I’ve always been a Dell guy – sturdy, straightforward, and a safe bet – but let’s be honest: I also carry a Samsung phone everywhere. So when it came to checking out Samsung laptops, it felt oddly tricky. Could this smartphone-maker’s laptops match up to the Dell notebooks I’m used to? In this Samsung computer laptop reviews roundup, I’m diving into everything from pricing to performance to pros and cons, all while keeping things casual and techy enough for both everyday users and gamer-geeks.
We’ll look at operating systems, build materials, connectivity, and even whether you can game on these machines. By the end, you’ll know if a Samsung laptop should be your next pick – or if that trusty Dell stays on your desk. Let’s get into it!
The Samsung Galaxy Book lineup offers a range of laptops, from budget-friendly models to high-end performance machines. In our reviews on Samsung laptops, we’ll explore how each model stacks up on price, power, and portability.
Most Samsung laptops come with Windows 11 pre-installed. They often use Windows 11 Home or Pro, just like Dell and other PC manufacturers. This means familiar Microsoft interfaces, plenty of software support, and regular security updates. On top of that, Samsung adds its own software touches. For example, Samsung’s “One UI Book” or “Samsung Notes” features let you link your Galaxy phone to the laptop, share files seamlessly, and even answer texts/calls from your PC.
It’s similar to Dell’s Dell Mobile Connect, but tailored for Samsung phones. As a Samsung phone owner, I found pairing it to a Galaxy Book very smooth – drag-and-drop photos, copy text from phone to PC, and vice versa. If you have a Samsung phone, this integration can tip the scales. Just remember: it still runs full Windows under the hood, so you get all the regular Windows goodies (and bloatware) you’re used to.
Under the hood, these Windows Samsung laptops use Intel (and sometimes AMD) processors. For example, the newer Galaxy Book models use 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs (Alder Lake / Raptor Lake), meaning high performance and good power efficiency. This makes them similar to Dell’s XPS or Inspiron series (see my Laptop Review Dell Inspiron) in terms of speed. Advanced Samsung models even qualify for Intel’s Evo platform certification, ensuring quick wake times and long battery life. Just don’t expect a unique new OS – it’s Windows all the way, with a Samsung sticker and apps on top.
Samsung has quietly built a decent lineup of laptops over the past few years. Instead of one or two models like Dell’s Inspiron (see my Laptop Review Dell Inspiron) or XPS, Samsung uses a Galaxy-branded family (similar to their phones). This Galaxy Book family has a few branches and versions. I’ll break them down here, with specifics on what each is for and what extra specs (CPU cores, RAM, GPU) mean in practice. Remember, the more CPU cores and RAM you pack, the smoother heavy tasks will run. More GPU power lets you game or edit video faster. Let’s go model-by-model:
Samsung has also released some other laptops: older Notebook 9 series (thin and light, pre-Galaxy branding) and Galaxy Chromebook (Chrome OS devices). The Notebook 9 Pro was a convertible with a stylus, similar to Surface. The Chromebooks run Chrome OS (not Windows) – they’re often lighter and cheaper, useful in education or as a simple web device. Since the question is about “Samsung computer laptop reviews,” I’ll focus on the Windows machines. If you heard of “Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2” or something, know it’s more of a niche for Google’s OS, similar to a Samsung Tab for PC purists.
To decide: match the model to your use. If you just browse and stream, go base Galaxy Book with 8GB RAM. If you write code, edit images, or have many browser tabs, lean on 16GB+ and maybe a Core i7. If you draw or like touchscreen, the Pro 360 is worth it for the stylus and flip design. If gaming or GPU work matters, get the Ultra or something else entirely. In short, think of each extra bit (RAM, CPU, GPU) as unlocking more speed: doubling RAM or GPU can transform a laptop from “okay” into “zippy.” On the flip side, these extras cost more and can reduce battery life, so only load up if you actually need them.
Samsung laptops cover a broad price range, mostly in line with other brands. Here are ballpark US prices for recent models (spring 2025) – expect actual deals or configurations to vary:
As with any laptop purchase, look for sales – holiday deals or back-to-school discounts can knock a couple hundred off. Also consider warranty: Samsung sometimes offers extra warranty packages, which for a premium thin laptop might be worth it (especially if you’re comparing to Dell’s well-regarded support plans).
