Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 1s

Basic Information

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a lightweight and powerful ultrabook designed for mobile productivity. It comes in 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch models.

• Model: Samsung Galaxy Book Pro (13.3-inch, 15.6-inch)
• Version: First Generation (2021 model)
• Release Date: April 2021
• Minimum Requirements: Compatible with standard Windows 10/11 system requirements.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10 Home/Pro, upgradable to Windows 11 Pro.
• Latest Stable Version: Runs the latest stable versions of Windows 11.
• End of Support Date: Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025. Windows 11 support is ongoing.
• End of Life: Not publicly specified by the manufacturer, typically several years after release.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Tied to the operating system's end of support.
• License Type: Commercial (Windows 10 Home/Pro).
• Deployment Model: Standard laptop, with enterprise deployment options available through Windows 10 Pro and Samsung Care+ for Business.

Technical Specifications

The Galaxy Book Pro offers a balance of performance and portability, featuring Intel's 11th Gen processors and a vibrant AMOLED display.

• Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 or i7-1165G7, with speeds up to 4.7 GHz.
• RAM: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x, soldered.
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or up to 1TB NVMe SSD. The 15.6-inch model may include an additional NVMe SSD slot for expansion.
• Display: 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) AMOLED display, offering 100% color volume and high contrast.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Some 15.6-inch configurations may feature NVIDIA GeForce MX450.
• Ports:
  • 13.3-inch: 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C, 1x USB 3.2 (Type-A), 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack, MicroSD card reader. Optional nano SIM slot for LTE models.
  • 15.6-inch: 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C, 1x USB 3.2 (Type-A), 1x HDMI, 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack, MicroSD card reader.
• 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: 0.87 kg (1.92 lbs)
  • 15.6-inch: 1.05 kg (2.31 lbs)

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro stands out for its exceptionally thin and light design, making it highly portable. The AMOLED display is a significant highlight, offering superior color accuracy and contrast for an immersive visual experience. The inclusion of 11th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics ensures solid performance for everyday computing, productivity, and light creative tasks. The port selection is comprehensive for an ultrabook, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, and a MicroSD card reader, with the 15.6-inch model adding an HDMI port. While RAM is soldered, the SSD is upgradeable on some models, offering flexibility for storage expansion. The option for an NVIDIA GeForce MX450 on some 15.6-inch models provides a modest boost for graphics-intensive applications over the integrated Iris Xe.

Support & Compatibility

The Galaxy Book Pro integrates well within the Windows and Samsung ecosystems, offering robust support and compatibility features.

• Latest Version: Supports the latest features and updates of Windows 11.
• OS Support: Fully supports Windows 10 Home/Pro and is upgradable to Windows 11 Pro.
• End of Support Date: Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025. Windows 11 receives ongoing updates and support.
• Localization: Available in various regional configurations, with keyboard layouts and pre-installed software varying by market.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are provided through Samsung's official support channels and Windows Update.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro offers excellent compatibility within the Windows ecosystem, ensuring access to a vast array of software and peripherals. Its upgradability to Windows 11 Pro keeps it current with the latest operating system features and security enhancements. Samsung enhances compatibility through its integrated ecosystem features like Quick Share for file transfers, Second Screen for extended display functionality with Galaxy tablets, and Link to Windows for seamless smartphone integration. This deep integration makes it particularly appealing for users already invested in the Samsung Galaxy device family. Regular driver updates are managed through Samsung and Windows Update, maintaining optimal performance and addressing potential issues. The availability of regional localizations ensures a tailored user experience across different markets.

Security Status

The Galaxy Book Pro incorporates multiple layers of security, combining Windows' native features with Samsung's robust Knox platform.

• Security Features: Includes Windows Security features such as Virus & threat protection, Account protection, Firewall & network protection, App & browser control, Device security (with Core isolation and Secure Boot), Device performance & health, and Family options. Samsung adds its own security features like Privacy Folder, Secret Screen, Security Cam, and Block Recording.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No widespread hardware-specific vulnerabilities are commonly reported for this model beyond general operating system and software vulnerabilities addressed through regular updates.
• Blacklist Status: No known blacklist status.
• Certifications: MIL-STD-810G compliant for durability, indicating resistance to various environmental stresses. Intel Evo Platform certified, ensuring a baseline for performance, responsiveness, and battery life.
• Encryption Support: Supports BitLocker for full disk encryption and leverages Samsung Knox platform encryption for data protection.
• Authentication Methods: Features a fingerprint reader integrated into the power key, PIN, password, and Dynamic Lock for secure login.
• General Recommendations: Users should maintain up-to-date operating system and driver software, utilize strong authentication methods, and enable built-in security features for optimal protection.

