That phone doesn't support messaging I heard, which is a big drawback but the touch screen and the ability to play video, among other things, makes it a tempting phone to have. The plans that come with it aren't very good , if you ask me. You're getting shortchanged with their special iphone rate plans.
The contract with Tmobile is only 200 dollars to get out of. If he wants to get out of it for free, he can find someone to do a CHange of REsponsibility and take over his contract.