Review: Samsung Galaxy Prevail LTE for Boost Mobile
Feb 10, 2015, 5:00 PM by Eric M. Zeman
Samsung churns out another entry-level Android handset for Boost Mobile's prepaid service. The Galaxy Prevail LTE is an updated handset that improves upon its predecessor's specs while maintaining a low price point.
Is It Your Type?
The Samsung Galaxy Prevail LTE falls about in the middle of Boost's lineup of prepaid phones. If you're looking for something better than entry-level, but don't have the cash for a high-end device, the Prevail LTE covers most bases at a reasonable cost.
(Virgin Mobile and other carriers are selling the Prevail LTE as the Galaxy Core Prime. The name may be different, but the phone is the same.)
Body
If you've laid eyes on any handset made by Samsung over the last few years, then you have a good idea what to expect from the Galaxy Prevail LTE. It marches in the exact same steps trod upon by no less than a dozen such phones from the Korean manufacturer. It looks classy, but is hardly unique.
Like many of Samsung's handsets, the Prevail LTE is made from plastics and has a chrome band circling the outer edge. Chrome accents also circle the home button, form the grille for the earpiece speaker, and ring the camera module on the back. The phone is white with a glossy front and a matte back. The Prevail LTE looks conservative; there's nothing flashy about it.
The Prevail LTE is compact, as far as modern handsets go. The 4.5-inch screen allowed Samsung to keep the dimensions in check. It's easy to hold, easy to use, and goes anywhere without trouble. I found it fit in pockets easily. The weight is nicely balanced; it isn't too heavy, nor is it too light. As far as the materials go, well... they could be a lot better. The Prevail LTE tip-toes on the razor's edge separating "cheap" from "economical." The Prevail LTE doesn't come across as flimsy, like some Samsung handsets do. The materials are acceptable, but clearly not top-notch. Granted, Samsung can only do so much and keep the Prevail LTE at an affordable price point. The phone is assembled tightly.
Samsung used its tried-and-true blueprint in giving the Prevail LTE its front face. The speaker grille, sensors, and user-facing camera are clearly visible above the display, which consumes the lion's share of the front surface. There's an acceptable amount of bezel surround the screen. The raised home button is oval in shape. It's easy to find and feels great. It's flanked by capacitive keys: multitasking on the left and back on the right. All three controls function perfectly for interacting with the user interface. The chrome band that forms the entire outer edge of the phone isn't actually chrome; it's plastic, and forms a ridge around the front to protect the screen from damage.
Buttons placement is fairly standard. The volume toggle, which is about an inch long, is positioned on the left edge. Travel and feedback is decent, though I wish there were a nub or some other marker at the ends of the toggle to make them easier to locate. The screen lock button is positioned on the right edge. I had no trouble finding and using it. Travel and feedback are about perfect. The stereo headphone jack is on top and the micro USB port is on the bottom.
As with most Samsung devices, the Prevail LTE's rear cover can be removed quite easily. It's a bit of a chore to put back on thanks to hard-to-close clasps. With the cover removed, you have access to the battery and combo SIM card / memory card slots. The memory card can be swapped without pulling the battery, but the SIM card cannot. Many count removable batteries as a selling point.
The Galaxy Prevail LTE isn't going to set your heart aflutter, but it looks good enough and functions well enough to call it a decent piece of hardware.
About the author, Eric M. Zeman:Eric has been covering the mobile telecommunications industry for 17 years at various print and online publications. He studied at Rutgers Newark and University of Kentucky, and has a degree in writing. He likes playing guitar, attending concerts, listening to music, and driving sports cars.
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Samsung Galaxy Prevail LTE / Galaxy Core Prime (CDMA)
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