Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 Review

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 arrived with a lot of expectations, particularly given its predecessor’s bold design and powerful specifications. However, this sequel takes a different approach, prioritizing affordability over flashy features. This review dives deep into its performance, design, and overall user experience to determine whether it’s a worthwhile purchase. Ultimately, we’ll explore if the trade-off between fun and value strikes the right balance for the average user.

Design and Build Quality

Unlike its vibrant predecessor, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 opts for a more understated aesthetic. Gone is the eye-catching Mystic Bronze finish; instead, we have a more muted silver. The build quality remains solid; it feels sturdy and well-constructed. The chassis is primarily made of aluminum, providing a premium feel despite the lower price point. While not as visually striking, the design is certainly more practical and less prone to fingerprints, a welcome change.

The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with good key travel and spacing. The trackpad is responsive and smooth, providing a pleasant experience for everyday tasks. However, for power users who frequently utilize keyboard shortcuts, the smaller size of the trackpad might be slightly limiting. The overall feel is one of practicality and durability, sacrificing some of the eye-catching flair of the original.

Display and Audio

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 features a 13.3-inch QLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While not a 4K display, the QLED technology provides vibrant colors and excellent contrast. Viewing angles are impressive, making it suitable for sharing content with others. However, the brightness could be slightly higher for optimal outdoor usage; direct sunlight can wash out the screen somewhat. Overall, the display is excellent for its price range.

The audio quality is surprisingly good for a Chromebook in this price bracket. The stereo speakers deliver clear and well-balanced sound. While not as powerful as dedicated audio systems, they are more than adequate for watching videos and listening to music. The sound remains clear even at higher volumes, lacking the distortion often found in budget-friendly devices.

Performance and Battery Life

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is powered by an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, which delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and working with productivity software. Multitasking is handled reasonably well, although demanding applications might cause some slowdown. The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most users, ensuring smooth operation even with multiple tabs open. However, for users who frequently run resource-intensive applications, an upgrade to 16GB RAM might be desirable.

Battery life is a significant improvement over the original Chromebook. In our testing, the device easily lasted over eight hours on a single charge with moderate usage. This makes it suitable for a full day of work or study without needing to find a power outlet. Heavy usage, such as video editing or gaming, will obviously reduce battery life. However, for typical Chromebook tasks, the battery performance is impressive.

Software and User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 runs on Chrome OS, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. The operating system is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for users of all technical skill levels. Updates are seamless and frequent, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features. Chrome OS’s integration with Google services is a significant advantage, providing seamless access to a vast ecosystem of applications and services.

The device seamlessly integrates with other Google services. Files are easily accessible through Google Drive, and collaboration features are streamlined. The overall user experience is highly intuitive and user-friendly, even for those unfamiliar with Chrome OS. The simplicity is a major selling point for users who prioritize ease of use over complex operating systems.

Connectivity and Ports

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers a good selection of ports, including two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack. This provides sufficient connectivity options for most users. The inclusion of a USB-A port is particularly welcome, as it ensures compatibility with a wider range of peripherals. The positioning of the ports is also well thought out, preventing any awkward cable management issues.

Wi-Fi connectivity is reliable and fast, providing seamless access to the internet. Bluetooth 5.0 is also included, allowing for easy pairing with wireless devices such as headphones and mice. The device supports various network connections, ensuring connectivity regardless of location.

Value and Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 offers excellent value for its price. It provides a solid balance of performance, design, and battery life, making it a compelling option for students, casual users, and those on a budget. The improved battery life and more practical design are significant enhancements over its predecessor. While the performance isn’t groundbreaking, it’s more than adequate for everyday tasks. The price point is undeniably attractive, making it a competitive choice in a crowded market.

This Chromebook excels in its affordability and reliability. Its solid performance and long battery life make it a practical and dependable device for everyday use. The design, while less flamboyant than its predecessor, is refined and practical. The overall user experience is smooth and intuitive, thanks to the well-optimized Chrome OS. Considering its price point, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 represents a compelling value proposition. It’s a device that prioritizes practicality and affordability without sacrificing essential features.

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a fantastic option for those seeking a reliable and affordable Chromebook without the need for top-tier specifications. It is a great choice for students, casual users, and anyone wanting a solid, dependable machine without the hefty price tag.

The device’s strengths lie in its long battery life, easy-to-use interface, and overall solid performance for everyday tasks. The compromises made, primarily in the visual design and processing power, are easily offset by its affordability and dependable performance. It’s a well-rounded device that successfully delivers on its promise of value.

• Pros: Excellent battery life, good value for money, solid performance for everyday tasks, comfortable keyboard, responsive trackpad, excellent display.
• Cons: Less visually striking design compared to the original, processor might struggle with very demanding applications, brightness could be improved for outdoor use.

• Who should buy this: Students, casual users, budget-conscious consumers, anyone needing a reliable and portable Chromebook.
• Who shouldn’t buy this: Gamers, professional video editors, users requiring high-end processing power for demanding applications.