Samsung has tried its hands on Chromebooks earlier, but they were nowhere near the flagship experience provided by Google Pixelbook. Until now. At the ongoing CES 2020, the Korean manufacturer has launched the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, directly challenging Mountain View's monopoly.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook features
Even though Chromebooks do not need high-end specifications in principle (since they only run the Chrome browser and a few Android based apps), Samsung has given their latest Chromebook all the high power they could manage.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook features a 13.3-inch 4K UHD AMOLED touchscreen. With an aspect ratio of 16:9, the resolution comes at 3840×2160 pixels. Support for HDR is promised via an OTA update in the future.
The processor used is up to a 10th generation Intel Core, with up to 16 GB RAM and up to 1 TB SSD storage - the kind of hardware that comes in a modern-day Windows machine. In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook has clear and neat edges, and thin bezels. It is only 9.9 mm thick when closed.
As expected, the display can be flipped over to use the device as a tablet. Samsung has also added a stylus which can be neatly tucked in to the aluminium casing slot. A battery backup of 8 hours is expected. When coupled with Galaxy phones, Samsung Galaxy Chromebook can be used to make calls or send messages.
Quoting Alanna Cotton, Senior VP and GM at Samsung Electronics America,
"The notion that we do everything stationary at a desk is a thing of the past, and people need premium devices built for our new reality. By offering a seamless, premium user experience, Galaxy Chromebook helps you effortlessly switch between streaming, creative projects, word processing, and more."
Pricing and availability
The new Chromebook from Samsung comes in two color variants - grey and red. Intel i5 Core, 8 gigs RAM, and 128 GB storage device is priced at $999.99 (₹72,000 approx.). It goes on sale sometime during the first quarter this year.
Ankit writes code for a living. He reviews gadgets and books in his free time, and believes in the magical power of a strong cup of coffee.