MANILA, Philippines - Local telecommunications firms Smart Communications and Globe Telecom are now offering the second generation of its popular Galaxy Note phone-cum-tablet in the Philippines ahead of the gadget's formal launch in the country.

In separate press statements, the two companies announced post-paid packages for the new device, which boasts of a larger display and a slimmer body.

Globe has put up a pre-order site for the Galaxy Note 2, with the device available for post-paid plans priced at P1,799 and P2,049 (includes a monthly cash out), and P2,499 a month. Each package includes unlimited data for mobile surfing and a consumable amount for calls and text messages.

Smart, meanwhile, is offering the product for a postpaid data plan worth P2,000 a month.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was unveiled at Europe's biggest electronics show in Berlin last August. The device will be reportedly launched in the Philippines next week.