Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 1 Pro

Basic Information

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a premium ultrabook designed for portability and performance. It comes in two main display sizes: 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch.

• Model: Samsung Galaxy Book Pro (NP930XDB for 13.3-inch, NP950XDB for 15.6-inch)
• Version: First generation of the Galaxy Book Pro series.
• Release Date: April 2021, with general availability starting May 14, 2021.
• Minimum Requirements: Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 system requirements.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10 Home/Pro, upgradable to Windows 11.
• Latest Stable Version: Runs the latest stable releases of Windows 11.
• End of Support Date: Tied to Microsoft's Windows operating system lifecycle. For Windows 10, mainstream support ended October 13, 2020, with extended support ending October 14, 2025. Windows 11 support is ongoing.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly provided by the manufacturer for the hardware.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Governed by the Windows operating system's update policy.
• License Type: Windows 10 Home or Pro, depending on the configuration.
• Deployment Model: Client device.

Technical Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro offers a blend of powerful components within an ultra-thin and light chassis, certified under the Intel Evo platform.

• Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core processors, including Intel Core i3, i5-1135G7, or i7-1165G7.
• RAM: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x (onboard).
• Storage: PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD options ranging from 256GB, 512GB, up to 1TB.
• Display: 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) AMOLED display. Features vivid colors, high contrast, and reduced blue light emission.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics (for Core i5 and i7 models) or Intel UHD Graphics (for Core i3 models). Some 15.6-inch configurations may include an NVIDIA GeForce MX450 discrete GPU.
• Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x HDMI, 1x microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack. Select 13.3-inch models offer optional LTE connectivity with a SIM card slot.
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home/Pro.
• Dimensions:
  • 13.3-inch: 304.4 x 199.8 x 11.2 mm (11.98 x 7.8 x 0.44 inches).
  • 15.6-inch: 355.4 x 225.8 x 11.7 mm (13.99 x 8.89 x 0.46 inches).
• Weight:
  • 13.3-inch: 0.87kg (1.92 lbs) for Wi-Fi models, 0.88kg for LTE models.
  • 15.6-inch: 1.05kg (2.31 lbs) for Wi-Fi models.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro stands out for its exceptionally thin and lightweight design, making it highly portable. The AMOLED display is a significant highlight, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, characteristic of Samsung's display technology. The inclusion of 11th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics provides solid performance for everyday productivity, multitasking, and light creative tasks. The port selection is comprehensive for an ultrabook, featuring Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD card reader, which is a notable advantage over many competitors that prioritize slimness over port variety. The onboard RAM is sufficient for most users, but the lack of upgradeability is a consideration. Storage options are generous, with NVMe SSDs ensuring fast boot and application load times.

Support & Compatibility

The Galaxy Book Pro integrates seamlessly into the Windows ecosystem while leveraging Samsung's proprietary software for enhanced connectivity with other Galaxy devices.

• Latest Version: Runs the latest updates available for Windows 11.
• OS Support: Fully supports Windows 10 and is upgradable to Windows 11, receiving regular security and feature updates from Microsoft.
• End of Support Date: Hardware support is typically provided by Samsung for a standard period, while software support aligns with Microsoft's Windows lifecycle policies.
• Localization: Available globally, with specific configurations and color options varying by region.
• Available Drivers: Drivers and firmware updates are distributed through Samsung Update software and Windows Update.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The Galaxy Book Pro offers robust support and compatibility, primarily due to its adherence to the Windows platform and Intel Evo certification. Users benefit from Microsoft's extensive software ecosystem and continuous updates. Samsung enhances this with its own suite of utilities that facilitate integration with Galaxy smartphones and tablets, offering features like Quick Share, SmartThings, and Second Screen functionality. This makes the device particularly appealing to users already invested in the Samsung ecosystem. Driver availability is streamlined through official channels, ensuring system stability and performance.

Security Status

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro incorporates multiple layers of security, combining hardware-based protection with advanced software features from both Microsoft and Samsung.

• Security Features: Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Fingerprint Reader, Windows Hello for biometric authentication, Secure Boot.
• Samsung-Specific Security:
  • Privacy Folder: A hidden, password-protected folder for sensitive files.
  • Secret Screen: Reduces viewing angles to prevent shoulder surfing, with opacity or dark screen effects.
  • Security Cam: Captures a photo of unauthorized login attempts and emails it to the owner.
  • Block Recording: Prevents unwanted webcam recordings.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread hardware vulnerabilities are publicly listed for this model. General Windows OS and software vulnerabilities are addressed through regular updates.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: Intel Evo platform certified, ensuring a baseline of performance, responsiveness, and battery life, which includes security aspects. Also MIL-STD-810G compliant for durability.
• Encryption Support: Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption provides robust data protection for the entire drive.
• Authentication Methods: Fingerprint reader, Windows Hello (biometric facial recognition if supported by webcam, PIN, password).
• General Recommendations: Users should regularly update the operating system and Samsung software, utilize the built-in security features, and employ strong authentication methods.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro offers a strong overall security rating for a consumer and prosumer laptop. Its foundation on the Intel Evo platform and Windows 10/11 provides essential hardware and software security measures like TPM, Secure Boot, and BitLocker. Samsung further enhances this with unique privacy features such as the Privacy Folder, Secret Screen, and Security Cam, which are valuable for protecting sensitive information and deterring unauthorized access. While no device is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, the comprehensive suite of integrated security tools positions the Galaxy Book Pro as a secure option for users concerned about data protection and privacy.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Galaxy Book Pro delivers solid performance for its class, excelling in portability and battery efficiency, as evidenced by various benchmarks and real-world usage.

