Samsung's latest Galaxy laptop has an all-day battery and a gorgeous AMOLED screen offset by one divisive aspect

As someone who has spent countless hours typing away on various laptops, I must say that the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 has truly captured my attention. The 2-in-1 design is not just a gimmick; it’s a versatile workhorse that caters to my ever-changing needs.

If you’re following market trends, you’d be aware that Artificial Intelligence (AI) computers were recently introduced just a few months ago.

Given the latest launch of Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, often referred to as Lunar Lake, we’ve stepped into an era of significantly more potent AI and Copilot+ computers.

One of the first AI-enhanced devices to be released recently is the newly introduced Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 2-in-1 device.

Over the past fortnight, I’ve had the pleasure of putting this versatile 2-in-1 AI PC through its paces, exploring its capabilities and unique features. Here are my discoveries.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Price and specs

Pricing & specifications highlights

At the time of writing, the specific Core Ultra 5 228V Evo Edition configuration I tested wasn’t available online for purchase, but it should be coming soon.
The Core Ultra 7 configuration of the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 that is currently available at retailers comes with the S Pen and has a $1,699.99 MSRP.
Since the 200S versions of Intel Core Ultra processors are relatively new, there aren’t a ton of other laptops that this directly compares against.
While it is pricey, it is within a range that is expected considering its specs and included S Pen Pro.
Price rating: 4/5

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 Evo Edition configuration I received features an Intel Core Ultra 5 228V processor, Intel Arc 130V graphics, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. However, at the time of writing, I couldn’t find this exact configuration selling anywhere online, which means I don’t know its MSRP. This is to be expected since this is a relatively new model. The version I reviewed should be released soon.

It’s worth noting that an alternative setup, which includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU, Intel Arc 140V GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, is now available for purchase at Best Buy, Samsung’s website, and other significant online retailers for $1,699.99. This suggests that the configuration I evaluated will be priced below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,699.99.

As the Intel Core Ultra processors from the 200S series are relatively novel, there aren’t many Copilot+ PC or AI PC laptops with similar specifications for direct comparison at present. However, it is known that the 200S Core Ultras exhibit significantly greater power compared to their 100S counterparts. Despite its premium cost, this 2-in-1 laptop falls within an anticipated price bracket given the high-end components it incorporates. It’s essential to note that the S Pen Pro, which retails for $99.99 individually at Samsung, contributes to the overall cost of the laptop.

Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 — What’s in the box?

Upon unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, I discovered that it came with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, an AC adapter, and the S Pen was also part of the bundle.

Recommended configuration

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Design and build

Build quality and design highlights

This laptop looks absolutely elegant, and it feels very sturdy, too.
There is a healthy range of ports available to meet your various needs.
Despite having a large 16-inch display, the laptop is very thin.
Regardless of if you’re in a business or casual setting, this laptop will look good.
The included S Pen Pro is very comfortable to use and provides a fantastic drawing experience.
It’s hard to stick a microSD card into the slot (and remove it), but the reader functions well.
Design rating: 5/5

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 showcases refinement and elegance in its very design. From the sleek metallic casing to the minimalist display border, it exudes an air of sophistication that seamlessly blends into any environment.

Despite not having the thinnest bezel among screens I’ve encountered, it is impressively thin with rounded edges that enhance the laptop’s aesthetic appeal. This versatile laptop isn’t just visually appealing; it exudes a sense of robustness too. The casing, crafted from metal, provides a satisfying tactile experience and boasts remarkable durability. When I transition the screen into tablet mode, the hinges operate smoothly, maintaining the display at any desired angle without causing any strain or tension.

Beyond doubt, the topic of discussion includes the ports. Unlike some sleek laptops that may lack ample connection points, the Book5 Pro 360 stands out as it offers a diverse range of options. To be precise, it boasts an HDMI 2.1 port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 port, a microSD card reader, and a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. This versatile selection ensures that I never feel hindered when linking devices or PC accessories to this laptop.

As an analyst reviewing the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, I found myself testing a Samsung Evo Select 1TB microSD card. In an attempt to check its sequential transfer speed, I inserted it into the laptop, only to discover that it was quite challenging to push the microSD card far enough for recognition by the device. Given my lack of extra limbs like Edward Scissorhands, I had no choice but to use the S Pen to forcefully insert the memory card all the way. Similarly, I needed to use the S Pen again to pull it out because my fingers couldn’t reach in deeply enough for ejection. Despite the microSD card reader functioning well, this entire process felt more complicated than any other laptop I have ever used.

