PROS / The Samsung Chromebook 2's design is slim and easy to use.
CONS / The Chromebook's display has mediocre specifications.
VERDICT / It's not the fastest model, but Samsung's consistent build quality in the Chromebook 2 makes for a reliable Chromebook.
The Samsung Chromebook 2 is built for users who prioritize portability in their computer. With a weight and dimensions of only 2.65 pounds and 11.4 x 8.1 x 0.66 inches, it's one of the sleekest Chromebooks we've seen.
In benchmarking from our colleagues at Laptop Mag, the Chromebook 2 performed similarly to comparable Chromebooks. During Laptop's battery test, in which a Chromebook loops through webpages at a consistent brightness, the Chromebook 2 lasted for 7 hours and 50 minutes before powering down. This is slightly lower than the average battery life of 8 hours found with similar Chromebooks. The Chromebook also comes with a standard 16GB of internal storage, but this is supplemented with Google's internet file storage options.
Internally, the entry-level configuration for the Chromebook laptop relies on a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron N2840 processor and 2GB of memory. Laptop's testing found the Chromebook 2's performance ceiling to be virtually identical to competing Chromebooks. In browser performance test Peacekeeper, the Chromebook 2's score of 1,643 was near Top Ten Reviews' average of 1,960. In practice, the Chromebook 2 isn't the fastest Chromebook, but it is capable of handling low-powered tasks, like web browsing or document editing, with ease. Alternate Chromebook 2 configurations include 4GB of memory and a faster Samsung Exynos 5 processor.
Externally, the Chromebook 2 features a standard slate of connectivity options, including an HDMI output, an SD card slot, a USB 2.0 port and a USB 3.0 port. The Chromebook 2's older USB port is a minor issue. Considering how commonplace USB 3.0 devices are, it's an admittedly antiquated addition.
The Chromebook 2's base configuration also comes with an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display that provides average visual performance. In Laptop's testing, the Chromebook's screen produced an average brightness rating of 176 nits, and it possessed mediocre viewing angles and color accuracy. While the Chromebook's screen isn't exceptionally bright or sharp, it will still handle simple tasks, such as web browsing, adequately.
An alternative configuration of the Chromebook 2 features a higher resolution 1920 x 1080 display.
Samsung includes a one-year warranty on the Chromebook 2 and offers technical support via phone, live chat, social media and a dedicated online troubleshooting hub. In their annual customer service testing, Laptop gave Samsung's customer service high marks. In particular, Laptop was impressed with their responsive live chat and social media options for support issues.The Chromebook 2 performs comparably to similarly priced Chromebooks. While its performance and display keep it in a different league than the best Chromebooks, the Chromebook 2's solid battery life and portable design make it an effective Chromebook that emphasizes mobility.
