Guess you’ve already heard, Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Note II, the successor to their first ever phablet — the Galaxy Note, a cross between a phone and a tablet.  So what’s new about this phablet?

Let’s run through the specs, take a look at the Note II’s competitors and see who comes out on top.

Galaxy Note II

Screen: 5.5” HD Super AMOLED with a 16:9 screen ratio perfect for all viewing experiences.

Network: 3G: HSPA+21Mbps, (HSDPA 21Mbps / HSUPA 5.76Mbps), and 4G LTE: 100Mbps / 50Mbps.

Processor: 1.6 GHz quad-core processor

OS: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Camera: 8 MP Auto Focus front camera with LED Flash which features Best Photo, Best Group Pose, Low light shot, and a 1.9 Megapixel VT Front Camera.

Memory: Available in 16/32/64GB versions which can be upgraded with up to 64GB via microSD and a 2GB (RAM)

Optimized S Pen: S Pen Experience – Just by removing the S Pen from its slot it gives you the option of opening S Note, S Planner, S Pen Keeper, Quick Command, Easy Clip, Photo Note, Paper Artist, Shape Match, and Formula Match.

Other features: Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 & 5 GHz), Wi-Fi HT40, WiFi Direct, NFC, S Beam, AllShare

Special features: Air View – with the use of the S Pen, you can hover over a folder or an item to see its content; Popup Note – just double click the S Pen on the screen and you can now take down notes even during a call.

Galaxy Note

Screen: 5.3” WXGA (1280 x 800) HD Super AMOLED

Network: HSPA+ up to 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100, 4G LTE, EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900

Processor: 1.4GHz Dual Core Processor

OS: Android 2.3(Gingerbread) upgradable to ICS

Camera: 8 MP rear-facing camera with LED Flash which features Action Shot, Beauty, Panorama Shot, and Smile Shot and a 2 MP front camera.

Memory: 16GB Internal memory which can be upgraded with up to 32GB via microSD

Input: full touch controls as well as the S Pen
Other features: Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 + HS, USB 2.0 HOST, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct.

LG Optimus Vu

Screen: 5.0” HD-IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 768 x 1024 pixels

Network: 2G CDMA 800 / 1900, 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, HSDPA 2100, 4G LTE 800

Processor: Dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion

OS: Android 3.5 Gingerbread

Camera: 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash and a 1.3 MP front camera

Memory: 32GB with 1GB RAM, no card slot

Input: Multitouch capacitive touchscreen

Other features: Bluetooth 3.0, microUSB, NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot

LG Optimus Vu II

The LG Optimus Vu was announced last February, and is just making its way around the world.  But they’ve already announced the Optimus Vu II in the Korean market.  Little is known about the device yet except that it’s “the world’s first smartphone using infrared,” that allows it to operate gear like set-top boxes and home appliances, including other companies’ products. Aside from that, specs are sparse but reports are saying that it will be available in Korea next month.

Conclusion

Based on the specifications of the devices mentioned above, it appears that the Galaxy Note II is the complete package, perfect for anyone looking to buy a phablet or a large smartphone.

If you want your device to help you with your tasks, then the 1.4 GHz quad-core processor of the Note II will help you finish tasks quickly.  Speaking of fast, 4G is of course crucial when choosing your next device, since network carriers are doing their best to make that technology available everywhere.  And you won’t be able to experience 4G if your device doesn’t support it, which the Note and the rest of the devices mentioned here does.

And though the other devices will eventually get the Jelly Bean upgrade, it’s still best if the device you bought already comes with the latest OS out of the box.  Another thing is, the S Pen’s enhanced features will expand phone capabilities beyond just tapping on the or using it to compose messages.

All of the phablets mentioned here, except for the Vu II, feature an 8MP rear camera, a staple in most smartphones these days but I must admit, having the Best Photo feature with the Note is a great perk.  Admit it, it often takes a few shots to get something that’s picture perfect.