Samsung has just unveiled its new batch of laptops, the Samsung Galaxy Book. This is composed of four devices, namely: the Galaxy Book, the Galaxy Book Odyssey, and the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro divided into two categories: notebook and convertible. These are the two that concern us, as they are the first two Samsung laptops that are fully committed to AMOLED screens.
Both computers are available in two sizes: 13.3 and 15.6 inches. It’s not just the dimensions that change; there are also differences in connectivity and GPU. Not to mention that only the 13.3-inch models have LTE or 5G connectivity, depending on whether we are talking about the Galaxy Book Pro or the convertibles.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro and Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 datasheet
| Galaxy Book Pro 13.3″ | Galaxy Book Pro 15.6″ | Galaxy Book Pro 360 13.3″ | Galaxy Book Pro 360 15.6″ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 304.4 x 199.8 x 11.2 mm 0.87 kilos | 355.4 x 255.8 x 11.7 mm 1.05 kg | 302.5 x 202 x 11.5 mm 1.04 kg | 354.8 x 227.9 x 11.9 mm 1.39 kilos |
| Screen | 13.3-inch AMOLED FullHD resolution (1,920 x 1,080) DisplayHDR 500 | 15.6-inch AMOLED FullHD resolution (1,920 x 1,080) DisplayHDR 500 | 13.3-inch Super AMOLED Resolution FullHD (1,920 x 1,080) DisplayHDR 500 | 15.6-inch Super AMOLED Resolution FullHD (1,920 x 1,080) DisplayHDR 500 |
| Processor | Intel Core 11th Gen i3 / i5 / i7 | Intel Core 11th Gen i3 / i5 / i7 | Intel Core 11th Gen i3 / i5 / i7 | Intel Core 11th Gen i3 / i5 / i7 |
| Graphics Card | Intel Core i3: Intel UHD Graphics Intel Corte i5 / i7: Intel Iris Xe | Intel Core i3: Intel UHD Graphics Intel Corte i5 / i7: Intel Iris Xe NVIDIA GeForce MX450 (optional) | Intel Core i3: Intel UHD Graphics Intel Corte i5 / i7: Intel Iris Xe | Intel Core i3: Intel UHD Graphics Intel Corte i5 / i7: Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 8/16/32 GB LPDDR4x | 8/16/32 GB LPDDR4x | 8/16 GB LPDDR4x | 8/16/32 GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home / Pro | Windows 10 Home / Pro | Windows 10 Home / Pro | Windows 10 Home / Pro |
| Battery | 63 Wh | 68 Wh | 63 Wh | 68 Wh |
| Connectivity | LTE WiFi 6 2×2 WiFi 6E ready Bluetooth 5.1 | WiFi 6 2×2 WiFi 6E ready Bluetooth 5.1 | 5G WiFi 6 2×2 WiFi 6E ready Bluetooth 5.1 | WiFi 6 2×2 WiFi 6E ready Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB Type-C 1 x USB 3.2 1 x MicroSD nanoSIM audio combo | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB Type-C 1 x USB 3.2 1 x MicroSD audio combo | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 2 x USB Type-C 1 x MicroSD nanoSIM audio combo | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 2 x USB Type-C 1 x MicroSD audio combo |
| Others | Sound AKG Dolby Atmos Webcam 720p Microphone Dual Array Fingerprint reader | Sound AKG Dolby Atmos Webcam 720p Microphone Dual Array Fingerprint reader | Sound AKG Dolby Atmos Webcam 720p Dual Array Microphone Fingerprint Reader S-Pen Convertible | Sound AKG Dolby Atmos Webcam 720p Dual Array Microphone Fingerprint Reader S-Pen Convertible |
| Price | From $ 999 | From $ 999 | From $ 1,199 | From $ 1,299 |
Strong commitment to AMOLED and Intel displays
Samsung’s new devices have a moderate weight of about one kilo and a thickness of about 11 millimeters, something curious considering that they mount Intel’s EVO platform. That does not mean that we will not have ports, as Samsung has implemented Thunderbolt ports, USB Type-C on all of them, and, in the case of laptops, also USB 3.2. They are, in short, devices designed for work and mobility.
But the most striking feature is in their screens, as the two models presented today use AMOLED panels (13.3 and 15.6 inches, respectively) with FullHD resolution. According to the company, these panels reproduce 120% of the DCI-P3 color space (although the profile is adjusted according to use), have a response time of 0.2 ms, and contrast of 1,000,000:1. The convertible is also S-Pen compatible.
Other interesting additions related to the design and the screen are the MIL-STD-810G resistance certification, the “Secret Screen” function (so they can’t read the screen from other angles), and a function that, if we leave the computer unattended and someone tries to log in, the camera will take a photo and send it to us by mail.
If we take a look at the keyboard and touchpad, Samsung has explained that the keyboard has wider, curved keys and a mechanism to make the keystroke smoother. The touchpad, meanwhile, is 33% longer than on previous models, and, to top it off, Samsung has introduced the fingerprint reader on the power key and an adaptive backlight system.
As for the engine, Samsung has forgotten about AMD and has bet everything on 11th generation Intel processors, available in i3, i5, and i7 versions. The graphics card will depend on the processor since the i3 uses Intel UHD Graphics and the i5 and i7 the new Iris Xe. Here it is worth noting that the 15.6-inch Galaxy Book Pro also has the option of NVIDIA GeForce MX450. All this is completed with up to 32 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, up to 1 TB of NVMe SSD storage, and 63 or 68 Wh batteries, depending on the model.
Finally, in terms of connectivity, Samsung has opted for WiFi 6 and, in the 13.3-inch models, for 4G connectivity in the Galaxy Book Pro and 5G in the Galaxy Book Pro 360. The models with such connectivity are somewhat heavier, but nothing out of the ordinary. They also work within the Samsung ecosystem, so you can use the Tab S7 as a second screen and transfer files via Quick Share.
Pricing and Availability of the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro and Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
The Galaxy Book Pro 360 will be available in Mystic Navy, Mystic Silver, and Mystic Bronze colors, while the Galaxy Book Pro will be available in Mystic Blue, Mystic Silver, and Mystic Pink Gold. Pricing is as follows and will be available starting May 14.
- Samsung Galaxy Book Pro: starting at $999
- Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360: 13.3-inch from $1,199 (without 5G); from $1,299 (with 5G). 15.6-inch from $1,299
