Samsung Chromebook Pro (XE510C24-K01US) Review

The Samsung Chromebook Pro (XE510C24-K01US) is one of our favorite Chromebooks out in the market right now. It’s a thin, premium built Chromebook with one of the very best in display technology among Chromebooks. The price tag is not a bargain price compared to other Chromebooks, but also it comes with a bunch of other features that you will love.

Case in point, it sports an Intel Core M processor, a 2,560 x 1,600 display, stylus pen and multiple USB-C 3.1 ports. If you’re looking for an affordable Chromebook with a great display, battery life, and touchscreen, the Samsung Chromebook Pro is a recommendable choice.

Samsung Chromebook Pro Convertible Touch Screen...

Pros

  • Simple but attractive design
  • Super thin and lightweight
  • Includes stylus pen
  • A bright, colorful display
  • Runs Android apps

Cons

  • Mushy keyboard
Samsung Chromebook Pro Convertible Touch Screen...
  • Display: 12.3" 2400x1600, 3:2,400nit
  • Intel Core M3 Processor 6Y30 ; 2.2Ghz Speed
  • 4GB LPDDR3 Memory (on BD 4GB); Battery Life: 9 hours

Chromebooks have always been the go-to option for users looking for a cheap option for low budget, light-usage social media, and web-centric productivity. And now that Chromebooks have stepped up from being basic systems to elegant and powerful computers, you can get a reliable Windows alternative cheaply. Some come with carbon-fiber chassis, lightweight frames, glossy white exteriors, and bright In-Plane Switching (IPS) display offering wide viewing angles.

Today, we review the Samsung Chromebook Pro, a look-alike of the Samsung Chromebook Plus and an evolved Chromebook as well. It doesn’t make it to the best Chromebook list for this year, but the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 (LTE) does (if you’re a Samsung Chromebook devotee). Its two most important qualities are the display (2400×1600), an Intel Core M3 Processor 6Y30 processor and Samsung nails the former.

Most importantly, it is the first Chromebook to embed styli and run Android apps out of the box. Therefore, join us as we stack it against other Chromebooks and review whether it’s still worth buying.

Design and Features

The Samsung Chromebook Pro sports a sleek and very minimalistic design making it an ideal laptop for college students and budget users. The lid is plain with smoothly rounded edges, and the chassis is all aluminum. The Samsung Chromebook takes up a no-frills design, with hardly any adornments except for a monochromatic Chrome emblem on the chassis. Some high-end Chromebooks sport magnesium alloy chassis. Unlike those, the Samsung Chromebook Pro comes in an aluminum chassis that still looks and feels sturdy to the touch.

The Samsung Chromebook Pro (XE510C24-K01US) in tablet mode
The Samsung Chromebook Pro can contort to tablet, tent, and laptop modes

Our unit was silver, but you can always opt for a darker shade because Samsung made a darker shade production unit option. The Chromebook Pro’s hinge is sturdy, and it firmly holds the display panel such that there are no flexes. Chief of all, the hinges allow the screen to contort 360-degrees back into the stand, laptop, tent, and tablet mode. The last three modes hide the keyboard to allow for unobstructed access to the touchscreen. What’s more, is it’s easy to open the lid as the hinges make it easy to.

The Chromebook Pro measures 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds making it among the thinnest and lightest Chromebooks we’ve handled this year. Compared to Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA (11.9 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches, 3.2 pounds), our unit is a bit lighter but a few inches smaller. The Acer Chromebook R13 is also heavier (12.8 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches, 3.2 pounds), but it has a more substantial, 13.3-inch display.

Display

The highlight of the Samsung Chromebook Pro is its display. The 12.3-inch, 2400 x 1600 panel is among the crispest and colorful displays we’ve handled on a Chromebook this year. The Chromebook Pro also boasts of 376 nits of brightness making it one of the most luminous Chromebooks among its competition. The display also enjoys a 3:2 ratio rather than the typical 16:9. The Dell Chromebook 11 3189 is no match here even with an 11-inch display and 1366 x 768 display.

Ports

There are not as many ports on the Samsung Chromebook Pro. And that’s because Chromebooks rely a great deal on the cloud. The left side houses a headphone jack, a microSD card reader, and a USB Type-C port. Meanwhile, the right side is home to a single USB-C port and a slot to hold the included stylus. The two USB Type-C helps to charge other devices. However, you will have to get used to using one when the laptop is plugged in.

