This ultralight convertible is ready for anything
The 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 (starts at $1,349.99; $1,549.99 as tested) is a refinement of the original convertible we reviewed last year. The main draw is a new 12th Generation Intel processor, boosting the 2-in-1’s performance without changing its ultra-slim design and brilliant AMOLED display. A smaller 13.3-inch model and a non-convertible (clamshell) version are also available, but we’ve tested the hybrid flagship here. Weighing in at just 3.1 pounds, the Galaxy Book2 Pro 360’s portability is exceptional for a 15-inch-class laptop, and its tremendous 18-hour battery life boosts its mobility even further. You’ll find a bit more power in some similarly sized and priced alternatives and even higher-quality design in a few systems such as the Dell XPS 15 OLED, but there are few real flaws here if you like a big 2-in-1. A Super-Portable 15-Inch The design of the Book2 Pro 360 is very similar to that of last year’s model, but we’re not complaining. We loved the thin and light build of the first, and this system is just as travel-friendly. It measures 0.46 by 13.9 by 8.9 inches (HWD), a beacon of portability among 15-inch laptops and nearly identical to the original. The build quality feels high-end, too, not flimsy despite the Samsung’s light weight. There’s little to no flex in the chassis, it feels good to the touch, and it looks sharp. Our test unit had the graphite color option, but the Book2 Pro 360 also comes in silver and burgundy. Many of the design highlights are shared with the first Galaxy Book; you can check out that review for the key points rather than delving into them again here. That review also has more details about the display technology and Samsung’s history with AMOLED, but we should still touch on the display here. The resolution is 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (known as full HD or 1080p), and the image quality is very good. Details are sharp and colors are vivid, thanks to the AMOLED technology highlighted in last year’s model. As with OLED laptops, the advantage over generic LCD panels is clear, particularly when it comes to color vibrancy and true blacks. AMOLED screens achieve this by lighting pixels via a self-emitting organic layer instead of a separate backlight. When electric current is applied, the red, green, and blue subpixels become their own source of light. As a 2-in-1 convertible (denoted by the 360 in its name), the Samsung’s screen can flip and fold into multiple orientations. This is hardly novel in 2022, a decade after Lenovo’s first IdeaPad Yoga, so it doesn’t need much explanation. But at 15.6 inches, folding the keyboard all the way behind the screen makes for one nice, roomy tablet. Your mileage may vary on how useful this is (some users rarely or never use the touch screen, let alone flipping the system into tent or tablet modes), but it’s a nice option to have. If you know you don’t want the convertible form factor, Samsung is ready to oblige with 13.3- and 15.6-inch Book2 Pro non-360s. Speaking of the keyboard, we’re disappointed to say that the typing experience hasn’t improved since the first model. This is surely due to the system’s thin design, but the keys feel shallow and don’t offer satisfying feedback. This is an occupational hazard with slim laptops, but you can find others with superior keyboards for more pleasant typing. Ports and Extras On the connectivity front, the Book2 Pro 360 is all in on USB-C ports: There are three in total, with one on the right edge and two on the left. One of the left-side ports supports Thunderbolt 4, and any of the three can charge the laptop via the supplied AC adapter. You’ll also find a headphone jack and a microSD card slot, but no USB Type-A or HDMI ports.