Analysis on Overall Security Rating: The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro offers a strong overall security posture. It benefits from the comprehensive security suite built into Windows 10/11, including robust malware protection, firewall capabilities, and device integrity checks like Secure Boot. Complementing this is Samsung's enterprise-grade Knox security platform, which provides hardware-rooted trust, data isolation, real-time kernel protection, and advanced biometric authentication. The MIL-STD-810G certification also speaks to its physical resilience. The combination of software and hardware-level security measures, along with Intel Evo certification, positions the Galaxy Book Pro as a secure device suitable for both personal and business use, protecting against various cyber threats and unauthorized access.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Galaxy Book Pro delivers strong performance for its class, characterized by responsiveness and efficient power usage.

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench R20: 1,166 (single-core); 4,079 (multi-core).
  • GeekBench 5: 1,537 (single-core); 5,212 (multi-core).
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Geekbench 5 Vulcan): Approximately 16,000.
  • PCMark 10 (Home Test): 4,913 points.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Provides snappy and responsive performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and productivity applications. It handles photo and video editing competently for a laptop with integrated graphics. The device can run some demanding games at lower settings. Upgrading the SSD significantly improves boot times and read/write speeds.
• Power Consumption: Optimized for efficiency, contributing to extended battery life, consistent with its Intel Evo platform certification.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data is not readily available, but its power-efficient components and lightweight design generally contribute to lower energy consumption during use and transport.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The Galaxy Book Pro is notably lighter than many competing ultrabooks. Its performance is comparable to or even surpasses some rivals, such as the Dell XPS, and it shows competitive results against the M1 MacBook Air in certain Adobe Lightroom tasks. It offers superior performance and battery life compared to the Samsung Galaxy Book S.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro delivers excellent performance for an ultrabook, particularly for general computing and professional tasks. The 11th Gen Intel Core processors, combined with Intel Iris Xe graphics, provide a responsive user experience, even when unplugged. Benchmarks confirm its capability for demanding single and multi-core workloads. Battery life is a significant strength, often exceeding 10 hours in real-world usage and supporting fast charging. While not designed for heavy gaming or intensive graphical rendering, it capably handles multimedia and light creative work. Its lightweight design and efficient performance make it an ideal choice for users prioritizing portability without sacrificing responsiveness.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights the Galaxy Book Pro's portability and display quality, alongside some common criticisms.

• Strengths: Users consistently praise its incredibly thin and light design, making it easy to carry. The Super AMOLED display receives high marks for its vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Battery life is frequently cited as excellent, often lasting a full workday. General performance for productivity and web browsing is considered very good and responsive. The laptop offers a decent selection of ports for its slim profile. Integration with the Samsung ecosystem, including features like Quick Share and Second Screen, is also appreciated.
• Weaknesses: Common criticisms include its relatively high price. Some users find the design to be somewhat plain or "boring." The speakers are often described as average or quiet, which can detract from the multimedia experience. The 720p webcam is considered mediocre in quality. The screen can be reflective and prone to fingerprints. There are reports of bloatware pre-installed. Some users have expressed concerns about the build quality, noting that the frame can feel plasticky despite the aluminum exterior, and hinge issues have been reported for some Galaxy Book models. Additionally, certain Samsung-specific applications have received feedback regarding inconsistent performance or reliability.
• Recommended Use Cases: The Galaxy Book Pro is highly recommended for mobile professionals, students, and users who prioritize extreme portability, a stunning display, and solid performance for everyday tasks, office work, and multimedia consumption. It is less suited for users requiring dedicated graphics for intensive gaming or professional-grade video editing.

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro emerges as a highly competitive ultrabook, excelling in portability, display quality, and overall user experience for its target audience. Its exceptionally thin and light design, combined with a vibrant AMOLED display, makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize mobility and visual fidelity. Performance, driven by 11th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics, is robust for productivity, web browsing, and light creative tasks, further enhanced by impressive battery life and fast-charging capabilities. The device also boasts strong security features, integrating Windows' native protections with Samsung's Knox platform and offering convenient biometric authentication. Furthermore, its seamless integration within the broader Samsung Galaxy ecosystem adds significant value for existing Samsung device owners.

However, the Galaxy Book Pro is not without its drawbacks. Its premium pricing may be a barrier for some, and the average quality of its speakers and webcam are notable compromises for a device in this category. While the design is sleek, some users desire a more premium feel, and concerns about bloatware and occasional inconsistencies with Samsung's proprietary software have been raised. The soldered RAM limits upgradeability, though storage expansion is possible on some models.

Recommendations: The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is highly recommended for professionals and students seeking an ultra-portable, long-lasting laptop with a stunning display for productivity and multimedia consumption. It is particularly well-suited for individuals deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. Users requiring high-end graphics performance for gaming or intensive creative work should consider alternatives with dedicated GPUs. For those prioritizing portability, display quality, and a cohesive ecosystem experience, the Galaxy Book Pro offers a compelling package.

The 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.