Tracfone Motorola V170 ReviewSimple, Reliable Flip PhoneSearch This Site:
-------------- Update: DiscontinuedThe V170 was replaced by the V176, W376g and, finally, the LG 420g.----------------- You can get a pretty good deal on a refurbished phone plus 120 minutes of airtime good for 90 days for just $20 including free shipping via the link on the right, and you can choose any color as long as it's silver or black. The Tracfone Motorola V170 is simple, it works, and it lasts. Otherwise, let's dive into the details. Basic Info
What's included?The bare minimum: battery, AC Adapter, and SIM Card (it's a GSM phone). If you get the $20 package direct from Tracfone, then you also get a 60 minute airtime card and a promo code for getting an additional 60 minutes when you activate the card.Size and WeightThe V170 measures 3.6 x 1.92 x 0.92 inches and weighs 3.07 ounces. You can get lighter, smaller phones, but they can sometimes be less comfortable to use. The phone fits comfortably in a handbag's cell phone pouch.Battery LifeBatteries also tend to deteriorate a bit over time so it's better to have a phone with a longer talk and standby times when new.Talk TimeI know you're not going to talk for 6 hours on a prepaid phone. But you could.Standby TimeThe standby time is more important. The Tracfone Motorola V170 is rated to go up to 12.5 days before recharging. This is good. Although it's probably better to recharge your phone a bit more often than that, it's good to be able to go for more than a week without having to recharge your handset.Now that we know some basics let's see where you can actually use it . . . Single Rate Phone
The Tracfone Motorola V170 is a single-rate phone - each minute of airtime costs one unit. You can call from and to anywhere in the United States for one single rate. There are no roaming charges, and you can even make international calls to many countries at no additional charge.Text MessagesYes, you can send and receive text messages which cost 0.3 units of airtime each way.In fact, reading, replying to, and deleting text messages is actually a little more convenient than some of the newer basic Tracfones. The buttons are easier to press and you seem to need to press fewer of them to get the job done. That's not to say that the phone has any predictive text input or anything -- you still have to type out exactly what you want to say, letter by letter except for sending common messages which can be stored beforehand. Voice MailYou can set up your voicemail pretty easily if you want. You do get charged airtime, but the Tracfone voicemail system is actually pretty efficient so you usually don't use up more than a minute or two of your airtime.Standard FeaturesManualThis is a basic phone so you probably won't ever need to consult the Tracfone Motorola V170 manual(pdf).Caller ID and Call WaitingYep, Caller Id and Call Waiting are available. You don't really need to answer call waiting on a prepaid cell phone because your calls are usually going to be relatively short, but it's good to know who's calling so you can call them right back.Color Screen
The Tracfone Motorola V170 was one of the first Tracfones with color screen when it first came out, but now is barely worth pointing out. I recently read a review of the phone which describes it's "gorgeous color screen"! You won't find junk like that in this review.Screen savers and WallpapersYou can customize these.Multi-Language SupportYou can change the menu language from English to Spanish.PhonebookYou can store your contacts like every other phone so you don't have to keep dialing and you eventually forget their number, and then god forbid you lose the cell phone because you don't have them backed up. On this note, you wouldn't use it as your main business phonebook because you can't sync your contacts with your computer.Ringtones
Twenty Motorola V170 ringtones are included with the phone, so you can root around and choose the one you like most. You could pick one that's pleasant yet uncommon or not. It's up to you. You can assign different tones for calls, text messages, and voicemail messages.Alarm ClockThe alarm clock is a good backup for when the kids mess with the clock radio.Games
The V170 comes with three games. They are Racing, Torpedo, and Magic. They're not exactly the most entertaining out there, but I suppose they'll do the next time you're stuck in an elevator. Quickly looking them over, the Racing game is not bad, Torpedo is too easy, and I have no idea how to play Magic.
Calculator
A basic calculator good for checking your shopping discount and your gas mileage if you keep track of that. If it drives you nuts when the supermarket lists their deals as get 7 for $6.38 compared to the usual cost of 99 cents, then the calculator can come in handy. One drawback is the awkward layout and functions due to the small screen.Stop WatchI've never seen someone actually use a cell phone stopwatch, though I suppose it could come in handy.Airtime Balance DisplayTracfone apparently patented their airtime display, so they get to show you how many minutes you have and the expiration date, while with other cell phones you have to go through the menu or send a text to some number and then you get a text back with the airtime information.When should you get it.The Tracfone Motorola V170 can be a great inexpensive phone for short term use because you can get a Motorola V170 + 60 minutes for just $19.99! Plus 60 bonus minutes!
Have you used one, too?Tell us about it!Your Tracfone Motorola V170 ReviewsShare your opinion about this phone! What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
My V170... not that good
V170 It's ok
Voicemail Hell
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Minutes for V170
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V170 a great basic phone!
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My experience with the V170!
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My experience with the Tracfone Motorola V170 cellular phone.
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