Available in small and large
Both devices are available with 13.3 and 15.6 inch displays. Of course, the smaller variants have an advantage on the scales. According to the manufacturer, the Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 weighs 1.04 kilograms. At 870 grams, the Galaxy Book 2 Pro even falls well below the 1 kilo mark. The larger versions are slightly heavier at a maximum of 1.17 kilograms (Galaxy Book 2 Pro, depending on the type of graphics card) and 1.41 kilograms.
The 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro also comes with an Intel Arc graphics card and 5G on request.
Samsung doesn’t differentiate between the screens. All models come with an AMOLED display, each with a Full HD resolution, i.e. with 1920×1080 pixels. Typically, users can expect strong colors and high contrasts here.
Intel should win the race
Processors from Intel’s Alder Lake series, i.e. the twelfth generation, are supposed to ensure good performance. Depending on the budget and the requirements of the device, a Core i5 or Core i7 is in the case. When it comes to storage, users can choose. 8, 16 or 32 gigabytes (GB) of RAM (LPDDR5-RAM) are possible. The Galaxy Book 2 Pro also has NVMe SSDs with up to 1 terabyte of storage. With the 360 you can choose between 256 and 512 GB and 1 terabyte. It is not entirely clear whether these are also NVMe SSDs here, but it is not unlikely. Algorithms should take over the control of the fan so that things go quietly at work. A new ventilation system should also make the fan more efficient.
A must for a touchscreen device like the Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360: Samsung’s S-Pen. The pen is included.
The Galaxy Book 2 Pro has the edge in terms of connections. Both variants each offer a Thunderbolt 4, USB-C and USB 3.2 socket, an HDMI and headphone connection and a slot for microSD cards. The 15.3-inch model has an optional slot for nano SIM cards for 5G reception. Samsung has installed a Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C socket on the 360’s housing. Also here: a headphone input and a microSD slot. The devices are charged via USB-C. A 65 watt power adapter is included in the scope of delivery. Samsung specifies the runtime as up to 21 hours. Such values can only be confirmed by a laboratory test.
Samsung’s next top model: According to the manufacturer, the Galaxy Book 2 Pro with a 13.3-inch screen weighs a slim 870 grams.
Samsung also attaches great importance to security. Users can unlock the Galaxy Books via a fingerprint sensor. A separate microprocessor is responsible for this, which works separately from the main processor and is intended to provide better protection for sensitive data. A new security architecture is designed to protect against cyber attacks via the firmware. According to Samsung, this level of security is only available in the medical sector or for members of the government.
The networking of the Samsung world
Together what belongs together. Samsung is increasingly linking its Galaxy devices to each other.
All new Galaxy Book 2 Pros come with a fingerprint sensor in the power button.
In addition, Samsung is improving the way notebooks work with its smartphones. For example, anyone working on a PowerPoint presentation on a Galaxy cell phone can start seamlessly on the Galaxy Book 2 Pro (360). A new icon in the taskbar shows the three most recently used smartphone apps. All apps installed on the cell phone can also be started on the notebook. The new Samsung File Tracker will show you when you have edited which documents and thus ensure that you continue to work with the latest version.
So that everything on the notebook feels like it does on a mobile phone, Samsung has fine-tuned the look of its factory-installed programs. Samsung Notes and other applications look similar to their cell phone counterparts. The manufacturer speaks of the “One UI Book 4” interface here.
Can also be used in the smart home
The Galaxy Books can also be networked with compatible smart home devices via SmartThings. You don’t even have to click to control it. A voice command to the now integrated assistant Bixby is sufficient. On top of that. If the notebook gets lost under the pillows on the couch, you can use the SmartThings Find service to find it – even when it is switched off. It’s also available from, you guessed it, Apple.
The issue of sustainability
When presenting the new devices, Samsung also addressed sustainability. As with the new Galaxy smartphones, selected parts of the notebooks are made from reused fishing nets from the sea. Algorithms should also extend the life of the battery. And finally, Samsung is shrinking the retail boxes to save paper.
Prices and Availability
In April 2022, the Galaxy Book 2 Pro and the Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 will be launched. Those who are interested can get the Galaxy Book 2 Pro in gray and silver and the 360 in an additional burgundy tone. Prices were not fixed at the time of writing this article.