I don't understand why it takes an extra $100 or even more to get a phone with 2 gigs of RAM (used BYOP) than the phones Tracfone sells directly. Tracfone devices are just fine except for the lack of sufficient RAM, usually 1 gig ... they stop working because people have too many apps. RAM is cheap, why is it so hard to get more memory in the default spec for a Tracfone phone?
July 24, 2016 at 11:19 AM
Tony b said...
Best guess it may be cheap but not free and manufacturers don't wanna pay the extra money for it and they want to hold extra ram for the "good phones" some on the no name companies are starting to make impressive inroads though check out the Blu r1 HD on Amazon of you have a prime membership you can get that phone with 16 GB of ROM and 2gb of RAM a quad core CPU and a really nice looking screen just under $60 if it doesn't year up within a couple of months you've got a great value find it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01H2E0J5M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469647635&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=blu+r1+hd&dpPl=1&dpID=416TS-ODxfL&ref=plSrch
Mr. Vanosdall. Could u be a peach & update if & when a given phone is available on another network? Right now this phone is on GSM. And they haven't given a release date for the CDMA Yet.
August 13, 2016 at 4:04 PM
Anonymous said...
how is it that the tracfone varient is more like the orginal stylo put out by other carriers ? t mobile etc have a stylo 2 with 2Gb ram and a 13MP camera. These carriers advertise a stylo with 1Gb ram and 8MP camera . I am confused
camera is a serious disappointment. Fuzzy, migraine woozy pics that are tough to look at or show to others. Nothing helps. Simple Google search for camera complaints generated over a million hits. Strongly considering returnin it to sprint and canceling any future orders.
October 30, 2016 at 6:35 PM
Anonymous said...
Article is incorrect. this phablet does come with 2 gigs of RAM. It is correct on processor and ROM though. Processor is getting some age on it but it works fine, just don't expect this phone to play action packed games well. It will handle most any other app just fine though, such as clash of clans and similar games, and general use apps such as messenger. I have used a galaxy core prime, never found the processor wanting, but have found that 1 gig RAM simply isn't enough.
May 4, 2017 at 10:34 AM
Review of the LG Stylo 2 (L81AL) from Tracfone
Below is our review for the LG Stylo 2. If you're new to TracfoneReviewer, be sure to take a look around at some of our recent articles. We share lots of news, reviews and other info about Tracfone.
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Tracfone LG Stylo 2 Review
The LG Stylo 2 is a newly released smartphone available for use with Tracfone prepaid cell service and comes with Android 5.1.1, 8 MP camera, and uses GSM networks. It also features a large, 5.7" touchscreen which may be its biggest selling point.
The LG Stylo 2 is a mid-level phone that is a step up from the LG Treasure we previously reviewed (which is a step up from the LG Rebel).
The Main difference between the Treasure and the Stylo 2 is the screen size, which the Stylo 2 has the advantage on.
Let's take a look at our quick facts about the LG Stylo 2 to get a general idea of its strengths and weaknesses.
LG Stylo 2 Quick Facts
Pro's
-Android 5.1.1
-5.7" Touchscreen
-Good camera - 8 MP rear, 5 MP front
-Quad core processor
Con's
-Only 8 GB Internal Memory
-Only 1 GB RAM
-A little expensive - currently $200 with airtime bundle from HSN
The LG Stylo 2 is a little bit more expensive than most Tracfone smartphones, but it also has some better features than most. It is a newer phone, only released in April of 2016, and has mix of features that make it a capable device.
There are two versions of this phone, the GSM version we are reviewing here, and the CDMA version known as L82VL, which Tracfone should be releasing sometime in the near future and will likely be identical except for the cell towers it uses.
The naming of the Tracfone LG Stylo 2 is a little confusing, as many of the specs are more in line with the LG G Stylo, rather than the LG Stylo 2 unlocked version. But the size matches the LG Stylo 2. Spec-wise, the Tracfone version of the LG Stylo 2 is not as powerful as other versions listed on the internet.
