Tracfone LG Stylo 2 (L81AL) Review

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.

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.

Tracfone is releasing a large number of new smartphones over the summer of 2016 and the LG Stylo 2 is one of many that are already available. We're doing our best to keep up with ll these new devices, and you can learn more by taking a look at our recent posts; New Samsung and LG Tracfone Smartphones, New ZTE, Alcatel and Huawei Tracfone Smartphones, and News about iPhones coming to Tracfone.

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.

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.

For more Tracfone smartphone related content, take a look at our recent analysis of the changes Tracfone made to Smartphone Airtime cards.

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