Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Note II has gone from rumored to official as the handset/tablet is announced at IFA.  Specifications for the device are exactly what we’ve been expecting these last few weeks and should put the Note II firmly in the running for top Android of 2012.

Powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Galaxy Note features a 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 Super AMOLED screen, a quad-core 1.6GHz processor, 2GB RAM, an 8-megapixel rear camera, front-facing 1.9-megapixel camera, and a 3100mAh battery.  Consumers will have choice of storage capacities (16GB, 32GB, or 64GB) and a pair of colors to pick from in Mountain White and Titanium Grey.

Getting beyond just the specs, the Galaxy Note II features some new and improved functionality.  The S Pen gets a new, thicker and longer design which is said to be more ergonomic.   Samsung has included a feature called “Air View” which lets users hover the S Pen over images, emails, and other items to preview things without having to completely open them up.

Much like Popup Play on the Galaxy S III, the Galaxy Note features a “Popup Notes” which lets users put a note over the screen, atop other apps.  There’s also a “Quick Command” option that reveals a menu of quick commands for sending contacts email, calls, searching, and more.  Wrapping things up, there’s a Screen Recorder that lets the user record things as they happen on the screen and share with others.

Pricing for the Samsung Galaxy Note II  is unknown at this point, however we’re sure it will leak once we get closer to carrier announcements and deployment. As far as availability for the Galaxy Note II, the device ships to Europe in October, however we don’t know just yet if/when a U.S. carrier will announce support.

In fact, here’s what Samsung has to say in regards to a U.S model.

“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” – Samsung