Latest news with #GalaxyBook5Pro
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro review: The laptop that just works without the drama
has been making some great phones, and frankly, good laptops. That's been the equation for years, and if I'd be honest (again), nobody expected it to change. The Galaxy Book5 Pro breaks this pattern in ways that aren't immediately obvious, which might be exactly why it works. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This ultrabook from the house of Samsung doesn't chase trends or make bold promises. There's no revolutionary design language, no breakthrough performance claims, no features that haven't already existed in Samsung's Galaxy lineup earlier. Instead, Samsung has focused on execution: a razor-sharp AMOLED display, Intel 's efficient Lunar Lake processor, AI tools that actually serve a purpose, and build quality that inspires confidence rather than concern. The question isn't whether the Galaxy Book5 Pro is impressive, it's whether being very good at everything trumps being exceptional at one thing. At Rs 1,31,990, Samsung is betting that mature, balanced performance matters more than headline-grabbing specifications. Time to see if they're right. Simple done right Samsung kept things refreshingly simple here. The matte graphite aluminium body feels solid without being heavy, and the 11.6mm thickness makes it genuinely portable. I've been tossing this into bags without a second thought, something I can't say about chunkier laptops. The build quality impresses without showing off. No keyboard flex during typing marathons, no creaky hinges, and the one-handed opening works smoothly every time. These might seem like small details, but they add up to a laptop that feels reliable rather than precious. The keyboard deserves special mention. The keys have just enough travel to feel comfortable during long writing sessions, and the backlight is even without being harsh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Having a full number pad on a 14-inch laptop is a nice touch for anyone dealing with spreadsheets regularly. The key spacing feels natural, and the layout avoids the cramped feeling that plagues some compact keyboards. That trackpad? It's smooth, responsive, and spacious enough for all those Windows gestures. The click feels satisfying rather than hollow, another small win that makes daily use more pleasant. Multi-finger gestures work reliably, and palm rejection keeps accidental inputs to a minimum. Port selection hits the sweet spot between modern and practical. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports handle charging and high-speed data, while USB-A and HDMI ports eliminate dongle dependency for most scenarios. The microSD slot is a win, I'd say, something quite rare to see on laptops, and also quite helpful for people like me who do daily dilly-dallying with pictures. AMOLED goodness This is where Samsung's display expertise really shines. The 14-inch AMOLED screen with its 2880 x 1800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is genuinely impressive. Colours pop without looking oversaturated, blacks are truly black, and text stays crisp even at smaller sizes. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through documents and web pages noticeably smoother than traditional 60Hz panels. It's not just about gaming, everyday tasks feel more responsive and fluid. The difference becomes particularly apparent when switching between this and older laptops. Colour accuracy impressed consistently during photo editing sessions. The wide colour gamut handles professional work without requiring external monitors for colour-critical tasks. HDR content looks punchy without being overdone, making this equally suitable for work and entertainment. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives you more vertical space for documents and web browsing, a small change that makes a real difference during actual work. It's a touchscreen, no surprises here, and while there's no stylus support (for Samsung hardware, it's a surprise), the finger-based touch interaction works well enough for most tasks. But I barely ever used this screen as a touchscreen. Although, if you do, the screen responds accurately whether you're scrolling through documents or pinch-zooming into detailed images. Working outdoors became surprisingly manageable thanks to the anti-reflective coating and Vision Booster tech that automatically adjusts brightness based on your surroundings. The quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos delivers full sound for such a thin laptop. The dedicated subwoofer helps with bass response while maintaining clarity. It's good enough for video calls, music, and casual movie watching without external speakers. All-day companion The Galaxy Book5 Pro comes with the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V inside, and the new Intel processor is the one built for sustained, real-world performance without drama. During my time with it, I did what I do with my everyday carry, I ran my usual mix of browser tabs, photo editing, video calls, and background apps. The laptop handled everything smoothly without performance drops or fan noise. The 16GB of RAM (unfortunately non-upgradeable) proved sufficient for multitasking. Multiple Chrome tabs, Photoshop, and video calls running simultaneously didn't cause memory pressure issues. The 512GB SSD keeps boot times quick and apps responsive, though power users might want more storage. Intel's Arc 130V graphics is competent, to say the least. While not meant for serious gaming, the integrated graphics unit handles design work, 