Review: SAMSUNG Chromebook Plus V2 360 2-in-1 Laptop

The SAMSUNG Chromebook Plus V2 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop designed to meet the needs of students, professionals, and everyday users. Equipped with dual webcams, an Intel Celeron processor, and Chrome OS, this device provides a blend of portability and functionality. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of its features, along with pros and cons.

Design & Build

The SAMSUNG Chromebook Plus V2 features a full-metal body, offering a premium feel and durability. The 360-degree hinge allows the device to function in multiple modes:

  • Laptop mode for traditional computing tasks
  • Yoga mode for collaborative work
  • Flip mode for media consumption
  • Tablet mode for more intuitive interaction, especially with the Samsung Stylus for drawing or note-taking.

The laptop weighs just 3 pounds and has a slim profile (0.63″ thickness), making it extremely portable for users who are always on the go.

Display

The laptop comes with a 12.2″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) touch display, which is both LED and glossy. With a 16:10 aspect ratio, this screen offers a bright, sharp viewing experience, ideal for tasks like streaming, browsing, and online learning. The touch functionality enhances its usability in tablet mode, while the stylus support makes it perfect for creative tasks like sketching and editing.

Performance

Powered by an Intel Celeron 3965Y processor, this Chromebook features 2 cores, 2 threads, and a base clock speed of 1.5GHz. While this may not be the fastest processor for more resource-intensive tasks like gaming or heavy-duty multitasking, it is more than sufficient for daily tasks like browsing, video conferencing, and document editing.

The 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM ensures smooth performance for basic multitasking, though users dealing with larger workloads might feel some limitations in speed.

For storage, the laptop offers 128GB (a combination of 64GB eMMC and an additional 64GB SD card), which can be expanded through the SD card slot.

Webcams

A standout feature is the dual webcams. The front-facing 1 MP camera is ideal for video calls, while the unique 13 MP camera located on the keyboard deck provides high-resolution imaging for tasks such as scanning documents or capturing photos in tablet mode.

Connectivity & Ports

The SAMSUNG Chromebook Plus V2 is equipped with:

  • 2 x USB Type-C ports for charging and external displays
  • 1 x USB 3.0 Type-A port for peripherals
  • A microSD card reader
  • A headphone/microphone combo jack

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth v4.0, ensuring stable wireless performance.

Battery Life

The battery life is a strong point, offering up to 10 hours on a single charge, which is ideal for students and professionals working on the go. This long battery life is complemented by the fast-charging capabilities of the 30W USB Type-C power adapter.

Operating System

The device runs on Chrome OS, known for its simplicity, speed, and built-in security. Chrome OS provides seamless access to thousands of apps through the Google Play Store and is ideal for users who rely heavily on cloud-based applications. With regular updates and built-in virus protection, it’s a secure choice for education and business use.

Audio

The Chromebook features integrated speakers that offer decent sound quality for personal entertainment or online meetings. However, audiophiles or those needing rich sound for professional tasks may prefer using external speakers or headphones.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Lightweight and Portable: Weighs only 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around.
  • Versatile 360-degree Hinge: Allows multiple usage modes (laptop, tablet, tent, and stand).
  • Stylus Support: Great for artists, note-takers, and those who prefer hands-on interaction.
  • Dual Webcams: High-quality rear camera (13 MP) in addition to the standard front-facing webcam.
  • Bright Touch Display: 12.2″ FHD+ touchscreen with crisp resolution.
  • Long Battery Life: Up to 10 hours on a single charge.
  • Affordable: Suitable for students and basic productivity tasks at a reasonable price.
  • Chrome OS: Quick boot times and seamless Google integration.

Cons:

  • Limited Performance: The Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM may struggle with more demanding tasks or multitasking.
  • Storage Could Be Larger: While 128GB is split between eMMC and SD storage, it may not be enough for users with large files.
  • Mediocre Audio Quality: Built-in speakers are average and may not satisfy users seeking immersive sound.
  • Limited Upgradability: The RAM is soldered, meaning it cannot be upgraded.

Conclusion

The SAMSUNG Chromebook Plus V2 is a great option for students, educators, and light users looking for a versatile, portable, and affordable device. Its 2-in-1 form factor, stylus support, and dual cameras make it stand out, while the performance is adequate for day-to-day tasks. However, it might not be ideal for those seeking more power or storage capacity for professional or high-performance tasks.