Samsung Electronics has announced that the Samsung Galaxy S II (model: GT-I9100) will arrive in the UK on May 1, 2011 across all major networks and retailers. There's no release date for the rest of Europe yet, but given the excitement surround the device, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.

The company has also confirmed that the Galaxy S II will run Android 2.3 (codenamed Gingerbread) and feature a dual-core 1.2GHz processor. It will be the first handset to offer Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus screen technology, which the company is touting as "the largest, brightest and most colorful screen available in Samsung's portfolio of devices."

The Galaxy S II is the company's thinnest phone at 8.49mm and a weight of just 116g. The device features a 4.27-inch Super AMOLED Plus display (800x480 resolution), an 8MP primary camera with 1080p video capture, and a 2MP camera in the front, as well as integrated NFC support on some versions. It also features the usual BlueTooth 3.0+HS and HSPA+ connectivity.

The new Live Panel allows you to aggregate web, social networking, and app content to a single customizable home screen. You'll be able to switch between three adjacent home screens by simply pressing and holding on the screen. The device will come with four new content and entertainment hubs: music, games, e-reading, and social networking. Samsung has yet to announce pricing details, but we're betting they will be similar to the original Samsung Galaxy S.

"From the moment it was revealed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona there has been a huge buzz about the Galaxy S II, so we're pleased to announce that it will be available for UK customers to buy from 1st May," Simon Stanford, Samsung UK and Ireland's Managing Director of Mobile, said in a statement. "Our slimmest, lightest, fastest smartphone is our first device to offer of Super AMOLED Plus screen technology, alongside the most advanced technical specifications including the latest Android OS and a dual core processor. We're confident it's a great package for anyone wanting a superior smartphone experience."