Samsung Electronics Co., the world's second-largest mobile phone maker, said Thursday that its new Galaxy Tab tablet computer will hit U.S. shelves next week, mounting a challenge on Apple Inc.'s iPad 2.

The wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be launched on June 8 through the U.S. retailer Best Buy Co., Samsung said in a statement.

The upcoming Android-based tablet, which comes without 3G cellular connectivity, is larger and thinner than Samsung's earlier tablet launched last year, which had a 7-inch display.

The retail price for the 10.1-inch tablet computer will start from $499, Samsung said. 

Samsung said that it is in talks with U.S. mobile carriers for the 3G version but launching dates are not yet available to be made public. 

The tech giant is among the mobile vendors and computer makers trying to replicate Apple's huge success with the iPad. Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. launched a tablet computer running on the latest software from Google Inc. and Taiwan's HTC Corp. is set to disclose its own tablet computer this year.

The release of Samsung's new tablet comes as the Korean company is entangled in a legal battle with Apple, its biggest mobile rival. Apple sued Samsung over a claim that its Galaxy series of smartphones and tablet computers copied the iPhone and the iPad.

Samsung countersued, claiming that Apple infringed upon its wireless patents. (Yonhap News)