Samsung Galaxy Book 2024

Samsung Galaxy Book 2024

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 series excels in performance and security.

Basic Information

  • Model: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 series includes several models: Galaxy Book4, Galaxy Book4 360, Galaxy Book4 Pro, Galaxy Book4 Pro 360, Galaxy Book4 Ultra, and Galaxy Book4 Edge.
  • Release Date: The Galaxy Book4 series was announced in South Korea at the end of 2023, with availability starting in January 2024. It launched in the United States and other Western markets on February 26, 2024. The base Galaxy Book4 model was released on March 28, 2024, and the Galaxy Book4 Edge followed on May 20, 2024.
  • Supported Operative Systems: All models run on Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
  • Latest Stable Version: N/A (hardware asset).
  • End of Support Date: Not publicly specified for the hardware series; typically aligns with Windows lifecycle support.
  • End of Life Date: Not publicly specified for the hardware series.
  • Auto-update Expiration Date: N/A (hardware asset, tied to OS updates).
  • License Type: Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
  • Deployment Model: N/A (consumer/prosumer laptop).

Technical Specifications

  • Processor:
    • Galaxy Book4: Intel Core 3 100U, Core 5 120U, or Core 7 150U (Raptor Lake refresh).
    • Galaxy Book4 360: Intel Core 5 120U or Core 7 150U.
    • Galaxy Book4 Pro/Pro 360: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, featuring an NPU for AI acceleration.
    • Galaxy Book4 Ultra: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H or Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, with an NPU.
    • Galaxy Book4 Edge: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100.
  • RAM:
    • Galaxy Book4: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X.
    • Galaxy Book4 360: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR5X.
    • Galaxy Book4 Pro/Pro 360: 16GB LPDDR5X.
    • Galaxy Book4 Ultra: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X.
    • Galaxy Book4 Edge: 16GB LPDDR5X.
    • RAM is typically soldered, limiting upgradeability.
  • Storage: Available with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSDs. All models include a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
  • Display:
    • Galaxy Book4: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS or PLS LCD.
    • Galaxy Book4 360: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) AMOLED touchscreen.
    • Galaxy Book4 Pro/Pro 360: 14-inch or 16-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
    • Galaxy Book4 Ultra: 16-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
    • Galaxy Book4 Edge: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen.
  • Graphics:
    • Galaxy Book4/Book4 360: Integrated Intel Graphics (Intel Arc for Core Ultra processors, Intel Graphics for Core U-series) or optional NVIDIA GeForce MX570 Laptop GPU for the base Book4.
    • Galaxy Book4 Pro/Pro 360: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics.
    • Galaxy Book4 Ultra: Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 or RTX 4070 Laptop GPU.
    • Galaxy Book4 Edge: Qualcomm Adreno X1-45 or X1-85.
  • Ports: The series generally includes two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, one USB-A 3.2 port, an HDMI output (version 1.4 or 2.1 depending on model), a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. Some models, like the base Galaxy Book4, also feature an Ethernet port.
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
  • Dimensions and Weight: These vary significantly across the series due to different screen sizes and form factors.
    • Galaxy Book4 (15.6"): Ranges from 1.42 kg to 1.57 kg.
    • Galaxy Book4 Pro (14"): Approximately 1.23 kg.
    • Galaxy Book4 Pro (16"): Approximately 1.56 kg.
    • Galaxy Book4 360 (15.6"): Ranges from 1.46 kg to 1.55 kg.
    • Galaxy Book4 Ultra (16"): Ranges from 1.86 kg to 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg).
  • Technical Specifications Analysis: The Galaxy Book4 series offers a diverse range of technical specifications, catering to various user needs. The Pro and Ultra models, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated NPUs, are designed for AI-enhanced performance, while the Ultra models further boost capabilities with dedicated NVIDIA RTX graphics. The Galaxy Book4 Edge stands out with its ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite processor, focusing on extreme power efficiency. Display technology is a strong point across most of the lineup, with AMOLED panels offering vibrant colors and high refresh rates, though the base Galaxy Book4 uses an IPS/PLS LCD with a more limited color gamut. RAM is often soldered, which can be a limitation for future upgrades. Port selection is generally comprehensive, including modern Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Support & Compatibility

