There are big phones, and there are big phones. When the Galaxy Mega hit store shelves last year, it handedly qualified as a big phone. The handset was larger than the Note 3, and the latest iteration remains a device for folks who want something substantial without a massive price to match. AT&T has announced that the Mega 2 is coming to the carrier on October 24th for $474.99 outright, $149.99 with a two-year contract, $23.75 a month with Next 12, or $19.80 monthly with Next 18.

Throughout 2014, Android devices rolled out one after the other boasting how they were slightly larger than they were in 2013. This isn't the case with the Mega 2. This phone has actually slimmed down slightly, going from a 6.3-inch display to something just under six. The screen resolution remains the same at 720 by 1280, and the rear-camera is looking pretty familiar at 8MP.

Internally, the phone isn't all that different from its predecessor, though the battery has actually decreased to 2800mAh (down from 3200). On the outside, the story is different. The device now has squared-off corners and a faux-leather back that puts it more in line with Samsung's current crop of phones. The menu button has turned into a recent apps one.

The Mega 2 doesn't compete with the flagships of the world, but it remains a more affordable way to get a large phone without the usual phablet price.

The Samsung Galaxy Mega® 2 to Arrive at AT&T on Oct. 24

The Galaxy Mega 2 is designed for those who want to get the most out of their large-screen smartphone, featuring a 6-inch High Definition screen with a smaller overall “just-right” size and one-hand operation mode that puts most everything within easier reach.

The new Samsung Galaxy Mega® 2 is set to join the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network on Oct. 24. It features a quad-core processor for speedy multi-tasking and responsiveness along with the added benefit of battery management features.

The Samsung Galaxy Mega 2 is available for purchase starting Oct. 24 at www.att.com and in AT&T retail stores for $19.80 a month with Next 18, $23.75 a month with Next 12, $149.99 with a new two-year contract, or $474.99 with no annual commitment.

You can also receive a $100 bill credit when you activate a new or existing line of service on AT&T NextSM with a smartphone.

The Galaxy Mega 2 is designed for those who want to get the most out of their large-screen smartphone, featuring a 6-inch High Definition screen with a smaller overall “just-right” size and one-hand operation mode that puts most everything within easier reach. It also includes key features such as:

  • 8MP Camera with 4X Zoom: Capture your special moments with the Galaxy Mega 2’s 8MP rear-facing camera with 4X zoom. The camera’s on-screen controls make sure you’re ready to snap a picture at a moment’s notice.
  • Multi-task without Interruptions: Not only can you have two apps open at once with the split-screen mode, but with the new multi-instance Mode you can open the same application in two windows at once. The Galaxy Mega 2 offers all this without having to pause your navigation or a movie when receiving phone calls or texts.
  • Private Mode: The Galaxy Mega 2’s Private Mode allows you to keep personal files protected with a password, making it more secure than ever before.
  • Improved Battery Management: What’s better than quad-core speed? The ability to use it all day with limited charging. The Galaxy Mega 2 comes equipped with a 2,800mAh removable lithium-ion battery, and Ultra Power Saving Mode, which allows you to receive calls and tests for up to 24 hours on a 10 percent charge.