Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus Review: Samsung is Back!

[@LorenzoCastellana]

This Chromebook is designed for company employees. The 'very traditional' keyboard layout (which now includes Caps Lock and function keys), the numpad, etc., all suggest that Samsung is targeting the business market. If they wanted to create a device for casual users or enthusiasts, they would have iterated on the previous Galaxy Chromebook by focusing on the features people want: a touchscreen, high refresh rate, great speakers, a 360-degree hinge, etc. I suppose we'll need to wait a bit longer to see a true successor to the Pixelbook or the original Galaxy Chromebook.

[@mason8219ma]

Waiting for pixelbook feels like waiting forever at this point.

[@deep7177]

Google has removed the support of lacros on July 2024, so can we add chrome multiple profiles in chromebook now. Please reply

[@aka7kak8]

Samsung needs a pro version for this, with 4k screen, toucscreenh and taptic toouchpad, fingerprint scanner

[@williamclarke2020]

Right on! I see no reason to give up my Acer 713 Spin. Yeah, the speakers suck but by golly it keeps rockin' on. BTW...15.6? Really?

[@HomiebeaR_]

Yea and then it will cost $1200

[@williamclarke2020]

@@HomiebeaR_ If you're minted, no problem. That's why you have different tiers. Cheers, Bro!

[@itsbiju]

They did. Not sure why they didn't carry over those over?

[@thebeatles9]

4k???? that seems like a lot for a laptop

[@Milly420]

If this was touchscreen and had good speakers I'd buy it immediately. This seems like a enterprise laptop

[@nikolavonfulton5195]

Do you have a best Chromebook to buy buyers guide. Mine is no longer supported and I want to upgrade to something good

[@winder480]

I have been waiting for a Chromebook plus with a high end screen.

[@funkijote]

The original Galaxy Chrome Book (4k touch, i5 10th gen, 8gb ram, 128gb) remains a great offering, available on eBay for $200-250. They should've just upgraded that hardware/form-factor as it was plenty powerful for ChromeOS use-cases, just needed better battery-life.

[@intruda119]

Still using my og galaxy chromebook

[@uscinmi]

Me to. 4k

[@StevePilgrim2013]

So...haptic trackpad and 120hz display are missing and the keyboard layout is "non-standard" for Chromebooks. What's our alternative for a high performance CB+?

[@RobbyPayne]

Tough question at the moment. The Acer Plus 516 GE has most of what you are looking for, aside from the trackpad.

[@StevePilgrim2013]

@@RobbyPayne Thanks for your reply! My Pixelbook Go is getting long-in-the-tooth. 😵‍💫

[@trousermouse6240]

Did you experience flickering or brightness fluctuation with the screen? I returned mine as the flickering and brightness fluctuations were really quite bad, especially at lower brightness. Such a shame as the build was awesome. I also found the i5 occasionally hung when running two users and the fan would kick in more than I expected.

[@RobbyPayne]

I definitely didn't see any of that. Shame.

[@trousermouse6240]

@@RobbyPayne Thanks! Interesting. Wonder if the panel was a bit of a dud. May try a second one and see if that's better :)

[@RobbyPayne]

@@trousermouse6240 I know it does some auto-brightness stuff, so there could have been some hardware or software issues causing that.

[@trousermouse6240]

@@RobbyPayne Thanks, I did have a good mess about with settings and power washed and factory reset etc. Sounds like it could be worth getting another to see how that is. Love your channel by the way, thanks for your great videos!

[@GeorgeChinSr]

No flickering or brightness fluctuation on my unit.

[@tomtroler]

What are you doing video editing on? Is it running ChromeOS as well?

[@sirracer2005]

You can use lumafusion on chrome os to edit videos. That is what I have used on my acer.

[@RobbyPayne]

We still edit on a Macbook Pro. It's one of the things I generally say you can't do at a pro level on a Chromebook. Maybe one day, but these devices still aren't built for it.

