Instead of a 4K OLED panel, the new Chromebook features a 13.3-inch 1,920 x 1,080 QLED screen, which was vibrant and bright during the preview event. HDR videos of wildlife and scenery appear, and details look clear. The aspect ratio is still slightly dated at 16: 9 (16:10 would be so much nicer, Samsung), but overall the screen looks like a more than serviceable canvas for Chrome OS. Even better, because it uses QLED, the Chromebook 2 should offer longer battery life than its predecessor. However, this is something we need to test ourselves to make sure.
Unlike the original, which only came in one configuration with a tenth generation Intel Core i5 CPU, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, the Chromebook 2 offers a few options. You can get the base model with an Intel Celeron 5205U chipset, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage or spend $ 150 more to get a tenth generation Intel Core i3 processor and twice the memory and storage.
A few other differences between this year’s Galaxy Chromebook and the latest include a new Smart Amp feature to increase the volume, and according to Samsung, it’s up to 178 percent louder than the average amp. There is also support for WiFi 6 on the new model. The company also removed the secondary camera from the keyboard and the Chromebook 2’s solo webcam above the screen has the same 720p resolution as before. Although the screen supports stylus input, the new Chromebook does not have an S Pen on board like the original.
Despite its slim profile, the Chromebook 2’s keyboard was surprisingly comfortable to type on. The keys are evenly spaced, and although there is less travel than I was used to, the buttons still had good depth. The trackpad, though spacious, felt a bit sluggish though, but since it is a preview unit, I will reserve my judgment on it.
Until we go test the Chromebook 2, there is not much more about the laptop. It will be available in the first quarter of the year, so if you’re looking for a nice Chrome OS machine for less than $ 700, it might be worth a look. However, I would recommend waiting until we can fully review it before spending your money.