One other advantage of the USB Type-C port is that with an adapter (USB-C adapter) it can allow connections to everything. You can connect to your HDMI (also VGA for old monitors) to cast presentations on your TV or projector. On that list is a USB wired mouse and USB Bluetooth mouse. You can use the USB ports to connect to your printer too.

Other connectivity options include 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity. The Samsung Chromebook Pro doesn’t come with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security like the Asus Chromebook Flip.

Performance

Asus included the Intel Core M3 Processor 6Y30 processor coupled with an Intel HD Graphics 515 for this Chromebook. The Intel Core M3 Processor 6Y30 processor is a 6th Gen Skylake processor with a 2.2 GHz rated boost and low price tag. While it’s not the most powerful CPU in the processor world, it is nonetheless a strong CPU that was used by Apple back in 2016 for their 12-inch MacBook.

For comparison, it is the Chuwi Aerobook laptop; a Matebook alternative currently uses this processor. In practical use, it’s most suitable for light browsing, office work, and content consumption.

Additionally, the processor can stream three 1080p videos smoothly while at the same time handling half-dozen other open tabs. You can also be checking your email, streaming music without any hiccup. Running a 4K video (playing at 1080p) alone will occasionally stop for buffering so be warned.

Other than the processor, the Chromebook Pro uses a 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage. If you’re from a Windows laptop, you’ll notice just how little the memory is. But don’t worry, you can access some extra storage on the cloud, case in point, on cloud-based file storage services like Google Drive.

Chrome OS and Android Apps

As I mentioned earlier, one of the great things about the Samsung Chromebook Pro is it’s the first Chromebook to support Android apps. As if not enough, it at the same time, includes a stylus pen, a rarity among Chromebooks. Of course, the Samsung Chromebook Plus did support Android apps and added a stylus; a new step for Chromebooks. You should be able to install Android apps just as easily as downloading apps on your phone.

While not every app works, a bunch of useful apps should. Adobe Photoshop Sketch, Nintendo’s Miitomo, Twitter, Threes, and Dark Sky should work with aplomb. Others like Pokemon Go, Tinder and Signal gave notice of not being compatible.

Battery life

The display the Chromebook Pro is high-resolutions my first inclination was it would drain the battery. But I was wrong. Thanks to the low-heat emitting processor and a durable battery, the Chromebook Pro should last you through you a whole 8 hours day work shift. Users who pull 9 to 5 jobs will find the 8 hours and 5 minutes of battery life quite helpful.

Keyboard and trackpad

Considering the size of the Samsung Chromebook Pro, one can’t help but feel the keyboard is a little cramped. Especially if you’re coming from a larger 15-inch laptop. Even so, the Chromebook Pro hits the nail in other avenues such as crucial feel. Each of the individual keys is responsive, sturdy, and offers a satisfying click sound when typing on the island-style keyboard. Thankfully, the keys also offer deep travel, which isn’t as common in small systems.

On the flip side, there is no backlighting, but this is not an uncommon phenomenon on smaller-sized Chromebooks. The bottom line, this keyboard is enough for the price the Chromebook sells for. I would go as far as saying it’s light years better than the Microsoft Surface keyboard. Moreover, it should get work done well as an input device.

Like the keyboard, the trackpad is also small, nothing close compared to a Dell XPS 13 or an Apple MacBook line. But again, that’s because of the size of the Chromebook. I would suggest finding a mouse if you’re going to be using the Chromebook on your desk for long hours.

For me, the Chromebook Pro felt more natural as a tablet than a notebook. That’s mostly because of the ease of using it as a tablet in tent mode, and Samsung’s digitalized stylus pen tucked away at the back-right corner. The stylus pen is useful in Chrome apps, jotting down notes, or even searching terms online.

If anything, the stylus is among the biggest reasons I would recommend this Chromebook. It throws out frantic typing of notes in meetings and gives you the option to scribble notes which hardly any Chromebook does.

Conclusion

The Samsung Chromebook Pro (XE510C24-K01US) might be more expensive than other Chromebooks, but its rich selection of features make it well worth the extra penny. While it is priced almost similar to a budget entry-level Windows laptop, it looks and feels premium and is cheaper than most budget-friendly Windows machines.

It also benefits from a metallic build (unlike budget Windows laptops at this price range), beautiful vivid display, excellent battery life, a thin, lightweight body, and an attractive 2-in-1 form factor.

Other than that, there is an Intel Core M3 6Y30 processor, 4GB memory, and 32GB eMMC storage option. But best of all, the 12.3-inch display comes with a 2400 x 1600 touch screen which is unique and great for streaming YouTube videos, binging Netflix or movies on your computer. The 260-degree hinges come in play here, meaning you can watch movies on laptop, tent, or tablet mode.