4K video playback, and even some casual gaming without breaking a sweat. While this doesn't make the Galaxy Book5 Pro qualify as a graphics powerhouse, it does make it more versatile than previous generations. Thermal management stays impressive, even during intensive tasks, the laptop remains comfortable and quiet. Fan noise rarely becomes intrusive, and the bottom never gets uncomfortably warm during lap use. The Lunar Lake processors from Intel come with a dedicated neural processing unit, because why not? This is the system that handles all the AI chops on the hardware level itself, and Intel says it's capable of doing 40 TOPS of compute. In simpler words, the NPU is to power all the new AI shenanigans on Windows, and some more that Samsung has put from their end. Being a Copilot+ PC, the Galaxy Book5 Pro gains access to Microsoft 's AI-powered features, like Recall (yes, it's finally out), and the usual Studio Effects and Cocreator. Now, these features work just like they do in any Windows Copilot+ PC, but what I like is they work alongside Samsung's own AI tools without feeling redundant or overwhelming. The overlap is minimal, and each tool serves distinct purposes in daily workflows. Now, about Samsung's Galaxy AI suite, I'd say it's as practical as it could be. Instead of adding features just to tick boxes, they've focused on tools that might help users solve some of their real problems. AI Select is one such feature. So, Samsung's AI Select works much like how Circle to Search works on Android phones. It lets you circle anything on screen for instant contextual search. It sounds gimmicky but proves genuinely useful for research and fact-checking. Circle a restaurant name, get reviews and directions. Circle a product, get prices and specs. Simple but effective. Live Translate is also a nifty addition and works better than Windows' AI-powered translation. Real-time translation and captioning for video calls work entirely offline and are actually accurate. Then, there's Photo Remaster, brought in from the Galaxy phones. As the name implies, it applies subtle enhancements to images, it cleans up noise, improves quality, all using AI, saving up the time someone would spend on post-processing a picture. The results look natural most of the time, but some pictures do turn out to look artificially boosted or over-processed. Now, AI being useful is quite subjective, and most of them are simple party tricks, like Cocreator and Photo Remaster, but some are productive as well, like Recall and AI Select, they actually save you time during daily workflows. So, if you are someone who thinks you'd be using AI to assist in your work, the AI features here create a comprehensive experience that feels cohesive rather than fragmented. Oh, and the laptop has a "generous" 2MP webcam, which works like any other webcam, just fine for video calls. It too has some AI features like auto-framing, lighting adjustments, and face tracking, and these just work to make you look as good as possible. Let's talk ecosystem. Samsung has a big ecosystem of products, they have phones, tablets, watches, earbuds, and even a gazillion home appliances. Now, Samsung expects those having a Galaxy phone to eventually buy a Galaxy Book at some point in time, so they have built some cross-device features, much like Apple's. If you're already using Samsung phones, the ecosystem integration works seamlessly (just like any other ecosystem). File sharing happens without thinking about it (think AirDrop, but call it Quick Share ), phone calls can be answered directly from the laptop, messages sync instantly, and you can also control a Galaxy phone through the trackpad on the Galaxy Book. And Samsung also has the SmartThings app for Windows as well. Continuity features just work between devices without the usual Android-Windows friction. But only until you have a Galaxy phone. The experience is quite less polished if you were to use a non-Samsung Android phone. Thankfully, Quick Share works as usual, but then other continuity features are handled by Windows' proprietary app, which misses out on the cool features, like Samsung's Phone Link. The ecosystem features also require commitment, they work best when you're willing to use Samsung's apps and services over alternatives. If you prefer Google Drive over Samsung Cloud or Spotify over Samsung Music, some of the seamless integration magic disappears. Windows 11, as a whole, feels polished here, with Samsung's additions enhancing rather than cluttering the experience (which isn't the case usually). However, if you prefer a pure Windows 11, then pre-installed apps can be removed easily. Battery performance impressed consistently. Samsung's optimistic 21-hour video playback claim translates to about 13-15 hours of mixed real-world use. Power management adapts intelligently based on your workload. Light tasks preserve battery life, while demanding applications get the performance they need. It's the kind of smart behavior you want but rarely notice until you're using a laptop that doesn't have it. The efficiency gains from Intel's Lunar Lake architecture really show here. Unlike previous generations that required constant power management tweaking, this laptop just works through extended sessions without dramatic performance drops as battery levels decline. So, in short, full workdays without power anxiety. The 65W USB-C charger is compact and won't weigh down your bag, and the fast charging provides enough juice for several hours of work in just 30 minutes of plugging in. Tastefully minimal, effortlessly functional. Here's what Samsung got right with the Galaxy Book5 Pro: they made