Product Description
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Combining the power of the Android OS and Boost Mobile's no-contract cellular service, the Samsung Galaxy Prevail smartphone is designed to provide an uncompromised Android experience while maintaining the great value of Boost's $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with no hidden fees and no contracts required. And you'll save money the longer you stick with Boost Mobile, with your monthly payments lowered by $5 for every six on-time payments.
See larger image. The Prevail's 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display has awesome color and rich contrast. When you stroke your finger across it, you'll discover a fluid, responsive feel for navigating between screens. And you'll be able to capture spontaneous photos and videos on the go with the 2-megapixel camera/camcorder.
Other features include Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion to 32 GB (with 2 GB card included), music player, full HTML browser, access to both personal and corporate e-mail, and up to 6.5 hours of talk time (see full specifications below).
Android 2.2 Operating System
It runs the latest Android operating system--OS 2.2 (aka, Froyo)--which provides a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities. Google Maps gives you turn-by-turn GPS directions. You'll get a Gmail email account. Google Search lets you type or speak your query. With Google Contacts, all your friends' info is synced to your phone.
You'll be able to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open. And it offers a plethora of features, including an improved QWERTY keyboard, full push corporate e-mail, and Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for access to the full Web.
See larger image. Vital Statistics The Samsung Galaxy Prevail weighs 3.8 ounces and measures 4.43 x 2.26 x 0.47 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.5 hours of talk time. It runs on Sprint's 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A frequencies.
What's in the Box
Samsung Galaxy Prevail handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD card, quick start guide
About Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage no-contract service where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, web, e-mail, IM and calls to 411. It offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network and Nextel National Network, reaching more than 278 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees.
Plans include:
$55 Android Monthly Unlimited for unlimited nationwide talk, text, web, e-mail, and 411 with no contracts on an Android powered device. Includes access to Android Market. Voicemail, long distance and call waiting included. And you'll reduce your monthly payment the longer you stay with Shrinkage.
$2 Daily Unlimited provides all the value of Monthly Unlimited and nationwide coverage at a low daily rate. The $2 subscription charge is automatically deducted from your Boost account each day after midnight, regardless of usage, unless the you cancel the subscription. Recharge at least once every 90 days to keep your account active (after 90 days any credit balance will expire).
Boost lowers your monthly payment by $5 for every 6 on-time payments ($50 Monthly Unlimited example illustrated above). International Connect provides unlimited international talk and text with family and friends around the world. It can be added to Monthly Unlimited and Android Monthly Unlimited plans for an additional $5 per month, and added to the BlackBerry Monthly Unlimited plan for $10 per month.
Boost Shrinkage
All Monthly Unlimited plans include Shrinkage and unlimited nationwide talk, text, web, e-mail, and 411. Shrinkage reduces your payment by $5/month for every six on-time payments, up to $15/month in total. Monthly Unlimited shrinks to as low as $35/month, Android Monthly Unlimited to as low as $40/month, or $45/month for BlackBerry Monthly Unlimited.
On-Time Payments
On-time payments are made on or before the monthly payment date. Your monthly payment date remains the same every month as long as you successfully make your monthly payment. However, if you make a late payment, your payment date will be reset to the day of the month before the date your service is restored (e.g., if your service is restored on February 15th, your monthly payment date will be reset to March 14th).
Missed Payment
While it's best to make regular on-time payments each month, payments do not have to be consecutive. If you miss a payment you don't have to start over. The on-time payments made to the account will still be available as well as any savings milestone achieved.
Specifications
- 3.2-inch touchscreen display (480 x 320 pixels)
- Onscreen keyboard
- Bluetooth connectivity (version __) includes communication headset, hands-free car kits, and A2DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
- 2 GB included microSD card
- 2-megapixel camera with 3x digital zoom
- Video capture capabilities
- Multimedia player compatible with MP3 and AAC music formats, and MPEG4 and H.263 video formats
- Access to Facebook and Twitter
- Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging
- Web browser with Google search and support for Adobe Flash 10.1
- Personal and corporate e-mail access with support for Exchange ActiveSync accounts.
