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Average customer review :
 Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android Smartphone (Boost Mobile) Rating on November 27 Rating: |
Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android Smartphone (Boost Mobile)
 | Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android Smartphone (Boost Mobile) 4.0 out of 5 from 88 user reviews. |
Technical Details
- Wireless Web
- GPS enabled
- Stereo Bluetooth capable
- 2 MP camera with video
- 3.2" touchscreen
Product Description of Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android Smartphone (Boost Mobile)
Boost Mobile BMSAMM820Amazon.com Product Description
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.
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).
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.
Plans include:
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.
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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 guideAbout 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).
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
| Google Integration |
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Review of Samsung Galaxy Prevail Android Smartphone (Boost Mobile)
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
204 of 208 people found the following review helpful.
A good entry Android phoneBy J. Shih
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.
94 of 95 people found the following review helpful.
I surprised how people are reviewing this phone!By Doug Kampe
I've had this phone for almost 2 months and it hasn't disappointed at all. In fact, completely the opposite! It's a small phone, but I like that personally. I can't stand how big phones have gotten like the EVO. Also, I don't know what people mean "the phone is slow." What exactly are you doing? Personally, the phone works well for me. I multitask all the time: while biking I stream Pandora, track my location with MyTracks, and respond to the occasional text ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I stream music with Grooveshark in my car while navigating with GPS using Waze (awesome app btw). Never a problem! So, frankly, I'm confused what people are talking about "slow". Also, I'm on Boost's shrinkage plan so, my monthly bill is $45 per month for unlimited everything (including data). I've been on Boost for about 8 or 9 months now.
I read reviews on this phone because I find peoples' criticisms interesting. More often than not, people make one huge mistake: comparing it to a high-end phone like the iPhone, EVO, Nexus, etc. Look, it's not one of those, and if you want a top of the line phone, stop comparing this phone to those. No, it doesn't have the Hummingbird processor. No, it doesn't have a 4.3 AMOLED screen. Personally, I don't care about those things because they are too expensive, and if I get a phone that has those things, I'm locked into a 2 year contract for 3 or 4 times the monthly cost. If having a little better spec'd phone is important to you, go for the top of the liners! However, I'm techie, middle class guy that wants as much as I can get for as little as I can get it. The combination of this phone running Android 2.2.2 (I just got an update so that may be higher), and Boost's unlimited plan with shrinkage (eventually $35 per month) fits the bill perfectly for me.
Also, there are lesser "entry level" Android phones out there. Sprint's Zeo is far far far inferior to this phone and the screen isn't double touch. The Prevail's is. Boost uses Sprint's CDMA towers with this phone, so I am never without service. You have to get into extremely remote places to lose reception, and those places will most likely be void of any cell coverage no matter the monthly cost barring satellite phones. Finally, maybe I'm lucky, but I just haven't experienced the shutting down and freezing problems others have. Sometimes this is a poorly designed app, NOT the phone or operating system. I've pulled the battery maybe 2 or 3 times total. I'll end this with a little math lesson.
Let's compare Verizon VS Sprint VS at&t VS Boost. So, the first 3 have smart phones from $0 to $300 with a 2 year contract. The Prevail is MSRP at $180, so to make an apples to apples argument, let's standardize the phone to $165. I'm doing this because you can find the prevail cheaper or more expensive. UNLIMITED contract's with the big 3 companies range from 69 per month (SPRINT) to $120 per month (Verizon/at&t), so let's just say $95 per month on average. I should note, Sprint's plan is really good, unless you have family and friends overseas. You will incur international charges for INBOUND (received) calls on the $69 per month plan. I have family overseas and Boost does not do this, which is weird because they are owned by Sprint. So, here's the math.
Big 3=phone+(# of months * monthly cost)=
165+(95*24) = $2445 over 2 years.
Boost=Phone+(6 months * $50/mo)+(6 months * $45/mo)+(6 months * $40/mo)+(6 months * $35/mo)=
165 + (300) + (270) + (240) + (210) = $1185 over 2 years.
THAT'S A DIFFERENCE OF $1260 OVER TWO YEARS!!! Think about how hard $1260 is to make for the average person (me). So, if the top of the line phone is important enough for you, then that's great and you should do it. However, like I said in another review, personally, I'd rather take a trip to Europe, and for $1260 I am getting airfare to do exactly that!
63 of 67 people found the following review helpful.
Good Phone, great dealBy E. Walker
I've had this phone for a couple weeks. It is my first smartphone, so I'm no expert and I don't expect a lot.
Overall I'm pretty pleased. The $50 a month unlimited plan from Boost is a great deal. The web speed is decent and you can view web pages fairly easily. It has an email app that allows you to collect POP email, which is handy
CONS:
The keyboard - This is a big one. It is near impossible to type on the on screen keyboard. I've ordered a stylus to type. I have fairly nimble fingers, and every fourth letter I type results in the adjacent letter appearing. There is some kind of "swype" application that might help. If you send a lot of text messages, this probably is not the phone for you... or at least you should try it.
The battery - seems like it lasts one day or maybe three hours if you're using it
No flash support
PROS:
The price
the size - it is thin and small, but this also means a small screen
It is android and there are lots of apps out there, or you could write your own.
You can put a 32GB card in this and use it like an mp3 player
it comes with a GPS app that has traffic - but I haven't tried it yet
The screen changes orientation if you move the phone
UPDATE:
I've now had this phone for a couple months, and am generally happy.
They pushed an update that prettty much fixed the battery life issue, now the battery lasts pretty much a 16 hour day.
They also updated the keyboard, it is a little better... but still not good. I use the speech recognition feature for most of my typing.
I bought a 32GB card, and now use this as an MP3 player.
I like the GPS app, it has traffic, I live in LA... enough said.
The unlimited talk/text is really nice.... no worrying about minutes when mom starts talking.
There are a bunch of apps I use, and I realize I should not have waited so long to get a smart phone.
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CREDIT by Amazon.com
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