[@pvdongen]

Thanks for the great video. It is a pity that this device is not for sale in The Netherlands. I own the beautiful red one Samsung Chromebook that was released some years ago but I had that one also being sent from the US. Keep up the good work.

[@hellofranky99]

I really really hope they put that device on sale during Black Friday. Will immediately buy it if it was at $499

[@RobbyPayne]

That's really what I'm hoping for. Even at just $100 off, $599 would be super-attractive

[@Robin-sy1ly]

A couple of reviews on Best Buy, for this Chromebook, also mention that while the colors look great, text looks awful and a greater pixel density is needed for such a large screen.

[@2jamadu]

I returned it because of the low pixel density. It's so distracting when you can see the pixels on text. Audio is terrible for a $700 chromebook.

[@RobbyPayne]

@@2jamadu Yeah, the speakers were a real letdown =(

[@fvvfvbbbb]

@@2jamadu what do you recommend for better text?

[@Arcynite]

The missing extra row of "+, -, Enter" to the right of the numpad is a dealbreaker as someone who works with excel spreadsheets a lot. Otherwise, this looks absolutely fantastic.

[@RobbyPayne]

Yeah, it's a really dumb choice by them for sure

[@fvvfvbbbb]

​@@RobbyPayneperhaps version 2.0 will fix this?

[@cdomenicci]

I was waiting for this review 😊

[@christopherwelton]

This device is excellent and the 1080 screen is not the compromise I feared. I have been amazed by the 'only 1080' AMOLED screen. For video, as it is not letter-boxed, the effective resolution is close to an Acer 1506' screen - and the AMOLED picture is in a different league. And the frame / rigidity / weight is like witchcraft. For the audio - I too would have preferred a standard keyboard with upward speakers, but keypads now seem the norm on 16' chassis. Maybe I just need to get used to the layout - and that includes the new insert / launch keys. Muscle memory is proving hard to reset :) Webcam - don't use much / don't care if it is weak, but that seems consistent with the Chromebook philosophy of brands shooting themselves in the foot for fun.

[@YurLord]

I checked out this Chromebook at Best Buy. The form factor and screen quality are unbeatable on any Chromebook.

[@scottgordon6740]

Where are the high-end Chromebooks with a smaller form factor? Not everyone wants a 15.6" laptop. I would love to see a Chromebook Plus with a 12-13" screen, thin, and weighing less than 2 lbs.

[@theslimshadyist]

This!!!! 👆🏻

[@nikolas2858]

​i totally agree!

[@Roman-nu1om]

this

[@NightShooter87]

Interesting video. I've never understood having a touch screen on a laptop/Chromebook, it seems counter intuitive for me, so that would never be a deal breaker.

[@andyH_England]

I would’ve preferred if they’ve gone with an IPS display at QHD with 120 Hz. 1080 p OLED is even less due to the pixel arrangement. However, the maximum 8GB of RAM is a significant drawback. Considering how this is portrayed on social media, it is unacceptable that a premium Chromebook does not offer an 16GB option. I have decided not to upgrade my Pixelbook and will instead purchase this one. In the past three years, I have not encountered any other Chromebook in the UK that has challenged my Pixelbook’s performance. If you consider this, it makes you extremely disappointed with the state of premium Chromebooks. Therefore, the wait continues...

[@AxemanMessiah]

This is true, only a handful of great devices out. It's seems like Android tablets are WAYYY better in build than them, but lack the ChromeOS software and big screen needed for productivity. As much as my Android tablet is, I remain using my lower quality Chromebook due to the far superior work experience.

[@curbsidetech]

This seems like a fantastic work chromebook.

[@ChristopherPoitras]

No touchscreen and 360 hinge is a deal breaker for me. I really wanted this too

[@Pixlewatchtoo]

Same tbh. I want a premium 2in1 Chromebook Plus tablet. Maybe future Pixel Tablets will remedy that

[@ChristopherPoitras]

@Pixlewatchtoo I really liked it had a OLED screen. My current Chromebook was eol back in June '23. I'll probably get the acer spin that came out months ago.