Bottom line, we recommend the Samsung Chromebook Pro for budget users looking for an affordable high-end Chromebook that’s lightweight and ready to go instantly.

Are there other alternatives?

In most cases, there are alternatives. For the Samsung Chromebook Pro, there are a few at the high-end price point category. A close comparison at that point is the HP Chromebook X2, which costs somewhere around $400.

Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 (XE520QAB-K01US) is yet another option to go for. It flaunts a 1900 x 1200 display, Intel Celeron m3 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC storage, and a 13MP Camera. Like the Chromebook Pro, it comes with a 360-hinge so you can enjoy the different modes (laptop, tablet, tent). For this unit, however, you get a considerably lower resolution display and as a result lower price tag.

Should I buy it?

Yes. The Samsung Chromebook Pro has a lot going on for it. It nails some important elements of a high-end Chrome OS device, making it worth its price. I’m talking about a thin and lightweight body, an impeccable high-resolution display, a long-lasting battery, a comfortable keyboard, a stylus pen, and Android apps.

The last two of which hardly any other Chromebook offers. Some users might complain of its higher price compared to other traditional, less expensive Chromebooks. But the additional cost makes sense considering the extras you’re getting. So, to sum it all up, users who love Chrome OS will appreciate the effort gone into the Samsung Chromebook Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve taken some of the most asked random questions online; questions concerning the Samsung Chromebook Pro. Well, some of the questions also touch on the Samsung Chromebook Plus. Have a look and figure out which one answers your question.

Is the Samsung Chromebook Plus worth it?

Yes. At the time of writing this article, the Samsung Chromebook Plus costs $398. For less than $400, you get one of the most revolutionary Chromebooks in this age. The Chromebook Plus flaunts of a Celeron 3965Y processor (updated from an ARM processor), 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage, 13MP camera, and Intel® HD Graphics 615 graphics.

That’s a typical Chromebook configuration with a price point that balances on the fence between budget and premium territories. So why is the Samsung Chromebook worth it?

As explained earlier, the Samsung Chromebook Plus and its close cousin, the Samsung Chromebook Pro are the first Chromebooks to offer a styli pen and Android apps. You get to use more than a dozen apps on the Google Play Store. The touchscreen and stylus pen makes it easier to scroll through apps, scribble notes, and draw. If you’re looking for some light gaming, it’s good to know that casual Chrome OS and Android games ran well on the Chromebook Plus. That aside, as far as battery life goes, leave your AC adapter home.

Considering the 39 watt-hour battery capacity and low-power consumption of the Celeron processor, thankfully, you’re able to get through your 9 to 5 job without needing a charger. Overall, it is an excellent Chromebook, but the Samsung Chromebook Pro, which costs slightly more is a better option if you can afford it.

What’s the best Samsung Chromebook?

The best Samsung Chromebook is Samsung Chromebook Pro, although it is more expensive than its closest competition, the Samsung Chromebook Plus. While the two have more than a few common features, the Chromebook Pro surges ahead for a few more reasons. First, it has a spill-resistant keyboard (60cc), and it is lighter (weighs in at 2.38 pounds compared to the Plus’ 2.98 pounds). But that’s just the cream of it. Other features that make this Chromebook stand out are the 12.3-inch QHD touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge, a unique built-in-stylus and of course a host of Android apps.

If you typically work on your computer for long hours, the all-day 9-hour battery life will meet your demanding needs and get the job done for you. Samsung didn’t drop the ball on the design either. With this Chromebook, you get a gorgeous design and finish although you will have to bear a cramped keyboard and not-so-great speakers.

Thanks to the updated Intel Celeron processor and 4GB memory, the system should get through various tasks; word processing, emailing, watching Netflix, surfing the internet and some light gaming on online games (Android games)

Is Asus a good Chromebook?

There was a time before Google released the Pixelbook and revealed to the Chromebook industry what a Chromebook ought to be like, that the Asus Chromebook Flip was our favorite Chromebook laptop. The Asus Chromebook Flip shone for its full Intel Core processor and full-HD display making it a remarkable budget Chrome OS laptop to own.

Concerning our reviewed unit, the Samsung Chromebook Pro, the Asus Chromebook is no match. The entrance of Android apps and an impeccable stylus to the Chromebook Pro’s existence tipped the scale in the Pros’ direction. As a result, the Chromebook Pro is the value option between the two if price, performance, design, and display are anything to go by.

