Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Review: A Laptop of Style Over Power

Qualcomm Snapdragon Chips: Revolutionizing Windows on Arm

Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon processors have transformed Windows on Arm into a powerful and practical platform. With our detailed reviews of over half a dozen laptops equipped with these new chips, it is clear that even the least powerful option rivals Intel and last-generation AMD in CPU performance, while significantly outperforming them in battery life.

The Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100: Exploring the High-End Performance

Excitement builds as we finally explore Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Edge, the only laptop utilizing Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 processor. Previously demonstrated in April, this chip is expected to usher in a new generation of faster, more power-efficient Windows PCs, challenging Apple's MacBook Air M3.

Specifications and Features of the Galaxy Book4 Edge

• Display: 16-inch (2880 x 1800) 120Hz AMOLED touchscreen
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100
• GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB eUFS 4.0 SSD
• Webcam: 1080p FHD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
• Ports: 1x USB-A 3.2, 2x USB 4.0, 1x HDMI 2.1, microSD card reader, headphone/mic combo
• Weight: 3.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 13.99 x 9.86 x 0.48 inches
• Battery: 61.8Wh
• Price: $1,750

Portability: A New Standard in Large Laptops

The Galaxy Book4 Edge defies traditional design by being one of the lightest 16-inch laptops on the market at under 3.5 pounds and less than half an inch thick. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, distributing weight effectively without discomfort.

Build Quality and Aesthetics

The metal chassis is robust and well-constructed, with minimal flex in the lid and a reliable hinge that maintains its position under various angles. Although the color is marketed as sapphire blue, it appears predominantly silver to the eye.

Keyboard Experience: Functional Yet Underwhelming

The keyboard provides a decent typing experience but feels sluggish compared to competitors like the Asus Zenbook S 16. The shallow keys operate quietly, which is advantageous for heavy typists, yet the overall feedback leaves something to be desired.

Performance: Unmet Potential

While the Book4 Edge serves well for general tasks like web browsing and office applications, it fails to showcase the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 processor to its fullest potential. Though the laptop model reviews indicate a slight performance edge over competitors, underutilization of the processor limits its capabilities.

Snapdragon X Elite Chip Specifications

• Base Model: Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100
• Higher-End Processor: X1E-84-100, expected 20% improved performance
• Core Boost Clock: From 3.8GHz to 4.2GHz

Despite testing the high-end model, the clock speeds did not exceed expectations, failing to hit the advertised peaks due to power management choices by Samsung.

Battery Life: A Standout Feature

Fortunately, this underwhelming performance leads to impressive battery longevity. Users can expect up to 14 hours on a single charge, making it suitable for extended use with moderate-to-heavy workloads.

Power Efficiency of Snapdragon Processors

The Snapdragon processors’ impressive efficiency becomes evident when comparing battery performance to other devices. The Book4 Edge outlasts higher capacity competitors like the Galaxy Book4 Ultra, showcasing the effectiveness of Qualcomm’s technology.

Value Considerations: Base Model vs. High-End

For those on a tighter budget, the base model of the Galaxy Book4 Edge priced at $1,450 offers a better value, maintaining strong specs without the unnecessary upscale of the higher-end processor.

Final Thoughts

The Galaxy Book4 Edge emerges as a solid choice for students and casual users needing a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing laptop. However, serious power users should consider alternatives with better performance through Intel or AMD processors.

Conclusion: The Future of Qualcomm on Windows

While the Galaxy Book4 Edge demonstrates Qualcomm’s capabilities, true power users are still waiting for the full potential of the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 to be realized.

For more information on this laptop and others, consider visiting The Verge.