Galaxy s4 prototype

[BIGLEX911]

So i stumbled across a S4 prototype on ebay that is said to have a clean ESN and is in mint condition the only problem is that it is locked to US Cellular. I would like to root it and unlock it but the threads i found were old and i found some bricking issues. I just want to know is the phone worth getting for 240$, i also read the glass isn't Guerrilla, are there any recent threads on how to root it, and are there any downsides to getting the prototype? (listed as a developer S4)

Should i just get a Nexus 4 instead of this prototype?

 

[ironass]

So i stumbled across a S4 prototype on ebay that is said to have a clean ESN and is in mint condition the only problem is that it is locked to US Cellular. I would like to root it and unlock it but the threads i found were old and i found some bricking issues. I just want to know is the phone worth getting for 240$, i also read the glass isn't Guerrilla, are there any recent threads on how to root it, and are there any downsides to getting the prototype? (listed as a developer S4)

Should i just get a Nexus 4 instead of this prototype?

Hello and welcome to Android Forums BIGLEX911!

Having read your post I am very suspicious of the description and provenance of that phone as the web is flooded with fakes. See...

Fake, clone, not genuine, Galaxy S4 phones

 

[Podivin]

If my choices were a Nexus 4, or a prototype-locked-to-the-wrong-carrier S4, I believe I'd go for the Nexus. In my mind, there are just too many questions about why there is a prototype S4 for sale on EBay (how did it get into the wild?). And if it's a prototype, it's probably a safe assumption that there are at least SOME features that don't work.
Personally, I think there's a big 'keep away' sign hanging around that S4.

 

[BIGLEX911]

He has 900+ good ratings and 1 neutral (no bad reviews), but it still seems weird seeing others go for more in non-mint state, he declines to accept returns and i don't want a huge claim if I do indeed get a fake and dispute with him. And since it is listed as a developer and not a prototype, all he has for system info is the "About Device" section, I will just go with the Nexus, still a beast phone and maybe i can even find the nexus 5 instead.

 

[BIGLEX911]

That's what i was thinking, all the rooting threads i found were troubled by bricks and security locks. I think it is safe just to stick with the nexus which is a beautiful beast. Just wish the 5 had that awesome glass reflection of the back like the 4.