The News: At MWC 2022, Samsung announced its new Galaxy Book2 notebooks which include Intel’s 12th generation processors. The models are highly attractive to business and consumers since they offer greater security, faster connectivity, enhanced web cameras to take full advantage of collaboration applications, longer battery life, lighter weight and excellent connectivity options for peripherals and accessories.
- The Galaxy Book2 Pro: The Galaxy Book2 Pro is a clamshell form factor that comes in either a 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch sizes with Intel’s 12th generation core processors (i7/i5) in silver or graphite. From a connectivity perspective, both models offer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth version 5.1 with the Galaxy Book2 Pro (15.6-inch) offering 5G. The models offer 8GB/16GB/32GB (LPDDR5) memory options along with up to 1 terabyte of storage (NVMe SSD).
From a port perspective, both models include (1) Thunderbolt 4 port, (1) USB Type-C port, (1) USB 3.2 port, (1) HDMI port, (1) 3.5pi headphone/mic port, (1) microSD port; The Galaxy Book2 Pro 15.6-inch also offers an optional nano SIM slot. Both models include embedded cameras with full high definition 1080p and accompanying dual array microphone. The models also include island type keyboard with backlit features; the Galaxy Book2 Pro (15.6-inch) includes a 3-row numeric or 10-key touch.
- The Galaxy Book2 Pro 360: The Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 models are in the 2-in-1 convertible form factor available in the 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch sizes which include Intel’s 12th generation core processors (i7/i5). The models are available in silver, graphite, and burgundy. On the connectivity front, both models include Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth version 5.1.
Internal memory and storage options include 8GB/16GB/32GB (LPDDR5) along with 256GB/512GB or 1TB SSD internal storage. The embedded camera and microphone include full high definition 1080p and accompanying dual array microphone. Included ports on both models are (1) Thunderbolt 4, (2) USB Type-C, (1) headphone/Mic. and Micro SD.
On the display side, both models include FHD Super AMOLED (16:9 ratio), up to 500nit (HDR), 120% color volume (DCI-P3), HDR 1,000,000:1 and FHD (1920 x 1080) options. The model also includes its S Pen stylus
Samsung MWC 2022: GalaxyBook2 Notebooks
Analyst Take: This was good news from Samsung coming out of MWC 2022 in Barcelona this week. I believe that Samsung’s refresh to its Windows Intel-based Galaxy laptops will be attractive to consumers and the commercial markets for myriad reasons. First, from a video conferencing or collaboration perspective, the FHD (full high definition) 1080p (from 720p) embedded camera will offer enhanced resolution, wider field of view and auto framing capabilities; the AI-based bi-directional noise-cancelling for microphones and speakers will also be key. For example, many organizations will continue to allow hybrid or remote work arrangements and enhanced camera and noise cancelling features are sought after features to strengthen team dynamics, improve customer centricity (e.g., web calls with clients or patients, etc.) and thwart productivity loss. In my opinion, an example of a growth catalyst for FHD is the rise of the multi-billion-dollar telehealth market that is expected to grow in high double-digits over the next few years. For example, more physicians (e.g., general practice, therapists, etc.) are treating patients online over platforms such as K-Health that require better diagnostic tools (e.g., temperature, pulse, oxygen meter, etc.) coupled with a crisper screen to diagnose problems visually (e.g., skin irritation, sprain, etc.). As Amazon and other retailers move into the telehealth market, it makes sense that consumers and physicians will likewise gravitate towards that functionality.
Second, as more workers begin to travel to conferences or resume visiting clients on-the-road, longer battery life, enhanced security, and faster connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E and 5G) will be key, especially in verticals such as healthcare, government, financial services, real-estate, and manufacturing industries. For example, many in the financial services industry such as accountants or financial planners, insurance agents and others tend to meet clients on their lunch breaks at restaurants or cafes, which requires excellent connectivity, longer battery life, and strengthened security. Many of these lunchtime meetings also require digital signatures, and I see the Galaxy Book2 Pro 360’s S-pen as being a big plus on that front.
I like the new Galaxy Book2 lineup and think the features will be attractive to consumers and the commercial market as the lines continue to blur between consumer and commercial PCs due to BYOD strategies and remote work. The timing and availability of the product launch in spring will be perfect to capture the United States education and government — Samsung’s defense grade security will be key here — buying seasons that end in June and September.
Disclosure: Futurum Research is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
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