Samsung Galaxy Book S – Windows on ARM (WoA)

Samsung Galaxy Book S

The Samsung Galaxy Book S is an ultra-lightweight, 13.3-inch clamshell notebook running Windows on ARM – think of it as a very big smartphone because that is what it is!

We will be reviewing the Samsung Galaxy Book S soon, so we won’t go in detail. It follows the WoA Galaxy Book 2 hybrid tablet/detachable keyboard released mid-2019 and of course it has the latest tech.

But before you rip out and buy the Samsung Galaxy Book S, there are a few things you need to consider.

Overview – Samsung Galaxy Book S

Windows on ARM (WoA)

WOA is Windows 10 ported to run on the latest Qualcomm SD 8cx (not Intel or AMD x86). In brief, it looks and feels like Windows but only runs Windows 32-bit programs and some of the recent 64-bit ARM ones. In theory, it has similar speeds to an Intel i5 low power version and up to 25-hour battery life, so it is perfect for

  • All Microsoft Office 365 productivity apps
  • Web surfing
  • Content viewing – Netflix
  • And being light – travel

Although a little expensive, it is ideal for secondary school and uni students as a Windows alternative to an iPad and keyboard.

Samsung Galaxy Book S

It is not for

  • 64-bit x86 programs
  • Currently no VPN support (TAPI issues)
  • Limited AV support (Windows Defender only)
  • Heavy lifting – no math co-processor
  • GPU heavy games or those requiring Open CL 1.2 or later
  • No Pen/stylus support
  • And unless your USB devices are recent their drivers may not work

It joins the likes of Microsoft’s Surface Pro X, and soon most PC makers will have WOA devices.

Specifications

 . Galaxy Book S
OS Windows 10 Home
Display 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 16:9 touch TFT
Will downmix 4K content to FHD
Body 305.2 x 203.2 x 6.2-11.8 mm, 0.96 kg
AP Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8cx Compute Platform 7nm 64-bit Octa-core processor (Max. 2.84 GHz + 1.8GHz)
Memory 8GB RAM (LPDDR4X), 256GB and MicroSD slot (up to 1TB)
Camera 720p HD (not Windows Hello)
Battery 42Wh (typical) USB-C PD 2.0 charger
Video playback: Up to 25 hours
Network Nano-SIM, LTE Cat.18 (Up to 1,200Mbps DL, 200Mbps UL)
Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 66
Connectivity Wi-Fi AC dual-band, VHT80 MU-MIMO
Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, Location (GPS, Galileo, Glonass, BeiDou)
Sensors Fingerprint Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor (Keyboard Backlit on/off)
Authentication Windows Hello sign-in with fingerprint
Audio Stereo speakers: Sound by AKG
Dolby Atmos (Dynamic, Movie, Music, Game, Voice, and Personalize Modes)

Price: $1699 from JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Samsung retail and Samsung.com from 31/1/20.