Question

I have been researching the Samsung Galaxy Prevail for Android development. This phone is meant to be used on the Boost network.

Will the phone be usable as a test device if it is never activated on the carrier’s network? Will the device be able to connect to the internet through WiFi if it is never activated?

What is to stop someone from buying the device and using it as a glorified MP3 player?

http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-prevail-boost/4505-6452_7-34629355.html#reviewPage1

http://www.amazon.com/Boost-Mobile-BMSAMM820/dp/B004Z7HYUI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312915398&sr=8-1

Answer 1

Will the phone be usable as a test device if it is never activated on
the carrier’s network?

Yes. I have a Nexus S that’s never been activated which I use for development.

Will the device be able to connect to the internet through WiFi if it
is never activated?

Yes.

What is to stop someone from buying the device and using it as a
glorified MP3 player?

Nothing, really.

Edit: If you’re simply looking for a real phone to develop on, you might want to scrounge around on eBay and look for people who have upgraded, and no longer need their phones. As long as they have been cleanly removed from the carrier’s network, they should work just fine. Could be a good way to pick up a cheap phone.