TracFone Samsung T301G Review (Part 2 of 2)

By Richard Sheasley

If you haven't done so already, you can read part 1 of the Fone-Review Samsung TracFone T301G review or check the TracFone website for the latest T301g price and availability in your area.

After spending some time with this phone there are a number of things to like about it. If you can get past the couple biggest limitations already pointed out in part 1 (small keypad, browser button position and location, etc.); then you should be pretty happy carrying this phone. It definitely is ranked up at the top few of the best-featured phones Tracfone has available in this reviewer’s eyes. Very few new limitations or issues have changed my mind on this phone as a good Tracfone selection.  Remember that Tracfone can and does change pricing, special promotional packages and offerings at any time. For the expense of this Tracfone purchase, it is one of the best-valued (but not the cheapest by far) phones Tracfone has released for its features and capabilities.

It is also not approaching a true “smart phone” due to the limitations and lock down on the browser that Tracfone has elected to continue on this phone. But it is one of the few stylish camera and bluetooth capable phones out there under the Tracfone cellular offerings. Also the bluetooth will only work with a headset and not allow transferring of files with any computer through the bluetooth. The reviewer has not tried a USB data cable with this phone, but understand that there are a few sources now for these data cables. 

When pairing with a bluetooth headset make sure you enable the bluetooth headset search first as the phone times out very fast in it’s searching. It is a simple straight forth process unless it is your first time making a bluetooth connection, in which case you will need to follow the steps and make sure you have your devices pairing pass code (usually 0000) and the bluetooth connection on the phone is enabled.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2153950_setup-bluetooth-headset-work-cell.html 

The phone battery life is what I would rate as excellent. Unless you are a heavy minutes or text messaging user, then should be able to go 3 days or so without having to recharge the phone. 

Signal Quality is another area that is commonly very important to cell phone users of any level. I tested this on a driving trip in some rural areas up against a Motorola W370G series Tracfone. The Motorola 37xG series has been a long time favorite of Tracfone users looking for good solid signals.  Both were on the same basic GSM network - AT&T in this case but your service area may vary. The signal bars were always pretty closely matched, anytime one phone showed roaming the other did too.  Likewise, the areas where no signal messages were received and calls could not be completed matched also - a period of about 45 minutes on my drive. 

Of course your coverage should be checked based on your travels and zip codes through both the Tracfone web site, and the underlying GSM carriers - AT&T and T-Mobile that Tracfone uses. Many of the features limitations and capabilities can best be answered on the Samsung web site’s FAQ’s: 

Menu structure on the phone:

There are 9 menu items (available in either text description or graphical icons via a setting) with:

1 Prepaid - Add & Buy Airtime, Turn on or off the airtime service and minutes on the display, serial number, sim number, and code entry- specific programming info

2 Contacts - pretty normal list of features including a reject list for those you want to ignore any further calls

3 Recent Calls - History on calls, call time, as well as data volume usage

4 Messages - Standard messaging lists as well as a template for common text messages (ie “Where are you?” etc. to save common texting entry)

5 Browser – Home Page, favorites, enter a URL (limitations and experiences discussed in the first impression review and further pretty much make this only a storage for common addresses as the standard wap (wap is wireless application protocol) -  web sites do not work, only the Tracfone wap web site for options including:

    1 downloads (such as ringtones, graphics, etc.)

    2 sports (by league or a brief list of highlight stories)

    3 weather reports (national outlook, radar, satellite or find a location by city or fastest and best is by a zip code)

    4 news – various categories such as world, national, business, entertainment, strange, sci-tech, politics, sports, health

    5 movies can find a theater and get info on top box office, new releases, coming attractions, as well as general movie news

    6 horoscopes- know your sign

    7 lottery - by state to get info on top jackpots and to find games

    8 my stuff - kind of like a favorites section

Many sites linked under the search results receive the HTTP Error: 403 forbidden – so do not expect the full web search and wap enabled site selection you may have on a standard data plan enabled prepaid phone plan.

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=mobilephones&type=mobilephones&subtype=morecarriers&subsubtype=tracfone&model_cd=SGH-T301YKGTRF

As mentioned in part 1 of the review many popular and handy sites are not available in the browser such as testing wap m.ebay.com, or  Paypal’s mobile.paypal.com, and other wap enabled sites - for more on this read the browser section of the Samsung phone documentation so you can familiarize yourself with the browser operation and reduce the time to reach info you may want. Each minute of browser and data results in a .5 unit deduction, so units can be eaten up stumbling through menus and links haphazardly.

