That compares to the original version's 5.3-inch display with a 1280-by-800-pixel resolution in a package that is 9.7 millimeters thick and weighs 178 grams.

There will be a version that can connect to LTE networks.

Samsung has also increased the size of the battery from 2,500 mAh to 3,100 mAh. How that will affect battery life when there is a slightly bigger screen and a faster processor remains to be seen.

On the software side, users can hover over an icon with the digital pen and get a preview of what hides beneath it. Also, if the pen is left behind, the Note II will vibrate to warn the user that the pen has been left behind.

The new version also includes pop-up video and pop-up play, features that allow users to watch videos or surf the Web in a window that hovers over the rest of the user interface.