Overall, in Samsung laptop reviews, price often comes up: they’re priced similarly to competitors. You won’t find many sub-$600 Samsung laptops; below $600, you’d be in the Chromebook territory or older models. But once you hit ~$800 and above, Samsung competes directly with Dell’s midrange Inspirons and HP’s Envy series.
Samsung has gotten pretty schmick with build quality on the high-end models. The Galaxy Book Pro and Pro 360 laptops use an aluminum chassis that feels rigid and premium – similar to Dell’s XPS line. The edges are chamfered, the lid is clean, and it’s generally a finger-print magnet (silver color is sleek, but black model gets smudges). Some midrange Galaxy Book models use a mix of plastic and metal – for example, a plastic bottom with an aluminum top. It’s solid, but not as luxurious as full metal.
In contrast, the old Galaxy Book Odyssey gaming laptops were thicker and leaned on a mix of plastic with some metal reinforcement. That was typical for gaming rigs of the time — bulkier shells allowed for larger vents and cooling. With the Odyssey gone, the closest modern equivalent is the Galaxy Book Ultra, and its build quality is a clear step up. Instead of a utilitarian, plastic-heavy frame, the Ultra uses a premium aluminium chassis that feels more refined and professional, while still keeping thermals under control.”
🔔 Some users have reported issues with gaming on the Ultra and claim it does not live up to the old Galaxy Book Odyssey. While I understand the logic to this, you have to understand the market it is aimed at. I love to play a bit of PubG when I have some down time, I have played PubG perfectly fine on a NVIDIA 1650, so in comparison the 4070 laptop GPU in the Samsung would be more than enough to have a bit of fun when you are on the go.
Overall, Samsung’s fit-and-finish is very good on its higher-end machines. Keyboards are backlit and have decent travel (though some users note the keyboard can feel slightly shallower than a big Dell, so it might take a day of typing to adjust). The touchpads are spacious and smooth, and Samsung even includes an IR camera option on some models for Windows Hello (face login) – similar to Dell’s biometric features. In build material terms, think: Pro models = MacBook-like aluminum (premium); base Book = sturdy plastic/metal mix; Ultra = slim but powerful style.
If you’re nitpicky about heft: The 13-inch Galaxy Book Pro is featherlight (around 2.2–2.4 lbs). For comparison, that’s lighter than most 13″ Dell laptops (like XPS 13). The 15-inch Pro models weigh 3.0–3.2 lbs, still impressively light for a 15″. The Ultra (high-performance) is on the heavier side (4–5 lbs), so not something you’d want on your lap for long. But then again, Dell’s gaming laptops (like the G15 or Alienware) are similarly heavy.
One pain point in some ultrathin laptops is the number of ports, so it’s worth listing what Samsung offers. Port layouts vary by model, but here’s a general idea of what you’ll see on a Galaxy Book:
So in summary: Expect at least one USB-C (often 2x Thunderbolt 4), at least one USB-A, an HDMI (full-size or mini), a headphone jack, and sometimes a microSD. The tradeoff for these thin laptops is they still leave out things like Ethernet (you’ll use a USB dongle if needed) and maybe not a ton of USB-A. I personally like that Samsung stuck in HDMI. In ports and connectivity, they’re quite competitive: you won’t feel overly port-starved unless you had a very specific need (like 3 USB-A or built-in LAN).
Samsung’s premium laptops (like the Galaxy Book Pro and Pro 360) feature sleek aluminum designs and AMOLED screens. They often include Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI out, and even microSD slots – more ports than you might expect on an ultrathin notebook.
Short answer: Sort of. Most Samsung laptops are not gaming machines (except the Ultra, which is sort of made for gaming if you get the right spec). Here’s the breakdown:
So for the average consumer, a Galaxy Book (Pro or basic Book) is fine for media consumption, light gaming, and everyday tasks — but not for hardcore gaming. If gaming or GPU-intensive work is a priority, the Galaxy Book Ultra is now the closest Samsung option, or you could compare to Dell’s G Series/Alienware. In the context of laptops Samsung reviews, many note that the Galaxy Books are primarily built for productivity and content creation rather than high-end gaming, though the Ultra can handle modern titles at respectable settings.
