Samsung Galaxy Precedent Review
[NOTE: As more info becomes available, I'll update this post with more links. You can also check out this page for more information: http://www.samsunggalaxyprecedentreview.com/]
A really surprising development has sprung up in the Straight Talk world. In fact, I’m not completely sure what to believe about this. But rumor has it that there will be an Android phone coming to Straight Talk.
Specifically, there’s a video showing up on DailyMotion.com introducing the Samsung Galaxy Precedent. According to the video, the phone will be available in September, and the price will be $150.
Whoever posted this video has a strange user name that doesn’t sound like anything officially endorsed by Straight Talk, yet they have also uploaded 9 other videos related to either Straight Talk or Net10. The production value on these videos is good enough that I have a hard time doubting their authenticity.
Now, assuming this is indeed accurate, there are still a lot of questions to be answered. Of course users will want to know about the technical specs on the device. Some observers in the Straight Talk forum HowardForums have pointed out that the phone in the video looks a lot like the Samsung Galaxy Prevail available on Boost Mobile. While those same people pointed out that the Prevail is not a highly regarded phone, I think we also need to keep in mind here that the bar isn’t very high when it comes to previous Straight Talk phones. The Samsung Galaxy Precedent won’t have to do much to become the “best” phone offered by Straight Talk.
The next big question is which network it will operate on. Since the aforementioned Prevail device uses the Sprint network, there is speculation that perhaps the Precedent will also be a Sprint device. However, I am a little skeptical that after all these years of not having a relationship with Sprint, America Movil would start now. Of course, Sprint might have their own motivation for getting on board as they fight to retain a subscriber base in the face of the AT&T/T-Mobile merger.
There are a couple of further reasons why it might NOT be an AT&T or Verizon phone. First, if the Precedent is indeed very similar to the Prevail, then know it would be an easy transition to make this one work on Sprint’s network. Next, all three America Movil brands have recently seemed to push customers away from Verizon-based phones which seems to indicate that perhaps America Movil doesn’t make as much money from it’s Verizon-based customers as those on AT&T and T-Mobile’s network.
At the same time, if it is an AT&T phone, that could open another can of worms. An AT&T-based Android phone on Straight Talk would mean that the SIM card could be swapped into any other unlocked GSM phone (assuming it supports the proper GSM bands). And I think that Straight Talk, for the purpose of keeping customer support calls to a minimum, might not want a whole slew of different handsets coming on board.
Well, as I pointed out at the beginning of this post, I’m not entirely sure what to think of this video. I definitely have more questions than answers at this point, but I do think that we can reasonably expect to see the Samsung Galaxy Precedent make an appearance on Straight Talk very soon.
Special thanks to The_Sweeper and Tracfancier, each of whom took time to send me an email to let me know about this development.
How can you call this a review when you haven’t actually seen or touched the phone? It’s nothing more than a rumor at this point.
simmer down ; ) pbush is just trying to give everyone a heads up of a possible deal. there was an incredible triple minutes deal that lasted 24 hours a couple months back and some people missed it. so, we appreciate the heads up even if it is a rumor: it’s one many of us will be watching.
How would this being an AT&T SIM be any different than the current Nokias with unlocked SIMs?
Given those SIMs are used in iPhones and Droids anyway, I don’t see an official ST Droid being any more of a support issue.
I hope this is a real phone, and isn’t on Sprint because it doesn’t work where I live. I almost switched to AT&T Go Phone from Net 10 so I could have an android phone but it would cost 75$ a month.
Straight talk using Sprint’s network is speculation at best.. but would be a first good sign.. dont’ forget the OTHER CDMA brand.. Metro PCS.
An android phone for ST would open up this brand for a group of customers who do not like the generic phones that have been inching up in features and missing their mark. From that ad, it seems the $45 unlimited plan will be the only plan available since it’s a “smart” phone with wifi.
