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Samsung Galaxy Book 12
Samsung Galaxy Book 12
Samsung Galaxy Book 12
Samsung Galaxy Book 12
Samsung Galaxy Book 12
Samsung Galaxy Book 12
Samsung Galaxy Book 12
...


7.7/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Book 12 currently has an Informr score of 7.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 13 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Vibrant, HDR-ready display
  • Included accessories
  • Better camera than most tablets
  • Good price

What's bad

  • Battery life inconsistent
  • Keyboard too flexible for use on lap
  • No USB2.0/3.0 Ports
  • Must choose between more RAM or LTE support

While Samsung is a leader in the smartphone market, their tablets and hybrids have had trouble keeping up. Their latest release, the Samsung Galaxy Book 12, hopes to change that.

The hybrid includes both a keyboard and pen out of the box—something you won’t find with competitors. But does the performance and experience make the savings worth it?

Reviewers have had time to test out this new release and we’ve scoured what they’re saying to bring you this summary!

The design of the tablet left many reviewers conflicted. While they liked the sleek, brushed aluminum finish, they weren’t all fans of the case design or lack of choices for connecting accessories. With just two USB Type-C ports and a headphone jack, you’ll likely need an adapter to use your favorite mouse or other accessory.

Other reviewers also found the bezels on the device too thick. They felt this made the device awkward to hold while also adding unneeded weight. That’s not to say the tablet is particularly heavy—for a laptop. But most reviewers mentioned that the hybrid is definitely best used on a flat surface or tabletop.

However, weight was only one part of this issue. Many reviewers found the flexible keyboard case to be too flexible. From instability while propping up the tablet on their laps to bending the keyboard trying to type, most quickly stopped trying to use the hybrid as a laptop on their laps.

Heading around front, reviews improve fast. Everyone loved the 12-inch 1440-by-2160 AMOLED screen. As one of the first tablet displays to offer HDR functionality, it received high marks for both image quality and video playback. Reviewers had no issues using it for work either, thanks to its crisp text and spacious size.

Powering the tablet, you’ll find a 3.1Ghz Intel Core i5 processor with 4 to 8GB of RAM depending on the model. We found no complaints about performance. PC World said, “If it wasn't for Microsoft's newly-released Surface Pro (2017), the Book would top the [performance] list.”

The Galaxy Book 12 runs Windows 10—just like a desktop PC or laptop. With 128GB to 256GB of internal storage plus microSD card support, you should have little to worry about unless you’re working with large files.

You’ll also find Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.1 BLE connections to make connecting to networks and wireless accessories easy. There is also an LTE variant. However, opting for LTE means you can only have 4GB of RAM.

While many competing hybrids charge extra for a stylus or keyboard cover, the Galaxy Book 12 includes them out of the box. Reviews on the keyboard are hit or miss—though complaints pertain more to flexing than accuracy.

The included S Pen includes 4,000+ levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support and doesn’t require a battery. However, it doesn’t include a digital eraser function.

If you’re looking to snap pictures with your tablet, reviews are about what you’d expect. While the 13MP rear camera is better than most tablet offerings, it’s still not going to compete with your phone or dedicated camera. The front facing 5MP camera is good for video chat.

Battery life was the most critical—and inconsistent—aspect of most reviews. Some reviewers found their tablet only lasted 4 or 5 hours. Other’s had no problem hitting 8 or 9. However, none reached the 11.5 hours estimated by Samsung. Many also complained of slow charging while in use. If you plan to use this as a workstation, you’ll definitely want to keep a charger handy.

While Samsung’s latest offering is an improvement over previous models and includes accessories most competitors charge extra for, reviewers were on the fence about recommending it. If you’re looking for a digital sketchpad or media consumption device, the stylus and HDR display are attractive. However, if you’re looking to work on the go, many reviewers felt the battery life and keyboard weren’t up to the challenge.

The Verge summed up opinions well, saying, “The Galaxy Book is okay in a vacuum—it has a nice display, solid performance, and a comfortable keyboard—but in this surprisingly competitive field, it doesn’t match up. The PC market marches on, but this one merely stumbles.”


Windows
Operating system
Operating system
Windows
3.1 GHz
Processor
Processor
3.1 GHz
12"
Screen Size
Screen Size
12"
13+ MP, f/1.9
Camera
Camera
13+ MP, f/1.9
5070 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

The Samsung Galaxy Book provides one of the best displays we've seen on any laptop, as well as a keyboard that's good for typing, provided you've got a hard surface. If only this machine lasted longer, fit better in your lap or cost less, it would be more exciting.

- Henry T. Casey, Laptop Mag
IT Pro
IT Pro

Although it fixes most of the issues of its 10.6in sibling, the 12in Galaxy Book markets itself too closely against the Surface Pro, which only serves to highlight its limitations. While the best of Galaxy Book range by far, performance and build quality place it a generation behind its rivals.

- Dale Walker, IT Pro
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

Prospective buyers with enough petty cash can hardly go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Book 12 LTE if they like the idea of a connecting keyboard and high portability. Apart from the meagre port selection, Samsung really has managed to combine the best of both worlds in one device.

- Sven Kloevekorn, Notebookcheck
Ausdroid
Ausdroid

Samsung's Galaxy Book is a great ultra-portable WIndows 10 machine with slim keyboard cover, decent battery life and the rare inclusion of 4G capability for a bit of extra coin.

- Chris Rowland, Ausdroid
The Next Web
The Next Web

Samsung’s built a competitive tablet on the whole with a unique collection of features and solid overall performance. If you can live with its unfortunate touchpad problems, it’s worth your consideration – just know what you’re getting into.

- Napier Lopez, The Next Web


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Quick view

Screen Size
12"

The Samsung Galaxy Book 12's screen size is 12 inches with 1440 x 2160 pixels resolution.

Processor
3.1 GHz

There is a Intel Core i5 dual core 3.1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system (OS).

Camera
13+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 13+ MP, f/1.9 camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 5+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
128/256 GB

Internal memory is 128/256 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 256 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
5070mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 5070 mAh battery.

Galaxy Book 12 Specs

Overview
Release Date May 21, 2017
Regions Available USA
Operating System Windows 10 Home

Compare Windows Smartphones

Processor Intel Core i5 dual core 3.1 GHz
Internal Storage 128/256 GB
RAM 8 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 0.51 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Data Cable, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Unknown
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 256 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
13+ Megapixels, f/1.9
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF, AVI, MKV
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1440 x 2160 pixels
Pixel density 216 pixels
Size 12 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 5070 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 11 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 8.4 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 29.1 x 20 x 0.7 cm (11.5 x 7.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 753 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Samsung SM-W720, SM-W727

LTE variant only has 4 GB of RAM.

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Book 12 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Book 12
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