Picture this: a laptop that’s powerful enough for your toughest assignments, light enough to carry everywhere, and versatile enough to flip into a tablet for sketching or streaming. That’s the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360. Starting at £849, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to the pricier Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 (£1,699), yet it delivers premium features like a 360-degree hinge, S Pen stylus, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Uncle Spurt describes it as a “gorgeous wee bugger” that transforms into a “bloody massive tablet,” perfect for work, play, or creativity. After weeks of testing it in cafes, classrooms, and on the go, I’m hooked. This guide breaks down 10 compelling reasons to buy the Galaxy Book 5 360, with detailed insights, user tips, and comparisons to help you make an informed choice. Whether you’re a student, professional, or Samsung fan, this laptop is built to impress.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360

1. Premium Design That’s Tough and Stylish

The Galaxy Book 5 360 boasts a sleek, all-aluminum chassis in a sophisticated gray finish, measuring just 12.8mm thick and weighing 1.69kg. While not the lightest 15.6-inch laptop, it’s a “solid chunk of aluminum” with “no troublesome flex,” as Uncle Spurt notes. After a month of tossing it into backpacks and using it on crowded trains, I found no scratches or scuffs, even with heavy handling. The smooth surface resists fingerprints, though snackers might need a quick wipe to keep it pristine. Its minimalist aesthetic rivals premium ultrabooks like the MacBook Air, making it a stylish companion for coffee shops, university lectures, or client meetings.

• Durability: The sturdy build withstands daily wear, perfect for students or travelers.
• Look and Feel: The gray finish looks professional, though it’s the only color option.
• Portability: At 1.69kg, it’s manageable for carrying between classes or offices.

Tip: Use a microfiber cloth to clean smudges, and consider a slim sleeve for extra protection in bags.

2. Versatile 360-Degree Hinge for Any Task

The Galaxy Book 5 360’s 360-degree hinge is its superpower, letting you switch between laptop, tent, tablet, and stand modes in seconds. Uncle Spurt loves tent mode for “kicking back with a dumb action flick,” while tablet mode creates a “massive tablet” for sketching or browsing. The hinges are “suitably stiff,” holding the screen steady without wobbling, even when tapped in tablet mode. I used tent mode to share a presentation with colleagues and tablet mode to annotate PDFs during a study session. This flexibility makes it ideal for students presenting group projects, professionals collaborating in meetings, or creatives sketching on the go.

• Laptop Mode: Perfect for typing emails or coding.
• Tent Mode: Great for movies or presentations in tight spaces.
• Tablet Mode: Ideal for stylus-based tasks like note-taking or drawing.

Tip: Adjust the hinge slowly to avoid strain, and use tent mode on a small desk to save space during video calls or streaming.

3. Stunning 15.6-Inch AMOLED Display

The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) Super AMOLED display delivers “gorgeous contrast” and “poppy colors,” making it a visual treat, according to Uncle Spurt. With a 16:9 aspect ratio, it’s perfect for multitasking—think video calls on one side and notes on the other. HDR content on Netflix, like Stranger Things, looks cinematic with deep blacks and vibrant hues. Frandroid reports a brightness of 377.7 cd/m², sufficient for indoor use and moderate outdoor conditions, though the glossy finish reflects light in bright rooms. The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling for web browsing or document editing but isn’t optimized for fast-paced gaming.

• Color Accuracy: Covers 100% sRGB, ideal for photo editing in Photoshop.
• Contrast: Deep blacks enhance movies and animations.
• Reflections: The glossy screen can distract in dark scenes or sunlight.

Drawback: Reflections are noticeable in bright environments. Max out brightness or adjust angles to reduce glare.

Tip: Enable HDR in Windows Display Settings for richer colors when streaming or editing.

4. Responsive Touchscreen with Included S Pen

The touchscreen is “nice and responsive,” supporting 10-point multi-touch for smooth gestures like pinching to zoom or swiping through apps. The included S Pen stylus is a game-changer for creatives and students, letting you sketch, annotate PDFs, or take handwritten notes. Uncle Spurt highlights the S Pen’s side button, which opens a quick menu for apps like Samsung Notes or AI Select (circle items for instant searches, e.g., a product online). I used the S Pen to mark up lecture slides and sketch designs, finding it precise with minimal lag. The downside? There’s no built-in storage slot—just a magnetic spot on the lid, which detaches easily in bags.

• Precision: The S Pen offers pressure sensitivity for natural drawing.
• AI Select: Circle text or images to search, great for shopping or research.
• No Storage: The magnetic lid isn’t secure for travel.

Tip: Buy a small stylus pouch or clip to keep the S Pen safe, and use Samsung Notes for organized note-taking.

