Samsung Launch the Galaxy Book 10.6-inch and 12-inch: Windows Tablets with Kaby Lake
by Ian Cutress on February 26, 2017 1:00 PM ESTThe announcements this year from Samsung are notably muted without the launch of a new Galaxy smartphone, but despite this being a mobile-focused conference in Barcelona this week, there were a few new Samsung devices to whet the appetite. The first is actually more of a PC, in a Windows-10 based tablet called the Galaxy Book, available in either 10.6-inch LCD or 12-inch Super AMOLED display, firing in the line of the Microsoft Surface range. Samsung is primarily aiming these new devices with a nod towards the professional market, but are keen to say that they’re suitable for consumers as well.
At the heart of each tablet is a Kaby-Lake CPU based on Core m for the 10.6-inch or Core i5 on the 12-inch, supported in various configurations of DRAM and storage but both having an integrated LTE Cat 6 modem for wireless support. Aside from the Core i5, and offering an 8GB DRAM/256GB storage model, the key element of the 12-inch device is the Super AMOLED display running at 2160x1440 which Samsung states supports videos in HDR 10-bit. The 10.6-inch version will use a 1920x1280 TFT LCD display.
The larger device will use a 13MP rear camera with autofocus, and both units have a 5MP front facing camera. Aside from microSD support, users will also get USB 3.1 Type-C ports. Both units will come with Windows 10, support for the next generation S Pen using a new 0.7mm tip and in ‘screen off’ mode which allows for note taking without the display being on.
Battery for the units comes in at 30.4 Wh for the smaller one, and 39.04 Wh for the larger display. Samsung is quoting around 10 hours of use for both and both will have access to fast charging. It is worth noting that with the specifications, Samsung lists the 10.6-inch display as supporting 4K30 playback but the bigger unit, with a faster processor, can handle 4K60 playback. Both units have vents for fans, it must be noted.
We’re awaiting more information about the modem support, pricing and availability. There might also be a chance for some hands-on time with the units, as it will be interesting to see how well that bezel measures up in normal use.
Edit - it seems the Core i5 is a U-series product. That's 15W normal, or 7W/9.5W in cTDP down mode.
Edit 2: The CAT 6 LTE modems are from Intel. Source: Brian Krzanich Twitter
Edit 3: All Books will come with a keyboard and S-Pen as standard.
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MrSpadge - Monday, February 27, 2017 - link
I don't like the Samsung phone design - their edges are so round. Prefer e.g. my Lumia 950.BigDragon - Monday, February 27, 2017 - link
Disappointing.I love the AMOLED and HDR capabilities paired with the stylus. That's something we haven't seen before in a Windows tablet. However, the low amount of RAM and weak dual-core CPU just don't deliver enough performance in the 12" model. I don't see myself buying one of these.
MrSpadge - Monday, February 27, 2017 - link
AMOLED, HDR, stylus and keyboard included, combined with a state of the art CPU - sounds like the 12" model could be a serious Surface contender if priced right and nothing is broken.BigDragon - Monday, February 27, 2017 - link
Yes, but it'll never be able to touch the performance of the i7 and Iris graphics on the Surface Pro devices. I'm looking for the whole package. Samsung is close, but not quite there.faiakes - Monday, February 27, 2017 - link
Is the 12" model meant to replace the 12" Tab Pro S?metayoshi - Monday, February 27, 2017 - link
Oooo. Can I finally get a good replacement for my Surface 3 (non-pro)? Core M would be a nice upgrade to the Atom x7 in that 10 inch form factor, but what I really want to know is if the eMMC NAND would fare better than the crap NAND they put on the Surface. The NAND is really the Surface's (non-pro to reiterate) glaring weakness, and I would really enjoy one that booted up much faster. Once it's up it's a blast to use as my main tablet, but by god it takes forever to boot, and I remember installing Windows 10 Anniversary edition (or any big update) was a huge PITA, where it would take over 24 hours to install the damn thing.Dug - Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - link
"The 10.6-inch version will use a 1920x1280 TFT LCD display"That would be fantastic if it were true.
hybrid2d4x4 - Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - link
Missing the only important acronym on LCD displays though: IPS (or PLS, or anything just as long as it isn't TN)Lolimaster - Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - link
FFW a few months a we can have this device with a 4c/4t Ryzen APU.