 6 Games and Apps (really just Games and Camera) - two games are included Steamhouse Jumpboy (ver 1.17) (a Mario style game to catch objects) and A+Sudoku (a grid based logic puzzle game) are loaded and ready for entertainment

The Apps – really the camera - a VGA (640x480 resolution) with some zoom and a maximum estimated 50 pictures in the storage (depending on the resolution of the shots stored)

7 My Folder (storage for audio and graphics and used memory space) - Downloaded tones, recorded audio, photos and setting the background wallpaper to a custom picture

8 Tools - (some of the nicest features discussed further below in recap)

    1 Alarms

    2 Calendar

    3 Notes

    4 Calculator

    5 Tip Calculator

    6 Converter

1 Currency

2 Length

3 Weight

4 Volume

5 Area

6 Temperature

    7 Timer

    8 Stopwatch

    9 World Time

    10 Sim App (Unlock only selection - shows the phones ICC-ID Note that Tracfone terms of service does not support unlocking their phones for use with other services)

9 Settings

1 Sound Profile

    2 Set Display 

    3 Set time and date

    4 Set phone

    5 Set calls

    6 Bluetooth (turn on or off, show devices, bluetooth info, search for new device)

    7 Set applications - (Message, Camera, Record Audio, Calendar, Contacts)

Recap of Features likes and dislikes:

What it does well:

It has a good selection of tools, some that usually not available on even higher priced cell phones such as the conversion calculators for many English or US measurements to other types common elsewhere. This is a handy item for travel including the currency conversion (just make sure the rates are what you end up paying as they do vary regularly). Also sports fans may find the stop watch feature handy with split times and all included as one of the tools.

What it does not do (or limitations in addition to mentions in features): 

There is no music player, mp3 etc. built into this phone (other than possibly ring tones which the reviewer did not try loading any standard mp3 audio for custom ring tones due to the limitation of the bluetooth connection, and according to the FAQ’s on the Samsung web site, most custom ringtones must be downloaded from Tracfone), one day this reviewer may eventually see a need for some custom ringtone that stands out from the crowd.

The phone has no external storage (such as miniSD cards) or expansion of the memory past the 128 mb listed in the Samsung specifications, of which about 40 kb reported as usable free on the my folder upon initial set up.  Some additional memory could maybe be freed up by deleting or removing the games apps etc. that are standard on the phone to store more photos or audio recording, etc.

A locked down browser that can reach the Tracfone web site, but not many other popular sites out there for full functionality just does not make much sense in the eyes of your reviewer.  After all, more web and data access could result in much more unit usage and therefore more income for Tracfone. It is not all just about having to send pictures via messaging, or downloading only those ringtones and graphics that Tracfone (both of which end up as revenue for Tracfone) has available on their site. Phone users checking other wap sites for work, fun, or pleasure are extremely limited with popular sites like Ebay and the like that get mobile web traffic regularly.

Wishes:

-A browser button recessed more or positioned so it is not as easy to hit and connect by mistake

-A bit of a larger keypad

-An easier way to slide open the screen (without touching the screen and leaving fingerprints all over it)- maybe not an issue for women with longer fingernails

-A full browser that is not locked to Tracfone’s selected site

-A bluetooth that could be connected to computer for backup of contacts, addresses etc.

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If you haven't done so already, you can read part 1 of the Fone-Review Samsung TracFone T301G review or check the TracFone website for the latest T301g price and availability in your area.

Copyright info – This article is copyright 2009 – no part of this can be reproduced without the approval of the author and http://www.fone-review.com/ 

About the Reviewer: Richard Sheasley has been involved in sales and support of personal computers, data networks and technology since 1982.  

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If you have found the information on Fone-Review more helpful than the sales clerk at your average big box retailer, please help me to continue helping everyone!

Comments

[Jim Hay]

Sales person told me that I would need a cable to transfer photos to my computer. First cable did not fit. Then purchased 4 cables/software package - still did not work. Then purchased and tried Bluetooth USB plug- in - still did not work. It seems that some mention should have been made on the package regarding the fact of these difficulties in downloading photos. I feel like I have been defrauded by Samsung or Tracfone. It would have been nice to have been told the truth.

[Keith Tyndall]

Jim - Obviously, the salesperson at the store was mistaken. You can't use cables with any TracFone that I know of to transfer pictures to your computer. In general, you have to email them, but with the LG600 I've been able to transfer them to my computer over a bluetooth connection. I still don't know why TracFone locks down their phones this way, and I agree that they should put a disclaimer on their packaging about the limited capability of their phones to transfer data to a computer.

[Casey Krakowiecki]

I am considering the purchase of this phone to replace an older model Tracfone. I assume my minutes and phone number can be transferred?
The salesperson at Radio Shack told me I can check my email using this phone. Perhaps I missed it in your reports, but I didn't think from what you said that you can view or send email. Basically, the salesperson gave me to understand that I could access the Internet (without limitations) with this phone.

[Wes M]

I've already accidentally lost several minutes by launching the web browser WITHOUT intending to. Like the reviewer said, the browser button should not be so easy to press by mistake!

The double minutes for life of phone that comes with purchase is really a money-saver!

[Wes M]

Casey, I upgraded to this phone from an older Tracfone and the minutes transferred fine from the old phone.

But Radio Shack salespeople basically don't know squat about Tracfone phones. You really need to talk directly to Tracfone customer service.

[Danielle]

I need to find a case for this phone. Any suggestions please reply!!!! Thankyou!!

