Samsung’s Galaxy Book lineup has always been a compelling option for Windows users seeking a stylish and versatile convertible laptop. The latest iteration, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 review, maintains that tradition with a gorgeous AMOLED display, long battery life, and S Pen support. But is it all sunshine and roses? We spent some time with the Book 4 Pro 360 to find out.
Contents
Design: A Feast for the Eyes
The first thing that strikes you about the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 is its design. Samsung has opted for a minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and a premium feel. The entire chassis is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it incredibly light (around 3.7lbs for the 15.6-inch model) and sturdy. Available in Mystic Silver and Misty Blue color options, the Book 4 Pro 360 exudes a sense of sophistication that rivals the MacBook Air.
The 360-degree hinge is the star of the show, allowing you to seamlessly transition between laptop, tablet, tent, and media modes. The hinge feels solid and wobble-free, even in tablet mode, which is a concern some users have raised with previous Galaxy Book models.
Display: A Visual Powerhouse
The centerpiece of the Book 4 Pro 360 is undoubtedly its display. Samsung has equipped this laptop with a stunning AMOLED panel, offering vivid colors, deep blacks, and incredible contrast. Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or simply browsing the web, the visuals are simply breathtaking. The 3K resolution (2880 x 1800 pixels) on the 16-inch model ensures crisp details, while the 15.6-inch model offers a respectable Full HD resolution. Both displays are touch-enabled and support S Pen input, making them perfect for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys the convenience of a digital pen.
Performance: Hits and Misses
The Book 4 Pro 360 comes equipped with Intel’s latest 12th Gen Core i5 or i7 processors, paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics or the new Intel Arc graphics. While these specs are sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, productivity work, and light media consumption, they might struggle with demanding applications like video editing or heavy gaming.
During our testing, the Book 4 Pro 360 handled multitasking and productivity tasks admirably. However, we noticed some thermal throttling during intense workloads, resulting in fan noise and slightly sluggish performance. This might be a concern for users who require consistent power for creative applications.
Battery Life: A Marathon Runner
One area where the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 review truly shines is battery life. Samsung boasts up to 21 hours of uptime on the 15.6-inch model and a staggering 24 hours on the 16-inch version. In our real-world usage, we consistently achieved close to 18 hours on a single charge, making this laptop a perfect companion for long workdays or extended travel.
Keyboard and Trackpad: A Mixed Bag
The keyboard on the Book 4 Pro 360 is decent but not spectacular. The keys offer a good amount of travel and responsive feedback, but they can feel a bit cramped, especially for users with larger hands. The backlighting is nice for low-light environments, but some reviewers have found it a bit uneven.
The trackpad is spacious and supports multi-touch gestures smoothly. However, its click mechanism feels a bit mushy compared to some competitors.
Ports and Connectivity:
The Book 4 Pro 360 offers a decent selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, a USB-A port, and a microSD card slot. While the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 is a welcome addition, some users might miss a dedicated headphone jack.
S Pen: A Creative Companion
The included S Pen is a great addition for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys taking notes or annotating documents. The pen offers excellent pressure sensitivity and low latency, making it a joy to use for creative tasks. It magnetically attaches to the side of the chassis for convenient storage and charging.
Software and Features
The Book 4 Pro 360 comes pre-installed with Windows 11. Samsung includes some of its own software utilities, such as Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor, and Samsung Notes for taking notes and sketching. Overall, the software experience is clean and bloatware-free.
The Verdict: A Capable Convertible with Room for Improvement
The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 is a stylish and versatile convertible laptop
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) or 16-inch WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen |
Processor | Intel Core i5-1250U or i7-12700H |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics or Intel Arc Graphics (model dependent) |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD |
Battery | Up to 21 hours (15.6-inch) or 24 hours (16-inch) |
Weight | Around 3.7lbs (15.6-inch model) |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
Connectivity | 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1x HDMI port, 1x USB-A port, 1x microSD card slot |
Special Features | S Pen included, 360-degree hinge, AKG & Dolby Atmos quad speakers |
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning AMOLED Display: The Book 4 Pro 360 boasts a gorgeous AMOLED display with vivid colors, deep blacks, and incredible contrast. It’s perfect for creative professionals, movie buffs, or anyone who appreciates a visually stunning experience.
- Long Battery Life: Samsung delivers on its promise of exceptional battery life. With up to 24 hours on the 16-inch model, you can confidently leave the charger at home and work unplugged all day.
- S Pen Included: The included S Pen is a fantastic tool for artists, designers, and note-takers. It offers pressure sensitivity and low latency for a natural and responsive experience.
- Sleek and Lightweight Design: The aircraft-grade aluminum chassis makes the Book 4 Pro 360 incredibly light and portable. It’s easy to slip into your backpack and carry around all day.
- Versatile 360-Degree Hinge: The smooth and sturdy hinge allows you to seamlessly transition between laptop, tablet, tent, and media modes, making it adaptable to various tasks and workflows.
- Decent Selection of Ports: The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports ensures fast data transfer and external display connectivity. Users also get an HDMI port, a USB-A port, and a microSD card slot for added convenience.
Cons:
- Performance Lacks for Demanding Tasks: While sufficient for everyday tasks, the Book 4 Pro 360 might struggle with intensive applications like video editing or heavy gaming due to thermal throttling.
- Keyboard and Trackpad Could Be Better: The keyboard, while decent, feels a bit cramped and might not be ideal for heavy typists. The trackpad’s click mechanism could also be more responsive.
- Limited Upgradeability: The RAM and storage are soldered onto the motherboard, so you’re stuck with what you purchase initially. This might be a concern for users who anticipate needing more power down the line.
- No Headphone Jack: Some users might miss the convenience of a dedicated headphone jack.
- Price: The Book 4 Pro 360 sits in a premium price range. While competitive with other convertibles, users seeking the best performance for their money might find better options.