How is the web browsing on the Prevail and a few other questions Looking to see if will buy Prevail

[techshawn30]

Hello I am new to forums and this will be my first owned android If I buy it. I been around Motorola Droid 2 and X and Iphones of friends. I am not expecting the specs or features of them. I want to know how is the web browsing on the Prevail? Is it fast or laggy? Can I log into sites they have password encryption? I know the phone don't support flash or overclocking but what video can play on the browser? I know it have youtube app and some say can play youtube from the browser but can it play megavideo content or something like dubhappy anime vids or no due to no flash?

Other question the main thing holding me back is people talking about freezing on the phone. Having to take battery out to unfreeze and some say theirs is fine. So is it a problem with some phones and not others or is it that people have to many apps running?

I know internal memory on this phone is abysmal and cant delete preloaded apps without rooting but is it a way to be able to run apps from memory card at least the ones that not required to be on phone? Can i have contacts and email saved to card instead of internal memory? Any way the have phone cache to card instead or internal memory? Is there enough internal memory for apps and caching if cant do them from the memory card?

How is the screen is it responsive any reports of it going out? I can deal with they unlock thing when hanging up phone due to the value of saving money vs a contract phone. Is there a way to put custom skins or themes on the phone? I know cam sucks due no auto focus though not using much for pics. Can you give me names of good or useful apps compatible for this phone? Thank you for answers in advance. Will be basing if buying phone off this.

 

[Tommy78]

Responding quickly:

The web browsing is fine for me and I have never had it freeze (although I use wifi from my home connection). There actually is flash working if you checkout this thread. http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...rking-version-adobe-flash-player-previal.html Some say it doesn't work well, but works well for me.

You can run apps from the SD card easily, but I still suggest rooting if for nothing else but to remove all the garbage apps that came with the phone.

I've never had the screen go out and I'm rooted. My only real complaint is that (as you already know) the camera is not all that great, but at the same time not as bad as expected. The other issue is that some of the better games are not going to work, but everything visible in the market is fine.

Hope this brief comment helps somewhat.

 

[new optimus]

I am not sure what you mean by log into sites with password encryption, unless you mean your wifi network? if so then yes I have wpa2 encryption at home and it logs in just fine.
If you mean something else, sorry dont know.
I found the phone was generally laggy but not to the point of freezing before rooting and removing crap I too would suggest strongly to root and even shabby mod as it will give you the most bang for least effort. You can't go wrong with so many already tested it and verified it works. You wont accidentally brick the phone removing something you should not.

As for themes yup they are available now too, at least 2 people maybe more have created custom themes and if you want you can try your hand at it yourself there are instructions on how to do it.

 

[techshawn30]

Password encryption like will it allow you to sign into sites like amazon and such that have encryption on they password pages some cell phone I seen don't load those types of pages and some do.

 

[new optimus]

Password encryption like will it allow you to sign into sites like amazon and such that have encryption on they password pages some cell phone I seen don't load those types of pages and some do.

oh you mean https sites I have signed into my bank account, fairly sure it would be the same. So yes

I just tried again and the web browser just went no where. So Maybe I know I have before.

 

[Kamel]

I have used many droids, and thanks to Boost not doing many modifications to stock Android, it is _easily_ the most stable droid I've ever used. Even with a week of heavy use and doing bad things to this phone, I am 100% certain it has never crashed on me. There have been apps freeze, and sometimes it may take up to even 30 seconds for that app to be forcefully closed by the android OS, but I have never had to remove the battery. The prevail is in my opinion the most stable droid phone I've ever seen.

As far as secure sites, https/ssl definitely do work, and they work well. Also, I am able to surf quickly and effectively on this phone, faster than on my friend's EVO and my wife's samsung galaxy s continuum. I couldn't describe how thrilled I am with this phone, it may not have all of the features in the world but it does what it does VERY well and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Things to watch out for... Even though I like it a lot, it does have a few issues. Here are the major issues I've had so far.

1) Too little system memory, at 126MB it is constantly out of space even after moving literally every application I installed onto the SD card. Having said that, this may be fixable with upcoming improvements in custom roms etc so who knows. (It does come with a 2GB microsd card upgradable to 32GB).

2) No proximity sensor, if you are on a phone call, you must click the power button then swipe the phone in order to end the call. This is very annoying, and I can't imagine how much more it would have cost just to have this simple but necessary feature.

3) Poor camera (2MP) with no flash. Being a photographer, I actually hate and do not use cell phone cameras. What I do use, however, is the flashlight apps using the built in camera flash, and barcode scanners. It will scan 2D barcodes (the ones that look like boxes) but it can not scan 1D barcodes (the ones that look like lines that you see on all items at the store). This is a MAJOR disappointment for me, as I am a barcode scanning, inventory managing freak.

 

[Tommy78]

If I had to be absolutely honest, I'd say get something better, like the Galaxy S. In the same sentence, the Galaxy Prevail is a good decent phone in most cases.