[@Pixlewatchtoo]

I definitely am considering one of the cheaper 360⁰ Chromebook Plus devices. They're a bit cheaper and seem more worth it for the price. That's probably where you should head unfortunately

[@mjs28s]

OMG! This is another example of let's ALMOST make an end-all chromebook. Large screen, nice. Good ram, good storage, backlit KB, long battery life, and then they leave out a touch screen and put on that poorly laid out keypad. What is with the designers (or Operations) folks that decide this stuff?!?! Samsung, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, & Dell - keep making what you want but one of you needs to make: 17", backlit KB, touch screen, long-battery life, 2 USB-c, memory card slot, headphone jack, 2 other USB ports, numeric keypad - PROPER layout, and 8GB & 16GB ram options. No worries though, coming out next will be the highest spec'd chromebook ever...but you only can get it up to a 12" screen as a two-in-one tablet device. Don't worry though, for some reason they will make sure that the 11" or 12" screen is 4K @120hz. Imagine Bentley's next $700,000 car coming with an inline six cylinder and no turbos or supercharger. Then, to make up for it, they will come out with a 700hp twin turbo'd luxury land yacht but....they will remove the cushy road riding suspension. Then, to make up for that second release missing all the features, another creation will come out that will have everything....except all the sound deadening will be removed for no real reason so you now have a luxury machine, all power and comfort....less the deafening road and wind noise. Laptops, including Chromebooks, are being designed by people that don't use them. @7:45 "I can just overlook it doesn't excel at..." ok. I'd like all the features even done at an ok level but I am so tired of overlooking the terrible mix of SKUs and seemingly random removal of " features. In order to get a 17" screen for media viewing - God knows why this version of a CB was made - they have one of the lowest spec CPUs on the market at the time, 4GB ram, no backlit KB, no touch screen and only 64GB local storage. I mean it still runs pretty good, even running linux tools including VS Code and such, but why take the lowest spec CB and stick a 17" screen on it? How about take a high end CB and have a 17" option? It only cost me $249 at the time and I would think that this $699 Samsung unit might only have to be $749 to cover the difference in cost plus the same end profit margin.

[@hadassahj7366]

Great review. Quick question: is the power key on your unit slightly depressed, a little more than the other keys; is this typical for Chromebooks?

[@GeorgeChinSr]

Yes, the power key is slightly depressed on my unit.

[@Claude-tj6ud]

As much as I like Google products, every time I look at Chromebooks review, all I see is a cheap laptop. ChromeOS deserve better. Where's the MacBook Air of Chromebooks?

[@mason8219ma]

Google refuses to listen to its users!

[@ribbonz9310]

I miss OG pixelbook 😢

[@Mango_B]

Is Samsung, HP, Dell building Chromebases anymore? Really want a super powerful ChromeOS desktop. Even a Chromebox would suffice, if it were powerful enough. I see where Apple just updated their Mac Mini. I like the specs.

[@christopher480]

only 8 gigs of ram and no touch scrn for 700 us....is samsung high?

[@TheOutsider840]

facts, I was stunned when I saw the price

[@BhelLee]

Isnt chormebook acer 714 compatible with epson local printer?

[@deep7177]

Google has removed the support of lacros on July 2024, so can we add chrome multiple profiles in chromebook now. Please reply anybody.......

[@mikemcclure3376]

Curious if there will be an ultra model

[@Polarkryssaren]

Any data on difference between i3 and i5 version?

[@OverdosedCaffeine]

Yesss KZbin algorithm at it again, 8 minutes into video release. I like this machine but I need my Chromebook to be a 2in1 sadly this one is not meant for me. Looking forward for more from Samsung though.

[@abc456f]

Not 2 in 1, no touchscreen. Typing this on my Acer spin 714.

