I currently have a GSM Tracfone which doesn't work so well at times. I know that Verizon has a very strong signal in my area, which means a CDMA phone would probably be a better choice for me. However, when I go on Tracfone's website they request your zip code, and when I put in my zip code it shows that only GSM phones are available for me. Could I purchase a Tracfone CDMA phone from a local store and activate it from my home without running into any problems with them? I would try discussing this with them, but it is very difficult getting them to understand anything.
What you could do is go ahead and buy a CDMA Tracfone from Amazon or eBay, and then activate it. Any phone with a 'C' will be CDMA.
September 13, 2013 at 1:23 PM
Anonymous said...
My Tracfone phone signal is weak in my home (usually 1 or 2 bars) regardless of whether the phone is CDMA or GSM. Visitors to my house with Straight Talk or other major contract carriers (Verizon, AT&T, US Cellular) consistently get better signals (3 or 4 bars) on their phones than I do. The explanation I have received is these higher end phones have longer antennas and therefore can pull in a stronger signal. Tracfone meets my needs perfectly except for the reception issue and I would rather keep using them. Can you give me an idea of which Tracfones can provide a stronger signal (maybe through a better antenna)?
October 17, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Anonymous said...
As Peter stated, also make sure it's a tracfone as they are not interchangeable from what I understand. I bought a refurb LG505c with 400 min card for $40 so it was a great deal and the phone is still going strong. You can also go to Tracfone.com, go to phones>browse all phones to bypass the zip code. I found that out after buying my refurb on ebay.
May 10, 2014 at 1:11 PM
Anonymous said...
So CDMA tracfones only run on Verizon's and sprints network. What network would the Samsung Galaxy stardust run on does it run on both or just one network.
HELP!!!! I have a new Tracfone Model# A460G I have NO service until I pile in the car and drive about 1/2 mile away. There's a cell tower for it to bounce off of at about 3/4 mile away. I'm surrounded by close mountains. I can't afford to buy another phone so what can I do other then without? Thanks
July 24, 2016 at 5:56 PM
The Top 3 CDMA Phones Offered by Tracfone
CDMA cell phones from Tracfone use the CDMA networks of either Verizon or Sprint. While GSM phones are more widely used by Tracfone customers, using a CDMA phone may work better in your area.
Note: With the recent release of four Android powered smartphones available with Tracfone on CDMA networks, this post does not take them into account at this time. But we will update in the near future.
To learn more about these phones, visit our Cell Phone Reviews page.
CDMA phones, which end in a 'C', like LG 501C, are not as popular with Tracfone and there are not as many phones to choose from. There might be several reasons for this, but some suggest it is because using CDMA networks costs Tracfone more than GSM networks.
TracfoneReviewer has compiled this list of the top 3 CDMA cell phones from Tracfone for the express purpose of passing knowledge and information along to consumers. If you have questions or comments, leave them below in the comments section.
List of the Top 3 CDMA Tracfone Cell Phones
#3 - Samsung R455C
The Samsung R455C comes with a sliding QWERTY keyboard, Triple Minutes for Life and many other great features making it third in our list.
Typically retailing for around $60, it uses a CDMA network making it a good choice for areas where Verizon or Sprint have good cell service.
You can find the Samsung R455C in some stores, many online retailers, and of course at the Tracfone website.
#2 - Samsung S380C
The runner up in this list is the Samsung S380C. It has many similarities to the Samsung S390G, but of course uses the CDMA network.
This phone has a great full QWERTY keyboard that makes for fast and easy texting, along with Triple Minutes for Life and all the other basic features like mobile web, camera, and MP3 player. It brings a nice package for a prepaid cell phone.
The Samsung S380G can be found in stores, and also online for around $50. You may be able to find it for less on sites like eBay and Amazon.
#1 - LG 505C
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LG 505C
The number one pick is the LG 505C for its Sliding QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen as well as Triple Minutes for Life. It also comes with features like voice command, camera, LCD screen and MP3 player just to name a few.
The LG 505C has a number of great reviews from customers, who found it to be a good phone that is 'semi-smart' phone with superior battery life and a reasonable price tag.
The LG 505C is typically $60-80 in stores and most places online, but we found a great deal which helped boost this phone to our top pick spot:
The LG 505C is currently on sale at Amazon for under $25! You can follow the link to see the deal, but don't waste time because we don't know when it might evaporate.
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For those interested in a touchscreen Tracfone, but prefer GSM phones, read our Review of the LG 840G.
Some of these phones, like the LG 505C, are available from Amazon or other online retailers for a great price. If you can't find the phone, visit Tracfone.com and search for phones there. You can leave a comment below with your questions or thoughts.
Shopping for a Tracfone? Visit our Tracfone Reviews page to see a list of all the phones we have reviewed.
6 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formI currently have a GSM Tracfone which doesn't work so well at times. I know that Verizon has a very strong signal in my area, which means a CDMA phone would probably be a better choice for me. However, when I go on Tracfone's website they request your zip code, and when I put in my zip code it shows that only GSM phones are available for me. Could I purchase a Tracfone CDMA phone from a local store and activate it from my home without running into any problems with them? I would try discussing this with them, but it is very difficult getting them to understand anything.
September 13, 2013 at 12:45 PM
What you could do is go ahead and buy a CDMA Tracfone from Amazon or eBay, and then activate it. Any phone with a 'C' will be CDMA.
September 13, 2013 at 1:23 PM
My Tracfone phone signal is weak in my home (usually 1 or 2 bars) regardless of whether the phone is CDMA or GSM. Visitors to my house with Straight Talk or other major contract carriers (Verizon, AT&T, US Cellular) consistently get better signals (3 or 4 bars) on their phones than I do. The explanation I have received is these higher end phones have longer antennas and therefore can pull in a stronger signal.
Tracfone meets my needs perfectly except for the reception issue and I would rather keep using them.
Can you give me an idea of which Tracfones can provide a stronger signal (maybe through a better antenna)?
October 17, 2013 at 12:59 PM
As Peter stated, also make sure it's a tracfone as they are not interchangeable from what I understand. I bought a refurb LG505c with 400 min card for $40 so it was a great deal and the phone is still going strong. You can also go to Tracfone.com, go to phones>browse all phones to bypass the zip code. I found that out after buying my refurb on ebay.
May 10, 2014 at 1:11 PM
So CDMA tracfones only run on Verizon's and sprints network. What network would the Samsung Galaxy stardust run on does it run on both or just one network.
October 22, 2015 at 2:46 PM
HELP!!!! I have a new Tracfone Model# A460G
I have NO service until I pile in the car and drive about 1/2 mile away. There's a cell tower for it to bounce off of at about 3/4 mile away. I'm surrounded by close mountains. I can't afford to buy another phone so what can I do other then without? Thanks
July 24, 2016 at 5:56 PM