shack that allows me to connect my old hardline base station and its remotes to my 840G so that I can use the more comfortable handsets to make and answer calls at home. So far, it's worked well. Although the device allows for multiple mobile ports, I only use one so that I don't have to tell the device which mobile to use when making calls.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I finally figured out how to add widgets, and for us, a really useful one is the international call number. Very handy for us.
Thanks for all your answers.
ReplyDeleteI have trouble with the sensitivity. When I get a call and the phone is in my pocket. When I touch it the call goes away. I have tried to set it to "send key only", but that made no difference. I miss a lot of calls. Is there anything I can do?
The phone is lg840g
ReplyDeleteWhere is a good place to buy apps and games for the LG840G? The TracFone game shop is kind of pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI keep reading that Tracfone is now charging for data exchanged versus time online for internet or data activities. How many units, exactly, is that? Is it charged per kilobyte?
ReplyDeleteI have an LG 840g phone and it keeps losing minutes for no reason that I can figure out. Every time I turn on the phone it loses .15 minutes and other times the phones will just be sitting on a shelf and it deducts minutes. Someone posted a while ago that their phone was doing the same thing and it was because their email was loaded onto the phone and that they took the email off. I did put my email on once while playing around with the phone. Wanted to try this solution but I can't figure out how to take my email off the phone. any ideas for getting the email off and/or why my phone keeps losing minutes? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOk, just managed to figure out how to take my email off the phone. Hopefully this will stop the problem of minutes being randomly deducted!
ReplyDelete