The wonderful S Pen of awesome

Similar to past Samsung Galaxy Book models, the Book5 Pro 360 includes an S Pen stylus. Given that I devote numerous hours annually to digital art in applications such as Photoshop or Adobe Fresco, I was eager to explore the S Pen Pro and its drawing performance.

This stylus stands out among other PC styluses available, as it closely resembles an average pencil in terms of shape, thickness, and weight. The S Pen Pro’s cursor moves with me as I hover over the screen, providing precise guidance for where the tip will touch. Additionally, the feel of the pen tip on the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360’s touchscreen is incredibly smooth and velvety, unlike the typical harsh plastic-on-glass sensation. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it offers the best PC stylus drawing experience I’ve had (except for felt-tip nibs on dedicated drawing tablets). The seamless collaboration between pen tip and touchscreen allows for exceptional control in my drawings.

On the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360’s touchscreen, the feel of the S Pen Pro as it makes contact is remarkably silky and soft, unlike the usual harsh sensation of plastic on glass that I frequently experience.

I strongly recommend not breaking it into two pieces, but the S Pen Pro appears robust, suggesting a long lifespan with careful handling. Interestingly, this device is cylindrical in shape, with one side being flat and magnetically attaching to multiple parts of the Book5 Pro 360: either the center top when the laptop is closed or the left and right zones beneath the touchpad when it’s open.

Despite typically sketching with my laptop in tablet mode, I was taken aback to discover that there’s no magnetic area for storing the S Pen beside the screen, as is common with some top-tier 2-in-1 devices and their styli. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but I do find myself yearning for the ability to magnetically attach the S Pen to the side of the Book5 Pro 360 when using it in tent, laptop, or tablet configurations.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Software and apps

Software and apps

Several Samsung programs come preinstalled on the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, including a video editor, notepad, and more.
While these programs can be useful, you might be better served using different apps for the same jobs.
You might want to spend time uninstalling certain programs to improve this laptop’s performance.
Software rating: 4/5

If you own a Samsung device, you’re probably familiar with their diverse suite of programs. When it comes to laptops, the Book5 Pro 360 arrives pre-installed with more than twenty Samsung apps for tasks such as video editing, note-taking, image management, seamless file transfer, and many other functions. There’s also a Samsung Settings app, similar to a streamlined Windows 11 Settings interface, for managing various laptop settings. However, it’s worth noting that while these Samsung apps can be useful, they may not always rival the more popular programs available like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for video editing, as Samsung Studio might not offer the same level of performance.

Because this laptop features built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, it already has Dolby Access installed right away. I’ll delve deeper into the laptop’s audio system later, but let me tell you that having Dolby Access gives me the option to select from predefined settings or create my own tailored ones for an enhanced listening experience.

Much like numerous other laptops, this one includes a brief free trial of McAfee antivirus software. However, feel free to explore alternative options if you have no interest in continuing with it.

It might be beneficial for you to uninstall a few pre-installed programs to improve your laptop’s performance, as this is often necessary for newly purchased laptops to operate efficiently.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Display

Display highlights

In a color gamut test, the Book5 Galaxy Pro 360 display produced a fantastic 100% of sRGB, 98% of AdobeRGB, and 100% of P3.
HDR+ further enhances the vibrant image quality of HDR videos and pictures.
Since this is a 16-inch OLED, it’s not surprising to see that it offers great contrast with the ability to produce true black.
While not the brightest laptop screen, the monitor can reach 400 nits, which is better than some other OLEDs.
The touchscreen always reacts well whether I’m tapping it with my fingers or the S Pen Pro.
Display rating: 5/5

I’ve always found OLED displays appealing, and the same goes for the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360’s AMOLED screen. To clarify, while AMOLEDs and OLEDs share many similarities in terms of viewing experience, AMOLEDs tend to offer higher refresh rates compared to regular OLEDs.

From the start, it was evident that the image quality was exceptional due to its highest resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a broad color range. To confirm my initial impression, I utilized a colorimeter for several display tests, commencing with a color gamut test. The screen delivered impressive results, achieving 100% of sRGB, 98% of AdobeRGB, and 100% of P3. I enhanced the visual experience even more by enabling HDR+ within the Samsung Settings app and adjusting settings for optimal viewing.

Afterward, I conducted a light and dark adjustment check, discovering that the screen reaches its maximum brilliance at 400 nits. This is usually the standard max brightness for high-quality OLEDs and AMOLEDs, but it might not be sufficient in exceptionally bright indoor environments or under direct sunlight.

