In the world of laptops and hybrid devices, Samsung has carved out a reputation for offering high-quality, versatile products that cater to both casual users and professionals. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus stands as a prime example of this commitment, offering a sleek, ultra-portable design with solid performance and impressive functionality. In this Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus review, we will explore the device’s design, performance, display quality, and more to help you determine if it’s the right device for your needs.
Design and Build Quality of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook lineup has always been known for its sleek, modern aesthetics, and the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is no exception. Sporting an aluminum body, the device feels premium to the touch, with a smooth, high-quality finish that exudes sophistication. The 2-in-1 design allows for seamless transitions between laptop mode and tablet mode, giving users flexibility for both work and entertainment.
Weighing just under 2.3 pounds and measuring 0.6 inches thick, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is incredibly portable, making it ideal for users who need a device that can go wherever they do. Whether you’re traveling for business or simply need a light laptop for everyday use, this Chromebook is compact enough to fit into any bag or backpack.
The hinge on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus allows for easy flipping of the display, enabling the device to be used in tent, tablet, or laptop mode. This versatility makes it perfect for presentations, media consumption, and other tasks that require flexibility in how the device is used.
Performance: Solid Power for Everyday Tasks
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is powered by an ARM-based processor, designed to offer smooth performance for most everyday tasks. While it may not be a powerhouse like some high-end laptops, the device is more than capable of handling typical workloads such as web browsing, email, word processing, and streaming videos.
With 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus may not have the most powerful specs in its class, but it strikes a balance between performance and affordability. For users who need a device for light computing, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus delivers excellent value. While the storage capacity is on the smaller side, the Chromebook is optimized for cloud-based work, and users can easily store files on Google Drive or other cloud storage services.
The device also features a fast boot time and responsive touchpad, making navigation and multitasking smooth and efficient. Whether you’re switching between tabs, using productivity apps, or watching your favorite shows, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus handles it all without much lag.
Display Quality: Stunning Colors and Clarity
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is its 12.2-inch touchscreen display. With a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, the display offers sharp, vibrant colors and crisp text, making it perfect for productivity tasks or watching videos. The 16:10 aspect ratio also provides a bit more screen real estate compared to traditional 16:9 displays, which is great for multitasking and working on documents.
The touchscreen is responsive and smooth, offering an excellent experience whether you’re using the device in tablet mode or traditional laptop mode. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus supports stylus input with the included S Pen, making it a great tool for creative work, note-taking, or drawing. The S Pen is highly responsive and provides a natural writing experience, which can be a game-changer for those who need a digital notebook.
Battery Life: A Full Day of Use
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is equipped with a 39.7Wh battery, which provides enough juice to get through a full day of productivity. During our testing, we found that the device lasted around 8 hours on a single charge with moderate use, including web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. While it’s not the longest-lasting Chromebook in terms of battery life, it should be more than enough for most users who need a device for work, school, or entertainment throughout the day.
The quick-charging feature also adds convenience, allowing the device to charge from 0% to 50% in under an hour. This makes the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus a great option for those who need a device that’s ready to go in a pinch.
Software and Usability: The Power of Chrome OS
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus runs on Google’s Chrome OS, which is known for being fast, simple, and secure. Chrome OS is highly integrated with Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs, making it a great choice for users who rely heavily on the Google ecosystem. Additionally, Chrome OS supports Android apps, allowing you to download and use popular mobile applications directly on the device.
While Chrome OS may not offer as much flexibility as Windows or macOS, it’s an excellent choice for users who primarily use web-based apps and services. With regular updates from Google, Chrome OS also provides robust security features, ensuring your device is protected from the latest threats.
Connectivity and Ports: Practical and Functional
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus comes with a good range of connectivity options for such a compact device. It features two USB-C 3.1 ports, a microSD card slot for expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. For wireless connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0, ensuring that you stay connected to your network and devices with ease.
Though the Galaxy Chromebook Plus lacks a traditional USB-A port, the included USB-C ports offer fast data transfer speeds and are compatible with a wide range of peripherals, including external hard drives, mice, and keyboards. While this may require an adapter for some legacy devices, USB-C is quickly becoming the standard, and the inclusion of this port future-proofs the device for years to come.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a solid option for users seeking a versatile and portable device for everyday computing tasks. With its 2-in-1 design, premium build quality, responsive touchscreen, and solid performance, it offers excellent value for students, professionals, or anyone in need of a lightweight device for work and play. While it may not offer the same power as some high-end laptops, its affordability, portability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize convenience and efficiency.
If you’re primarily focused on light tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus will provide everything you need at a reasonable price point. However, if you need more processing power or storage, you might want to consider a higher-end laptop or Chromebook with upgraded specifications.