While the battle rages between ARM and x86 processors, Samsung is playing both sides and announces its new Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360. Equipped with the latest Intel processor, this laptop is banking on AI to attract users.
The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 was announced at IFA 2024. While some manufacturers flirt with ARM processors, Samsung remains faithful to Intel by integrating the brand new Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processor. But be careful, this is not just any processor: we are talking here about the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V. A long name that hides a real offensive from Intel.
This processor, based on the Meteor Lake architecture, promises wonders. Intel claims to have the fastest cores on the market, which is probably true. But the most interesting thing is that it also promises to gain in multithreaded performance… with only eight cores.
How is this possible? The Core Ultra Series 2 has four P (Performance) cores and four E (Efficiency) cores, without Hyperthreading. A configuration which, according to Intel, would beat the Apple M3, the Snapdragon X Elite and even the previous Meteor Lake.
AI at the heart of the experience
But the real star of this new processor is its NPU (Neural Processing Unit). With a computing power of 48 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), it allows the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 to obtain Copilot+ certification. Concretely, what does that mean? Well… that laptop is capable of handling complex artificial intelligence tasks without flinching.
Samsung proudly announces “more than 300 AI-accelerated experiences in more than 100 creativity, productivity, gaming and entertainment applications”. We’re talking about features like Circle to Search, Chat Assist, Live Translate and Transcript Assist.
Tools that promise to boost your productivity and creativity. But be careful, as always with AI, it will be necessary to see in use whether these features are really useful on a daily basis or if they are more of a marketing gimmick.
A design that impresses
On the design side, Samsung has not skimped on resources. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is a success. With its 16-inch OLED touch screen, 360° rotating hinge and included S Pen, it transforms from a laptop into a Windows tablet in the blink of an eye. Samsung knows how to design laptops, and it shows.
The screen is not to be outdone with its definition of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels and its refresh rate of 120 Hz. The anti-reflective coating is a significant plus for working in all conditions. And with its 1.69 kg and only 12.8 mm thickness, it’s a real featherweight for a 16-incher.
Autonomy and connectivity: Samsung hits hard
Samsung has gone all out on autonomy with a 76 Wh battery which promises up to 25 hours of video playback. An impressive figure that will of course have to be verified in real conditions. Fast charging via 65W USB-C is also included.
In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is at the high end with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 port and even an HDMI 2.1 port capable of handling 8K at 60 fps or 5K at 120 fps. Enough to satisfy the most demanding users.
A first opinion
The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is undoubtedly an impressive laptop on paper. It combines raw power, advanced AI features and premium design. But in an ultra-competitive market where Apple and its M1/M2/M3 chips are doing wonders, and where Qualcomm is promising wonders with its future Snapdragon for PCs, have Samsung and Intel made the right choice?
The answer will depend a lot on the actual use of AI features on a daily basis and the performance of the Intel processor in demanding tasks. One thing is certain: with this Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360, Samsung gives you the choice with Qualcomm and Intel.