Let's take a look at the full list of features for the Tracfone LG Stylo 2.
Tracfone LG Stylo 2 Features and Specs
Below are the phones features, followed by the specs
Android 5.1.1
4G LTE capable using GSM Service on AT&T
8 MP Rear Camera, 5 MP Front Camera
WiFI and Bluetooth
GPS
Access to Over 1 Million Apps through Google Play
2 Home Screens
MP3 Player
Hearing Aid Compatible
Voice Commands
Hands Free Speaker
Voicemail, Caller ID, and other basic phone functions
LG Stylo 2 Technical Specs
Size: 6.10" x 3.13" x .29"
5,7" touchscreen at 720x1280 resolution
1.2 Ghz Quad-Core Processor
1 GB RAM
8 GB Internal Memory (compatible with up to 128 GB MicroSD card)
3000 mAh Battery with 13 hours talk time, 12 days standby
There's not too much that is surprising about these specs beyond the large screen size on the Stylo 2. The rest of the specs are fairly consistent with other LG phones released recently like the LG Treasure, although the Stylo has some minor improvements such as the 8 MP camera.
Below we will cover the pro's and con's for this phone to highlight some of the things we think consumers should be aware of when making a buying decision for this device. With every phone, there are various pro's and con's and the Stylo 2 is no exception.
LG Stylo 2 Review - Our Likes and Dislikes
What we Like:
Obviously the big screen is the big selling point for the Stylo 2, and we like that Tracfone is making a device available to consumers with a nice large screen. While making it easier to see things on the screen, it is also easier to type on the virtual QWERTY keyboard because the keys will be larger compared to smaller phones. The resolution and quality of the screen is good, and delivers a nice viewing experience, although it doesn't quite keep up with higher-end devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S6.
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LG Stylo 2 - with Stylus
The LG Stylo 2 runs Android 5.1.1 which is a newer version that doesn't have some of the security risks older versions like 4.1 and 4.3 had. With Android OS, you can use the Google Play Store to browse over 1 million apps that will do just about anything. When you find one you like, you can download it directly to your phone. If you're new to using Android, take a look at our post on the Best Apps to use on Android where we share some of our favorite apps.
The 8 MP rear facing camera is a nice step up from 5 MP which most other Tracfone devices come with. Plus, the LG Stylo 2 has a 5 MP front camera for video chatting and selfies. The quality is adequate for most needs, but don't expect to win any photography awards for your pictures.
There's a lot to like about this phone, and we find it to be one of the better options currently available from Tracfone, but there are a couple negatives that we want our readers to be aware of before they buy.
What we Don't Like about the LG Stylo 2
There are a few things about this phone that aren't ideal, and make our list of dislikes. The main things are the cost, the lack of a radio, and low memory and RAM.
The current price of the LG Stylo 2 is $199 with a bundle of minutes worth $100. That's not a bad deal to be honest, but at the same time, we can't help but mention a few phones that you could get for the same amount of money (but without the minutes bundle). The main one on our list is the new Motorola Moto G 4th generation currently available on Amazon. It has a 13 MP rear camera, 16 GB memory, octa-core processor, and much more. But it also has a smaller screen at 5.5" and you will have to use it with Tracfone BYOP.
One feature that many Tracfone users like is a radio, and sadly, the Stylo 2 appears to be lacking that. There are a number of alternatives to radio, like podcasts, and various music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify. So it isn't too hard to find a replacement.
Lastly, we aren't all that excited about the 8 GB internal memory in the Stylo 2 and 1 GB RAM. It would be nice if it had a little more memory for storing apps and other things. For most users, 8 GB of memory will be enough to have a fair number of different apps, along with some photos and other content.