5. Reliable Performance for Everyday Use

The entry-level Galaxy Book 5 360, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (Lunar Lake), 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and Intel Arc 130V GPU, handles daily tasks with ease. Uncle Spurt found it “absolutely fine” for photo editing in Lightroom, light video editing in Samsung Studio, and running multiple apps side-by-side. I edited a 1080p video while browsing 20 Chrome tabs without slowdowns. It even supports casual gaming—Spider-Man ran at 30-40 FPS on medium settings, though it occasionally stuttered during intense scenes. For heavier tasks like 4K video editing or AAA gaming, consider upgrading to the Core Ultra 7 256V.

• Multitasking: Supports split-screen apps for productivity.
• Creative Tasks: Handles Photoshop and Premiere Pro for light projects.
• Gaming: Best for older titles like Pillars of Eternity or casual games.

Drawback: The base model can be slow to wake up or load apps. Avoid heavy multitasking on the Core Ultra 5.

Tip: Use “Balanced” power mode for daily tasks to save battery; switch to “Performance” for editing or gaming.

6. Impressive Battery Life for On-the-Go

With a 68.1Wh battery, the Galaxy Book 5 360 lasts 11-12 hours of mixed use (web browsing, Zoom, light editing), as Uncle Spurt reports. Streaming Netflix at max brightness yields 13-14 hours, while heavy tasks like gaming or 4K downloads drop to 4-5 hours. Frandroid’s tests show up to 22-23 hours for light office work, thanks to the power-efficient Lunar Lake chip. I used it for a full day of classes without plugging in, and it still had juice for evening Netflix. The 65W USB-C charger is compact but has a short cord, which can be annoying in tight spaces.

• Workday Endurance: Covers 8-10 hours of productivity.
• Streaming Marathon: Up to 14 hours for video playback.
• Fast Charging: Reaches 50% in ~30 minutes with the included charger.

Tip: Lower brightness to 50% and close background apps to stretch battery life during travel.

7. Versatile Connectivity with Wi-Fi 7

The Galaxy Book 5 360 offers two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, one HDMI 2.1, one USB-A 3.2, a microSD slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Thunderbolt 4 supports charging, data transfer, and external displays (e.g., a 4K monitor), but charging occupies one USB-C port. Uncle Spurt suggests splitting USB-C ports across both sides for better cable management, a minor gripe I share. The microSD slot is handy for photographers transferring files, and Wi-Fi 7 ensures blazing-fast streaming and downloads. I hotspotting from my Galaxy S24 Ultra worked flawlessly, with no dropouts during video calls.

• Ports: Covers monitors, drives, and legacy devices.
• Wi-Fi 7: Future-proof for faster networks.
• Hotspotting: Seamless with Galaxy phones.

Tip: Get a USB-C hub for extra ports, and use a longer USB-C cable (e.g., 2m) for charging flexibility.

8. Comfortable Keyboard and Reliable Trackpad

The chiclet keyboard is “fairly comfortable” with a firm typing action, though shallow key travel and a cramped numpad led to occasional typos (e.g., hitting numbers instead of Enter), as Uncle Spurt notes. I typed 2,000-word essays comfortably, thanks to the spacious palm rest. The backlit keys have three brightness levels, perfect for late-night work. The large trackpad is smooth with good palm rejection, though its off-center placement (due to the numpad) takes getting used to. It supports multi-finger gestures like two-finger scrolling, making navigation easy.

• Typing Comfort: Spacious layout reduces wrist strain.
• Backlighting: Adjustable for low-light environments.
• Trackpad: Responsive but not haptic.

Tip: Use the function key (F10) to toggle backlighting, and practice numpad typing to avoid errors.

9. Functional Webcam and Clear Microphones

The Full HD webcam is “absolutely fine” for video calls, handling contrast well with Windows Studio effects like background blur or auto-framing. It’s not razor-sharp but works for Zoom or Teams without needing an external camera. The dual microphones capture clear audio even from a distance, ideal for group calls or voice notes. There’s no face unlock, but the fingerprint sensor in the power button is fast, though it may lag with dirty fingers, per Uncle Spurt. I used the webcam for online classes, and colleagues heard me clearly without a headset.

• Video Quality: Decent for casual calls, with blur options.
• Audio Capture: Mics work well in noisy environments.
• Security: Fingerprint sensor is secure but not foolproof.

Tip: Wipe fingers before using the fingerprint sensor, and enable Windows Studio effects for professional calls.

