Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that promises a blend of performance, portability, and a gorgeous display. With its sleek design and the flexibility of a 360-degree hinge, it stands out as a versatile choice for users seeking a device that can function as both a traditional laptop and a tablet. In this review, we dive deep into its key features, performance, and whether it justifies its premium price tag.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 features a stunning aluminum body that exudes a premium feel. Weighing under 4 lbs (approximately 1.7 kg), it’s surprisingly lightweight for a 16-inch device. The build quality is impressive, offering a solid and durable frame. However, the glossy surface is a magnet for fingerprints, which can be a minor inconvenience for users who prefer a clean, smudge-free appearance.
The laptop’s hinge design allows it to rotate a full 360 degrees, making it easy to switch between laptop, tent, and tablet modes. However, the hinges could use a bit of tightening as they exhibit a slight wobble, especially when opening the laptop with one hand. While this does not significantly affect usability, it might be a concern for users looking for a sturdier hinge mechanism.
Port Selection
For a sleek and thin device, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 does not compromise on port options. On the left side, it offers:
- HDMI 2.1 port
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
On the right side, it includes:
- USB-A 3.2 port
- Combo audio jack
- Micro SD card slot
These ports provide a good balance of connectivity, catering to both modern peripherals through Thunderbolt 4 and legacy devices via USB-A. The inclusion of an HDMI port is a pleasant surprise, making it easier for users to connect to external displays without relying on adapters.
Display and S Pen Experience
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is its 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung is known for its high-quality displays, and this laptop does not disappoint. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the high refresh rate ensures smooth visuals whether you are scrolling through web pages or watching high-definition videos.
Adding to the display’s appeal is the included S Pen. Many 2-in-1 devices require a separate purchase for a stylus, but Samsung has included it in the box. The S Pen attaches magnetically to the laptop, offering a secure and convenient storage solution. The writing experience is fluid and responsive, thanks to the 120Hz screen refresh rate. Whether you’re sketching, taking notes, or editing photos, the S Pen enhances the overall usability of the device.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard of the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys that offer good tactile feedback. However, the key travel is slightly shallow, likely due to the thin profile of the laptop. This might be a minor issue for users who prefer deeper keystrokes. The inclusion of a numeric keypad is a welcome addition for those who frequently work with numbers.
The touchpad is another highlight, featuring a large glass surface that feels smooth to the touch. Samsung’s implementation is impressive, providing a near-haptic experience despite using a traditional diving board mechanism. The click feedback is satisfying, making it one of the best touchpads available in a Windows laptop.
Performance Overview
The model reviewed comes equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra 5 processor and 32GB of RAM. Interestingly, this specific configuration does not appear on major retail sites like Amazon or Best Buy, suggesting it might be a unit specifically sent out for reviews. Regardless, the Core Ultra 5 showcases impressive performance, closely rivaling the more expensive Core Ultra 7.
In various performance tests, the Core Ultra 5 displayed similar single-core and multi-core clock speeds to the Core Ultra 7 found in competitors like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i. Surprisingly, it even outperformed the Core Ultra 7 in some tasks, such as Photoshop editing, possibly due to the increased RAM capacity.
For everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and document editing, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 performs exceptionally well. It handles multitasking with ease, thanks to its 32GB RAM, making it an excellent choice for productivity.
Gaming and Graphics Performance
While the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is not primarily marketed as a gaming laptop, it features an Intel Arc 130V integrated GPU. The performance is adequate for light gaming, with games like Overwatch running at 60-80 FPS. However, the more demanding gaming scenarios revealed its limitations, especially when compared to laptops equipped with the Intel Arc 140V GPU.
Users seeking a laptop for gaming may find the performance underwhelming. The laptop struggles with maintaining consistent frame rates in modern titles, and the device tends to get warm during extended gaming sessions. The keyboard deck can reach temperatures up to 48°C, which might be uncomfortable for prolonged use.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the strong points of the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360. The laptop houses a 74Wh battery, capable of delivering up to 12-16 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the tasks performed. For users who need a reliable device for long workdays or travel, this extended battery life is a significant advantage.
Whether you’re streaming videos, attending virtual meetings, or working on intensive tasks, the laptop can easily last through a full day without requiring a recharge.
Samsung Ecosystem Integration
The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 seamlessly integrates with the Samsung ecosystem, making it an appealing choice for users already invested in Samsung products. Features like Quick Share, Samsung Notes, and the ability to control the laptop using a Galaxy smartphone enhance the user experience. This level of integration provides a smooth transition for users familiar with Samsung’s mobile devices, offering a cohesive experience across different platforms.
Internal Layout and Upgradability
Opening up the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 reveals a clean and well-organized internal layout. The black aesthetic of the components gives it a sleek look. However, like many modern laptops, the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, making future upgrades impossible. On the positive side, the SSD is user-replaceable, allowing users to expand storage if needed. It would have been nice to see an additional slot for a second SSD, given the spacious internal design.
Pricing and Value
The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 offers a premium experience with its high-quality display, S Pen integration, and impressive battery life. However, its pricing might be a deterrent for some buyers, especially when considering its performance in gaming and heavy tasks. Users looking for a device primarily for productivity and creative tasks will find value in its features. Still, those who prioritize gaming or need extreme performance may find better options in other laptops at similar or lower price points.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is a well-rounded 2-in-1 laptop that excels in design, display quality, and battery life. Its integration with the Samsung ecosystem and the included S Pen make it a strong contender for users who want a versatile device for both work and play. However, its slightly wobbly hinges and warm keyboard deck during heavy usage might be drawbacks for some users.
In summary:
Pros:
- Gorgeous 3K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Solid build quality with a sleek aluminum design
- Long battery life (up to 16 hours)
- Seamless Samsung ecosystem integration
- Responsive S Pen included in the box
Cons:
- Slightly wobbly hinges
- High temperature under heavy load
- Limited gaming performance
- Premium pricing
Overall, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is an excellent choice for users seeking a premium 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a focus on productivity, creativity, and multimedia consumption. However, for gaming enthusiasts or users seeking the absolute best performance, exploring other options might be a better choice.
