As a result of the question, “why can't laptops be more like smartphones?" tech giant Samsung welcomed their “smartphone-like” laptops, the Galaxy Book lineup, into their Galaxy family in the “Unpacked” live stream last April 28. The newest part of the series consists of the Galaxy Book, Galaxy Book Pro, Galaxy Book Pro 360, and Galaxy Book Odyssey.
In collaboration with Intel and Microsoft, Samsung markets the Galaxy Book as “the first computer to combine the mobility and freedom of a smartphone with the power and performance of a PC.”
Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360
As Samsung introduces the smartphone experience in their brand new series, they unveiled the 2-in-1 convertible Galaxy Book Pro 360, which can be used for “conventional and unconventional uses.” Whether for leisure or work, one can either use the typical laptop setup or utilize its touch screen while flipping its screen. To help maximize the use of its touchscreen, a pen-like device called S Pen comes with the Pro 360.
Alongside Galaxy Book Pro, the laptop is equipped with up to 11th Gen Intel Core processor with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, custom Bluetooth enablement, and offers up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 1TB of NVMe SSD. It utilizes AMOLED screens and Dolby Atmos audio technology that bring high quality audio and visual experience. Typing experience is also enhanced, as the Galaxy Book lineup features the “the quieter, softer, and more responsive Pro Keyboard.” These models also optimize scrolling by moving the keyboard upward, which results in a much bigger touchpad.
As we spend more time with our computers, the lineup boasts its Eye Care Display which reduces eye strain through trimming down the damaging blue light to below 6.5%. Both models also come with dual array microphones that improve and amplify voice capture. Furthermore, Samsung promises that their series can perform up to 20 hours of video playback or up to 16 hours of standard usage of work and play. From just 30 minutes of charge, the Pro series can deliver eight hours of video playback.
For a more convenient and seamless performance, the Galaxy Book Smart Switch can transfer all kinds of data from any Windows PC. Mobile applications and SmartThings devices can also be accessed on the new models. Samsung Gallery is also upgraded, which can pull media from a Galaxy smartphone to the Galaxy Book. This integration also allows sending and receiving of messages and answering and making phone calls on the device.
The Galaxy Book Pro comes in three colors—Mystic Pink Gold, Mystic Blue, and Mystic Silver, while Galaxy Book Pro 360 is available in Mystic Silver, Mystic Bronze, and Mystic Navy. Both models are available in 13.2 inch and 15.6 inch.
Galaxy Book and Galaxy Book Odyssey
For gamers, Samsung presents the 15.6-inch Galaxy Book Odyssey that offers a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Max-Q or 3050 Ti Max-Q GPU. It is also equipped with up to 1TB of NVMe SSD storage and 32GB of DDR4x RAM for smooth gaming experience.
Just like the Pro series, the 15.6 inch Galaxy Book is also packed with similar features such as its processor, Pro Keyboard, connectivity options, and other specifications. However, the model weighs 1.55kg, which is not as lightweight as Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 at 868g and 1.042kg respectively. Its RAM is also limited up to 16GB, which can be doubled in the Pro lineup.
For Galaxy Book Pro, prices start at $999 (around P48,000), Galaxy Book Pro at $1,199 (around P58,000), Galaxy Book from $549 (around P27,000), and the Galaxy Book Odyssey from $1,399 (around Php 68,000). The Galaxy Book lineup will be available from May 14 in selected markets, however, pre-orders for the Pro series already started last April 28. Meanwhile, Galaxy Book Odyssey will only be available starting August.