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Speakerphone for hands-free communication.
- Hearing Aid Capable rating M4/T4
This review is from: Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android Smartphone (Boost Mobile) (Wireless Phone Accessory)
I've been using this phone for a few days now and here are the pros and cons.
PROS:
- Inexpensive
- Awesome flexible plans with no contract, you can switch between plans to fit your needs on monthly basis.
- Attractive design & compact size
- Good speed, not the slowest nor the fastest, somewhere in between (as May 2011)
- No blowware installed, good job Boost Mobile
- Clear sound for phone calls & decent music player
Cons
- Fixed focus low res cam (2MP) no LED. It takes OK pics in a good lighting environment, video quality is unusable. My biggest issue is that it CAN'T read standard bar code, due to it's fixed focal lens. But it reads QR code without any problem.
- CDMA network, which is a somewhat outdated network system. Most of countries are using GSM network, so it won't work outside of US even if you unlock it.
- SIM card embedded, that means it can only be used on Boost Mobile network, maybe Sprint...BTW, Boost Mobile is using Sprint's network. You can't transfer contacts from your SIM card phone easily.
- Screen resolution. It's not really a con, but it might be if you're used to hi end smart phones. It's the same resolution as 2gen ipod touch.
- Battery, this is an issue with all smart phones.
Overall, I highly recommend it for causal users. Check out its coverage in your area before hand though.
Things you would need to buy, if you plan to use this phone.
- Micro SDHC, 2/3 of its internal RAM is occupied by OS and others. 2GB Micro SDHC that came with the phone is not going to be enough for most people. Make sure you get the Class 6 or above version of Micro SDHC. It makes noticeable difference in speed.
- Car charger, they're not all the same. The main difference is how much power the charger provides. If you get one that provides minimum power, then your phone won't be charging much while the phone is using GPS & 3G for navigation. Motorola Vehicle Power Adapter micro-USB Rapid Rate Charger This seems to be a good one.
- extra battery, if you're always on the phone.
Tips for new Android phone users, especially entry level phone like this one.
- Read app's permission carefully. When installing an app, it will tell you what data on your phone it is accessing. Many "free" apps are collecting info in the background, often they collect info that has nothing to do with its function.
This is not just a privacy issue, it also slows down the phone and drain its battery. If you're experiencing slow response and really bad battery issue, then it's probably because there are too many apps running in the background. These kind of apps send collected info periodically via wifi/3G, which is a major battery drainer. Get a Task Killer app, it lets you kill apps that run in the background.
A general rule, stay away from apps that is accessing data has nothing to do with its function. For example, a workout app that wants to access phone's contact list and reads phone account info. You know it's data mining your phone for marketing purpose.
Update: there is a work around for scanning bar code at book store. Google has an app called Shopper or Google Shopper. It can scan a book or CD/DVD cover from phone's camera and do a price search, an amazing app. Amazon App store gives away a pay app for free everyday, sweet!
6/28/2012: Apparently Boost Mobile's 10 cent/minute Pay as You Go plan is not available to this phone yet. But $50/month unlimited everything is still the best deal by far. Most of 4G data & phone plans from major carriers costs around $80 + tax & fees = $90/month, plus you lock in for two years. Sure, you get the latest smartphone with 4G speed for "free", but it's not free at all. Here's the math, you pay $40 more per month with other carriers' plan. So $40 x 24 months = $960, this does not include the Shrinkage discount. You have to ask yourself if 4G speed & latest smartphone is worth of $1000 more.
Lastly, government charges tax & fee when you setup automatic payment to pay Boost Mobile account (it makes no sense whatsoever, but government wants more money). To avoid that, you have to put money in your account via reboost card each month manually. Luckily, you can buy electronic reboost card from major online store. They will email you the reboost code, then you just copy and paste it to your boost mobile account via website.
9/13/2012: I've been using this phone for a few months now, and had no major issue until a couple days ago when I installed Pandora app. All hell broke loose after that, the phone froze up every couple hours. The phone works fine after uninstalled Pandora. Other than that, the I'm pretty happy with it. Remember to keep it lean, the more apps you add to it, the slower it gets.
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