In-Depth Review: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro - A Comprehensive Update
Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro have commenced with a starting price of $1,349. This latest laptop from Samsung boasts a stunning 3K touchscreen and a larger touchpad. Notably, it features Intel’s Lunar Lake chip, which promises next-generation performance. However, despite the upgraded hardware, some design flaws from its predecessor persist.
Evolution Over Innovation
Whenever a new laptop is launched, consumers come with high expectations for groundbreaking features. However, sometimes manufacturers prioritize refining existing functionalities rather than introducing new ones. This is evident with the Galaxy Book5 Pro, which feels like a polished iteration of the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 from late 2024.
Similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Book5 Pro is a robust work machine powered by the Intel Lunar Lake chipset. Although it exhibits notable performance enhancements, some of the critiques from the previous model remain unresolved.
Performance Testing
Our review unit featured an Intel Ultra 7 256V CPU coupled with 16GB of RAM. Upon receiving the Galaxy Book5 Pro, we immediately put its performance to the test. As expected, the laptop handled tasks admirably. It managed 50 open tabs with videos playing across multiple Chrome windows and simultaneous app downloads without any lag.
ZDNET Recommends: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro
The Galaxy Book5 Pro's brilliant display caters to both professional and everyday users alike.
| Cinebench R23 MC | PCMark 10 | 3D Mark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Book5 Pro | 10,293 | 7,196 | 3,188 |
| Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 | 8,467 | 6,988 | 3,218 |
From the benchmark results, it's clear that the Galaxy Book5 Pro surpasses its predecessor in terms of processing power and image rendering on Cinebench R23. However, it falls behind slightly in graphical output, according to 3D Mark scores. Nonetheless, the Galaxy Book5 Pro excels as a high-end device within its series.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Galaxy Book5 Pro is commendable, lasting approximately 15.5 hours on a single charge while in Best Power Efficiency mode. Switching to optimal performance mode reduces the runtime to about 13 hours, which is still impressive. This longevity ensures the device can endure a full day of use and beyond.
Design and Usability
The design of the Galaxy Book5 Pro bears a strong resemblance to the 360 version, with one significant difference: the new model features a traditional clamshell hinge. In contrast, the previous model had a flexible hinge that allowed it to transform into a tablet. Despite this change, some design issues persist. One notable drawback is the keyboard, which remains "mushy." However, the keyboard's spacious layout aids in typing accuracy.
On the other hand, the trackpad has seen an improvement. It is notably larger, occupying roughly 50% of the laptop’s lower half, which enhances smooth scrolling and gesture controls.
With a weight of 3.44 pounds, the Galaxy Book5 Pro maintains its lightweight nature. The weight distribution is well-balanced, which prevents the laptop from sliding backward when lifting the display. For those who often work with laptops on their laps, such stability is a highly appreciated feature.
Heat Management and Ports
While the heat vents are located at the bottom, which is often a point of concern, in this case, the hardware is optimized well enough to prevent overheating. The slim form factor restricts the number of ports, but the selection available is satisfactory. The laptop includes two USB-C inputs, an HDMI port, a headphone jack, a microSD card slot, and a USB-A input, covering all essential connectivity needs.
Display and Additional Features
The standout feature of the Galaxy Book5 Pro is its 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen. The display is immaculate, featuring a resolution of 2.8K+ (2,880 x 1,800 pixels), covering 120% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and offering a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures not just high-quality video playback but also stellar image quality.
Moreover, the display is an entry point into Samsung’s Galaxy AI ecosystem. Features such as Photo Remaster allow users to retouch photographs easily. AI Select, akin to Google's Circle to Search, helps in finding relevant information by circling objects on the screen.
Availability and Pricing
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Book5 Pro are currently available on Samsung’s website, with shipments beginning on February 14. The starting price is set at $1,349.99, and the specific build reviewed here is priced at $1,649.99. Considering the feature set and performance, this pricing is competitive for a laptop of this caliber.
Featured Reviews: ZDNET
Finally, I found an Android phone that can replace my $3,500 Sony camera.
I replaced my iPhone 16 Pro with the 16e for a weekend: Here's everything I learned.
Aqara’s first outdoor camera is a smart home enthusiast’s dream device.
I’ve tried many universal travel adapters – and trust these the most on trips.
