Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 review
The Samsung Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 ranks as the #806 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 60. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #823-ranked features among 752 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Yoga Creator 7 or Lenovo 14e Chromebook Gen 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is an exercise in compromise. It offers a solid experience with its excellent display, capable Core i3 processor, and fans that keep things cool. However, it's priced too high to fit into the mid-range chromebooks, which all come with their own trade-offs. At $699, this chromebook feels decidedly mid-range. While it gets many things right, it's hard to recommend outright when there are cheaper options available. Unless you're a fan of Samsung or this particular color, I'd advise keeping your options open. The price needs to drop to around $550-600 for this device to become a compelling choice. Ultimately, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a fine product that falls short in its pricing. If you're in the market for a new chromebook, there are better values out there.
Build
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2's build is somewhat perplexing. While the device's beautiful 13.3-inch display is an absolute win, other aspects leave much to be desired. The use of plastic under the chassis is noticeable and feels like a cost-cutting measure. The removal of features such as the fingerprint scanner, world-facing camera, and stowable pen from its predecessor adds to the sense that Samsung has compromised on this iteration. Furthermore, the decision to opt for an older Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, paired with 128GB of eMMC storage, seems dated compared to other Chromebooks available today. These choices make it difficult to recommend the Galaxy Chromebook 2 at its current price point. If you're after top-notch build, consider Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 boasts an impressive display that's worth highlighting. The 13.3-inch screen offers crisp visuals with vibrant colors, making it perfect for everyday browsing and streaming. Although it's not as sharp as a 4K AMOLED panel, the display still delivers a solid viewing experience. Watching videos or scrolling through websites is a pleasure on this device, thanks to its comfortable resolution and wide color gamut. While the display might not be the standout feature of this Chromebook, it gets the job done without any significant drawbacks. Those who prioritize visual fidelity may find the 1080p screen a bit underwhelming compared to other options on the market. However, for most users, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2's display will suffice and provide an enjoyable viewing experience. It’s worth checking out Razer Blade 15, delivering remarkable display.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2's performance is decent but unimpressive. Paired with an 10th gen Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage, the laptop handles everyday tasks without issue. However, it falls behind devices with faster processors and NVMe storage, such as the Lenovo Chromebook Spin 713. The core i3 is capable, but it's not a significant upgrade from older models, making it hard to justify the higher price point. Overall, performance is satisfactory but not exceptional. Give Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G2 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Battery and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 boasts improved battery life compared to its predecessor, thanks to a larger battery cell. It's now capable of lasting a full day with moderate use, making it a significant upgrade in this area. However, the charging speed is still relatively slow, taking several hours to reach a full charge from empty. Nevertheless, the battery life enhancements make up for this drawback, making the Galaxy Chromebook 2 a more practical option for those who rely on their laptop throughout the day.
Connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2's connectivity is its strongest suit. It features a reliable Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth 5.0, and two USB-C ports for seamless data transfer. The device also supports Google Assistant and Google Play Store integration, making it easy to access a wide range of apps and services. However, the lack of an HDMI port and SD card slot may be a drawback for some users. Consider discovering the power of MSI Bravo 17, featuring the latest advancements in connectivity.
Features
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 boasts a stunning 13.3-inch 16:9 screen, impressive for its price point. It's powered by a 10th-gen Core i3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage. A notable omission is the fingerprint scanner and world-facing camera from the original model. However, fans keep things cool, and battery life has been significantly improved. A more affordable price point would make this Chromebook a compelling option. You might prefer Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360, designed with an upgraded features for a better experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2's design and features are decent, but it falls short in support and maintenance areas. The removal of the fingerprint scanner, world-facing camera, and stowable pen may be seen as cost-cutting measures. Additionally, the device's processor is outdated, and its performance may not match expectations. Overall, this Chromebook's compromises on essential features make it a mid-range option at an elevated price point.
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