[losttexan]

just got my samsung t301g i upgraded from motorola w370 i like fone but would love more web access. i got my phone at kmart and active was easy transfre all min and phone number to new phone ..
ps if you getone from kmart make sure you check back within 7 days i got a price difference back on my phone it went on sell after i bought mine

[Jackie]

I am interested in upgrading to the Samsung. I do alot of texting, Can someone who who has the Samsung T301G tell me how much it costs to send and recieve text messages?

[Matt]

-A browser button recessed more or positioned so it is not as easy to hit and connect by mistake

-A bit of a larger keypad

-An easier way to slide open the screen (without touching the screen and leaving fingerprints all over it)- maybe not an issue for women with longer fingernails

-A full browser that is not locked to Tracfone’s selected site

-A bluetooth that could be connected to computer for backup of contacts, addresses etc.

I couldn't have said it better

[Ron]

Just purchased the Samsung for $29.99 at Target, which is $20 off the suggested retail price. Also Target had discounted prepaid cards as well. Previously had Verizon but didn't want to continue paying for minutes that I didn't use (Verizon does not rollover minutes).I will activate as soon as the phone completes charging and then I will be able to evaluate it.

[Rhonda Bonham]

Bought this phone two months ago for my son and about one and a half months later the LCD became illegible. Am unable to get tracfone to replace the phone. Can still dial and receive calls just don't have caller ID anymore since the LCD doesn't work. Not happy that I can't get this phone replaced as I have been told before that they have a one year warranty.

[Keith Tyndall]

Jackie - It costs 0.3 minutes to send a text and 0.3 minutes to receive a text. MMS messages cost 1 minute to send or receive plus you are charged for the time the browser is open to upload or download the actual multimedia file.

Rhonda - TracFone definitely has a one year warranty. If you are not getting satisfaction from their normal customer service, then try contacting TracFone's customer escalations department.
From their website:
For Customer Escalations
CustomerEscalations@tracfone.com
Or call us at: 1-800-876-5753

[Marie]

I will start by saying I have always had very good luck with TracFone. From my recent experience, customer service works from scripts – “walk toward a door or window to see if you can get a signal”, etc. I can't get a decent signal with my new T301G. I finally spoke to someone at Customer Escalations who was more knowledgeable, and much more helpful. I have a technical question about my particular phone. I can’t get a signal most of the time. At times, I have 4 bars but still no signal – I get 4 bars and a picture of a phone handset with a red slash over it, no TracFone logo, and can’t make calls. Does that make sense that I could have 4 bars but no signal?? Don’t the bars signify a signal??? I’m confused.

[Rachel]

I got the Mototrola W370 last year in August and now looking for a new phone because mine is getting old and "breaking" easily. It will shut off and I wont know, even when the battery is full and I didn't press any buttons. I saw the new Samsung T301g on the website and thought it was pretty cool. But, when I got my Motorola W370, I could only get text messages from tracfone users for about the first 3 months. Is this the same for this phone? When I get it will i be able to recieve text messages from non- tracfone users? Thanks

[Keith Tyndall]

Marie - Hopefully customer escalations can help you with the problem with the signal. I've never seen anything quite like that before.

Rachel - You should be able to get text messages from anyone. That must have been a glitch on your W370.

[Sally]

Can you only get polyphonic ringtones with this phone or can you get real music ringtones?

[jr]

yea you just have to search... i got metallica and shinedown ringtones. its somewhere on the phones browser on the tracfone site. though i do wish deducted units were a lower cost... i have a tight budget.

[Lynn]

Of the 3 phones that TracFone offers with the calendaring option: Motorola W376G, LG 600 G OR Samsung T301G which one is best for calendaring? This is the main reason I want to upgrade. Also want the rest of the functions to work well too - but the main reason I want to get a new phone is the calendaring

[Hey You]

Thank you for your great and detailed review. I also appreciated the info about the availability of the phone for a lower price in the comments section.

[Jim]

Thanks for your comprehensive review. I have owned the LG600G, the Motorola W376G and now the Samsung T301G and this one is tops of the lot. Most important to me is clarity of audio - both incoming and outgoing. I am told my audio parallels the W376G and folks I call sound identical to what I am used to in person. LG600G - pitiful audio in and out. W376G excellent audio in and out but terrible keyboard. The T301G is a keeper and all around tops each of these other two phones. I had no trouble transferring minute from my old phone when I switched. I am canceling (and paying a $135 penalty) equivalent to 2 months cost at Verizon. I couldn't call my wife at her work until we went TracFone. Personally, I can't see being obligated for two years at a high monthly price for fewer features and coverage I now have with TracFone.

[Liz]

I am thinking of upgrading to the T30 and am wondering about the calendar feeatures. Does it have enough memory to hold ALOT of appointments and stuff? My previous phone got filled up way to fast.

[Hey You]

I am really bummed out. I can't get this phone to email pictures. It deducts my minute, and then says NETWORK UNAVAILABLE. I feel...defrauded...

[Kori]

i want to get the t301g but i want it at a cheap price? any where that has it cheaper than 40 bucks?

[Robert]

I bought the phone for my Mom and programed her numbers, easy to use. The only thing I did not like is the browser button I have pressed many times by accident. You can reprogram the settings on the directional button. I wish the new generation gives a way to customize the menu and browser buttons.