Does the Samsung Chromebook Pro have a USB port?

Yes. The Chromebook Pro is a fully-featured Chromebook with a couple of ports including some futuristic USB Type-C ports. There’s a USB-C port on either side of the laptop. Also included in the pack is a 3.5mm headphone jack, and MicroSD slot allotted on the left side. Meanwhile, the right side is home to a single USB-C port and a slot to hold the included stylus. The two USB Type-C can are handy for charging. However, you will have to get used to using one when the laptop is plugged in.

One other advantage of the USB Type-C port is that with an adapter (USB-C adapter) it can allow connections to everything. You can connect to your HDMI (also VGA for old monitors) to cast presentations on your TV or projector. On that list is a USB wired mouse and USB Bluetooth mouse.

Other connectivity options include 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity. The Samsung Chromebook Pro doesn’t come with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security like the Asus Chromebook Flip.

Is the Samsung Chromebook Pro good?

Yes. The Samsung Chromebook Pro is good and even in the face of other modern Chromebooks it certainly shines. It leaves a mark owing to the inclusion of Android apps and a stylus pen into its feature set making it one among the best Chromebooks this year. The Samsung Chromebook Pro brushes shoulders with some of the best Chromebook this year (2019). I’m talking about giants such as the Google Pixelbook, Asus Chromebook Flip and Acer Chromebook Spin 13.

The Google Pixelbook is the best Chromebook this year. It succeeds in running Android apps natively, has an updated Chrome OS, offers huge storage space, packs an impeccable stylus and runs voice command through Google Assistant. The reason why the Samsung Chromebook Pro is good is that it borrows some of these aspects; has Android apps, an updated Chrome OS and an impressive stylus).

How much is a Samsung Chromebook Pro?

As of writing this review, the Samsung Chromebook Pro costs slightly shy of $400. Compared to other Chromebooks in our favorite list, that is a mile cheaper than the Google Pixelbook at $999 and Asus Chromebook Flip at $474. As such it flawlessly fits the bill as a budget system for all your web browsing, video editing, and other office-related tasks.

When did Samsung Chromebook Plus come out?

The Samsung Chromebook Plus was first announced on June 14 but was first available on stores like Best Buy on June 24th. The configuration available was one called Chromebook Plus V2 with a 1920 x 1080 display and a 16:10 aspect ratio.

How big is the Samsung Chromebook Plus?

In terms of dimensions, the Samsung Chromebook Plus is 0.7 inches which isn’t nearly as thin and sleek as the Chromebook Pro’s o.55-inches. Size aside, the Chromebook Plus also weighs in more, a whopping 2.93 pounds compared to its sibling’s 2.38 pounds.

Because of the Chromebook’s size, a few features like the keyboard are smaller. A smaller keyboard can be a bummer for users who like me are used to larger keyboards. If you’re used to a full-sized keyboard with a number pad and a good mechanical keyboard then this Chromebook Plus’s tiny keys might not feel the same.

However, this is an issue of preference which might not affect everyone. If anything, users subscribed to a thin and lightweight machine like this one might not exactly have a problem with the keyboard.

Is the Samsung Chromebook touch screen?

Both the Samsung Chromebook Plus and Samsung Chromebook Pro have touchscreens. Samsung stashed in a battery-free pen used on the touchscreen. With the pen and touch display, this Chromebook is perfect for; writing, drawing, scribbling short notes, signing documents or simply capturing specific regions on the screen by drawing a box around it.

The display (on the Chromebook Plus) is also 12.2-inch In-Plane Switching (IPS) with an unusual 16:10 resolution at 1920 x 1080 resolution. In other words, it’s slightly taller than the 16:9 aspect ratio we know, although not as tall as the 3:2 ratio on the Chromebook x2, Chromebook Pro and Google Pixelbook. As far as contrast goes, the contrast seems good as well, with black text standing out nicely against a white background.

Samsung Chromebook Pro Convertible Touch Screen...
  • Display: 12.3" 2400x1600, 3:2,400nit
  • Intel Core M3 Processor 6Y30 ; 2.2Ghz Speed
  • 4GB LPDDR3 Memory (on BD 4GB); Battery Life: 9 hours

Liam Weissman

A lover of MacBook Air and the Dell XPS line of laptops, Liam has been researching and writing as a guest blogger for numerous websites for over 10 years. Now, he blogs about tech trends, PCs, laptops, gadgets, and other emerging gadgets on FancyAppliance.com.

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