Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G review: An excellent coffee shop PC

Price When Reviewed

$1,399.99

Best Prices Today

Samsung’s Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G shouldn’t be thought of by these in search of a general-purpose PC. But for somebody who lives at a espresso store, tapping out e mail, sneaking in a Netflix video, and shuttling forwards and backwards? Keep studying.

This gadget is a pill in laptop computer’s clothes, with a 5G connection and fabulous battery life that a lot of its opponents lack. Performance lags in locations, although you’ll in all probability overlook all about that whereas viewing the attractive OLED display screen.

Keep in thoughts that this explicit gadget is sort of a era outdated. It’s nonetheless price contemplating, as actually solely the 11th-gen processor lags behind the state-of-the-art 12th-gen Core {hardware} discovered throughout the Galaxy Book2 laptops Samsung not too long ago introduced. Still, view this gadget with a predator’s eye (aka look ahead to retailers who could also be clearing out older stock). If you’re the precise type of buyer who finds this overview interesting, then snap it up.

Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G primary options

We’re reviewing the Galaxy Pro 360 5G, a specialised 360-degree convertible that ships solely with a 13.3-inch show possibility, the Mystic Silver shade scheme, and the built-in 5G radio. It ships in one in every of two configurations: one with a Core i5-1130G7 for $1,399.99 (or $1,249.99 on Samsung.com at press time) or a more expensive $1,599.99 version with a Core i7-1160G7. (At Samsung, that mannequin is listed as out of inventory). The Core i7 mannequin additionally presents extra reminiscence (16GB RAM) in addition to a bigger SSD possibility (as much as 512GB). We discovered the Core i7 version at Best Buy for $1,399.99 at press time. Keep in thoughts that whereas a laptop computer with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is completely serviceable, the accessible reductions could make the improve worthwhile.

Both fashions ship with Samsung’s embrace S Pen for inking, which saves some cash, although there’s no built-in holster. Otherwise, the unit we’re reviewing requires buying one in every of our recommended USB-C hubs to hook up with gadgets with a legacy USB-A connector. 

Samsung has quite a few different choices inside its Galaxy Book lineup from which to decide on, although the variations could also be complicated.

Forgoing the 5G possibility opens up extra selections. Samsung’s Galaxy Book Pro 360 (with out 5G!) is out there in both a 13.3-inch or a 15.6-inch kind issue, and we reviewed one of the models final 12 months with a Core i7 chip inside it. This overview unit has a slower Core i5, which permits us to supply an in depth comparability of the 2 notebooks by way of efficiency and common usability.

Finally, do not forget that this laptop computer is a 360-degree convertible, rotating from a clamshell all the way in which round to a pill mode. Otherwise, take into account the same Samsung Galaxy Book Pro, a traditional clamshell notebook that lacks both the S Pen as well as a touch display. The Book Pro also includes a USB Type A port.

If you’re thinking to yourself, hey, isn’t this the old one? — yes, you’re right. Samsung has recently launched its Galaxy Book2 lineup, which is able to ship quickly. The significance of those laptops is that you just’ll doubtless see these on low cost as Samsung clears the decks for the brand new fashions.

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• Processor: Intel Core i5-1130G7 / Core i7-1165G7 (Core i5 as examined)
• Display: 13.3-inch (1920×1080) Super AMOLED with contact, HDR
• Memory: 8GB/16GB LPDDR4x (8GB as examined)
• Storage: 256GB/512GB SSD (256 GB as examined)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
• Ports: 1 USB-C (Thunderbolt 4); 2 USB-C, microSD, 3.5mm jack, Kensington lock
• Security: Fingerprint reader
• Camera: 720p (user-facing)
• Battery: 62.1Wh (design), 63.3Wh (reported)
• Wireless: WiFi 6E Gig+ (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, 5G WWAN
• Operating system: Windows 10 Home
• Dimensions:  11.91 x 7.95 x 0.45in.
• Weight: 3.06lb (rated)
• Colors: Mystic Silver
• Prices:  $1,399.99 as tested, $1,249.99 after low cost (Samsung.com)

My preliminary impression of the smaller 13-inch Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G was of simply one other silver laptop computer stamped with a small black Samsung brand on the rear of the show. While the Mystic Blue of the bigger Pro 360 we reviewed final 12 months generally felt prefer it was indistinguishable from black, it did provide a splash of shade in the proper mild. Most silver 13-inch laptops on this class are literally Chromebooks and this barely soured my preliminary impression.