a laptop that doesn't try to be clever. No gimmicky features, just competent execution across every component that matters. It looks well-designed, visuals on it look gorgeous, and it handles real work without breaking a sweat. At Rs 1,31,990, you're paying for that consistency, not just the hardware specs. Sure, the non-upgradeable RAM might sting power users, and creative professionals will miss having a dedicated GPU, but for most workflows, these limitations rarely surface. What stands out most is how little stands out, if that makes sense. The laptop wakes up instantly from sleep, stays quiet most of the time, and doesn't suddenly become sluggish when the battery hits 30%. The AI features work when you need them without constantly interrupting your workflow. Even the ecosystem integration feels natural rather than forced, assuming you're already using Samsung devices. It's the kind of experience you expect from a laptop at this price point, and you get it with this one. Samsung has finally made a laptop that feels as polished as their phones, which took a little longer than it should have. Samsung's bet here is simple: being very good at everything trumps being exceptional at one thing. The Galaxy Book5 Pro delivers on that promise consistently. If you need a laptop that just works without drama, this is it.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro review: Tastefully minimal, effortlessly functional
Samsung has been making some great phones, and frankly, good laptops. That's been the equation for years, and if I'd be honest (again), nobody expected it to change. The Galaxy Book5 Pro breaks this pattern in ways that aren't immediately obvious, which might be exactly why it works. This ultrabook from the house of Samsung doesn't chase trends or make bold promises. There's no revolutionary design language, no breakthrough performance claims, no features that haven't already existed in Samsung's Galaxy lineup earlier. Instead, Samsung has focused on execution: a razor-sharp AMOLED display, Intel 's efficient Lunar Lake processor, AI tools that actually serve a purpose, and build quality that inspires confidence rather than concern. The question isn't whether the Galaxy Book5 Pro is impressive, it's whether being very good at everything trumps being exceptional at one thing. At Rs 1,31,990, Samsung is betting that mature, balanced performance matters more than headline-grabbing specifications. Time to see if they're right. Simple done right by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Samsung kept things refreshingly simple here. The matte graphite aluminium body feels solid without being heavy, and the 11.6mm thickness makes it genuinely portable. I've been tossing this into bags without a second thought, something I can't say about chunkier laptops. The build quality impresses without showing off. No keyboard flex during typing marathons, no creaky hinges, and the one-handed opening works smoothly every time. These might seem like small details, but they add up to a laptop that feels reliable rather than precious. The keyboard deserves special mention. The keys have just enough travel to feel comfortable during long writing sessions, and the backlight is even without being harsh. Having a full number pad on a 14-inch laptop is a nice touch for anyone dealing with spreadsheets regularly. The key spacing feels natural, and the layout avoids the cramped feeling that plagues some compact keyboards. That trackpad? It's smooth, responsive, and spacious enough for all those Windows gestures. The click feels satisfying rather than hollow, another small win that makes daily use more pleasant. Multi-finger gestures work reliably, and palm rejection keeps accidental inputs to a minimum. Port selection hits the sweet spot between modern and practical. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports handle charging and high-speed data, while USB-A and HDMI ports eliminate dongle dependency for most scenarios. The microSD slot is a win, I'd say, something quite rare to see on laptops, and also quite helpful for people like me who do daily dilly-dallying with pictures. AMOLED goodness This is where Samsung's display expertise really shines. The 14-inch AMOLED screen with its 2880 x 1800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate is genuinely impressive. Colours pop without looking oversaturated, blacks are truly black, and text stays crisp even at smaller sizes. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through documents and web pages noticeably smoother than traditional 60Hz panels. It's not just about gaming, everyday tasks feel more responsive and fluid. The difference becomes particularly apparent when switching between this and older laptops. Colour accuracy impressed consistently during photo editing sessions. The wide colour gamut handles professional work without requiring external monitors for colour-critical tasks. HDR content looks punchy without being overdone, making this equally suitable for work and entertainment. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives you more vertical space for documents and web browsing, a small change that makes a real difference during actual work. It's a touchscreen, no surprises here, and while there's no stylus support (for Samsung hardware, it's a surprise), the finger-based touch interaction works well enough for most tasks. But I barely ever used this screen as a touchscreen. Although, if you do, the screen responds accurately whether you're scrolling through documents or pinch-zooming into detailed images. Working outdoors became surprisingly manageable thanks to the anti-reflective coating and Vision Booster tech that automatically adjusts brightness based on your surroundings. The quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos delivers full sound for such a thin laptop. The dedicated subwoofer helps with bass response while maintaining clarity. It's good enough for video calls, music, and casual movie watching without external speakers. All-day companion The Galaxy Book5 Pro comes with the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V inside, and the new Intel processor is the one built for sustained, real-world performance without drama. During my time with it, I did what I do with my everyday carry, I ran my usual mix of browser tabs, photo editing, video calls, and background apps. The laptop handled everything smoothly without performance drops or fan noise. The 16GB of RAM (unfortunately non-upgradeable) proved sufficient for multitasking. Multiple Chrome tabs, Photoshop, and video calls running simultaneously didn't cause memory pressure issues. The 512GB SSD keeps boot times quick and apps responsive, though power users might want more storage. Intel's Arc 130V graphics is competent, to say the least. While not meant for serious gaming, the integrated graphics unit handles design work, 4K video playback, and even some casual gaming without breaking a sweat. While this doesn't make the Galaxy Book5 Pro qualify as a graphics powerhouse, it does make it more versatile than previous generations. Thermal management stays impressive, even during intensive tasks, the laptop remains comfortable and quiet. Fan noise rarely becomes intrusive, and the bottom never gets uncomfortably warm during lap use. The Lunar Lake processors from Intel come with a dedicated neural processing unit, because why not? This is the system that handles all the AI chops on the hardware level itself, and Intel says it's capable of doing 40 TOPS of compute. In simpler words, the NPU is to power all the new AI shenanigans on Windows, and some more that Samsung has put from their end. Being a Copilot+ PC, the Galaxy Book5 Pro gains access to Microsoft 's AI-powered features, like Recall (yes, it's finally out), and the usual Studio Effects and Cocreator. Now, these features work just like they do in any Windows Copilot+ PC, but what I like is they work alongside Samsung's own AI tools without feeling redundant or overwhelming. The overlap is minimal, and each tool serves distinct purposes in daily workflows. Now, about Samsung's Galaxy AI suite, I'd say it's as practical as it could be. Instead of adding features just to tick boxes, they've focused on tools that might help users solve some of their real problems. AI Select is one such feature. So, Samsung's AI Select works much like how Circle to Search works on Android phones. It lets you circle anything on screen for instant contextual search. It sounds gimmicky but proves genuinely useful for research and fact-checking. Circle a restaurant name, get reviews and directions. Circle a product, get prices and specs. Simple but effective. Live Translate is also a nifty addition and works better than Windows' AI-powered translation. Real-time translation and captioning for video calls work entirely offline and are actually accurate. Then, there's Photo Remaster, brought in from the Galaxy phones. As the name implies, it applies subtle enhancements to images, it cleans up noise, improves quality, all using AI, saving up the time someone would spend on post-processing a picture. The results look natural most of the time, but some pictures do turn out to look artificially boosted or over-processed. Now, AI being useful is quite subjective, and most of them are simple party tricks, like Cocreator and Photo Remaster, but some are productive as well, like Recall and AI Select, they actually save you time during daily workflows. So, if you are someone who thinks you'd be using AI to assist in your work, the AI features here create a comprehensive experience that feels cohesive rather than fragmented. Oh, and the laptop has a "generous" 2MP webcam, which works like any other webcam, just fine for video calls. It too has some AI features like auto-framing, lighting adjustments, and face tracking, and these just work to make you look as good as possible. Let's talk ecosystem. Samsung has a big ecosystem of products, they have phones, tablets, watches, earbuds, and even a gazillion home appliances. Now, Samsung expects those having a Galaxy phone to eventually buy a Galaxy Book at some point in time, so they have built some cross-device features, much like Apple's. If you're already using Samsung phones, the ecosystem integration works seamlessly (just like any other ecosystem). File sharing happens without thinking about it (think AirDrop, but call it Quick Share ), phone calls can be answered directly from the laptop, messages sync instantly, and you can also control a Galaxy phone through the trackpad on the Galaxy Book. And Samsung also has the SmartThings app for Windows as well. Continuity features just work between devices without the usual Android-Windows friction. But only until you have a Galaxy phone. The experience is quite less polished if you were to use a non-Samsung Android phone. Thankfully, Quick Share works as usual, but then other continuity features are handled by Windows' proprietary app, which misses out on the cool features, like Samsung's Phone Link. The ecosystem features also require commitment, they work best when you're willing to use Samsung's apps and services over alternatives. If you prefer Google Drive over Samsung Cloud or Spotify over Samsung Music, some of the seamless integration