Samsung Galaxy Note II makes U.S. debut, available from T-Mobile

T-Mobile has begun selling the 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note II, becoming the first U.S. network to carry the phone/tablet hybrid device.

Early Wednesday, the Seattle-based carrier announced it would begin selling the anticipated device immediately. T-Mobile’s launch comes one day ahead of Sprint’s launch, which was announced last week.

The Galaxy Note II features 16 GB of storage, a 1.6Ghz quad-core Exynos processor and an 8-megapixel rear camera. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and it also includes Samsung’s S Pen stylus.

T-Mobile, which recently announced it would merge with MetroPCS, said customers on its Value plan that get a new two-year contract can purchase the phone with a $249.99 down payment followed by 20 payments of $20 a month -- which adds up to $649.99.

Customers on T-Mobile’s Classic plan can purchase the device for $369.99 along with a new two-year contract.

By comparison, Sprint, which will begin selling the phone Thursday, is charging $299.99 for the phone on a new two-year contract, as is AT&T;, which will start taking preorders for the device Thursday and begin selling the phone Nov. 9.

Additionally, Samsung has also said the device will be coming to Verizon.

The South Korean tech company also has an event planned for the device later Wednesday in New York City featuring a performance by rapper Kanye West.

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