Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review, specs, price: The 5.5-inch phablet of the South Korean tech giant sports incredible under the hood features. These includes an internal memory of 2GB RAM and a speedy quad-core processor. It also has a hi-res camera and an Android 4.3 update available that enables it to support Samsung Galaxy Gear.

According to the International Business Times, one of Samsung’s best-selling phablets also has an Android 4.4.2 KitKat ROM available. A quick look at AT&T shows the Marble White variant of the unit available for $199.99 on a two-year contract.

SPECS
 Specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 include having Android 4.1.2 out of the box (though recent news say that the Android 4.3 for T-Mobile users has rolled out), has 5.5-inches screen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and pixel density of 265. It has 8 megapixels camera on the rear and 1.9 front-facing and runs on a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. In terms of storage, the unit begins at 16GB storage but can expand up to 64GB via MicroSD support. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 comes with a 3100mAh battery life. According to Phone Arena, the extra-large battery can have up to 16 hours in talk time.

REVIEW - Pros & Cons
 Review round-up on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 from major tech publications.

PROS
Phone Arena applauds the very big display, citing is as a “pro” when it comes to opting for this unit. It has lots of RAM for a device and fast mobile data support. It also supports active stylus for input and NFC for easy mobile payment. The camera specs of this phablet is also outstanding and has an HDMI connector for TV-out.

CNET points out as an advantage the “oodels of screen real estate,” which makes the gadget terrific for videos, games and reading. The quad-core processor supporting the Note 2 is blazing notes CNET and the strong battery life of the device is a huge plus.

Laptop Mag in their review says that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has a huge and vibrant high-def display. It also notes it’s fast quad-core performance and the improved S-Pen. The dual-view multitasking option is also deemed a plus as well as it’s long battery life.

CONS
 The huge display of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 can be a downside in some ways, as it doesn’t make it as handy as regular handsets. It’s also a pricey for a category and won’t deliver the same performance that full-size tablets deliver.

According to Laptop Mag, the Note 2’s camera struggles in low-light and the S-voice feels second rate. The Verge considers a minus for the device its plastic construction. The S-Planner app on the Note 2 also looks like a downgrade from the default Calendar app.

VERDICT
 This device, priced at $500 plus for its unlocked model is for the consummate Samsung fan. As CNET billed it, it’s the “ultimate anti-iPhone,” extending in size while also expanding in specs. It may not be a full-size tablet, but it’s beyond a smartphone, making this phablet the definition of the category Samsung practically invented.

UPDATE

According to reports from Gotta Be Mobile, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has already begun receiving the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. Roll out for U.S. owners of the device began the month of November. Not all devices, however, have received the update.

Gotta Be Mobile also notes that the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 may arrived Spring 2014 around April.