magic disappears. Windows 11, as a whole, feels polished here, with Samsung's additions enhancing rather than cluttering the experience (which isn't the case usually). However, if you prefer a pure Windows 11, then pre-installed apps can be removed easily. Battery performance impressed consistently. Samsung's optimistic 21-hour video playback claim translates to about 13-15 hours of mixed real-world use. Power management adapts intelligently based on your workload. Light tasks preserve battery life, while demanding applications get the performance they need. It's the kind of smart behavior you want but rarely notice until you're using a laptop that doesn't have it. The efficiency gains from Intel's Lunar Lake architecture really show here. Unlike previous generations that required constant power management tweaking, this laptop just works through extended sessions without dramatic performance drops as battery levels decline. So, in short, full workdays without power anxiety. The 65W USB-C charger is compact and won't weigh down your bag, and the fast charging provides enough juice for several hours of work in just 30 minutes of plugging in. The takeaway Here's what Samsung got right with the Galaxy Book5 Pro: they made a laptop that doesn't try to be clever. No gimmicky features, just competent execution across every component that matters. It looks well-designed, visuals on it look gorgeous, and it handles real work without breaking a sweat. At ₹1,31,990, you're paying for that consistency, not just the hardware specs. Sure, the non-upgradeable RAM might sting power users, and creative professionals will miss having a dedicated GPU, but for most workflows, these limitations rarely surface. What stands out most is how little stands out, if that makes sense. The laptop wakes up instantly from sleep, stays quiet most of the time, and doesn't suddenly become sluggish when the battery hits 30%. The AI features work when you need them without constantly interrupting your workflow. Even the ecosystem integration feels natural rather than forced, assuming you're already using Samsung devices. It's the kind of experience you expect from a laptop at this price point, and you get it with this one. Samsung has finally made a laptop that feels as polished as their phones, which honestly took longer than it should have. Samsung's bet here is simple: being very good at everything trumps being exceptional at one thing. The Galaxy Book5 Pro delivers on that promise consistently. If you need a laptop that just works without drama, this is it. Our rating: 4/5 AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
10-06-2025
- India Today
Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro review: Style and substance crammed into one premium laptop
Not just premium phones and tablets, Samsung also makes great premium laptops. These laptops have design and hardware at par with top-of-the-line MacBook models from Apple. The difference obviously is that these laptops run Windows software, not macOS. Its latest, Galaxy Book 5 Pro, is no different. Like its predecessors, Samsung has once again fashioned a high-end Windows laptop with all the bells and whistles you'd normally associate with a product of its class and stature. The price, too, shows its top-notch at an eye-watering Rs 1,31,990, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro is not just about the good looks, but it also excels in other areas. It has a gorgeous AMOLED display and fast performance (for an ultraportable device) with outstanding battery life, all packed inside a sleek aluminium chassis that seems designed from the ground up to turn heads and start conversations. But despite its many strong points, there are a few things you should know before you decide to put your money on it. That's precisely what this India Today Tech review will try to and build: Slim, solid and stylishThe Galaxy Book 5 Pro feels premium from the moment you hold it. With its sleek, full-aluminium body, the laptop feels strong yet surprisingly light. In fact, it is one of the slimmest 14-inch laptops in the market at the time of writing. Even with its thin profile, it never feels flimsy. The lid is slim but solid, and there's no wobble when you adjust the screen. The attention to detail is The laptop is available in two colours: Silver and Grey. The Grey variant we have for review looks smart and sophisticated, the sort of gadget that can blend easily inside both a classroom and a boardroom. The matte texture helps keep fingerprints and smudges at bay, so you won't have to wipe it down all the time just to keep it looking clean. Now, just because it's slim doesn't mean it's super compact. The 14-inch screen is a good size for getting work done, but you'll still need a decent-sized backpack to carry it. That said, considering how much screen you're getting in such a slim frame, most people won't mind the extra space it takes up. The only caveat is that the hinge doesn't give a lot of flexibility as it is capped at 135-degrees. On that note, if flexibility is important to you, the pricier Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is a better port selection is decent. You get two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports for charging. There is also an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB-A port, a headphone/mic combo jack, and a microSD card slot. For everyday use, this setup should be more than enough. However, those working with cameras or large media files might miss a full-sized SD card slot. And while it's nice to have a USB-A port, creative users might still need a hub or dongle for a full and touchpad: