Samsung’s Galaxy S2 will arrive in the U.S. starting September 16 with the Sprint Epic 4G; the S2 rollout will continue with T-Mobile and AT&T models later in the fall. Verizon – at least for now – is the only carrier passing on the follow-up to the popular Galaxy S.

All models will feature a Android 2.3 “Gingerbread” running on a 1.2GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos ARM processor, have 1GB of RAM, large AMOLED+ touchscreens, 8MP cameras with 1080p video capture, 2MP front-facing cameras, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 3.0.  The three S2s will also have similar designs, but with varying size and weight.

The AT&T Galaxy S2 (left) will have a 4.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen and 16GB of flash storage; the Sprint Epic 4G (center) and T-Mobile Galaxy S2 (right) will have larger 4.52-inch touchscreens.  All have microSDHC memory card slots for up to 32GB microSD cards.

The only price announced is for the Sprint Epic 4G, which will sell for $199 with a two-year contract.

As fall approaches so does, we’re told, the release of Amazon’s long-awaited tablet – or tablets. Little is known about the devices other than they will run the Android OS, will likely come in either 7” or 10” versions (or both), and be specially equipped to help the internet retailer sell eBooks, apps, and its many other physical and digital products.  But speculation about exactly what Amazon is up to with its tablet project is now in full swing.

Some analysts are projecting that the Amazon tablet could “disrupt Apple’s tablet dominance.”  Sounds nice, but we’ve heard that song before; so far all attempts at going up against the iPad have been met with limited – or nonexistent – success.  Or even embarrassing implosion.

So this could be just the latest iPad-killing bust.  But I hope the analysts are right.

The key to tablet success, it seems, has always been two-fold: mirroring many (or most) of the iPad features that defined modern tablets while significantly undercutting Apple’s prices.  The Motorola XOOM, for example, does just about everything the iPad does – and even some it doesn’t – but costs just as much or more than equivalent iPad models; as a result, the tablet has enjoyed lackluster sales.  But if Amazon can beat iPad pricing by an impressive amount, say $200 or more, while not sacrificing quality too much, the company stands a good chance of offering wallet-friendly counterweight to iPad’s pricey chic. 

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Verizon Wireless is still selling the HTC Droid Incredible 2 for $200 with a two-year contract, but whether you’re moving to Verizon to grab the new Incredible, or upgrading with a contract renewal, you can now do so without paying anything (other than your monthly bill, of course).

LetsTalk.com and WireFly are each offering the Droid Incredible 2 free with a two-year service agreement.  This price from each retailer is good for both new Verizon accounts or eligible upgrades. 

Free shipping is also included.

Learn more about the HTC Droid Incredible 2…

If you’re an AT&T wireless customer thinking of signing up for the $10 / 1000 text message plan, you’d better get to callin’; starting August 21, AT&T will retire this plan and go to a two-tier system: $20 per month for unlimited messaging, or pay-per-use – $0.20 for text messages and $0.30 for video and photo messages.

The rumor reported late last night by Engadget was quickly confirmed by the carrier.  If you’re already on the $10/month messaging plan, you can keep it, even if you upgrade phones or change voice plans, but new customers and existing AT&Ters who aren’t already on the plan will no longer have the option as of Sunday.

Google Voice, anyone?

Image courtesy of TeacherDudeBBQ

Third-party retailers usually offer substantial savings over the carrier-direct price on new smartphones a week or two after release, so it’s odd to see a device continue to sell for its initial asking price a month or two after hitting the stores.

But that’s exactly what’s happening with the T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G, one of our favorite Android smartphones currently sold.  The Sensation 4G debuted at $249 (which is still the T-Mobile out-the-door price), though the carrier is now offering a $50 mail-in rebate, bringing the final price to $199.  And while we can’t point you in the direction of a retailer offering a lower price, we can save you the hassle of the whole rebate round-and-round.

Amazon.com has the Sensation 4G for $199 for new T-Mobile two-year contracts as well as eligible contract renewals.  Two-day shipping is also free. 

Update: We’ve been informed that Wirefly.com has the Sensation 4G for $129, good for new accounts and contract renewals.  Thanks P!