Not completely, nevertheless. One of the strengths of a 360-degree convertible Chromebook is its capability to swivel again on itself and create a “tablet” for Android apps. Now, Windows 11 can do the same. Add the laptop computer’s pen capabilities to that and a 360-degree Windows 11 convertible and the Book Pro 360 5G is extra useful than ever. The hinge rotated firmly and stably with out flopping round, and the general construct high quality feels stable if a bit heavy for a 13-inch pocket book. There’s a tiny little bit of flex with the show, however nothing worrisome.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Air is pulled in by a effective grille of holes beneath the chassis and pushed out again by way of then hinge vents. Four rubber pads maintain the laptop computer barely off the desk or desk. The Pro 360 5G does get heat (although not sizzling) within the default “Optimized” setting, which adjusts fan pace and efficiency. The fan turned on noticeably with Whiteboard and Microsoft Edge operating with only a trace of coil whine. Four fan modes can be found (High Performance, No fan, Silent, and Optimized). The “Silent” mode, sadly, isn’t.

Different show varieties provide their very own distinct benefits. Most high-refresh-rate laptops use IPS know-how. Samsung’s OLED shows are a visible deal with, with profoundly deep blacks and vibrant colours that assist make this laptop computer a pleasure to observe movies on. There are a variety of show modes to selected from, which barely differ each in the usual Windows 11 settings in addition to Samsung’s Settings app. The show places out 281 nits, simply above the 250-260 nits or in order that we take into account an acceptable brightness.

As famous above, the laptop computer accommodates each a Thunderbolt 4-equipped USB-C port in addition to two different “generic” USB ports. The I/O throughput distinction is profound, so fortunately Samsung etched a tiny lightning bolt brand subsequent to the high-speed port.

The complete laptop computer is powered by a compact 65W USB-C charger that introduced the laptop computer as much as about 50 % in just a little greater than an hour. You in all probability gained’t be flipping forwards and backwards between the charger and battery energy that usually, however once you do, there’s an annoying half-second or two when the show goes black earlier than switching over to the brand new energy mode.

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Typing expertise, audio, and webcam

Samsung charges the important thing journey on its Galaxy Book Pro 360 keyboard at 1mm, lower than the important thing journey on comparable gadgets. That’s the gap during which your fingers can depress the important thing earlier than it “bottoms out.” Personally, I favor a journey distance of about 1.5mm. But Samsung softens the blow with a sequence of springy scissor switches mounted underneath rubbery keypad domes, which helps your fingers land extra comfortably. The greater the cushion, the sweeter the pushin’, as one well-known band wrote. The particular person keys are additionally comfortably sized.

I additionally favor the way in which Samsung laid out its 15-inch keyboard — however once more, the compromises are good. The tiny cross of directional keys within the decrease right-hand nook isn’t possible for extended use and the highest row of operate keys are sufficiently small that they need to be used solely sometimes. The selections laptop computer producers make in choosing function-key shortcuts is oddly fascinating.

The prime row is particularly noteworthy. The F11 key triggers efficiency mode and urgent Function + F10 turns your digital camera and mic on and off. The poor F11 key, then again, does triple obligation. It serves as a shortcut for each full-screen and efficiency mode (Function + F11), and it can be used to launch Samsung’s “secret screen capability” (Win + F11).

Mark Hachman / IDG

Keep in thoughts that Samsung tucks its Windows Hello fingerprint reader underneath the facility swap to the higher right-hand-corner of the keyboard. Samsung’s sensor nonetheless earns a mediocre grade, typically failing to determine my finger till I tapped it a number of instances. Make positive you will have a PIN set inside Windows. (You can’t log in utilizing the user-facing digital camera, sadly, because it’s not Windows Hello licensed).

As far because the digital camera is worried, I nonetheless favor a higher-resolution 1080p digital camera than the 720p user-facing digital camera Samsung included as a substitute. The digital camera ought to seize your face properly with correct shade and lighting, however the low-res digital camera merely gained’t do you any favors on Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Samsung’s F10 shortcut, talked about above, serves as the one shortcut to show off your mic and digital camera, as there’s no privateness shutter.

Mark Hachman / IDG

On the opposite hand, the included “beauty settings” that accompany the digital camera have much less work to do — about the one noticeable change they supplied have been to erase circles from underneath my eyes and barely slim my chin.

The Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G delivers crisp sound of reasonable quantity from a pair of audio system, tuned by AKG. Really, they provide about as a lot as you’d hope they’d. Music and films sound nice at each the excessive finish in addition to the midrange. The low-end tones aren’t as sturdy as you may like, however a skinny laptop computer doesn’t provide all that a lot to work with. I couldn’t discover an audio equalizer within the included Realtek audio app, although the upcoming revamp to the Windows Media Player ought to provide one. My solely grievance is that I’d like the 2 audio system to ship a bit extra oomph.

An glorious inking expertise

As with the 15-inch mannequin of the Galaxy Book Pro 360, the smaller 5G mannequin doesn’t present anyplace to retailer the included S Pen, which can be utilized for both drawing or as a management mechanism by way of its single button. You can magnetically connect the Pen to the again of the laptop computer’s display screen (weakly close to the underside or extra strongly close to the highest), although it’s best to count on it to instantly lose it within the backside of a backpack.

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Fortunately, the S Pen doesn’t require charging or pairing, because it makes use of a Wacom know-how referred to as EMR to ink on the display screen’s digitizer. Samsung has demonstrated spectacular inking capabilities, each on our first look at an early Galaxy Tab S8, and now right here on the Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G as properly. Three elements often decide the inking expertise: the time it takes for the ink to “flow” from the pen, any ink offset from the nib, and any jitter that happens whereas the pen is inking. The first metric is solely any lag that happens as you rapidly transfer the pen throughout the display screen and with the Samsung S Pen it was noticeable however minimal. The S Pen’s interplay with the digitizer is flawless when inking horizontally, because the ink emerges instantly underneath the nib. It’s barely offset when inking vertically.

Normally, when slowly inking a diagonal line with a ruler, there’s nonetheless some jitter, leading to an unintentionally wavy line. There’s hardly any in any respect with the Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G, making it probably the greatest inking experiences round.

5G cell expertise

Naturally, one cause to purchase this laptop computer the elective 5G WWAN possibility. Samsung offered us a check SIM to facilitate testing. Keep in thoughts {that a} true cell laptop computer expertise is one half battery, one half SIM, and one half show — Samsung appears to have nailed this.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Though the show isn’t overly brilliant, it was completely effective for working outdoors my native espresso store in addition to indoors — simply hold to the shade. Even proper by the bay, the Verizon SIM offered 40 Mbits/s down, although lower than a megabit upstream. It was much better elsewhere. At the espresso store, for instance, the laptop computer acquired 80Mbps downstream and 8Mbps up. That’s completely effective as a substitute for a suspicious or crowded Wi-Fi entry level. (The laptop computer’s Wi-F 6E is probably the most superior available on the market at the moment).

Samsung is infamous for together with a lot of its personal branded apps. You’ll discover some tucked throughout the Start menu underneath the “Galaxy” title (the Galaxy Book Experience and the Galaxy Book Smart Switch, which helps migrate information from one other Samsung PC) in addition to “Samsung.” The latter contains apps that replicate what Windows does reminiscent of Samsung Studio Plus, which serves as a media editor.

Pay nearer consideration to Samsung Security, which presents a customized privateness folder, a “security cam” that emails you when somebody sits down at your PC, and a “secret screen” that makes use of transparency results to confuse prying eyes. Samsung Settings additionally presents a variety of configuration choices which you’ll discover helpful together with a display screen mode to set your PC with vivid colours and a battery safety possibility that may stop your PC from charging itself absolutely. The latter isn’t a bug however a characteristic, in that it prolongs your laptop computer’s battery by doing so.

Performance

I wasn’t notably impressed with the efficiency, particularly with how laggy the SSD could be. While unzipping information, the method would halt for just a few seconds, making me marvel if there was one thing unsuitable with the system. These points have been endemic to Windows 11, however they need to have been mounted by now.

So, I checked it. We often let our commonplace efficiency checks converse for themselves, however the SSD problem was price spotlighting. Below, we’ve in contrast CrystalDiskMark 4.0.3 outcomes between the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and the Book Pro 5G. Are they direct opponents? No. But even in the event you don’t perceive which checks govern what, you possibly can see that the learn and write efficiency of the Surface Laptop Studio are typically a lot increased than the Samsung laptop computer. It’s a hidden weak level.

