Samsung releases less powerful and cheaper Galaxy Chromebook 2-in-1

Samsung today released its latest Chrome OS device: the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360. While some of Samsung’s Chromebooks top the list of Chromebooks in terms of pricing and features, their latest offering is a step down.

The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 nomenclature can be a bit confusing. The Galaxy Chromebook 2, which is available for a starting MSRP of $550, also has a 360-degree hinge, despite missing “360”from its name. But the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 starts at a lower $430 price point, making it a more affordable option for students or those looking for an extra device.

The most obvious difference is the display size. The new Chromebook has a smaller 12.4-inch LED panel, while the older Galaxy Chromebook 2 uses a 13.3-inch QLED panel that uses quantum dots to achieve 100 percent DCI-P3 color coverage. Samsung hasn’t announced specific colors for its latest Chromebook.

However, the Chromebook 2 360 has a sharper and taller screen than any other Galaxy Chromebook, with a resolution of 2560×1600 and a 16:10 aspect ratio rather than the 16:9, 1920×1080. The touchscreen also claims 340 nits of brightness.

But compared to the pricier, larger model, you see shorter battery life (allegedly 10 hours on a Chromebook 2 360 compared to 13 hours on a Chromebook), no upgrade from 4GB to 8GB of RAM, and a slower processor. Intel The Celeron N4500 in the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 has a base clock speed of 1.1GHz, which can be boosted up to 2.8GHz, while the Intel Celeron 5205U in the Galaxy Chromebook 2 (you can also get it with an Intel Core i3 10th generation) operates at 2.1-4.1 GHz.

Other specs include 64GB or 128GB of storage (bringing the price up to $450), a 720p webcam, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a 3.5mm jack, and a microSD card reader. Perhaps the most unfortunate downside is that the new Chromebook only comes in silver, not Fiesta Red like its predecessor.

Considering its younger audience, Samsung said the new Chromebook should be “strong, durable and shock resistant”with a spill-resistant keyboard. However, Samsung did not provide details on these claims, which is different from competing Chromebook makers such as Acer, which this year announced student-focused Chromebooks that are said to be able to handle up to 11 ounces of liquid and have keys that should be hard to pull out.

Naturally, Samsung couldn’t resist the onslaught of its smaller Galaxy devices with the new Galaxy Chromebook. The company’s announcement pointed to the Phone Hub, which lets you manage text messages and Do Not Disturb on your Android phone with a new 2-in-1 device. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 also supports Nearby Share to send files to Android devices via Wi-Fi.