[@OverdosedCaffeine]

@@abc456f indeed I think I'll try my luck with the new Lenovo duet that one looks really right up my alley, also nice Chromebook my friend!

[@abc456f]

@@OverdosedCaffeine I originally bought a Lenovo ideapad flex 5i chromebook plus. I liked it but then started reading about so many people having hinges breaking on Lenovo chromebooks and laptops. I wouldn't tell you not to buy it, but do some checking of your own. Good luck.

[@williamclarke2020]

@@abc456f I'm using my trusty 713.

[@OverdosedCaffeine]

@@abc456f @abc456f I also had a Lenovo laptop and I can confirm the build quality is pretty much plastic, like a durable thick plastic but it doesn't change the fact that the finish on the machine gets wear and tear just standing on my desk, I take good care of my belongings too so idk how these cracks around the chassis or the overall visual damage happening on lenovos but it is what it is. If Samsung releases this machine in my region I can see myself going for it as well. Either way, thank you for the tip, highly appreciated.

[@levin7355]

is it a fanless device?

[@SpazzyJester]

Why wasn't the RAM, storage and processor mentioned? My key annoyance is that a lot of Chromebooks have very small storage space for the price they asks us to pay

[@larrylarry1]

Pixelbook still the standard

[@hotstuffcommingthru]

But its support is ending in 2027

[@funkijote]

I'm a big fan of that OG PixelBook, but would argue that the OG Galaxy Chrome Book (4k touch, i5 10th gen, 8gb ram, 128gb) is the more recent GOAT.

[@StefanvanAalst]

So basically Chromebook minus... Form factor is very cool, but lousy cam, no good spreadsheets, no touchscreen, no 16 gb, no i5 it higher... Very good looking later 6 weight. Chromebooks can be excellent work horses and I'm willing to pay for that.

[@mattsanchez4893]

Finally the Chromebook I’ve been waiting for, now let’s hope it holds up better than prior Samsung Chromebooks which I did not purchase because of their poor reliability, just realized it’s just 1080p, now that is disappointing

[@Burn_In_Oled_On_Purpose]

I hope a manufacturer with make a chromebook that is comparable to my samsung chromebook with it's 4k amoled display but with a 1,000 nits, 4k mini led display with more usb c and usb a ports. I have the 10th gen intel core i5 and 256gb storage samsung chromebook with the 4k super amoled display. I have a satechi usb c hub connected to my samsung chromebook and I can only use 1 port at a time since plugging in multiple peripherals like a usb a mouse and a usb a game controller won't work since I already tried. I have to disconnect 1 of the usb a devices in order for each device to work properly. I use both a mouse and game controller from the usb a ports and I can't use both when they are both connected. It's most likely the satechi usb c hub does not support the use of multiple devices to work at the same time. I tried the same thing from my chromebook to my lenovo android tablet and I have the same connectivity issues from my android tablet just like I already do with my chromebook. I have to use a different usb dock in order to connect to multiple devices. I tried a different usb hub that I used to have and I don't have the connectivity issues when I connect my android tablet and my chromebook. The usb c port on my old windows 10 laptop is loose and no longer works so I have to use the usb a ports and even my backbone usb c port game controller no longer works and randomly just stopped working completely. I have my chromebook display at 100% 24/7. When there is an update on my chromebook, I turn the max brightness at 100% on purpose all the time with dark mode always off. The oled displays are too dim and don't get that bright even with the display maxed out which is why I intentionally have the brightness at 100%. When it comes to all displays whether the display is oled and non oled. I have the display brightness at 100% maxed out all the time with dark mode always off. The display settings I use are with autobrightness always off with manual brightness always cranked to its highest brightness settings possible even though I already have burn in issues with every oled device that I use. It's why I wish there were more mini led display options on phones, tablets, portable external displays, chromebooks etc. so there will be no longer any oled burn in issues.

[@rival989]

Is it a 360 screen?