Comfortable to use dailyadvertisementTyping on the Galaxy Book 5 Pro feels good for the most part. Yes, the keys are a bit shallow at first, but I got used to them in no time. The keys are well spaced out, and the large palm rest helps avoid wrist strain during long typing sessions. There's no number pad here, which actually works well because it gives space for a bigger, more centrally aligned keyboard has three brightness levels, which helps when you're working in dim lighting. However, there's no automatic brightness adjustment, which feels like a missed opportunity. At this price, a sensor to auto-adjust backlighting in dark surroundings would've made the experience feel even more seamless. advertisementStill, Samsung has added a fingerprint sensor inside the power button, and it works just the way it should — quick, accurate, and not overly sensitive. It's one of those features you don't think about much, but it adds both security and touchpad is large and handles gestures well. It is smooth and responsive, and while the feedback could have been a bit more clicky or satisfying, it gets the job done for everyday Stunning AMOLED with smart anti-glare coatingSamsung is known for its displays and the Galaxy Book 5 Pro doesn't disappoint. The 14-inch 3K AMOLED display looks stunning. Colours pop, blacks are deep, and everything from videos to spreadsheets looks crisp. Whether you are editing photos, watching shows, or just casually browsing, the screen feels like a treat. Additionally, the display refreshes at 120Hz by default, which makes everything feel smooth, though you can switch to 60Hz to save about two to three hours of battery life. But you shouldn't worry about battery life with this laptop because it is pretty solid. We will talk about this in a bit. advertisementWhat really stands out is the anti-reflective coating. It makes a big difference when you are using the laptop near windows or under bright office lights. Glossy displays usually become hard to see in such conditions, but this one keeps reflections in check without dulling the colours. With 400nits of regular brightness and up to 500nits for HDR, the screen works well both indoors and even outdoors if it's not too input is also supported, adding another way to interact with the laptop. It worked smoothly during my time with it. Also, I didn't notice any screen burn-in, which can be a problem with AMOLED screens over time. Overall, you are getting a great display in its price Smooth where it mattersInside, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro runs on Intel's Core Ultra 5 226V chip, paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM. The built-in Intel Arc graphics aren't made for heavy gaming or professional editing, but for day-to-day tasks, they're more than I did try some 4K video editing in DaVinci Resolve. It did take time to render, but the editing process itself was fairly smooth, which is great for occasional creative work. Where this laptop really shines is multitasking — handling 30-40 Chrome tabs, switching between documents, calls, and music — everything stayed responsive. For those who care about benchmarks, the laptop received a score of 484 on Cinebench and 9775 multi-core score on Geekbench. These scores are respectable for the chipset that the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro is using but are lower than what its rivals are able to offer because they come with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor in the similar price range. For this variant, Samsung lovers will have to spend Rs 8,000 more, which I feel is worth it because if you are spending more than 1.30 lakh on a laptop, why not get the top-end model for better performance? Having said that, if you need a (slim and lightweight) productivity laptop that also performs well in terms of light editing or casual gaming, you can consider the Intel Core Ultra 5 are well managed too. The laptop stays cool during normal use, and the fans only spin hard when you are doing something heavy like exporting a video or running benchmarks. For general use — browsing, writing, streaming — it stays quiet and battery life for a premium laptopBattery life is one of the Galaxy Book 5 Pro's biggest strengths. In our testing, which included writing, attending a few Zoom calls, streaming content, and lots of multitasking, it lasted around 14 hours on a single charge. That is more than enough to get through a full workday. Also, if we consider the sharp AMOLED screen and capable hardware inside, the battery performance is actually quite impressive. This is one of the few Windows laptops in this segment where battery life doesn't feel like an afterthought. Samsung bundles a 65W fast charger as well with the laptop, which takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes to quickly fill the battery from 2 per cent to 100 per cent. Speakers and webcam: Good but not the bestThe speakers on the Galaxy Book 5 Pro fire from the bottom, which usually is not ideal, but these do a decent job. Sound is clear and gets reasonably loud, with crisp vocals during calls or video content. For music or movie watching, though, external speakers or headphones will still be better. This is something which is the case with most laptops out for the webcam, it is just fine. The 2-megapixel 1080p sensor delivers decent quality for video calls with soft details, minimal sharpness and vibrant colours. In addition to this, there is a small LED that lights up when the camera is active, which is a nice privacy feature. Though, a physical shutter would have been even features and ecosystem extrasSamsung is calling this its first