The built-in webcam on most Samsung laptops is, well, average. You’ll find 720p or 1080p webcams in these machines, often placed above the screen like any other laptop. The Galaxy Book Pro 360 (especially the higher-end configs) may have a 1080p webcam with an IR sensor for Windows Hello (face unlock), which is a nice touch. The younger Samsung typically doesn’t have a Windows Hello fingerprint on the keyboard deck, so face login can be handy.
Video quality is okay for Zoom calls and Teams meetings. It’s not the very best, but it’s comparable to other laptops in this class. I wouldn’t buy these laptops for film-making – external cameras are still better. In terms of reviews on Samsung laptops, most mention the camera as nothing special (which is true). At least Samsung usually includes a privacy shutter or indicator LED on higher models, something some Dell laptops lack. If you video chat a lot, just know it’ll work – just don’t expect cinematic portrait mode.
Samsung often touts long battery life on their ultrathin laptops. And indeed, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 (for example) comes with a sizable battery (like 68Wh in the 13″ model, even bigger in 15″). In practical terms, on a balanced workload (web browsing, video playback, docs), these can hit around 10–12 hours easily. I have seen official figures claiming 15 hours or more, but that’s likely streaming video at 150 nits brightness. In real mixed usage, think of it as a full workday machine. A Galaxy Book Pro (clamshell) will be very close in battery life. If you crank up brightness and run heavy apps, it drops faster, but that’s true for any laptop.
The base Galaxy Book (non-Pro) usually has a smaller battery, so expect around 7–9 hours of mixed use. The Galaxy Book Ultra has the shortest battery life among Samsung’s premium models under heavy workloads or gaming — expect 3–5 hours if you’re pushing the GPU. For day-to-day tasks like browsing, streaming, or productivity apps, the Ultra can last longer (6–8 hours), thanks to a large battery and efficient Intel Core Ultra processors, though its high-performance components do consume more power than the standard Pro models.
The laptops also support fast charging via USB-C. Samsung claims something like “50% in 30 minutes” on some models. This is handy – you can get a quick boost if you forgot to plug in overnight. Overall, battery life is above average for Windows ultrabooks, and usually beats out comparable Dell or HP models in the same class. The AMOLED screens in the Pro/Pro 360 can be very power-efficient when showing dark content, which helps battery. Just keep that OLED on battery saver and you’ll see long runtimes.
Most Samsung laptops use AMOLED displays (especially the high-end models). This is a Samsung specialty (they make the screens for others, too). AMOLED means vibrant colors, deep blacks, and very high contrast. For media and design work, these screens look amazing – better than typical IPS in most Dells. The downside: AMOLED can have slight “burn-in” risk if static images are up for hours, but Samsung claims they have safeguards. I’ve used them and they are really gorgeous (perfect for streaming HD movies or editing photos).
Screen sizes range from about 13.3 inches up to 17 inches in Samsung’s lineup. Here’s how they compare to “normal” screens:
In all cases, the screens are at least 1080p (1920×1080), but many Pro models go up to 1440p or even 4K on the 15″ for extra sharpness. Again, higher resolution means crisper text and images (great for photo editing), but also uses more battery. A 4K AMOLED on a 15″ is stunning but pricey. A 1080p 13″ is standard and still very sharp at that size. Compared to typical laptops (which often use 60-100% sRGB color, TN or IPS), the Samsung AMOLEDs cover 100% of sRGB and much of DCI-P3, making them richer. As a Dell fan, I was impressed – Samsung’s displays can even outshine Dell’s XPS OLED options in color vibrancy.
Everything has trade-offs. Here’s a quick rundown of the main pros and cons we see across Samsung’s laptop range (aggregated from various reviews and my own impressions).
On build materials and style, one con some Dell fans mention is that Samsung’s hinge mechanism or lid doesn’t always feel as tight or classy as a Dell XPS hinge (which has that machined concave). It’s subtle, but when you open/close a Galaxy Book, there’s a little more flex in the hinge than on a premium Dell. It’s not a deal-breaker, but noticeable if you switch laptops. Also, the keyboard layout can be slightly different (Samsung’s keycaps are big but the bottom row spacing varies), so it takes a short adjustment.
