Instead of a 4K OLED panel, the new Chromebook features a 13.3-inch 1,920 x 1,080 QLED screen, which was vibrant and bright at the viewing event. HDR videos of wildlife and landscapes appeared, and the details seemed sharp. The aspect ratio is still a little out of date at 16: 9 (16:10 would be much better, Samsung), but overall the screen looks like a more than useful screen for Chrome OS. Better yet, using QLED, the Chromebook 2 should offer a longer battery life than its predecessor. However, this is something that we will have to test for ourselves to be sure.
Unlike the original, which only came in a 10th generation Intel Core i5 CPU configuration, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, the Chromebook 2 offers a few options. You can get the base model with an Intel Celeron 5205U chipset, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, or spend $ 150 more to get a 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor and twice as much memory and storage.
Some other differences between this year’s Galaxy Chromebook and the previous one include a new Smart Amp feature to increase the volume and, according to Samsung, is up to 178 percent higher than an average amplifier. WiFi 6 is also supported in the new model. The company also removed the secondary camera from the keyboard, and the Chromebook 2’s solo webcam above the screen has the same 720p resolution as before. Although its screen supports pen input, the new Chromebook does not have an integrated S Pen like the original.
Despite its slim profile, the Chromebook 2 keyboard was surprisingly comfortable to type. The keys are evenly spaced and, although there is less movement than I am used to, the buttons still had a good depth. The trackpad, although spacious, seemed a little slow, but as it is a display unit, I will reserve my judgment on this for now.
Until we test the Chromebook 2, there’s not much else to say about the laptop. It will be available in the first quarter of the year, so if you’re looking for a good-looking Chrome OS machine for less than $ 700, it’s worth a look. I recommend waiting until we can completely review it before spending your money.