[@thetexastroubadour]

Nice Try Robbie but here in the UK I'm sticking to the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 CBE595-1T Intel Core i5 - 1235U / up to 4.4 GHz - Chrome OS - Intel Iris Xe Graphics - 8 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - 15.6" IPS touchscreen 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) - Wi-Fi 6E - steel grey. Shop around and it's £499.

[@j-sizzler5897]

Thanks for the review! I wish they would do a legitimate update to the Samsung chromebook pro form 2017. I love how small that thing is. They just don't seem very committed to chromebooks

[@andrewcbartlett]

I was interested in one of these however I decided to get a refurbished Acer 516 GE (Ver.1). which was $400.

[@RobbyPayne]

I still love that device!!

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Off question. Anyone think Chtomeos Flex will work on an Apple Mac Pro trash from 2013?

[@brendangrant1820]

Everyone's grandparent would love this.

[@RobbyPayne]

Haha! Yeah, but I have to admit that I do love using it

[@brendangrant1820]

@@RobbyPayne we just need a few solid ultrabook options that compete with the tab ultras at a $700 price point. I am still using my 5 year old Samsung paper thin i5 Chromebook.

[@TheNationofChrome]

Honestly the numeric pad is for Entering 2fa not calculation .

[@jrok680]

I can't understand the Chrome OS team: why not use a snapdragon elite x to power Chromebooks on a par with MacBook M? Knowing very well that the ChromeOS have more affinity with ARM more than any other system

[@robertmorin6495]

I hate touchpads no matter how well they work. I always roll with an external usb wireless mouse and highly recommend them....much easier to use. I am writing this comment with the chromebook in my easy chair and the mouse on the armrest. I don't have to contort my wrist and use the touchpad or think about how or where to touch the touchpad.

[@aaronn12345678]

Samsung Pros Thin Light OLED One finger open Samsung Cons Having a numeric keypad leaves me feeling that I'm always kind of off center, especially when using the trackpad I don't see the benefit of having a larger 15.6" screen if the resolution is still 1080p Asus CX54 Pros Core 5 QHD. I'm surprised at how much I really like this Fingerprint sensor. This is a big deal for me. Possibly longer battery life All up, at $649 I'm super happy that I have the Asus.

[@williamclarke2020]

Seriously! What's up with companies that just can't make an all out beefed up Cromebook? Sure, make an entry point model for those who don't require the horsepower, a mid-tier with a 120hz OLED screen/better speakers, processors, for those who are media consumers or light gamers. Then a powerhouse with an 120hz OLED screen starting with a 16:10 2.8K display, top tier processors that can handle some more intensive tasks like gaming? But nooooo....What is this 2010? I see no reason to give up my Acer Spin 713 with it's deplorable speakers. If they build it...they will buy it! Cheers!

[@adamtheman17]

chrome os is great but i still don't feel like paying $699.99 for a chrome book when i can get a windows laptop with better cpu and still can install chrome os or linux. if this laptop was maybe $399.99 then maybe but once you go over that price you better off with a windows laptop for vulue

[@thebeatles9]

NGL even 75hz makes a big difference. 60 should just be outlawed by now

[@HIHIHJIHIHIH]

At this point I would have preferred if they release a Snapdragon flagship Chromebook or heck just give us an S9 ultra with build in keyboard 😅

[@AlexGarcia-ur9dy]

Thank you. While I did give your video a like, I stopped watching the moment you said it was a non-touch screen. What a big bummer. I guess I'm keeping my HP X360.

[@NovusSky]

I’d rather waiting for the next generation of Duet 13.3

[@gregoryscott5780]

My thoughts exactly! Here's to hoping one comes out.

[@Roman-nu1om]

a 16:9 FHD screen. Amazing...

[@babycakes1402]

From what I'm seeing, I'm not impressed, I'll stick with the one I have, which is the first of the 2 'red' ones that were out in 2020, the one with all the bells & whistles.

