What you need to know
- The Intel version of the Galaxy Book S is now available in the United States.
- The laptop is the first PC to feature Intel Hybrid Technology.
- The Galaxy Book S starts at $800 on Samsung's website.
The Galaxy Book S with an Intel chip is like the Qualcomm-powered Galaxy Book S we reviewed earlier this year in terms of design. It's thin, light, and features an all-metal chassis. It has an excellent display and good audio.
The Intel version of the Galaxy Book S runs on an Intel Core i5-L16G7 processor. It has a base frequency of 1.4GHz and goes up to 3.0Ghz boost. The laptop also features integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Book S |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Display | 13.3 inches Full HD TFT (16:9) Touch (no inking) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-L16G7 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM (LPDDR4X) |
| Storage | 256/512GB |
| Expandable Storage | MicroSD slot (up to 1TB) |
| Front Camera | 720p HD |
| Security | Windows Hello with fingerprint sensor |
| Connectivity | 802.11 Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 2x USB Type-C |
| Audio | Stereo (sound by AKG) |
| Battery | 42Wh |
| Dimensions | 305.2 x 203.2 x 6.2-11.8 mm (12.02" x 8.00" x 0.24" ~ 0.46") |
| Weight | 2.1lbs (0.96 kg) |
| Colors | Mercury Gray |
| Price | From $800 |
You can read more about Intel's Lakefield processors in our post breaking down the chips. They're in many ways a direct competitor to the Qualcomm 8cx chip that comes in the ARM version of the Galaxy Book S.
Intel Hybrid Technology is designed to deliver better battery life without sacrificing performance. Since it's an Intel chip, it can also run 32-bit and 64-bit applications, all without emulation.
Intel's Lakefield chips have a 56 percent smaller package area and up to a 47 percent smaller board size than previous chips, according to Intel. The Core i5-L16G& that's inside the Galaxy Book S requires standby power as low as 2.5W, which is up to 91 percent lower than the Intel Y-Series i7-8500Y.
While the Intel-powered Galaxy Book S lists up to 17 hours of video playback on its store listing, that's less than the ARM version, which gets up to 23 hours of video playback, according to Samsung. Additionally, the Intel version does not have an LTE option. It does, however, have full compatibility with Windows apps regardless of if they're 32-bit or 64-bit, so you'll have to decide which Galaxy Book S is right for you.
Note that when you go to Samsung's website the price states "From $499.99." That price is if you get a maximum trade-in value from another device. The price of the Galaxy Book S without a trade-in starts at $800.
Thin, light, and powered by Intel
The Galaxy Book S is a thin and light laptop, and the first ever PC powered by Intel Hybrid Technology. Its chips are designed for energy efficiency while still being able to get solid performance.
