Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Review – I LOVE IT, Except for 1 ‘BIG’ Problem

When it comes to innovative laptops, Samsung is no stranger to pushing the boundaries. Their latest release, the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge, promises to offer a premium experience packed with cutting-edge features. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about this new device—from its sleek design to its performance, and yes, that controversial touchpad.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Stunning Design and Display

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is its stunning design. Samsung has crafted an incredibly thin and light laptop, which makes it highly portable and easy to carry around. The sleek, full aluminum chassis is not only durable but also adds a touch of elegance to the overall look.

The laptop boasts a 16-inch 3K resolution OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it one of the best displays in its category. The display also supports touch, which adds to its versatility. Here’s what makes the display stand out:

• Dynamic AMOLED Panel: Provides vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• Brightness: Reaches up to 500 nits in SDR and nearly 700 nits in HDR.
• Resolution: 3K resolution ensures sharp and clear visuals.

These features make the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge perfect for media consumption, gaming, and even professional work that requires precise color accuracy.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Performance Powerhouse with Snapdragon X Elite

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, one of the most powerful versions available. This chipset is part of a new wave of Snapdragon-powered laptops and offers significant performance boosts over its predecessors. Here’s a quick breakdown of its capabilities:

• CPU and GPU: The Snapdragon X Elite provides up to a 4 GHz higher CPU clock speed and a 2 GHz higher dual-core boost.
• Battery Life: Samsung claims up to 22 hours of battery life, which is highly impressive for a laptop of this caliber.
• AI Features: Includes AI enhancements for more efficient performance and longer battery life.

While the performance is generally excellent, the graphics performance is a bit of a letdown compared to Intel and AMD’s integrated GPUs. However, for most users, the trade-off for better battery life and quieter operation might be worth it.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Real-World Battery Life Tests

Battery life is a crucial factor for any portable device, and Samsung promises up to 22 hours of use on the Galaxy Book 4 Edge. These claims are based on local video playback, which isn’t the most typical use case. Therefore, real-world tests are essential to gauge its true performance.

In an overnight YouTube battery rundown test, the results were impressive:

• YouTube Playback: The Galaxy Book 4 Edge lasted just shy of 14 hours, outperforming many competitors in its class.
• Standby Life: Only lost between 1-2% of charge overnight, which is exceptional.

These results indicate that the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is indeed a powerhouse when it comes to battery life, making it an ideal choice for users who need long-lasting performance.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge The Controversial Touchpad

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the touchpad. Samsung has opted for an oversized touchpad on the Galaxy Book 4 Edge, and opinions are divided.

• Size: The touchpad is comically large, which can be off-putting for some users.
• Usability: The large size means that it can be uncomfortable to use, especially if you have to move your hands significantly to navigate.
• Design Flaw: It lacks haptic feedback and uses a diving board design, making it easier to click at the bottom than at the top.

For many, this touchpad could be a deal-breaker. It digs into the forearms during typing, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you wear a watch. This is one area where Samsung could have opted for a more conventional design.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Keyboard and Typing Experience

While the touchpad may be a disappointment, the keyboard on the Galaxy Book 4 Edge is anything but. The keyboard is one of the best features of this laptop:

• Tactile Keys: The keys are well-spaced, tactile, and provide good travel.
• Numpad: The inclusion of a numpad is a bonus, especially for those who work with numbers frequently.
• Overall Experience: The typing experience is pleasant, making it suitable for long typing sessions.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Connectivity and Ports

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge has a decent selection of ports, though the placement might not be ideal for everyone:

• Left Side: Includes both USB 4 ports and an HDMI 2.1 port.
• Right Side: Houses a USB Type-A port, Micro SD slot, and audio combo jack.

The placement of both USB 4 ports on the left side means that if you want to charge the laptop or connect it to an external display, you’ll have to do so from the left, which can be inconvenient.

Samsung Ecosystem Integration

One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is its integration with the Samsung ecosystem. If you already own Samsung devices, this laptop offers seamless connectivity and a range of additional features:

• Quick Share: Easily share files between your Samsung devices.
• SmartThings: Control your Samsung smart home devices directly from your laptop.
• Samsung Settings: A familiar interface if you’ve used other Samsung products, offering quick access to performance modes, display settings, and more.

This integration adds significant value for users who are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, providing a cohesive and connected experience.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Audio and Webcam Quality

Audio and video quality are essential for a well-rounded user experience, especially in the age of remote work and online meetings:

• Speakers: The speakers, enhanced with Dolby Atmos, deliver impressive sound quality for a laptop.
• Webcam: The 1080p webcam is adequate, though not exceptional. It includes various AI enhancements like auto framing, portrait light, and eye contact adjustments.

While the webcam’s quality is just “okay,” the additional AI features help improve the overall experience, making it suitable for video calls and conferences.

The 14-Inch Model: A More Compact Option

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is also available in a 14-inch model, which might be a better fit for some users:

• Price: Priced at $1,400, which is $100 cheaper than the 16-inch model.
• Size and Weight: More compact and lighter, making it even more portable.
• Battery: Smaller battery compared to the 16-inch model but still offers good battery life.

For those who prefer a smaller laptop or are looking to save a bit of money, the 14-inch model is a solid alternative.

Performance: Snapdragon X Elite vs. Competitors

When it comes to performance, the Snapdragon X Elite chipset in the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge holds its own against Intel and AMD competitors:

• General Performance: Matches or outperforms the Intel Ultra 755 H in many tasks.
• Graphics: Falls short compared to integrated GPUs from Intel and AMD, but still adequate for most tasks.

The key advantage of the Snapdragon X Elite is its efficiency, which translates to better battery life and cooler, quieter operation. However, the graphics performance might not be sufficient for users who need to run graphics-intensive applications.

Early Days and Future Potential

As with any new technology, the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge comes with some growing pains. However, there is significant potential for improvement:

• Driver Updates: Qualcomm has already released driver updates for improved graphics performance, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement.
• App Compatibility: As more applications get optimized for Snapdragon, the overall experience will only get better.

For early adopters, this means that while there might be some initial hiccups, the long-term outlook is positive.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Pricing is always a crucial factor when considering a new laptop:

• 14-Inch Model: $1,400
• 16-Inch Model: $1,500

While these prices place the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge in the premium category, the features and performance it offers justify the cost. Especially when compared to similar devices like the MacBook Air 15-inch M3, the Galaxy Book 4 Edge holds its ground.

Final Thoughts: Is the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is a powerful, well-designed laptop that offers impressive performance, especially in terms of battery life and overall efficiency. Its integration with the Samsung ecosystem adds significant value, and the display is one of the best you can find in this category.

However, the oversized touchpad is a notable flaw, and the graphics performance may not meet the needs of every user. Despite these drawbacks, the Galaxy Book 4 Edge is a strong contender in the premium laptop market.

For those invested in the Samsung ecosystem or looking for a high-performance laptop with excellent battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is definitely worth considering. As with any major purchase, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to see if it meets your specific needs.

Key Highlights

• Design: Sleek, thin, and light aluminum chassis.
• Display: 16-inch 3K OLED with 120Hz refresh rate and touchscreen capability.
• Performance: Powered by Snapdragon X Elite, with impressive battery life and efficient performance.
• Touchpad: Oversized and uncomfortable for some users.
• Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with Samsung devices, adding significant value.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is a feature-rich laptop that excels in many areas, making it a worthy competitor in the market. Whether it’s the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and how much you value the Samsung ecosystem integration and exceptional battery life.