  • Latest Version: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 series represents the 2024 lineup of Samsung's premium laptops.
  • OS Support: All models fully support and run on Windows 11.
  • End of Support Date: Samsung does not publicly provide a specific end-of-support date for its laptop hardware. Support typically follows the lifecycle of the Windows operating system and Samsung's general product support policies, which usually extend for several years post-launch for parts and service.
  • Localization: The Galaxy Book4 series is available in numerous markets globally, including South Korea, the United States, India, the UK, and other European countries, indicating broad localization support for languages and regional configurations.
  • Available Drivers: Drivers and firmware updates are provided by Samsung through its official support channels and update software, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance with the installed hardware and Windows 11.
  • Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The Galaxy Book4 series demonstrates strong compatibility with the Windows 11 ecosystem, benefiting from Intel's AI PC Acceleration program for its Core Ultra models. Broad market availability ensures localized software and support. While specific end-of-support dates are not disclosed, Samsung's established presence in the PC market suggests ongoing driver and software maintenance for a reasonable period. The integration with the broader Samsung Galaxy ecosystem also enhances compatibility with other Samsung devices.

Security Status

  • Security Features:
    • Samsung Knox: Integrated at the chipset level, Samsung Knox provides a robust security system, enhancing protection measures for the Galaxy Book series.
    • Secure Embedded Processor (SecEP): Exclusive to Galaxy Book4 Secured by Knox models, this standalone processor validates firmware before the main CPU powers up, isolating critical components to protect against compromises to the OS, hypervisor, and BIOS.
    • BIOS Auto-Recovery & Secure Boot Configuration Recovery: Features that automatically recover a corrupted BIOS and protect UEFI variables related to Secure Boot.
    • Intel Boot Guard: Utilizes Intel processors' capabilities to validate the initial boot block of the BIOS.
    • Trusted Platform Module (TPM): Works with Windows features like BitLocker to encrypt sensitive data and ensure a trusted boot process.
    • Windows Hello: Supports biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint recognition (often integrated into the power button) and facial recognition on some models for secure login.
    • AI-enhanced Microsoft Defender: Offers advanced threat protection, including blocking ransomware and detecting cryptojacking attempts.
    • Samsung Pass: Enables secure login to websites and applications using biometric authentication.
    • Samsung Secure Folder: Provides a private and encrypted space for sensitive personal files.
    • Secured Core PC: Microsoft's security standard that protects the operating system and applications.
  • Known Vulnerabilities: No specific hardware vulnerabilities unique to the Galaxy Book4 series have been widely reported at launch. General Windows operating system vulnerabilities apply and are addressed through regular updates.
  • Blacklist Status: N/A.
  • Certifications: While not explicitly detailed in all provided snippets, enterprise-grade models (Secured by Knox) likely carry relevant security certifications. Consumer models typically adhere to industry standards.
  • Encryption Support: Supports BitLocker for full disk encryption (via Windows) and Samsung Knox for data encryption and safeguarding sensitive information.
  • Authentication Methods: Primarily Windows Hello (fingerprint, facial recognition) and Samsung Pass for biometric authentication.
  • General Recommendations: Users should leverage the built-in security features, keep the operating system and drivers updated, and practice good cybersecurity hygiene, including using strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication where available.
  • Analysis on Overall Security Rating: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 series offers a high level of security, particularly with the integration of Samsung Knox at the chipset level and the Secure Embedded Processor in specific models. These features provide robust protection against firmware and OS-level attacks, differentiating it from many competitors. Combined with Windows 11's security capabilities and AI-enhanced Microsoft Defender, the series presents a strong security posture suitable for both personal and enterprise use.

Performance & Benchmarks

  • Benchmark Scores:
    • Galaxy Book4 (Intel Core 7 150U): Achieves good scores for everyday tasks. Geekbench 6 scores include approximately 2,720 for single-core and 9,005 for multi-core performance. Cinebench 2024 shows around 108 for single-core and 462 for multi-core. 3DMark Time Spy scores around 1,577, indicating decent integrated graphics performance for its class.
    • Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H):