Galaxy Note 2 vs Galaxy S3 vs Galaxy Nexus

Android Authority has offered its readers extensive coverage on the most important event of IFA 2012, the Samsung Unpacked media presentation that took place yesterday in Berlin, and whose main star was, without a doubt, the new phablet in town, the Galaxy Note 2.

But while we were give the full specs and features of the device, and we were able to get hands-on time with it to compare it against several devices, Samsung was very shy when it came to its launch plans.

The company has officially stated that the device is going to be released in European and other international markets in October – without providing an actual release date – while North American buyers will get it at a later date.

Its predecessor, the original Galaxy Note was announced at IFA 2011, but only launched in the U.S. with AT&T in early 2012, more than four months after its unveiling – which, in Android time, is a lot.

It appears that Samsung will not repeat its “mistake” with the new Note, as the company has confirmed to The Verge that the handset is going to hit U.S. stores by the end of the year:

Samsung Mobile is planning a U.S. version of Galaxy Note II, which will be available later in 2012. Building on the success of the original Galaxy Note, we're confident that the Galaxy Note II continues to redefine what consumers should expect from their smartphone and delivers a powerful, innovative and unique experience. Exact timing and retail channel availability is not being announced at this time, we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

That’s exactly the bullshit-filled PR response we expect from such corporations, but we know at least that the phablet is going to be found in North American stores this Christmas.

As for us, “we will continue to share information” on the Galaxy Note 2’s pricing and launch dates “as it becomes available.”