[@flow2tech]

A no go with those speakers

[@ungiancarlo]

Please do a "2024 best chromebooks" video, i still believe the Pixelbook Go remain in top 3

[@antster7]

Specs are underwhelming. They should have used a broadcomm CPU instead

[@MackanderSingh]

The other samsung device .. Tab s10 ultra.. much better equipped device..

[@gregoryscott5780]

The Tab s10 Ultra would be my dream come true if only it had true desktop-grade Chrome browsing abilities. One of my primary websites just doesn't work on it when I've tried. I was truly kind of devastated.

[@jeremiah_aden]

I was given a Chromebook in prison.

[@bhoqeem1975]

wtf--it's subscription now???

[@ManishDhanwar]

भारत में कहां से खरीद सकता हूं मैं ये क्रोमबुक ?

[@newfnshow031]

PSA 400 nits isn't bright and $700 isn't cheap you can buy an HP OLED laptop that runs windows for $600

[@thewanderer8]

An interesting video. Clearly, a nice machine for the table but ...... At sub £400, it would be worth looking at, but certainly not at its current £700+ price; no touchscreen, really poor sound from such a large device, not portable, poor camera by today's standard and video editing limitations once again? The sound, especially, is important for a lot of people, given the amount of streamed content to devices these days. And who puts speakers downwards, facing the table. Muffled and poor volume levels, esp for us with older ears, is one of the key things I look for before buying. Chromebooks have gotten more powerful, with large, fast SSD hard drives and fast external storage. So it really is time for Google to tackle head-on the always-mentioned- limitation video editing issue - Chromebook+s should come with a video editing suite as standard.

[@shamydesfines]

I want one.

[@itsbiju]

Doesn't flip or have a touchscreen. Guess the last one wasn't that profitable for them. So Samsung exclusive so why buy theirs instead of HP's or Acer's?

[@CJ30123]

I dont understand who is buying chromebooks at this point? You can now routinely get macbook airs at $750 new. Much less used. They destroy these in every way hardware wise while not being gimped software wise.

[@joepulido4377]

8 GB of Ram for a $700 Chromebook is unacceptable!

[@DavidDuVivier]

No touch screen on a laptop is not really a big deal (who wants to get a "gorilla arm"?), but: - FHD screen... w/o 120 Hz? - Core 3? - 8 GB RAM? - 256 GB storage? - Crummy speakers & a crummy camera (apparently w/o a privacy shutter?) to boot... Who needs this piece of electro-junk in 2024-2025? This Chromebook is yet another huge disappointment in the Chrome OS hardware space. Is Samsung paying Chrome Unboxed to do overly enthusiastic reviews like this?

[@avengejudge]

floor base design is😬🤢

[@matthews4159]

a $700 Chromebook,,, NOT TOUCH SCREEN ,,,in 2024 ,,, who wants a Chromebook of $700 ?? even if its oLED ,, and USLESS numeric keypad wow even Chrome Unboxed are not impressed with it,, and that's saying something,,,, so if you want a $700 blue box then this is it ,,,

[@mattsanchez4893]

I agree and disagree, I have both touch and non touch screen chrome laptops and while I may prefer the touch screen at times, not having it is no big hindrance, I’m more excited about the Amoled screen which I’ve been wanting forever

[@DaveBlaze-q4k]

NO Touch Screen and only 8GB of RAM...worthless

[@MrBackin5ive]

Piggy-backing off of their already long-since established galaxybook line isn't a new, or novel comeback for samsung in the chromebook world. It's the same hand-me-downs we often get with other manufactuers. The broader issue being a dumb consumer society being griffed by big businesses, which is also nothing novel or new. It's amazing how much videos like these just blatantly shill.

[@uscinmi]

Very disappointed, 1080p 60z. Yuck. I3 only 8gig, yuck. No touch screen. 700 not worth it for these specs

[@Steak_Nachos]

Selling mine for $200! Only used it once but selling it because I need a different processor for my activities. Inbox me for more if you're interested