Overall, Samsung laptop reviews generally praise the display and portability, and often mention the Dell comparison. The main knock is “it’s a good laptop but not a great value compared to others.” In our own take: I found them very capable, but I’m left wishing the prices were a bit lower or the specs were a bit higher for the money. Still, you get unique perks (like the AMOLED) that you won’t find in many Dell laptops.
Q: Are Samsung laptops good for everyday use? A: Yes. Samsung’s Galaxy Book line (including the Galaxy Book Ultra for high-performance users) handles typical daily tasks – web browsing, streaming video, office apps – very well. The Windows 11 OS ensures compatibility with all your usual programs. In laptops Samsung reviews, users consistently note that Galaxy Books are reliable for students, professionals, and content creators. Just pick a configuration with enough RAM (8GB minimum, 16GB recommended) for smooth, snappy performance.
Q: Which Samsung laptop is best for gaming? A: That would be the Samsung Galaxy Book Ultra. It comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GPU (RTX 4050 or 4070), making it Samsung’s closest option for high-performance gaming and GPU-heavy tasks. You can play many modern games at medium to high settings on 1080p, and it can handle creative workloads like video editing or 3D rendering as well. For serious, competitive gaming, you might still compare Dell’s G Series, Alienware, or Lenovo Legion laptops, but the Ultra is Samsung’s go-to choice today. Any other Galaxy Book without a discrete GPU is limited to casual or low-demand games.
Q: How do Samsung laptops compare to Dell laptops? A: They’re in the same ballpark for Windows laptops. Samsung often has a sleeker design and better displays (thanks to AMOLED). Dell may offer more customization and typically has better upgradeability (RAM slots, etc.). Dell also has a wider support network and business focus (Latitude series). If you like Samsung’s phone features (One UI, DeX), that’s a plus for Samsung.
If your loyalty is pure Dell-brand trust and you don’t care about AMOLED, Dell has more models to choose from. In terms of raw specs, you’ll find Samsung and Dell models overlapping. Our Samsung laptop reviews note that Samsung tends to go more premium at similar price points.
Q: Are Samsung laptops worth the money? A: It depends on your priorities. If you value the AMOLED display, a thin/light aluminum chassis, and Samsung phone integration, then yes, Samsung laptops feel worth it – especially for media consumption and everyday work. The prices are similar to other premium laptops. Some users recommend waiting for deals or picking up slightly older models to save money (Samsung often discounts older Galaxy Books when new ones come out). If you just want max performance per dollar, there might be cheaper options. But Samsung laptops are solid machines – you’re paying extra for style and display quality.
Q: Can I buy a Samsung laptop internationally and use it in the US? A: The main concerns are warranty coverage and keyboard layout. Hardware (CPU, ports, screen) is generally the same globally (they’re unlocked laptops). The issue is if you buy, say, a Korean or Chinese retail model, the warranty might not be honored in the US. Also, the keyboard might have a different layout or default language. If buying second-hand or from abroad, ensure it has an English keyboard and note the warranty status. Otherwise, it works just like any laptop – plug in a US power adapter if needed and install US Windows 11.
Q: How is Samsung’s customer support compared to Dell? A: Reviews vary, but Samsung support is generally decent for consumer laptops. They have a website for drivers and manuals and a tech support line. However, Dell is often considered the gold standard in PC support (especially Dell Business customers). Dell tends to have more local service centers or on-site repair options. Samsung might have fewer service centers depending on your region.
One advantage: Samsung has a global presence and often does good warranty repairs for Galaxy devices, so laptops are usually covered. It’s something to check: Samsung’s US warranty is typically 1 year, similar to Dell’s consumer machines. Extended warranties or “Samsung Care” plans are available if you want extra peace of mind.
Q: Do Samsung laptops have good keyboards and touchpads? A: Yes. The keyboards on Galaxy Books are backlit island-style. The key travel is moderate (not super deep, but not too shallow either). Typing feels comfortable after a short adjustment (though some reviewers say it feels slightly less firm than a Dell XPS or Lenovo ThinkPad). The touchpad is large and smooth, supporting Windows Precision drivers, so gestures work well. As a Dell veteran, I found Samsung’s keyboard/tracker a notch below top-tier, but still very usable for long typing sessions or design work.
