T-Mobile SGSII is also using snapdragon instead of Exynos to accommodate the faster HSPA service. I have the note and it’s a category 14 device iirc (21.1mbps). Just because two carriers are using HSPA+ doesn’t mean it’s the same service. There are different levels of HSPA categories defining the max speeds

Again, every report I’ve suggests the Snapdragon is to accommodate LTE, not HSPA+.

That said, I ended up going with the Galaxy Nexus instead. Partly because I’m already on Verizon Wireless and was able to grab the Nexus for $175. Also because I’m really excited to see what they do with the next generation of this device (Note II). 

There are some things that just aren’t there, like the faster processor, that will surely be there next round (probably quad-core as well). In the end it would be awesome if my phone could be a portable gaming device, miniature tablet, and phone. They’ve got the tablet/phone down, but the gaming capability just isn’t there yet (and no I’m not talking angry birds). I am waiting on game designers who write games for Nintendo’s 3DS and Playstations Vita to make games for cell phones in general (Latest Fire Emblem would be awesome). I’m excited for the great stuff I’m sure we’ll see next year and until then I will have an awesome stock ICS phone to test out the new platform!