In different duties, nevertheless, the laptop computer carried out extra impressively. YouTube playback of a 4K/60 stream streamed with out a single body being dropped on the native 1080p show and simply 17 out of 10,000 on an exterior 4K show. That’s glorious and also you gained’t discover any jitter taking part in again movies. Modern browsers additionally accommodate methods with low reminiscence properly, so it’s best to be capable to open quite a few tabs with none slowdown. Still, our artificial benchmark outcomes weren’t spectacular.

We’ve chosen to check the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G to the 15-inch Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 in addition to different comparable gadgets such because the 13-inch Surface Pro 8 and the Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable tablets, the HP Elite DragonFly Max and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano enterprise notebooks, plus the Razer Book 13. (We additionally added the unreviewed Huawei Matebook X Pro, which isn’t being offered within the United States). Ideally, the Samsung convertible would ship aggressive efficiency and excellent battery life, but it surely falls properly quick in a number of areas.

There’s a cause for why it falls quick and it’s hidden within the PCU’s mannequin quantity. The Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G is powered by a Core i5-1130G7, one in every of Intel’s “UP4” class of Tiger Lake processors. That’s code for a tablet-class processor, signaled by the “0” on the finish of the quantity. More highly effective “UP3” processors for mainstream notebooks have a “5” on the finish of the mannequin quantity. Those processors demand extra energy (15 to 28 watts) versus the 7 to 15 watts UP4 chips like what’s inside our overview unit. Here’s the upshot. Performance will undergo, although battery life ought to enhance. We see this within the outcomes beneath.

Our benchmark suite begins with UL’s PCMark 10, a general-purpose check that evaluates a PC on a number of fronts like net searching, video calls, CAD work, and extra. The benchmark is designed as a complete analysis of all of a laptop computer’s deserves, although we’ve clearly added to it with our different checks. Remember, we’re testing a Core i5-powered tablet-class laptop computer towards a variety of Core i7-powered machines. Most of them carry out fairly equally on this check.

Mark Hachman / IDG

We’ve maintained using Cinebench R15, although trendy laptops full this bursty check fairly rapidly. Cinebench is designed to indicate how properly a laptop computer responds to a generic CPU-driven process that falls outdoors of the chores put to it throughout the PCMark check. The Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G performs surprisingly poorly right here, despite the fact that the processor is a tablet-class chip. The ThinkPad X1 Nano and the Dell Latitude 7320 outperform it pretty handily. Even operating the laptop computer in its “maximum performance” mode didn’t transfer the needle in any respect.

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Handbrake is a real-world software used for transcoding video, which might take an hour or extra to transcode a full-length film right into a format that’s acceptable for toting alongside on an Android pill. We use this check to measure how properly the Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G performs underneath extended load. Of all of the tablet-class processors, it performs the very best.

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We’re not anticipating you to make use of the Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G to play video games on and our 3DMark check bears that out. We use the fashionable “Time Spy” benchmark right here and the outcomes aren’t something to talk of. Instead, you might use the gadget like a Chromebook to play games on it from Xbox Game Pass or one other service. The key right here is that you just’ll wish to play most trendy video games within the cloud, not on the native PC.

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Battery life, although, is the place we’d count on this skinny laptop computer to shine and it does. In our roundup, the one laptop computer that outperforms it’s its greater brother. Incidentally, virtually 16 hours of battery life pushes into the vary of laptops that use Qualcomm’s battery-sipping Snapdragon chips, as evidenced by the battery-life chart that accompanies our HP Elite Folio review.

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Conclusion

The Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G is much less like a conventional laptop computer and extra like a convertible, linked pill. Sure, it’s not as mild as or as skinny as a conventional pill just like the Surface Pro 8 neither is it as highly effective as a extra conventional clamshell. But in the event you prefer it presents, you may take into account the 15-inch Galaxy Book Pro that we individually reviewed.

In reality, you may take into account this overview as a jumping-off level for what you’d actually like in a laptop computer. More efficiency? Well, inevitable reductions may spur you to purchase the Core i7 model of this machine. However, efficiency ought to solely enhance somewhat marginally. Other enterprise notebooks provide aggressive options they usually’re price a glance.

Our overview, although, in all probability underscores what makes this laptop computer a should purchase for a sure area of interest. At just a little over $1,200 and with the opportunity of extra reductions to return, this convertible is each light-weight and linked. Samsung’s OLED screens are merely beautiful for watching movies upon and the 360-convertible kind issue does enable for a tablet-like expertise on this new period of Android apps on Windows. Finally, this laptop computer delivers marvelous battery life and a 5G connection besides. From that perspective, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 5G has loads to supply.