During the contrast test, it was confirmed that the screen displayed absolute black at its highest brightness level. Essentially, when the screen should be showing black, all pixels are completely switched off, unlike other display types where a faint grey is visible instead. This characteristic allows vibrant colors in images to pop significantly on OLED screens such as this one.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Performance and thermals

Performance & thermals highlights

Overall, the Book5 Pro 360 offers solid AI PC performance.
This laptop’s Series 2 Intel Core Ultra NPU offers far better performance than Series 1 versions, but CPU performance wasn’t much different.
It does a great job of keeping itself cool and is never hot to the touch.
Even when stressing the CPU, the fans never got very loud.
Performance rating: 4/5

From my personal use, I find the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 operates exceptionally smoothly without encountering any issues while running programs. Remarkably, it didn’t slow down even when I worked on multiple layers in an Adobe Fresco file, a task that typically causes other laptops to stutter. Additionally, I was excited to put this laptop through its paces following Intel’s claim that the newest Intel Core Ultra Series 2 AI processors are significantly more efficient than their Series 1 counterparts.

Initially, I examined the CPU of the laptop model Core Ultra 5 228V, utilizing Geekbench 6 and Cinebench R24. The Book5 Pro 360 processor in Geekbench 6 yielded a multi-core score of 10,328, which is reasonable but falls short when compared to many Core Ultra 7 Series laptops we’ve tested (by over 2,000 points in certain instances). I had anticipated the Core Ultra 5 Series 2 laptop to perform better.

In the Cinebench CPU test, the 2-in-1 device yielded a single-core score of 114 and a multi-core score of 594. This result matches my expectations since the Book5 Pro 360 lacks a high-performance GPU to aid its CPU. For example, you’ll notice in our Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra review that this laptop, powered by an Intel Core i9-185H processor from Series 1, achieved a significantly higher Cinebench score of 958. This superior performance can be attributed to the presence of a more potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 L GPU in the Book4 Ultra.

During a Procyon NPU test, the Intel Core Ultra 5 228V outperformed all Series 1 Core Ultra processors we’ve previously evaluated by a substantial margin.

Following an inspection of the CPU, I ran a test on its Neural Processing Unit (NPU) using Procyon and the Intel OpenVINO Float 16 test. The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 significantly outperformed earlier Series 1 Core Ultra models with an impressive score of 905, which is approximately thrice the highest Series 1 score of 351, representing a substantial 33% improvement. Essentially, this indicates that the Book5 Pro 360’s NPU allows it to handle AI tasks more efficiently compared to previous AI-equipped PC models.

After that, I gave the Intel Arc L 130V graphics processing unit a try by running several different graphic tests using 3DMark. The Book5 Pro 360 managed to score 3,654 with Time Spy, which is a decent score and in line with my expectations. To clarify, the Intel Arc L 130V is a stronger integrated graphics card compared to the Intel Iris Xe, but it struggles against dedicated (or standalone) graphics cards from AMD or NVIDIA when it comes to gaming or creative tasks.

Following that, I measured the transfer speeds of an SSD using CrystalDiskMark. The laptop managed to achieve a read speed of 3,781 MB/s in reading and 2,600 MB/s in writing, which, while not record-breaking (Galaxy Book4 Ultra and Book3 Pro have notably higher scores), is still quite impressive. Essentially, this indicates that the device can open and run programs efficiently.

Lastly, I put my laptop through Crossmark’s evaluation to gauge its overall performance. The Book5 Pro 360 managed to score 1,701 points, which aligns with the 2023 Galaxy Book3 Pro’s score (for more details, check out our review of the Galaxy Book3 Pro) and falls slightly short compared to the 1,839 points achieved by the Galaxy Book4 Ultra. However, it’s worth noting that these scores place it among the top performers in its class, given that we’ve tested a number of comparable devices.

The benchmark results indicate that the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 surpasses Core Ultra Series 1 AI PCs in certain aspects, but it may not always be superior in terms of its CPU. However, it’s a robust device regarding performance, representing an improvement over previous Galaxy Book Pro laptops.

Thermals and fan noises

In summary, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 performs exceptionally well in maintaining its temperature. To assess its cooling performance, I conducted a CPU stress test for 20 minutes followed by using an infrared camera to capture images. As expected, the laptop’s warmest spots were the rear vents, registering 108 degrees Fahrenheit (~42 degrees Celsius), while the strip above the keyboard was the second hottest area, measuring 107 degrees Fahrenheit (~41 degrees Celsius).

