As readers would know, we have been critical of Samsung Australia in recent months over their lack of information or release dates for their OCT 2012 announced Samsung ATIV S Windows Phone 8 smartphone. Well, despite numerous attempts to get official information from local Samsung representatives, thanks to a keen-eyed tipster we can now confirm details for the unlocked (non-carrier) AU release. Information we have also received from colleagues and readers who have imported the device is that it’s a pretty decent effort from Samsung!

WPDU can confirm that the handset will be released in a couple of weeks - slated for outright sale at Allphones in mid-February, for the outright price of $668. This positions it just under the $699 outright best price for the local release of the Lumia920 via Telstra, at the premium end of the first generation of Windows Phone 8 devices. Full specs and info on the device at the Samsung website.

We of course will provide more info as it comes to hand (including any later press releases). As yet, we have not heard of a carrier release. We have some more news to share on this device shortly as well, re: the services/apps we may see with it Down Under from Samsung.

Add to the recent Lumia 620 release coming in FEB to Allphones outright for <$300, and it looks like we will have some great choice for new WP8 handsets

Sheeds.