Long the thing of rumour, Samsung has formally unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S3 with the next-generation Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich handset handed an official May 30th UK release date.

Set to hit stores just days after it entered the realms of reality at tonight’s ‘next Galaxy’ launch event, the long awaited Samsung Galaxy S3 release will see the Korean tech giant take on the Apple iPhone 4S and fellow Android powerhouse the HTC One X.

Samsung Galaxy S3 UK Release Date

Having been expected to make an appearance at MWC 2012 back in February the Samsung Galaxy S3 famously missed its long anticipated release date with a number of reports suggesting Samsung intended to take a page out of Apple’s book and unveil its leading handset closer to the device’s in-store launch date.

Now firmly within the realms of reality, Samsung has confirmed that a Samsung Galaxy S3 UK release date will be held on May 30th with a number of UK retailers and networks set to play host to the S2 follow-on.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Specs

Arguable the most impressive handset on the market, the S3 has expanded on the market-leading array of innards that made its predecessor a global success with the company’s own branded 1.4GHz quad-core processor providing the grunt alongside a welcomed 1GB of RAM.

Upscaling on  past models the newly confirmed S3 lines up with an expansive 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display providing hugely impressive visuals thanks to a stunning 1280 x 720p resolution and 306 pixels-per-inch image density that puts the iPhone 4S to shame.

Keeping consumers satisfied and the snap-happy grinning, an 8-megapixel camera features on the handset’s rear with 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities. Adding to the handset’s photographic and video capturing capabilities, the S3 also plays host to an impressive 1.9-megapixel front-facing snapper that holds its own with 720p HD video.

Further expanding its impressive specs sheet the handset will play host to Siri esque S Voice dictation and voice command software with a selection of 16, 32 and 64GB storage options that can be further expanded by a microSD card.

Maintaining the minimalist form of its predecessor whilst improving its staying power, the Samsung Galaxy S3 lines up at just 8.6mm thick with a 2100mAh battery combating the rapid power drain experienced on most modern smartphones. An accelerometer and digital compass also feature.

Setting the Galaxy S3 apart from the flurry of high-end Android competitors and the Apple iPhone 4S, Samsung has fitted it with a selection of headline grabbing features including an innovative Smart Stay characteristic that utilises facial recognition style software to keep the screen illuminated as long as users are looking at it.

Have you been holding out for the now unveiled Samsung Galaxy S3? Will you be updating to the S2 follow-on when it is made available to the public on May 30th? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.