 

[new optimus]

I have used many droids, and thanks to Boost not doing many modifications to stock Android, it is _easily_ the most stable droid I've ever used. Even with a week of heavy use and doing bad things to this phone, I am 100% certain it has never crashed on me. There have been apps freeze, and sometimes it may take up to even 30 seconds for that app to be forcefully closed by the android OS, but I have never had to remove the battery. The prevail is in my opinion the most stable droid phone I've ever seen.

As far as secure sites, https/ssl definitely do work, and they work well. Also, I am able to surf quickly and effectively on this phone, faster than on my friend's EVO and my wife's samsung galaxy s continuum. I couldn't describe how thrilled I am with this phone, it may not have all of the features in the world but it does what it does VERY well and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Things to watch out for... Even though I like it a lot, it does have a few issues. Here are the major issues I've had so far.

1) Too little system memory, at 126MB it is constantly out of space even after moving literally every application I installed onto the SD card. Having said that, this may be fixable with upcoming improvements in custom roms etc so who knows. (It does come with a 2GB microsd card upgradable to 32GB).

2) No proximity sensor, if you are on a phone call, you must click the power button then swipe the phone in order to end the call. This is very annoying, and I can't imagine how much more it would have cost just to have this simple but necessary feature.

3) Poor camera (2MP) with no flash. Being a photographer, I actually hate and do not use cell phone cameras. What I do use, however, is the flashlight apps using the built in camera flash, and barcode scanners. It will scan 2D barcodes (the ones that look like boxes) but it can not scan 1D barcodes (the ones that look like lines that you see on all items at the store). This is a MAJOR disappointment for me, as I am a barcode scanning, inventory managing freak.

Use Red laser it will scan the barcodes and qr codes as well and since it is both in one app it is a space saver.

 

[new optimus]

If I had to be absolutely honest, I'd say get something better, like the Galaxy S. In the same sentence, the Galaxy Prevail is a good decent phone in most cases.

Yes if it was an option to use a different android phone on boost(legally) I would suggest doing so. However with out cloning the esn the prevail is the only available cdma android.

 

[Kamel]

is it a way to be able to run apps from memory card at least the ones that not required to be on phone?

Yes, you can move your apps to the SD card. I have a hefty amount of apps installed just fine, not sure how many more I can get before I need to begin picking and choosing, but done right you can have many apps installed.

Is there a way to put custom skins or themes on the phone?

Yes, but I'm not sure if it can be done on stock. You may consider rooting and installing shabbymod.

Can you give me names of good or useful apps compatible for this phone?

So far, my must-have app list looks like this (all free versions if they have a paid counter-part):

Adobe Reader
Advanced Task Killer (very important)
AlarmDroid
AndroIRC
Any Cut
Barcode Scanner
chompSMS (replaces built in text messaging client)
Dropbox (if you have a dropbox account)
Facebook (actually, not must-have, works as well or better in browser)
Note Everything
Opera Mobile
Sense Analog Clock (widget)
Simple Sound Profile (widget)
Skyfire browser
Slacker radio
Speed test (by speedtest.net, good for checking 3g speeds)
Titanium Backup (requires root)
Google Voice
Wifi tether 3.1 beta 2 (requires root, make sure you get the beta from the website as the one from the market does not work as well with the prevail)
XiiaLive (streaming online radio)

 

[Kamel]

Use Red laser it will scan the barcodes and qr codes as well and since it is both in one app it is a space saver.

Thanks a lot for the tip, I can't seem to manage to find this on the market though .

 

[Topken]

Itsa not in the market but there is a thread on here about it. look for the gasbuddy thread and you will find redlaser.apk in it so use that one.

 

[DaddyZap]

I love my Prevail, lets face it Boost has a great deal on there service. Its not perfect. The shrinkage is an awesome deal. The prevail has too little internal memory and a low quality camera. Its far from a Droid X.. but all things being said whats the cost of the service from Verizon vs Boost's for the unlimited everything plans ? Budget plan, budget service, budget phone. Taking those things into consideration I am happy for what everything is, and I do love my phone, but hope they have something beefier coming down the turnpike.

 

[techshawn30]

How is the web based video play like? Is the only site you can view video on browser is youtube or cant you view other sites with video?

 

[new optimus]

How is the web based video play like? Is the only site you can view video on browser is youtube or cant you view other sites with video?

Sites that use embedded flash wont work, unless you manage to get flash working, there is a topic on it.
but other videos will play fine.

 

[techshawn30]

Well that's good to know other videos work. So divx and mpeg4 videos don't have a problem working through the browser on the phone?

 

[new optimus]

not that I have seen, I dont do a lot of watching of videos on my phone though.

I have checked go to youtube site, not using utube app and the video still works.

 

[DaddyZap]

Well that's good to know other videos work. So divx and mpeg4 videos don't have a problem working through the browser on the phone?

I use mobo and have a problem watching divx but mp4 works well.

 

[kolosus]

I use vital player for my video playback needs. Avi and some others don't play natively but vital player has software decoding. Works every time. There is also mobo player but I haven't used it as much and have no personal opinion, it has similar functionality.