I expect that Sprint and Metro will have to come up with a sweeter offer soon as the momentum is with the Tracfone/ST brands and not with Sprint & their MVNO’s. Phones are also MORE costly with sprint & metro. Should these be on AT&T and Verizon.. their monopoly is nearly compete.. OWN(PWN)ing nearly all the customer bases.. 25% market share isn’t enough for Sprint AND Metro PCS to survive more than 5 years assuming they intend to upgrade & expand their networks.
Found a ST Android commercial on You Tube…
anybody know if this is gsm or cdma handset. only have verizon service in my area, and would really like to have one of these when it comes out.
If anyone knew for sure which network it was going to be on then we wouldn’t be here speculating would we?
thought maybe someone would have found the FCC paperwork and looked it up by now. Just curious.
I emailed Straighttalk about this phone w/ a link to the Youtube video. Am waiting for their reply….
Anyone notice that the video mentions several features. But not the ability to talk and surf at the same time (which AT&T goes out of their way to point out)? Because it`s not possible with CDMA (Sprint)?
I can’t talk and surf at the same time with my LG 900g. It always has a pop up that says “Conflict with Applications (Voice Call)” and it runs off AT&T.
Well, here’s their email response –
———-
Thank you for your interest in Straight Talk Wireless. We are
responding to your recent inquiry.
We understand that you are inquiring if the Samsung Galaxy Precedent phone can be activated with Straight Talk Wireless service.
We regret to inform you that you could not use the Samsung Galaxy Precedent phone and activate it with Straight Talk Wireless service. We are only able to activate handsets manufactured specifically for Straight Talk Wireless. However, you may purchase a Straight Talk phone on our website at http://www.straighttalk.com/ShopPhones or at a participating Wal-Mart retailer.
Please be informed that we are continually working on improving our products and services. Your suggestion about using the Samsung Galaxy Precedent phone will be taken into consideration. If you have any additional suggestions or comments that might help us improve our products and services, please let us know. It will be greatly appreciated.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact one of our customer care representatives at 1-888-251-8164. For your convenience, our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST.
Thank you for being a Straight Talk Wireless customer. We appreciate your business.
———-
What I actually did was post the link to the second video shown above and asked them if they could tell me anything about the phone shown in it and if/when it might become available. Guess they didn’t get it or just didn’t want to help….
Well, they will have to eat their words…
[IMG]http://i51.tinypic.com/63zw42.jpg[/IMG]
I thought it was GSM, but the model number (Samsung m828c) appraes to be a CDMA phone.
I find this on the Samsung SCH-M828C (not much help)
http://certifications.wi-fi.org/pdf_certificate.php?cid=WFA12489
They just posted an announcement and pre-order link on Facebook: http://reserve.straighttalkandroid.com
$149.99 with unlimited service required. No mention of network….
More info. Looks like it will be on teh Sprint network:
http://www.phonenews.com/straight-talk-announces-samsung-galaxy-prevail-as-precedent-ushers-in-new-sprint-deal-17382/
I’m thinking its gonna be a gsm handset. I went to the link posted above to reserve a phone and was told this phone was unavailable in my area. As i am only able to use cdma (verizon) phones, I will assume this is therefore a GSM service phone. Too bad, i was really interested in this.
This was posted on HoFo (but can you ever trust a ST CSR to get it correct):
http://www.howardforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=72458&d=1313792534
Making an assumption by entering a zip code to see if they say it will work is deceptive. If it is indeed Sprint, they will not allow ST to open the floodgates and bring down their network. This has happened with other networks in the past. THEY HAVE TO PUT NEW CUSTOMERS ON SLOWLY.
When ST began with just Verizon they restricted which zip codes you could order from and did not allow phones to be sold in every Walmart with excellent Verizon coverage.
So, I guess this ( http://reserve.straighttalkandroid.com/ ) makes it official? And it’s suppose to be available by Sepember
…And the M828C designation would make this phone a CDMA phone, as mentioned
A HoFo poster was told by ST this phone would become available on their website on 8/27.
the rumors are true. straight talked announced this phone and said it will run on the sprint network on one of their facebook posts.