• Benchmark Scores (Intel Core i7-1165G7 configuration):
  • Cinebench R20: 1,166 (single-core), 4,079 (multi-core).
  • GeekBench 5: 1,537 (single-core), 5,212 (multi-core).
  • PCMark 10 (Home Test): 4,913 points.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Provides speedy performance for daily tasks, web browsing, document editing, and efficient multitasking. It is well-suited for general productivity and media consumption.
• Power Consumption: Optimized for efficiency as an Intel Evo-certified laptop, ensuring extended battery life.
• Battery Life:
  • PCMark 10 Battery Life: 13 hours 38 minutes.
  • Video Playback (TechRadar test): 16 hours 49 minutes.
  • Typical Usage: Consistently delivers 14 to 16 hours, often lasting a full workday on a single charge. Samsung claims up to 20 hours.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data is not readily available.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Competes with other premium ultrabooks like the HP Spectre x360 and Dell XPS 13, often offering superior battery life and comparable productivity performance.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro offers excellent performance for its intended use case as a highly portable productivity machine. The 11th Gen Intel Core processors, coupled with Intel Iris Xe graphics, handle everyday computing, office applications, and multimedia consumption with ease. Its standout feature is arguably its exceptional battery life, often exceeding a full workday, making it ideal for mobile professionals and students. While not designed for demanding tasks like high-end gaming or intensive video rendering, its performance for general use is swift and responsive, further enhanced by fast NVMe SSD storage.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro generally highlight its strengths in design, display, and battery life, while noting some areas for improvement.

• Strengths:
  • Extremely Lightweight and Thin: Users consistently praise its portability, making it easy to carry.
  • Beautiful AMOLED Display: The screen receives high marks for vivid colors, deep blacks, and contrast, enhancing media consumption and general viewing.
  • Excellent Battery Life: Often cited as a major advantage, with many users experiencing all-day usage.
  • Solid Keyboard and Responsive Trackpad: Despite its thin profile, the keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, and the trackpad is large and accurate.
  • Samsung Ecosystem Integration: Features like Quick Share and easy connectivity with other Galaxy devices are highly valued by Samsung users.
  • Durable Build: Constructed with 6000-series aluminum and MIL-STD-810G compliant, contributing to a premium feel.
• Weaknesses:
  • Webcam Quality: The 720p webcam is considered standard but not premium, especially for a high-end laptop.
  • Screen Brightness/Reflectivity: While vibrant, the AMOLED display can be dim under direct sunlight and is reflective, which can be an issue outdoors.
  • No 4K Display Option: Some users desire a higher resolution display, especially for the 15.6-inch model.
  • Speakers: Audio quality is generally described as decent but not exceptional, comparable to other thin laptops.
  • Aspect Ratio: Some users express a preference for a 16:10 aspect ratio over the standard 16:9 for more vertical screen real estate.
• Recommended Use Cases: Ideal for mobile professionals, students, and anyone prioritizing extreme portability, long battery life, and a stunning display for productivity and multimedia. It is particularly recommended for users deeply integrated into the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a compelling ultrabook that successfully delivers on its promise of extreme portability, a vibrant display, and exceptional battery life. Its sleek, lightweight design, crafted from durable 6000-series aluminum, makes it an ideal companion for users on the go. The Full HD AMOLED display is a major highlight, offering stunning visuals with deep blacks and rich colors, though its reflectivity and brightness in direct sunlight can be a minor drawback. Performance, driven by 11th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics, is robust for daily productivity, multitasking, and media consumption, supported by fast NVMe SSD storage. The battery life is outstanding, often lasting well over a full workday, which is a significant advantage. Connectivity is comprehensive for its class, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD slot. Security features are strong, combining Windows' built-in protections with Samsung's unique privacy tools.

While the 720p webcam is adequate, it does not match the premium feel of other components, and the speakers, while decent, are not exceptional. The lack of a 4K display option might deter some users seeking the highest possible resolution. However, for users prioritizing portability, a gorgeous display, long endurance, and seamless integration within the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Book Pro is an excellent choice. It is particularly well-suited for mobile professionals, students, and general users who value a lightweight, high-performance laptop for productivity and multimedia consumption.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.