Samsung Galaxy Book (2017)
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 13, 1969 in Suwon, South Korea |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
| Products | Consumer electronics, including the Samsung Galaxy Book series |
The Samsung Galaxy Book is a Windows 10-powered 2-in-1 PC developed and sold by Samsung Electronics. Serving as the follow-up to the Galaxy TabPro S, it is available in two sizes: a 10.6-inch variant and a larger 12-inch version. This device marked the initial release in the Samsung Galaxy Book lineup.
The next generation, known as the Samsung Galaxy Book 2, was unveiled in October 2018.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Later, on August 7, 2019, Samsung introduced the Samsung Galaxy Book S.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Subsequently, on April 28, 2021, the company launched the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro along with the Galaxy Book Pro 360.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The series continued with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 collection—including Ultra, Pro, and Pro 360 models—available from February 17, 2023.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
History
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Book on 27 February 2017 at MWC 2017, unveiling it alongside the Galaxy Tab S3.
The launch pricing for the 12-inch variant was set at $1,130 for the Wi-Fi-only model and $1,300 for the LTE-enabled version through Verizon. Meanwhile, the 10-inch version was available starting at $630.
Specifications
The 10-inch Galaxy Book features a fanless design, whereas the 12-inch model incorporates a cooling fan. On the right side of both devices, users will find a USB-C port. The 10.6-inch model weighs approximately 650 grams, with the 12-inch variant slightly heavier at around 750 grams. Unlike the Tab S3, the camera is positioned horizontally rather than vertically, and there is no physical home button present. Audio is delivered through two stereo speakers placed at the top and bottom edges. The upper bezel contains the power button, volume controls, and dual microphones.
Several functionalities familiar from Samsung's Galaxy Note lineup are included, such as Air Command, Smart Select, and Samsung Notes. Both sizes come equipped with an S Pen—the first time this accessory has appeared on a Windows device—and offer a detachable folio keyboard case that includes a kickstand. Additionally, the Galaxy Book supports fast charging technology, enabling quicker recharge times. Battery endurance is rated at around 10 hours for the 10.6-inch model and slightly longer at approximately 10.5 hours for the 12-inch version.
Display specifications include a TFT FHD screen with a resolution of 1920x1280 pixels on the 10.6-inch model and a 2160x1440 AMOLED panel for the 12-inch variant, both featuring a 3:2 aspect ratio. The S Pen delivers pressure sensitivity levels up to 4096.
Reception
Overall, the Galaxy Book received positive feedback for its vibrant AMOLED display, responsive S Pen input, robust processor performance, and comprehensive Windows 10 compatibility. Critiques focused on battery longevity concerns, overheating during multitasking scenarios, and the delicate nature of the keyboard attachment.