Maybe I'm just a horrible writer or something because there's a serious lack of comprehension going on.
IF he's on an unsubsidized plan, AND he goes and buys the $50 SGS3 which puts him back on a subsidized plan, THEN over two years he will be more out of pocket vs a N4 since the subsidized plan cost more than the unsubsidized plan.
Well, the Nexus 4 is the best deal ever on a smartphone. Only problem is that it looks like it will be a couple of months before you can get your hands on one at the $299 price point. And if you're paying T-Mobile for it, all benefits if the deal disappear as well (I don't recommend Craigslist either, don't encourage price gouging).