Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Samsung teams up with Microsoft for four new super-thin and light laptops in 13" and 15" models with up to 5G and more, starting today.
What you need to know
- Galaxy Book Pro and Book Pro 360 are new laptops from Samsung.
- Either model comes in 13 and 15-inch varieties in two color options
- The laptops are insanely thin and light but pack Intel 11th Gen CPUs and AMOLED displays.
- Pricing starts at $999 with preorders today and shipping on May 14.
The last year has seen a significant resurgence in laptops, specifically those running Windows 10 (now at 1.3 billion active users). Samsung, which has long dabbled in making some excellent laptops, is now putting both feet in the water.
Announced today, part of its Galaxy Unpacked event dedicated to PCs is the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 - laptops built for "next-generation connectivity" and "ultra-portable design". Each model comes in 13 and 15-inch variations and two color options. Moreover, Microsoft gives Samsung a push, too, noting the deep integration with Galaxy phones and ecosystem and Windows 10.
The laptops go on sale today, and we expect a more global release this time instead of select markets. Here is what you need to know.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro / Book Pro 360: Specs and features
The big story behind these laptops is twofold. The first is the displays. They feature 16:9 full HD screens powered by Samsung's famed AMOLED technology. That translates to blue light protection (less emission), 120% DCI-P3, a 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio, 0.2ms response time, and VESA DisplayHDR 500. Samsung also optimizes the screens with different viewing modes, including natural (sRGB), movie (DCI-P3), and vivid (AMOLED native) for gaming and Adobe.
But Samsung didn't stop there. Being no stranger to thin laptops (see our Galaxy Book S review), the company is doubling down as these laptops are under 12mm thin and weigh 3lbs or less (the non-360 models peak at 2.3lbs for the 15-inch, which is crazy).
| Galaxy Book Pro 360 13 | Galaxy Book Pro 360 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro |
Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 11th Gen Intel Core i7 |
11th Gen Intel Core i5 11th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB LPDDR4x | Up to 16GB LPDDR4x |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Irs Xe |
| Storage | Up to 512GB NVMe SSD | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 13.3 inches Super AMOLED 1920x1080 (FHD) S Pen for inking |
15.6 inches Super AMOLED 1920x1080 (FHD) S Pen for inking |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4 Two USB-C 3.5mm audio microSD card reader 5G SIM (optional) |
Thunderbolt 4 Two USB-C 3.5mm audio microSD card reader |
| Audio | AKG speakers Dolby Atmos |
AKG speakers Dolby Atmos |
| Connectivity | 5G (optional) Wi-Fi 6E Ready Bluetooth 5.1 |
Wi-Fi 6E Ready Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Camera | Front-facing 720p | Front-facing 720p |
| Security | Fingerprint reader | Fingerprint reader |
| Battery | 63Wh 65W AC adapter |
68Wh 65W AC adapter |
| Dimensions | 11.9 x 7.95 x 0.45 inches (302.5mm x 202mm x 11.5mm) |
13.97 x 8.98 x 0.47 inches (354.85mm x 227.97mm x 11.9mm) |
| Weight | 2.29 pounds (1.04kg) | 3.06 pounds (1.39kg) |
| Color | Mystic Navy Mystic Bronze |
Mystic Navy Mystic Bronze |
Typically, this is where we note the small battery, but Samsung managed to squeeze a 63WHr battery into the 13-inch models while the 15-inch ones get slightly more at 68WHr. Surface Laptop 4, by comparison, only has a 46WHr battery. That's a huge difference, and when combined with the full HD AMOLED, these laptops should last a long time.
Even if you do run low on battery, these laptops sport 65-watt Fast Charging. Samsung claims "8 hours" of battery life is gained in a 30-minute charge, which should set some records.
Ports are also taken care of with a few Type-C, including Thunderbolt 4, microSD card reader, Type-A on the non-convertible models, and even HDMI on the 15-inch.
Processors are typical Intel 11th Gen Core series going up to i7-1165G7, which is found in all recent Ultrabooks. That also means Intel Evo certification and Iris Xe graphics, all likely enhanced by what we presume are some zippy Samsung SSDs up to 1TB.
For those who want an always-connected experience, the 13-inch Samsung Book Pro 360 model is the one to get as it can be configured with a 5G modem (coming later).
