Samsung backtracks on Aug 29 Galaxy Note 2 confirmation

Samsung has backtracked on apparent confirmation that its IFA 2012 "Unpacked" event will see the official launch of the Galaxy Note 2, despite a spokesperson's previous "phablet" promises. Announced yesterday, the event on August 29 will mark a year since the launch of the original Galaxy Note, so it came as little surprise when an unnamed Samsung spokesperson revealed the second-gen model would indeed take the spotlight. However, "we cannot disclose information on what will be unveiled" a subsequent company rep told AllThingsD when questioned.

Nonetheless, that Samsung's big reveal will be pen-related is clear. One of the company's two invitations – different versions were seemingly sent to European and North American press – clearly featured a stylus along with the now-familiar opening box motif.

Whether it's on August 29 or some other time, that the Note 2 is on the way is difficult to deny. Benchmarking results for the smartphone, leaked earlier, confirmed the 1.6GHz quadcore Exynos processor and 1280 x 720 display, which will presumably use the same active digitizer technology as the existing Note. However, the screen itself is expected to have grown, up to 5.5-inches compared to the current 5.3-inches.

That increase is believed to be accompanied by a slimming on the bezel and other elements of the Galaxy Note 2's design, meaning the Samsung has managed to fit in a larger screen while keeping the actual size of the phone the same – or even smaller – than today's Note. We'll know for sure when SlashGear heads to IFA at the end of the month.