That covers our list of likes and dislikes. We hope that helps our readers understand exactly what this phone offers, and were it might be lacking. Overall we don't have that is negative to write about this phone, it performs very well compared to other Tracfone smartphones.
LG Stylo 2 - Finding Covers and Cases
Finding a cover or case for certain Tracfone devices can be a challenge, but if you buy the Stylo 2 through HSN, the bundle includes a case which is very convenient. If you're still looking for a screen protector, or other case options, we've found some options on Amazon:
LG Stylo 2 Screen Protector - $7.95 on Amazon
LG Stylo 2 Cases (various) - on Amazon
LG Stylo 2 User Manual and Interactive Tutorial
We've gathered both the user manual and an interactive online tutorial from Tracfone for the Stylo 2 that you can use to learn how the phone works.
See the LG Stylo 2 User Manual Here, and take a look at the Interactive Tutorial here.
LG Stylo 2 Overview and Where to Buy
This phone has a nice, large screen. And for many, that will be very convenient and a lot of fun. It makes watching videos, viewing pictures, and even texting, easier. The rest of the performance features on this phone are adequate to keep up with the daily demands.
For those who don't like large screens, or need a lot of internal memory, then this isn't the phone for you. For more internal memory, consider looking into unlocked devices to bring to Tracfone BYOP. For a smaller screen, the LG Rebel and LG Treasure are two options.
The LG Stylo 2 is currently available from HSN for $199. It has occasionally been on sale for $179.
We will update when the phone is available elsewhere. If you find this phone at other retail locations, let us know in the comments section below.
That concludes our review of the LG Stylo 2, we hope the information is helpful. Leave a comment with any questions or thoughts, and let us know if you see any corrections.
7 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formI don't understand why it takes an extra $100 or even more to get a phone with 2 gigs of RAM (used BYOP) than the phones Tracfone sells directly. Tracfone devices are just fine except for the lack of sufficient RAM, usually 1 gig ... they stop working because people have too many apps. RAM is cheap, why is it so hard to get more memory in the default spec for a Tracfone phone?
July 24, 2016 at 11:19 AM
Best guess it may be cheap but not free and manufacturers don't wanna pay the extra money for it and they want to hold extra ram for the "good phones" some on the no name companies are starting to make impressive inroads though check out the Blu r1 HD on Amazon of you have a prime membership you can get that phone with 16 GB of ROM and 2gb of RAM a quad core CPU and a really nice looking screen just under $60 if it doesn't year up within a couple of months you've got a great value find it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01H2E0J5M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469647635&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=blu+r1+hd&dpPl=1&dpID=416TS-ODxfL&ref=plSrch
July 27, 2016 at 2:29 PM
Mr. Vanosdall. Could u be a peach & update if & when a given phone is available on another network? Right now this phone is on GSM. And they haven't given a release date for the CDMA Yet.
August 13, 2016 at 4:04 PM
how is it that the tracfone varient is more like the orginal stylo put out by other carriers ? t mobile etc have a stylo 2 with 2Gb ram and a 13MP camera. These carriers advertise a stylo with 1Gb ram and 8MP camera . I am confused
August 27, 2016 at 6:55 PM
easy, one is the Stylo 2 and the other is the Stylo. Apparently, the Stylo is older.
September 28, 2016 at 12:17 AM
camera is a serious disappointment. Fuzzy, migraine woozy pics that are tough to look at or show to others. Nothing helps. Simple Google search for camera complaints generated over a million hits. Strongly considering returnin it to sprint and canceling any future orders.
October 30, 2016 at 6:35 PM
Article is incorrect. this phablet does come with 2 gigs of RAM. It is correct on processor and ROM though. Processor is getting some age on it but it works fine, just don't expect this phone to play action packed games well. It will handle most any other app just fine though, such as clash of clans and similar games, and general use apps such as messenger. I have used a galaxy core prime, never found the processor wanting, but have found that 1 gig RAM simply isn't enough.
May 4, 2017 at 10:34 AM