AI PC, and for what it's worth, the AI features on the Galaxy Book 5 Pro are genuinely helpful. There's a dedicated Copilot key that takes you straight to Microsoft's AI assistant. Features like Live Captions, Circle to Search, and Studio Effects (like background blur during calls) are useful and well implemented. Circle to Search is particularly fun — you just draw a circle around anything on the screen and get instant search results. It's a small thing, but it becomes handy the more you use you already own a Samsung phone or tablet, there is more to like. Camera Sharing lets you use your Galaxy phone as a webcam, which is a big win considering who does not want to have a better-quality camera for calls. There is also Second Screen, which turns a Galaxy tablet into an extra display. Both features work well and make the laptop feel smarter and more connected, though they only work within the Samsung you buy the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro laptop?If you want a laptop that ticks most of the boxes while looking and feeling premium, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro is easy to recommend. It is not aiming to be a gaming rig or a pro editing machine. But what it does, it does really well. The display is brilliant, the battery life lasts all day, and the build is as good as it gets. Add the new AI tools and Samsung's ecosystem extras, and you have got a laptop that feels modern and helpful. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro is not built for demanding creative work but for most professionals, students and general users, this is a solid Windows laptop that looks great, feels great, and works just as well.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro: 5 key reasons I find it ideal for work and travel
Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro introduced to the Indian market at a time when professionals and hybrid workers demand more than just raw specs. This device doesn't shout for attention, but it quietly impresses in the way it integrates performance, portability, and features into everyday use. After weeks of using the Galaxy Book 5 Pro in typical Indian work-life conditions, dusty cafes, intermittent travel, the experience has been nothing short of polished. Here are 5 things that I like about the laptop. Let's start with the display. The 3K Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen isn't just a spec-sheet highlight, it's genuinely transformative in day-to-day use. Reading, editing documents, and even watching content on OTT platforms feels immersive. Samsung's Vision Booster adjusts brightness smartly, and I could comfortably work near windows without squinting. Eye fatigue was noticeably reduced after long hours, a relief for those used to staring at standard LCDs. The Intel Core Ultra 7 chip under the hood, combined with the Intel Arc graphics, handles everything from spreadsheets and presentations to light video editing with ease. But it's the little things that elevate the experience, AI-powered background blur during video calls, real-time captions, and enhanced multitasking that feels intuitive rather than forced. You don't need to know it's AI-powered to feel the impact; it just works. At 1.23 kg, the 14-inch model is light enough to carry in a backpack all day without noticing it. It doesn't flex, creak, or heat up much, Samsung has nailed the build quality. The keyboard is tactile and well-spaced, making long typing sessions pleasant. The trackpad is large and responsive, and the fingerprint reader on the power button works instantly. Samsung claims up to 21 hours of video playback, and in real-world mixed use, Wi-Fi on, multiple tabs, video calls, I regularly got around 13–15 hours. That's impressive and frees you from plug anxiety. It charges quickly too, with USB-C fast charging delivering nearly 40% in under 30 minutes. Pair it with a Galaxy smartphone or tablet, and the experience becomes even more fluid. You can drag and drop files, use the tablet as a second screen, or control both devices with a single keyboard and mouse. It's subtle, but once you get used to it, it feels indispensable.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Indian Express
Galaxy Book 5 Pro review: A svelte ultrabook built for productivity
Technology is all about convenience. From carrying around boxy and bulky laptops from the late 2000s, we have come a long way. In 2008, Apple brought about a design revolution with the launch of its feather-light and premium MacBook Air. Ever since, technology companies have been striving to achieve that perfect balance between portability and performance. Samsung has been consistently delivering laptops that are not only highly functional but also stylish. This year, the South Korean tech giant unveiled the all-new Galaxy Book 5 Pro at CES 2025. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro is the latest addition to the brand's lineup of premium laptops. While there is no dramatic departure from the design scheme of the predecessors, the new entrant is seemingly lighter and charming, and aces various performance benchmarks. I have been using the Galaxy Book 5 Pro, a device that is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 with Intel ARC graphics for some time now. The Book 5 Pro has all that is required for a modern-day laptop, and in this review, I will break down why this stands out in a market brimming with laptops of various kinds. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro comes in 14-inch and 16-inch variants, and I have got the smaller variant for this review. The packing is sleek and comes with a 65W charger and a C-to-C cable to juice up the device on the go. The first thing that one would notice upon unboxing is the brushed metal finish. And, since I am averse to any surface that attracts fingerprints, the aluminium chassis impressed me. The Book 5 Pro features a thin profile, making it ideal to carry around with ease. The device weighs around 1.5 kg and comes with exceptional sturdiness. In contrast to the 360 model, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro features the standard hinge that cannot be folded all the way back. Regardless, finding a comfortable view is no hassle, even in cramped spaces, especially owing to its compact and nimble form factor. The slim laptop features dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI 2.1 on the left edge and a single USB-A 3.2 port, microSD card slot, and a headphone jack on the right side. The Samsung laptop features an edge-to-edge keyboard with a dedicated number pad. I have been dabbling between the M4 MacBook Air, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro, and my good old Dell laptop. I enjoyed the fluidity that Book 5 Pro's keyboard endows. My typing experience has been comfortable, and it did not take me long to get acquainted with the key placements. Moreover, the fully customisable backlighting will be appreciated by many. The laptop features a massive touchpad offering responsive control. However, it lacks some advanced gesture capabilities as seen on some of its competitors. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro includes a touchscreen functionality which can also be used with an S Pen (not included in the package). Personally, the touchscreen was of not much use. On rare occasions, perhaps to zoom in or close tabs, the touch functionality came in handy. Since I am accustomed to standard screens, I am oblivious to the touch screen most of the time. When it comes to security, the power button also integrates a quick fingerprint sensor that unlocks the device within a second. For additional security, Samsung has leveraged the Samsung Knox security platform, which includes a discrete security chip within the hardware that safeguards the system in real-time. This ensures that your critical data remains secure from potential threats. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that offers 3K resolution, up to a 120 Hz refresh rate, and 120 per cent colour volume. In an everyday sense, the Book 5 Pro doubles up as your personal multimedia device. From image editing to endlessly streaming shows from across OTT platforms, the display offers a rich and immersive experience. It delivers excellent contrast and deep blacks, and I think the OLED panel is one of the main highlights of this laptop. The laptop boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits. Although the laptop features an anti-reflective coating and tech that enhances visibility in bright environments, I would recommend sitting away from direct light to avoid glares. The refresh rate of up to 120 Hz makes for smooth visuals. When it comes to the audio, the laptop does not disappoint. It features a quad-speaker system tuned by Dolby Atmos surround sound. The sound quality is immersive and handles music and videos with ease. There is also a 2MP full HD webcam that rests in the top bezel and supports Windows Studio effects, including eye contact correction, background blur, automatic framing for videos, etc. I found the webcam output to be passable. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro is powered by Intel's Core Ultra 5, which handles all your productivity tasks with ease. For this review, I have been using a 16GB RAM and 512 GB storage version. You can also opt for the 32GB RAM and 1TB storage option. The Book 5 Pro comes with an integrated NPU which allows users to take advantage of some nifty AI features such as Samsung's AI select. One can also summon Copilot with the dedicated key to assist with various tasks such as writing mails, running grammar checks, and brainstorming for ideas. The integrated ARC GPU is good for light gaming. Samsung claims that the Galaxy Book 5 Pro offers 21 hours of video runtime. During my use, I found the battery life to be impressive; I could work, stream, and play without care. With the 65W super fast charging, you can power up to nearly 50 per cent by just charging the device for about 30 minutes. If you are an ardent fan of Windows and are looking for a laptop that can boost your productivity, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro offers a compelling package. It comes with an exceptional display, a premium build, and promises smooth performance. Although this one is no gaming powerhouse, it handles everyday tasks like a breeze, making it a reliable choice for professionals and students. As of now, the Book 5 Pro is a strong contender in the competitive Windows premium laptop space. It arguably works well for those active in the Samsung ecosystem. Bijin Jose, an Assistant Editor at Indian Express Online in New Delhi, is a technology journalist with a portfolio spanning various prestigious publications. Starting as a citizen journalist with The Times of India in 2013, he transitioned through roles at India Today Digital and The Economic Times, before finding his niche at The Indian Express. With a BA in English from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and an MA in English Literature, Bijin's expertise extends from crime reporting to cultural features. With a keen interest in closely covering developments in artificial intelligence, Bijin provides nuanced perspectives on its implications for society and beyond. ... Read More