I’ve never found any of the areas on the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 that I frequently use to feel warm or hot to the touch. The core temperature of the keyboard tops out at around 99 degrees Fahrenheit (~37 degrees Celsius). Even after prolonged usage for hours, this laptop never became too warm to rest on my lap. Additionally, the fans remain relatively quiet, even during high-stress scenarios like running a stress test. In fact, when I placed my decibel meter near my ear while seated in front of this device, it recorded only 42.1 dB, a sound level that’s hardly noticeable.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Battery life

Battery highlights

This laptop can last more than 12 hours on average, which means it has excellent battery life.
The included charging cable is a USB-C, and it can be plugged into either of the USB-C ports.
The long battery life makes this a great option for students and businesspeople.
Battery rating: 5/5

For the past fortnight, I’ve been relying on the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 for my daily work tasks, and I must say, its battery life consistently exceeds my requirements. This makes it an ideal laptop choice for frequent travelers or those who frequently find themselves away from a power outlet.

After using it regularly, I ran a Windows 11 battery report and found that the laptop typically tended to last an average of 12 hours and 57 minutes. That’s more than enough juice to keep up with an average eight-hour workday and then some. I typically had the screen at around 200 nits of brightness, so the battery could run out faster if the display is at 100% brightness. Regardless, this longer-than-average battery life makes this a great device for business people, students, or anyone else frequently on the go.

Switching gears a bit, I’ve noticed that several laptops I’ve reviewed lately come with a barrel charger. Therefore, it’s refreshing to find this model uses a USB-C charging cable instead, which can be inserted into either of the right-side USB-C ports for recharging. It would have been even more convenient if there was a USB-C port on both sides of the laptop for easier access to power outlets, but it’s a minor detail.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Keyboard and touchpad

Keyboard and touchpad highlights

The keyboard is incredibly shallow and can be hard to get used to.
Having a full number pad makes it far more convenient to enter numeric data.
A fingerprint reader allows me to quickly log in by resting my finger on the power button.
Meanwhile, the touchpad is rather large and makes navigating the 16-inch display a breeze.
Keyboard and touchpad rating: 3/5

Among various aspects of the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, its keyboard is likely to spark some debate. On one side, it boasts a full number pad, making data entry into spreadsheets or documents more convenient. Yet, the keys don’t provide much key travel before registering input, resulting in a somewhat abrupt typing experience due to their shallow depth.

On my first day with this laptop’s keyboard, it felt strange and unfamiliar; the gratification and assurance from hitting a key seemed hard to come by, and I ended up making more errors than typical. However, after using the keyboard for a couple of hours, I gradually got used to it. Still, I can see that some people might find this typing experience challenging to adapt to.

Instead of just an AI-powered PC, this model is also called a Copilot+ PC. Therefore, it’s not unexpected that it comes equipped with a dedicated Copilot button conveniently located between the space bar and arrow keys. Pressing this button either summons or dismisses Microsoft’s AI Assistant. Furthermore, the function keys across the top of the keyboard offer quick and practical shortcuts such as access to Samsung settings, screen brightness adjustments, opening display settings windows, toggling the touchpad on/off, volume control, muting, adjusting backlighting intensity, deactivating the camera, or locking the function keys.

At the upper right corner of the keyboard sits a multi-purpose button, functioning both as the power key and the fingerprint scanner. Upon activating the Book5 Pro 360 for the first time, I configured biometric login, an operation that has worked flawlessly ever since, swiftly recognizing my fingerprint and granting access instantly.

Regarding the touchpad, it’s quite spacious, approximately six inches in width and 4.25 inches in height. Having such a generous amount of area makes navigating more intricate movements around the 16-inch screen a breeze for me.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Camera, mic, and audio

Camera, mic, and speaker highlights

The 2MP camera is crisp, but the images look a bit too saturated.
While it is possible to disable the camera, there is no physical shutter cover for the webcam.
Windows Hello facial recognition is not available on this laptop.
During meetings, the microphone carries my voice clearly to my colleagues.
Quad speakers can get rather loud but don’t provide the fullest soundscape.
Camera, mic, and speaker rating: 4/5

I recently participated in several online gatherings on my Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, testing its microphone and camera capabilities. Throughout these events, others mentioned that my voice came across clearly and they had no trouble comprehending me.

Moreover, I noticed that the images captured by the camera were vividly clear and bright, yet they seemed overly saturated. For instance, there’s a natural pink hue to my skin tone, however, the camera intensified these colors, giving an impression of slight sunburn. Similarly, my computer chair is a soft pastel shade of blue, but it appears in stronger tones when captured by this camera.

