Posted on March 07, 2025, by sakitech, Laptop Review Expert

Samsung’s latest contender in the ultrabook arena, the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro (14″), promises to take on heavyweights like the MacBook Air M4 with a sleek design, powerful internals, and a gorgeous display. Powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor and Intel Arc graphics, this laptop aims to deliver a performance boost over its predecessors. I’ve spent some time with it—unboxing, testing, and exploring its features—and here’s my in-depth review. Could this be the Windows laptop to make you forget Apple? Let’s find out.

Overview: What’s New with the Galaxy Book 5 Pro?

The Galaxy Book 5 Pro comes in 14-inch and 16-inch variants, but this review focuses on the 14-inch model. It’s a lightweight, portable machine with upgrades that matter:

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) with Intel Arc graphics.
• Base Config: 16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, starting at $1,350 (before discounts).
• Top Config: 32 GB RAM, 1 TB storage, priced at $1,650.
• Color: Available in a stunning gray finish (the only option).

Inside the box, you get the laptop, a 65W fast charger, a USB-C cable, and a quick-start booklet. With pricing ranging from $1,350 to $1,650 (14-inch), it’s a premium offering—but Samsung’s frequent discounts make it more accessible (links below!).

Design and Build Quality: Premium Vibes

The Good

• Rock-Solid Build: This laptop feels as premium as a MacBook—silky, smooth, and impeccably crafted. It passes the one-finger lift test with ease.
• Port Selection:
  • Left: HDMI 2.1 (5K at 120Hz), 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports (charging and data).
  • Right: USB-A 3.2, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD slot.
• Portability: At 14 inches, it’s lightweight and easy to carry—perfect for on-the-go users.

The Not-So-Good

• MicroSD Over SD: The microSD slot is handy for extra storage, but a full-size SD card reader would be more practical for creatives.
• Function Key Quirk: Adjusting brightness or volume requires pressing the Fn key first—not a dealbreaker, but an annoyance.

Verdict: The build quality rivals Apple’s best, with a thoughtful port layout. A few minor tweaks could make it perfect.

Display: A Visual Treat

The Galaxy Book 5 Pro’s 3K AMOLED display (2880×1800) is a standout:

• Specs: 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, anti-reflective coating.
• Features: Touchscreen, HDR support, Night Light, and adaptive color options.

Why It Shines

• Clarity and Smoothness: Movies, games, and scrolling feel buttery smooth at 120Hz.
• Anti-Reflective Coating: Reduces glare in bright conditions—far better than non-coated displays.
• Customization: Samsung’s settings offer deep calibration options for pros.

Room for Improvement

• Bezels: They’re slim but could be thinner for a more futuristic look (still better than a notch!).

Verdict: One of the best laptop displays in this price range—vibrant, practical, and versatile.

Keyboard and Trackpad: Typing Bliss

• Keyboard: Solid keys with good feedback and adjustable backlighting (low, high, off). No numeric keypad on the 14-inch model (available on 16-inch).
• Trackpad: Large, glass, precise, with superior palm rejection and customizable gestures (similar to MacBook Pro).

Tip: Test the keyboard in-store—feel varies by user, but I found it perfect for long typing sessions.

Performance: Power Meets Efficiency

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) and 16 GB RAM (upgradable to 32 GB), this laptop handles demanding tasks with ease. I tested it with Adobe Premiere Pro, editing 4K log files—chunky, heavy footage—and it didn’t flinch:

• Editing: Smooth playback and snappy cuts at full quality.
• Everyday Use: Photo editing, browsing, and multitasking? No sweat.

For peak performance, keep it plugged in. On battery, it’s still fast but conserves power in balanced mode.

Battery Life: Solid, Not Stellar

• Specs: 63.1 Wh battery, 65W charger (0-41% in 30 minutes).
• Claims: Samsung touts 21 hours of video playback.
• Real-World: I got ~9-10 hours of mixed use (work, browsing, videos) at medium brightness and balanced settings.

Battery Tips

• Use “Best Power Efficiency” mode for longer life (slower performance).
• Enable Samsung’s 80% charge limit to prolong battery lifespan.

Verdict: Good battery life for an Intel-powered ultrabook, but heavy users might need a charger handy.

Audio and Ecosystem: Samsung’s Secret Weapons

Speakers

• Quad Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Loud and rich, though not quite MacBook-level.
• Placement: Strategically located on the underside for clear sound.

Galaxy Ecosystem

• Multi-Control: Drag files from your Samsung phone to the laptop seamlessly.
• Link to Windows: Mirror your phone on the screen.
• Second Screen: Extend your display to a Samsung tablet (e.g., Tab S10 Ultra).

Verdict: If you’re in the Samsung ecosystem, this laptop’s integration is a game-changer.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

• Premium build quality and portability.
• Stunning 3K AMOLED touchscreen display.
• Strong performance for work and creative tasks.
• Great ecosystem perks for Samsung users.
• Solid 9-10 hour battery life.

Cons

• Bezels could be slimmer.
• MicroSD slot instead of full SD.
• Pricey at retail ($1,350-$1,650)—hunt for discounts.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro Right for You?

The Galaxy Book 5 Pro (14″) is a compelling alternative to the MacBook Air M4. It’s ideal for:

• Samsung Fans: Ecosystem integration is unmatched.
• Creatives: The display and performance shine for editing.
• Portability Seekers: Lightweight with a robust feature set.

It’s not for:

• Budget Buyers: Retail pricing is steep without discounts.
• Photographers: The microSD slot limits pro workflows.

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Contender

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro (14″) blends premium design, top-tier performance, and a display that rivals the best. It’s not flawless—thinner bezels and an SD card reader would seal the deal—but it’s a rock-solid ultrabook that holds its own against the MacBook Air M4. Pair it with a discount (check links below!), and it’s a no-brainer for Windows fans or Samsung loyalists.

What do you think—would you pick this over a MacBook? Let me know in the comments!