Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go review
The Samsung Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go ranks as the #852 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 55. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #588-ranked connectivity among 747 laptops. Consider the HP Stream 14 or HP Chromebook 11 G9, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go is a solid laptop, but its price point of £399 raises questions about whether it's worth the investment. The device boasts a rugged design, LTE connectivity, and excellent battery life, making it perfect for those who need a reliable computer on-the-go. However, the display is a letdown, with only 1366x768 resolution, which is subpar for this price range. Additionally, the lack of touchscreen functionality may be a drawback for some users. While it's a decent option for those who prioritize LTE connectivity, others might find better value elsewhere. Ultimately, whether or not the Chromebook Go is worth it depends on individual needs and priorities.
Build
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go boasts a rugged design with a plastic chassis in a "timeless silver hue". While it's not the most visually appealing device, it's certainly tough enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, having passed military standard testing. The build quality is solid, weighing just 1.45 kilos and featuring a slender frame that makes it easy to carry around. A spill-resistant keyboard and durable construction add to its rugged charm, making the Galaxy Chromebook Go a great option for those who need a reliable device. You may find Razer Book 13 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go's display is a letdown for its price point. With a mere 1366x768 resolution, it's distinctly low-res compared to rivals at this price. The visuals are lifeless, contrast is subpar, and viewing angles are surprisingly narrow. Blacks morph to a dull gray with even slight tilting. While the anti-glare finish helps indoors, brightness is sufficient only for casual use. For media consumption, such as watching videos or browsing the web, this display will not impress. It's a major oversight considering the Chromebook Go's premium feel and price of around £400. If you’re after a better display, Panasonic ToughBook 55 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go's performance is a mixed bag. It's powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, which provides smooth Chrome OS performance most of the time. However, occasional app loading delays and crashes were observed, particularly with the dedicated YouTube app. The device's four gigabytes of DDR4 RAM also felt slightly meager at times. While it handled basic tasks like browsing and streaming music without issue, more demanding activities like gaming or heavy multitasking were hindered by the lack of touchscreen support. Overall, performance is adequate for everyday use, but not exceptional enough to justify the device's price point. Lenovo 100e might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go's battery life is decent, with up to 12 hours claimed by the manufacturer. I found around 8 hours of use in mixed scenarios, which should be sufficient for an average workday. Charging via Type-C USB is convenient, but not particularly fast. Overall, the battery performance is reliable, if not exceptional, making it a suitable choice for those who need a laptop on-the-go.
Connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go boasts built-in LTE 4G support, making it ideal for those who need dependable connectivity on the go. With Wi-Fi 6 support, you'll have seamless connections at conferences and events. The device also has a decent selection of ports, including two USB-C ports and a microSD memory card slot. However, there's no HDMI port. Overall, the Chromebook Go shines with its reliable network capabilities. You might want to check out Razer Blade 18, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go boasts a rugged design, LTE connectivity, and impressive battery life. It features a 14-inch display with 1366x768 resolution, a plastic chassis, and a spill-resistant keyboard. The laptop also includes USB-C ports, a microSD slot, and Bluetooth 5.1 support. Its lightweight frame (1.45kg) makes it easy to carry around. Take a look at Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go's build quality is impressive, with a rugged design that withstands rough handling. The keyboard is spill-resistant, adding to the device's durability. The military-grade 10G testing ensures it can handle everyday life without issues. Overall, this Chromebook shows a solid commitment to support and maintenance.
Pros
1. It's not the most expensive chromebook out there, making it a great value for its price
2. The LTE connectivity is a major plus for those who need reliable internet access on-the-go
3. Wi-Fi 6 support is great news for frequent conference attendees and event goers
4. The battery life is decent, with up to 8 hours of use on a single charge
5. The webcam is fine for simple video conferencing
6. The microphone does an okay job of picking up voice, even in noisy environments
7. The Chrome OS runs smoothly most of the time
Cons
1. The display should be better considering its price point
2. The touchscreen is lacking, which may limit gaming and interactive experiences
3. Performance can be sluggish at times, particularly when using demanding apps like YouTube
4. The Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM are not the most powerful specs out there
5. App crashes were a recurring issue during testing
6. The lack of touchscreen support makes playing games on this device nearly impossible
7. The display's strong contrast can lead to issues with video conferencing or recording
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