Samsung Galaxy Book5 Edge: Half the Price, Double the Promise?

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Book5 Edge laptop, based on the Arm platform, featuring a 5G modem and powered by Windows. The core of this laptop is the Snapdragon X platform (X1-26-100), introduced by Qualcomm earlier this year, aimed at enabling companies to create very affordable laptops starting at $600. However, Samsung’s new offering is priced at double that, around $1250.

The laptop also sports a 15-inch Full HD display, seemingly without a higher refresh rate. It includes 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB storage, using the eUFS standard, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and a 61.2 Wh battery. Port selection is limited to one USB 3.2, two USB4, HDMI 2.1, and slots for SIM and microSD cards. With a thickness of 15.5 mm, it weighs only 1.66 kg. Considering the base platform series and the moderate battery size, at this price, Samsung’s new offering might lag in performance and possibly in battery life compared to many competitors.

Since its inception, the Snapdragon X platform has received enhancements focusing on efficiency and performance improvements, potentially increasing the battery life and computing power of devices it supports. In a market increasingly populated by laptops that emphasize battery endurance and multitasking capabilities, the Galaxy Book5 Edge’s advancements stand in stark competition.

Consumers today are spoilt for choice in the $1200 laptop market, with numerous options from brands like Dell and HP boasting enhanced battery performance and processing power. Reviews highlight that while the Galaxy Book5 Edge provides a sleek, lightweight design and useful connectivity features, some users expressed a need for an improvement in the display refresh rate to boost multimedia experiences.

“The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Edge is a great choice for professionals who need on-the-go 5G connectivity and prefer a Windows ecosystem,” commented a tech analyst, noting its competitive edge despite its high price.