Samsung Galaxy S II US event LIVE COVERAGE

The Samsung event, which will see the announcement of the US Galaxy S II versions is just about to start and we are covering it live for you. Stay tuned and keep an eye on this article as it evolves, bringing you the latest news of the Galaxy S expansion on the other side of the big pond.

We are already on site as the event is just about to kick off.

Three of the four major US carriers got a piece of the action with Verizon being left out in the cold. This could either mean that the Big Red will be focusing on the next iPhone or that it will be skipping the Galaxy S II and will be moving straight to the Ice Cream sandwich droids.

Now check out what the new announcements are all about.

Samsung Galaxy S II (AT&T)

The AT&T version of the Galaxy S II won't have a name of its own. It goes by Samsung Galaxy S II, just like the international version of the smartphone and will basically be carrying the same hardware.

Samsung Galaxy S II for AT&T

The only hardware differences are in the exterior, most notably the controls at the front, where four touch-sensitive keys have replaced the two touch keys and a regular button combo. On the inside you are getting HSPA+ connectivity and the same Exynos chipset as the original Galaxy S II.

Samsung Galaxy S II for AT&T live photos

The Super AMOLED Plus screen stands at the same 4.3", and the TouchWiz-skinned Android 2.3.4 is also a part of the standard equipment.

At this stage we didn't get any details about the AT&T-bound Galaxy S II pricing or availability.

Samsung Galaxy S II for AT&T live photos

Samsung Galaxy S II (T-Mobile)

The T-Mobile Galaxy S II will come with a pretty big difference compared to the international version. It will be carrying a 4.52" Super AMOLED Plus, which is no minor difference.

Samsung Galaxy S II for T-Mobile

In fact the difference from 4.3" to 4.52" is quite noticeable even if you don't put the handsets side by side. The Galaxy S II versions with the smaller screens seem much easier to handle, though.

Samsung Galaxy S II for T-Mobile live photos

T-Mobile failed to mention anything about expected availability or pricing of their Galaxy S II, too.

Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch (Sprint)

The Galaxy S II edition for the Sprint network is probably the most interesting of the bunch. Not only does it have a unique name, but it also has WiMax connectivity and the same larger 4.52” Super AMOLED Plus screen as the T-Mobile version.

Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint

The Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch will also feature a larger battery - 1800 mAh vs 1650 mAh for the AT&T and international Galaxy S II varieties. The price you have to pay is a slightly thicker shell, but we didn't find that to make such big difference when we handled the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint

This will also be the first edition of the Samsung flagship smartphone to actually become available in the states. The Epic 4G Touch will be hitting Sprint stores starting on September 16th for $200 on a contract.

Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch for Sprint