Does anyone think it’ll be sold in Wal-Mart stores?
I’m sure it eventually will be.
Brace yourself; here in lies the bad news, how Unlimited will be limited:
http://www.intomobile.com/2011/08/22/straight-talk-offer-their-first-android-smartphone-next-month-samsung-galaxy-precedent/
1xRTT is max. 144 Kbps, but typically 60-80 Kbps = 2.5G.
So why not on Verizon, since this is not a data hog speed that many speculate Verizon objects to putting on their network? This offering will not cause the mass defection of Verizon Contract Customers to ST.
So this really won’t have 3G speed? I don’t think it will sell well at all.
There is the posibility their info is incorrect. Time will tell.
These four new ST coverage maps remove and doubt that the Android will be on Sprint.
http://www.straighttalk.com/Coverage
The market area designation for the Android is GSM4SPR.
How do you activate the phone?
You will have to activate at StraightTalk.com, but you’ll also need to have a $45 airtime card handy when you activate, I believe. Did you get your phone delivered already? Mine’s still in transit.
It has been tested and the ST Android does NOT roam. You have only basic Sprint coverage.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PHONE! I was told it was on the Verizon network and when I received it Friday I called to activate it and couldn’t get a signal. That’s when I finally found out it’s on Sprint only, which means you won’t be able to use it in most of the country. Not only that, you have to pay the $45 for the month even though you can’t use it, AND you have to pay to send it back. Total rip-off.
Yes, it’s definitely critical to understand that this phone is on Sprint. That could be a complete deal-breaker for many people.
Another prominent review site, located in a major city, is unable to review the ST Android they received because THEY CAN RECEIVE ABSOLUTELY NO SIGNAL. Whats wrong with Tracfone, they are selling and shipping into areas with NO coverage???
I know there is alot of buzz about the Sprint Android on Straight Talk, but has anyone here seen the advertisements for Net10 and two new Androids coming their way for the unlimited $50/mo plan?
I wonder if they will be on Sprint also…
http://phandroid.com/2011/10/03/net10-prepares-the-lg-optimus-q-and-optimus-net-on-their-contract-free-50-unlimited-voice-text-and-data-plan/
Hi M
Unfortunately, these look to be on Sprint as well. I’ll be posting more on this at prepaidphoneguy.com.
I just bought this for $150 and a $45 card but I can’t use it! I have absolutely no service! This really sucks and after I transferred my phone number from Verizon!
Ugh, that is awful. Probably because Sprint’s network is terrible? I’ve mentioned in other places on this blog, once it was clear that this was a Sprint phone, that you’ll have to be careful about checking Sprint’s coverage before order this one. For many people, myself included, it is a BIG step down from Verizon.
I parched a samsungsch-R451C Straight Talk phone from Walmart. it works very well. I wanted to upgrade to a Samsung SCH-M828C. With the same plan and the same phone number. This ANDROID Phone SUCKS. It will not get single. At work there is a phone tower in the lot next door the old phone will get full bars of antenna but the Android will only get one bar of antenna, on and off. What the F_ _ K is up with that. I returned the phone for an even exchange and the next one plays the same, only got one bar of antenna, on and off. How can Walmart get away with this? Is anyone keeping this phone? They are pushing BAD PHONES. Do they care? It is not a low priced phone. Do they truly think people will keep this phone? June 22,2012
The problem is that the Precedent uses Sprint towers. Your old r451c uses Verizon. The coverage, be definition, will not be the same between these two models.
Less then a month after buying this phone it quit working. Total rip off / scam. Avoid.
Then you should be well within the return period, thankfully. At the least, Straight Talk should replace the phone for you. I have heard of hundreds of people owning this phone, and never heard that it just flat quit in the first month. (or at all, for that matter). I wouldn’t say it’s a scam by any stretch, just a lemon.