On this laptop, although it has a method to disable the camera, there isn’t a physical shutter built into the device itself. To ensure complete privacy when needed, I recommend utilizing one of the adhesive camera cover options available on Amazon. Moreover, be aware that this particular camera does not support Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in.

The two 5W woofers and two 3.3W tweeters in the built-in quad speakers are sufficient for video calls, however, they fall short compared to a standalone computer speaker setup or high-quality PC headphones when it comes to music playback. These speakers can be found beneath the laptop, making them easily noticeable as a mesh grille along the sides. This positioning enables sounds to echo off any surface the laptop rests on, boosting the audio significantly.

When playing music and audio content on the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, I noticed that it can get quite loud and produce clear mid to high-frequency sounds. However, it lacks the deep bass quality often associated with larger speakers. Given this, I don’t feel an urgent need to attach premium computer speakers or use a headset every time I use this laptop.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Competition

Among the initial wave of laptops, the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 stands out with its integration of the novel Lunar Lake Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. At present, few competing devices can match up to this 2-in-1 model. However, as time progresses, we can expect an increase in comparable devices within the coming months.

If you’re in search of an alternative, slightly less potent AI-equipped laptop that resembles the Galaxy Book4 Pro 360, look no further than a model sporting Intel Core Ultra Series 1 AI processors and featuring Intel Arc graphics. This versatile 2-in-1 device also includes an S Pen for your convenience. If you’re seeking an affordable AI PC without the need for top-tier performance, this might just be the perfect match for you. It retails at Best Buy for $1,449.99, but keep an eye out for potential sales as a newer version has been released.

At this moment, the closest competitor to the Book5 Pro 360 spec-wise is the ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED. While not a 2-in-1, it is an AI PC and Copilot+ PC that features the same Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 2 processor and also utilizes Intel Arc for graphics. However, instead of having a 16-inch AMOLED display, it has a 14-inch OLED. Additionally, it does not come with an ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus (but you can purchase one for $149.99 at Amazon). This laptop sells for $949.99 at Best Buy with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD.

Additionally, there’s the ASUS ExpertBook P5, a laptop that, like the one we mentioned earlier, sports the new Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 2 processor and Intel Arc graphics. Unlike its counterpart, it features an LED screen instead of an OLED display. Although it can be folded back by 180 degrees, it is not a convertible 2-in-1 device. You can grab this laptop for $999.99 at Best Buy.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Scorecard

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if…

❗ The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 offers an exceptional touchscreen and includes a top-notch S Pen for both artistic sketches and smooth navigation: This versatile device is perfect if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 solution that caters to your creative side as well as your everyday computing needs. It can be used in laptop, tent, or tablet mode for maximum convenience.

✅ For uninterrupted usage throughout the day, consider a laptop with superior battery performance: If you’re looking for a device that can power you through long hours of work or study without running out of juice, this laptop with top-notch battery life is an ideal option to consider.

🌟 You’re interested in acquiring one of the cutting-edge, high-performance AI PCs: By the year-end in 2025, AI PCs are expected to capture the entire market (as discussed during my Lenovo AI interview). However, the latest Lunar Lake processors such as the one featured in the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 offer significantly superior performance compared to the initial Series 1 models.

☑️ What you’re searching for is a laptop that boasts an exceptional screen: With its vibrant AMOLED display, this device delivers a stunning color spectrum, superior contrast, and true blacks that make visuals pop, whether they’re videos or images.

You should not buy this if…

🌟 The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360’s shallow keyboard may not be suitable for everyone: I’ve grown accustomed to the brief key travel on this laptop, but keep in mind that what feels comfortable for me might not be the same for others.

To clarify, while many modern non-gaming laptops lack a traditional Ethernet port, you might consider investing in a high-quality Thunderbolt adapter to cater to your needs.

Regarding laptops that feature Copilot+ and AI technology like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, it stands as a competitive choice capable of managing various tasks effortlessly. Its 2-in-1 construction brings great versatility, boosted by the inclusion of an S Pen Pro for drawing, note-taking, or navigating on its 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen. The laptop also boasts an aesthetically sleek design and robust structure, making it a perfect companion for traveling due to its long battery life, creating an outstanding mobile computing experience.

Using a full numeric keypad is quite handy. Yet, the thinness of this laptop’s keyboard could be considered its main drawback, and it might take some getting used to when typing on these keys. Ultimately, if you’re after the cutting-edge AI PC currently available, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 should certainly be a contender for your attention.

2024-11-07 20:30

Samsung’s latest Galaxy laptop has an all-day battery and a gorgeous AMOLED screen offset by one divisive aspect