10. Seamless Samsung Ecosystem and AI Tools

For Galaxy phone or tablet users, the Galaxy Book 5 360 is a productivity booster. Features include:

• Quick Share: Transfer files like photos or videos instantly to your Galaxy S25 or Tab S10.
• Phone Link: Mirror calls, texts, or apps from your phone. I answered calls without touching my phone.
• Multi-Control: Use one mouse across your laptop and tablet, perfect for dragging files.
• AI Select: Circle on-screen items to search, though Uncle Spurt notes it’s better for products than people.
• Samsung Studio: Edit home videos into polished clips, great for vloggers.

Bloatware is minimal, with useful apps like Galaxy Book Experience for managing features. Galaxy AI tools, free until December 2025, add value. I used Quick Share to send a 1GB video to my phone in seconds, and Multi-Control streamlined my workflow. Non-Samsung users still benefit from AI Select and Studio.

Tip: Download Galaxy Book Experience from the Microsoft Store to unlock all Samsung features, and explore Samsung Studio for creative projects.

Drawbacks to Watch For

• Reflective Display: The glossy screen shows reflections in bright rooms or outdoors. Adjust angles or increase brightness.
• S Pen Storage: The magnetic lid isn’t secure for travel; the stylus can detach in bags.
• Keyboard Quirks: Shallow keys and a cramped numpad may cause typos for fast typists.
• Base Model Limits: The Core Ultra 5 struggles with heavy tasks like 4K editing; upgrade for demanding workloads.
• No Face Unlock: The fingerprint sensor is your only biometric option, and it’s finicky with dirt.
• Single Color: Gray is sleek but lacks variety compared to competitors like the Lenovo Yoga 9i.

Who Should Buy the Galaxy Book 5 360?

This 2-in-1 is perfect for:

• Students: Lightweight for campus, with S Pen for notes and 11-12 hours of battery for classes.
• Professionals: Sleek for meetings, with tent mode for presentations and Wi-Fi 7 for reliable calls.
• Creatives: AMOLED display and S Pen are great for sketching, photo editing, or video projects.
• Samsung Fans: Seamless integration with Galaxy devices boosts productivity.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: At £849, it’s a steal compared to the £1,699 Pro 360.

If you need high-end gaming, a sharper webcam, or a deeper keyboard, consider the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 or HP Spectre x360 16.

How It Stacks Up

• Vs. Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360: The Pro offers a 3K AMOLED display, AKG-tuned speakers, and faster Core Ultra 7 performance but costs £1,699. The Book 5 360 is a value-driven choice with similar versatility.
• Vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: The Surface has a better haptic trackpad and Snapdragon X Elite chip but lacks a convertible hinge and starts at £1,049.
• Vs. MacBook Air M3: The MacBook excels in battery life (15 hours) and keyboard but lacks a touchscreen, stylus, or 2-in-1 design, and starts at £1,099.
• Vs. Lenovo Yoga 9i: The Yoga offers a 2.8K OLED display and deeper keyboard but is pricier at £1,299 and heavier at 1.9kg.

Real-World Scenarios

• Student: Use tablet mode to annotate lecture slides with the S Pen, tent mode to watch tutorials, and laptop mode to type essays—all on one device.
• Professional: Connect to a 4K monitor via HDMI for presentations, use Multi-Control to manage files across your Galaxy phone, and rely on 11-hour battery life for travel.
• Creative: Edit photos in Lightroom on the color-accurate AMOLED display, sketch designs with the S Pen, and export videos using Samsung Studio.
• Casual User: Stream Netflix in tent mode, browse social media with the touchscreen, and hotspot from your phone for on-the-go connectivity.

Getting the Most Out of Your Galaxy Book 5 360

• Optimize Battery: Use “Power Saver” mode and dim the screen to 40% for light tasks to hit 14 hours.
• Enhance Productivity: Set up split-screen mode (Windows + arrow keys) to run two apps side-by-side, like Zoom and OneNote.
• Protect the S Pen: Store it in a pencil case or attach a lanyard to avoid losing it.
• Update Software: Run Windows Update and Samsung Update (via Galaxy Book Experience) to fix bugs and boost performance.
• Customize AI: Tweak AI Select settings in the Galaxy Book Experience app to prioritize product searches over general queries.

Final Verdict: A 2-in-1 Worth Buying

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360 is a versatile, budget-friendly 2-in-1 that excels in 2025. Its stunning AMOLED display, long battery life, and included S Pen make it a top pick for students, professionals, and creatives, especially Samsung ecosystem users. Minor flaws like the reflective screen or shallow keyboard don’t overshadow its value at £849. As Uncle Spurt says, it’s “excellent all round” for those not needing top-tier performance. Whether you’re sketching, working, or binge-watching, this laptop delivers. Explore it at Samsung’s official store or retailers like Amazon for the latest deals.

Source: Laptop, or Tablet? | Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360 Review (2025)