 

[techshawn30]

What I was meaning if i went to a website that had mpeg 4 and divx will the browser play the video? Or do the browser open the video on the mobo player? Sorry newb to android so not sure. Not talking about playing mpeg 4 or divx file off memory card. Wanted to know if phone would play those files off the web or cant?

 

[ymf]

Yes, you can move your apps to the SD card. I have a hefty amount of apps installed just fine, not sure how many more I can get before I need to begin picking and choosing, but done right you can have many apps installed.



Yes, but I'm not sure if it can be done on stock. You may consider rooting and installing shabbymod.



So far, my must-have app list looks like this (all free versions if they have a paid counter-part):

Adobe Reader
Advanced Task Killer (very important)
AlarmDroid
AndroIRC
Any Cut
Barcode Scanner
chompSMS (replaces built in text messaging client)
Dropbox (if you have a dropbox account)
Facebook (actually, not must-have, works as well or better in browser)
Note Everything
Opera Mobilej
Sense Analog Clock (widget)
Simple Sound Profile (widget)
Skyfire browser
Slacker radio
Speed test (by speedtest.net, good for checking 3g speeds)
Titanium Backup (requires root)
Google Voice
Wifi tether 3.1 beta 2 (requires root, make sure you get the beta from the website as the one from the market does not work as well with the prevail)
XiiaLive (streaming online radio)

Would u have any reliable app for pop email?

 

[mamacherry]

I am not sure if you purchased this phone or not, but the first one I had froze within 6hours, I recorded the issue and returned the phone no probs, thesecond one did the same I called samsung and they instructed me on how to do a hard reset. It worked fine the phone froze once more the next day,I shut it off then back on, but has been fine since. I have downloaded pandora, scrabble and redlaser...these apps are great!

If for nothing else, (my reason for promoting this phone) I love the hands free texting! Samsung kicked @$$ when they made this feature. My friend has an iphone and he is jealous that I can talk all of my text and he has to type it. Unfortunately if you say something letter by letter it puts spaces in between so it is not good for logging into anything,but excellent for facebook comments and emails. You have to play with the settings and talk clearly or it will output some hilarious/very wrong interpretation of what you said. In a way, it encourages proper grammar...lol I love it!

This forum also has some very helpful people on it...use it.

For the money, I say boost and their plan is amazing! But if it acts up, definitely return it and get another one. The girl explained how she would wave my restocking fee of $20...I guess because I gave her a look of "a who say what fee?, I wish I would". Don't pay it.

 

[new optimus]

I am not sure if you purchased this phone or not, but the first one I had froze within 6hours, I recorded the issue and returned the phone no probs, thesecond one did the same I called samsung and they instructed me on how to do a hard reset. It worked fine the phone froze once more the next day,I shut it off then back on, but has been fine since. I have downloaded pandora, scrabble and redlaser...these apps are great!

If for nothing else, (my reason for promoting this phone) I love the hands free texting! Samsung kicked @$$ when they made this feature. My friend has an iphone and he is jealous that I can talk all of my text and he has to type it. Unfortunately if you say something letter by letter it puts spaces in between so it is not good for logging into anything,but excellent for facebook comments and emails. You have to play with the settings and talk clearly or it will output some hilarious/very wrong interpretation of what you said. In a way, it encourages proper grammar...lol I love it!

This forum also has some very helpful people on it...use it.

For the money, I say boost and their plan is amazing! But if it acts up, definitely return it and get another one. The girl explained how she would wave my restocking fee of $20...I guess because I gave her a look of "a who say what fee?, I wish I would". Don't pay it.

very good advice, its amazing how many times they will waive some bs fee if you call them on it. I imagine many ppl will not call them on it so they make a nice profit.
I too love the voice to txt that is in many android phones, probably all that use swype. swype is another great thing, at first it was difficult but after use it is so nice.

 

[kevincott]

comments I have:

1. The Prevail WILL freeze/reboot due to heat, a known issue. keep your battery cool

2. Red laser has scanned everything I have tried it on, but like some other apps you have to put it on SD then install -a straight install from appstore wont work.

3. I have moved apps to the SD and do not have a memory issue

4. Plan on getting a SDHC card, above a class 4 if you can (faster)

If you have reasonable expectations you can't beat the Prevail/Boost combo.

I have seen that Samsung is coming out with a new Android for Boost soon with a pulllout keyboard and a fater processor allowing Android 2.3 where Prevail only has 2.2.

 

[cmizzle]

comments I have:

1. The Prevail WILL freeze/reboot due to heat, a known issue. keep your battery cool

2. Red laser has scanned everything I have tried it on, but like some other apps you have to put it on SD then install -a straight install from appstore wont work.

3. I have moved apps to the SD and do not have a memory issue

4. Plan on getting a SDHC card, above a class 4 if you can (faster)

If you have reasonable expectations you can't beat the Prevail/Boost combo.

I have seen that Samsung is coming out with a new Android for Boost soon with a pulllout keyboard and a fater processor allowing Android 2.3 where Prevail only has 2.2.

you must be talking about the Samsung M930