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I've got more phones than fingers
Further down this post I've included a list of TracFones I've been looking at. I like to buy ones that are whitelisted for AT&T, and too bad the TF version Stylus XT2115 isn't. There's a refurb on the TF website for $50 plan purchase required.
If I check the box saying I'm a current customer looking to upgrade my phone, do I still have to purchase a plan?
I'm looking to buy a larger size display to use the phone as a phablet and the XT2115 is 6.8" while the LG Reflect is 6.5".
I really like my LG Solo and Neon Plus 2, but doubt the Reflect has that nice of a screen.
Aside from the LG Stylo 4 and 5, not much available in LG since they quit making phones. My Stylo 3 battery bit the load, but it's closer to the Fiesta in screen dimensions than newer tall-narrow ones.
I don't mind tall-narrow as it's easier to handle than wide screens, but it's a matter of LG being discontinued and whether it's worth getting a really good refurb as opposed to forgetting LG and getting a larger Motorola or maybe a large Samsung.
What would be a decent lower priced Samsung that has a fairly large screen, larger than 6.5"? Price under $100. I don't know of any TracFone Samsungs whitelisted on AT&T is the main drawback.
AT&T Whitelisted model compatibility:
LG Reflect (L555DL) 6.5"
Moto G Pure 6.5" (XT2163DL)
Moto G Stylus 6.8" XT2115 TF version isn't whitelisted
Moto G Stylus 2022
XT2211DL
Moto G Stylus 5G 2022
(XT2215DL)
Moto G Stylus 5G (XT2131DL)
LG Stylo 4 (LML713DL
LG Stylo 5 6.2"? (L722D)
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Why yes, that is a bag phone
Why buy from Tracfone at all if you want ATT service?
For details like the VM app and WiFi calling, best to get a device branded by ATT or from its captive / MVNOs
Even unlocked may not get you that level of compatibility until you get up above $500+ level devices.
Tracfone devices are all VZW-centered now, notoriously anti-competitive, and just because the model is whitelisted on ATT does not mean you get optimal service there.
I've got more phones than fingers
The only AT&T white listed TF Samsung I could find was the A50. I think that was listed at 6.4" display?
Galaxy A50 (S506DL) if that's the TF designation.
With so many Samsung models available it's strange more of them aren't whitelisted.
My only experience with a Samsung smartphone is the little J3 Luna Pro. I did like it but the battery doesn't last very long.
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I've got more phones than fingers
My reasoning for buying my phones on TracFone is that I can get them unlocked after 60 days of service. TracFone often sells them for less than if I went directly to the AT&T service provider.Originally Posted by PaulCrawhorne
TracFone sells reconditioned phones for a reasonable price and they usually work very well. Usually can't even tell they're used.
Since I do have a TracFone account, and active TracFones at the present time, any TracFone can be used to transfer the service to. The TF-VZ data hasn't been as slow lately so I've been sticking with them by extending my service the cheapest way possible.
I was thinking of buying a TF I could transfer service to rather than activating it on a new number which I do not need.
A big phablet phone larger than 6.5 would be easier for me than a 7" tablet. That's the basic purpose I have in mind for it. My 7" tablet is chronically sloooooow, but it's good for reading.
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Post Machine
I have a TF-unlocked A50 and two TF-unlocked A51's. I ran their IMEIs through the AT&T IMEI Cheker and they all passed (didn't get the Incompatible message). Be aware that the AT&T IMEI Checker has problems identifying the make/model of a phone using its IMEI. It showed my A50 and A51's as LG ThinQ something.
I've got more phones than fingers
The danger would be if I tried to use the phone with an AT&T mvno like H2O Wireless and after activating the SIM, it decided it wasn't compatible.... However I could take the SIM out and put it in a phone I know is compatible because I've used it before.
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Post Machine
Attached is my database of phone sizes. The biggest one that I have is the Moto G Stylus (2021). I ran its IMEI through the AT&T IMEI Checker and it passed.
Why yes, that is a bag phone
Not strange. Samsung is notorious for splintering its models into carrier-specific variant SKUs.
Again just because its IMEI is whitelisted does not mean it's optimal on the ATT network, not just the issues I listed above but maybe even RF band issues.
Isn't WiFi calling important for you ?
To me, saving $30 or even $80 on a phone, is not worth the lack of certainty
I've got more phones than fingers
Thanks for the comparison list. Is your 2021 Stylus this model? TFMTXT2115DCP (aka XT2115DL).
https://www.amazon.com/Tracfone-Moto.../dp/B09CLNH78M
If it passed the checker, then even if it's not on the whitelist it would probably work...
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I've got more phones than fingers
I don't use Wi-Fi calling very often, but I do text over Wi-Fi using Google Voice.
I like sending photographs with Google Voice over Wi-Fi. that way the photograph shows up on all of my Google Voice connected devices and I can download it onto my phone and store it on the card across devices.
One of the things about it is that GV can be configured to use with the service that's on the phone or it can be used with Wi-Fi.
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Post Machine
The label on the back of the phone and About Phone say it's model XT2115DL.
I've got more phones than fingers
Thanks for taking the time to check and post it to the thread.
I've been looking at that phone on the TracFone site for quite a while but I've been hesitating because of the whitelisting issue.
In reality even if I couldn't use it with an AT&T mvno like H2O, I can still find plenty of use for it.
If I were to buy a reconditioned phone at the TracFone website as an upgrade rather than a new activation, does it mean I can buy it without the plan or do they still enforce the plan purchase with it for that price?
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Post Machine
You still have to buy the required airtime card. I think selecting "I'm upgrading" will have the phone automatically added to your account, useful if you want to get the Add-A-Line points.
I've got more phones than fingers
Ok, still cheaper than buying new for $100. I'm guessing the $15/mo plan is the cheapest available to bundle with it and it's preloaded on the SIM.
In the old days I used to like buying the ones that came with the plan when it was a physical card. I could stash it to use it to extend service on one of my phones if I didn't need it for the one I was buying.
Thanks for your help, hpham.
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I've got more phones than fingers
The LG Reflect L555DL on TF eBay store with a year's service is tempting at 79.99, but it's 6.5" just a little smaller than the Moto G Stylus.
And, I really don't need another year's service til next year, just want a big phabulous phone to transfer to.
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