Q: How do Galaxy Book screens compare to “normal” laptops? A: They stand out. In Samsung computer laptop reviews, one recurring theme is that the AMOLED screen is better than what most laptops offer. Colors are richer and blacks are true black (the pixels actually turn off). In normal terms, that means movies look more vibrant and text looks crisp (especially on 4K screens).
The trade-off: sometimes AMOLED can show slight color shift at extreme viewing angles (like on a phone, if you look very sideways). But generally it’s a plus. If you work a lot with video/photos, Samsung’s screens are a big pro. For regular web browsing or coding, it’s also nice but maybe not necessary. Compared to an average IPS display on a Dell, Samsung’s is usually brighter and more colorful. Just be aware they can have glossy anti-reflective coatings, so reflections can be an issue in bright light.
Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy Book good for students? A: Absolutely. Students (college or grad school) who need a lightweight, long-lasting laptop will appreciate it. The 13–15″ models carry easily in a backpack, and the battery will last through lectures and library time. If you need an affordable option, look at the base Galaxy Book (maybe on sale) or even a Samsung Chromebook for very light use. But a Galaxy Book Pro/360 is a bit pricey for many students unless they have an upgrade or scholarship.
Check if your school offers discounts on Samsung – some universities do promotions on laptops. Overall, in Samsung laptops reviews, educators often note the blend of portability and power makes them good for note-taking (especially the 360’s S-Pen) and online classes.
Q: What’s new in the latest Samsung laptops (2024-2025)? A: For 2024/25, Samsung’s updates focus on new Intel CPUs (13th Gen) and refined designs. The latest Galaxy Book Pro 2 and Pro 360 (2024) use these newer chips, which means better CPU+GPU performance and battery life compared to earlier models. They also keep the AMOLED displays but may boost brightness slightly. Samsung might introduce larger 17″ OLED screens or advanced cooling in some models.
Always check the spec sheet for the current model year – Samsung names can be confusing (e.g., Galaxy Book 3 vs. 4 vs. 5). Basically, the trend is faster internals, more RAM options, and sometimes even 5G connectivity on select models (rare, but Samsung has offered LTE/5G in some laptops). Keep an eye out in reviews for specific year-to-year changes.
Q: Are there downsides to Samsung’s smaller laptop lineup? A: One thing reviewers note is that Samsung doesn’t have as many niche models as some other brands. For example, Dell has a whole business lineup (Latitude) and ruggedized models, which Samsung doesn’t. Samsung generally targets the consumer/prosumer market. Another downside is availability: Samsung’s laptops might not be as widely stocked at local stores as Dell. Sometimes you’ll need to order online or go to an authorized reseller. This means you might not be able to try them in-person easily. If you like testing laptops in-store (Dell’s at Best Buy, etc.), Samsung might be less accessible.
In Samsung laptop reviews, the consensus is that these machines are solid performers with standout displays, but they come at a premium. As a Dell fan writing this, I was pleasantly surprised by the Galaxy Book’s screen and portability. They handle everyday tasks and multitasking with ease, thanks to the fast Intel CPUs and ample RAM options. However, they aren’t bargain-basement cheap; you pay for the brand and features. If you love your Samsung phone and want a seamless ecosystem, the integration features are a cool perk you won’t get with Dell.
At the end of the day, whether a Samsung laptop is for you depends on your needs: If you want blazingly colorful screens, light aluminum chassis, and modern ports, Samsung delivers. If you need maximum performance per dollar or service convenience, Dell might win you over. Either way, I now have a new appreciation for Samsung’s PCs – they’re not just phone makers dabbling in laptops.
They’ve put serious effort into the Galaxy Book line, and the reviews generally reflect that effort. Just make sure to pick the right model for your workload, and maybe shop around for a good deal or student discount. Your Dell loyalism can take a little detour – after all, variety is the spice of tech!
Howdy folks, my name is Ben, a veteran in the ICT space with over 15 years of comprehensive experience. I have worked in the health sector, many private companies, managed service providers and in Defense. I am now passing on my years of experience and education to my readers.