Those Book Pro 360 models also come with a new "upgraded" S Pen in the box. The pen is 2.5x thicker than before, and knowing Samsung's pen tech, it should have excellent latency.
| Galaxy Book Pro 13 | Galaxy Book Pro 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro |
Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 11th Gen Intel Core i7 |
11th Gen Intel Core i5 11th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4x | Up to 16GB LPDDR4x |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe |
| Storage | Up to 512GB NVMe SSD | Up to 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 13.3 inches Super AMOLED 1920x1080 (FHD |
15.6 inches Super AMOLED 1920x1080 (FHD) |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4 USB-C USB-A 3.2 3.5mm audio microSD card reader |
Thunderbolt 4 USB-C USB-A 3.2 HDMI 3.5mm audio microSD card reader |
| Audio | AKG speakers Dolby Atmos |
AKG speakers Dolby Atmos |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E Ready Bluetooth 5.1 |
Wi-Fi 6E Ready Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Camera | Front-facing 720p | Front-facing 720p |
| Security | Fingerprint reader | Fingerprint reader |
| Battery | 63Wh 65W AC adapter |
68Wh 65W AC adapter |
| Dimensions | 11.98 x 7.87 x 0.44 inches (304.4mm x 199.8mm x 11.2mm) |
13.99 x 8.89 x 0.46 inches (355.4mm x 225.8mm x 11.7mm) |
| Weight | 1.92 pounds (0.87kg) | 2.31 pounds (1.05kg) |
| Color | Mystic Blue Mystic Silver |
Mystic Blue Mystic Silver |
Even the keyboard has been maximized for results with a new scissor switch with rubber domes and 1mm of travel, which is quite good considering the thin chassis.
There is now Windows Hello facial recognition via the 720P webcam (which has been optimally tuned along with noise-canceling mics). However, users can still use the fingerprint reader built into the power button for quick logins to Windows.
Finally, Samsung seems to be bringing the full force of its ecosystem to these laptops. SmartThings is built-in with an app to let you control your smart home appliances. The Easy Bluetooth connection auto-connects to Galaxy Buds. Galaxy Book Smart Switch transfers photos, movies, files, and more between your existing Windows PC. Samsung Notes and Quick Share let you keep your notes and files synced between your Galaxy smartphone and laptop.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro / Book Pro 360: Quick thoughts
Let's get some disappointments out of the way: I'm a bit bummed Samsung went with 16:9 for the display aspect instead of 16:10 (or even 3:2), especially on the 360-convertible model. That said, getting a full AMOLED display with HDR and wide-color-gamut may be worth the tradeoff. Also, speakers on the bottom in 2021? Not my favorite choice.
The 13-inch Galaxy Book Pro 360 is the real treat here. It is rare to find a convertible laptop that is essentially as thin as its non-convertible sibling. At just 11.5 mm thin and 2.29 pounds (1.04kg), Samsung has made one of the thinnest and lightest convertible PCs around. Add in 5G and that S-Pen, and you have a killer combo.
For those skeptical of ARM processors, the inclusion of full Intel 11th Gen CPUs should be a relief. Samsung also added performance modes, including a no-fan option for complete silence, which should be interesting to test (there's also max performance for gaming and creating).
The 65-watt Fast Charging and extended 63WHr battery combined with a full HD display should result in extraordinary battery life, too – we'll see.
Finally, there is a good chance we'll see these laptops outside of the US and Germany for once. Historically, Samsung has been too conservative for its laptop releases, but this time we expect many more markets. Let us see if they can deliver this time.
Will the Galaxy Book Pro / Pro 360 make our best Ultrabooks list? There's an excellent chance.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro / Book Pro 360: Price and availability
Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 are available for preorder today, April 28, and available for purchase beginning May 14.
Galaxy Book Pro 13" will start at $999.99, and the 15" inch starts at $1,099.99. Galaxy Book Pro 360 13" starts at $1,199.99, and the Galaxy Book Pro 360 15" will begin at $1,299.99.
Consumers who preorder Galaxy Book Pro or Galaxy Book Pro 360 between April 28 and May 13 are eligible for the following deals: $150 in future credit if ordered through Amazon; $150 gift certificate through Best Buy; and either up to $150 eCertificate or free Galaxy Buds Pro through Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores.
Consumers who purchase Galaxy Book Pro at launch, between May 14 and May 30, are eligible for $100 in future credit through Amazon, Best Buy, or Samsung.com, from wherever the purchase was made.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
Samsung's new laptops are less than 12mm thin, pack AMOLED displays, Intel processors, and have all the latest tech on board. Choose either 13 or 15-inch models in mystic blue or silver. They start shipping on May 14.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
If you need a super-thin laptop that is also a convertible, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 is for you. There is a lot to like coming in 13 or 15-inch models with optional 5G (13-inch), featuring AMOLED displays, large batteries, and weighs less than 3lbs. Samsung's S Pen is also included.
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