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- First reviewSeptember 3, 2017
- Last reviewSeptember 3, 2017
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Ryan's Reviews
Only at Best BuyBring flexibility to work with the powerful and versatile Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. Easily switch between typing on the keyboard, writing with the intuitive S Pen, and navigating the brilliant touchscreen. And do it all at once with an ultra-fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a Radeon™ 540 graphics card. The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro keeps up with all the ways you work.
Customer Rating
5
Truly the BEST 14-15 inch 2 in 1 on the market!
on September 3, 2017
Posted by: Ryan
from Herrin, IL
I would like to start this by stating upfront that it is rare for me to write a review of anything online, which is somewhat ironic since I certainly value the opinions of others when I’m in the market for a new product. Something really has to leave a lasting impression with me to incentivize a review—and this is one of those rarities. After a month of use, I am thoroughly enjoying my Samsung Notebook 9 Pro.
However, it has been quite an experience to get to this point. My 9 year old Gateway laptop died back in April, and I have spent a number of months testing out a handful of 15 inch 2 in 1’s. My research actually started back in December with the ASUS Zenbook Pro UX501VW, HP Spectre x360 (2016), and ASUS Q534UX. Compared to my Gateway, all three of these machines were substantial upgrades. Yet, all three had enough drawbacks that I decided to return all of them. The ASUS Zenbook Pro was the only laptop that was not a 2 in 1, it was too large and heavy for my liking, and I was ultimately disappointed in the subpar display quality. The other ASUS had the most storage space of any computer that I have tested. However, I was not that impressed by its build quality as the screen and body of the laptop were noticeably off kilter when closed or in tablet mode. My favorite of the three was the first version of the HP Spectre x360. It was thin and light, yet had a very good build quality. Ultimately though, the lackluster pentile display and lack of discrete graphics were deciding factors against this otherwise fine computer.
I would end up regretting the decision to return the HP as my Gateway laptop suddenly bit the dust in April. At that time, I was already eyeing the new HP Spectre x360 (2017) and was just waiting for Best Buy to put the device on sale. Having access to a desktop computer, I was able to put off ordering the HP until Memorial Day for $100 off. The Lenovo Yoga 720 15” had just come out featuring the first quad core processor on a 2 in 1, so I ordered that one as well for $250 off.
I compared both 2 in 1’s for the next few weeks, but was ultimately swayed against keeping either of them. The build quality of the HP was outstanding. It was truly a beautiful device. However, it turned out to be a bit heftier than I wanted, and it frequently got hotter than any of the other laptops I had previously purchased. The Lenovo Yoga 720 was also a great computer. While the build quality and screen quality were not quite to the standard of the HP, the fact that it was the first quad core 2 in 1 with Nvidia GTX 1050 graphics ultimately won me over. It also didn’t seem to get as warm as the HP. However, the wireless network card and my broadband gateway modem/router just would not get along. Disappointed, I decided to return both the HP and Lenovo given their respective drawbacks.
Undeterred, I decided to give the Lenovo another try and ordered a second unit. After a couple weeks of trouble-free operation with the second Lenovo, I felt that I had finally landed on the computer that would get me through at least the next 5 years. However, I started to notice a number of reviews on Best Buy’s website about a mysterious black bar appearing at the top of several UHD units. This prompted a Google search of the problem which led me to a forum on Lenovo’s support page where several users with the same unit were experiencing the black bar in addition to screen flickering issues (which mine had). The more I read, the more obvious it became that it was just a matter of time before my unit would develop the same issue—and it was not clear as to how Lenovo was going to handle the problem at the time. Even though I really wanted to keep the Yoga 720, I ultimately decided that I did not want to spend that much money given the likelihood that I would end up having to send the unit in for repair within the 1 year warranty period.
Completely bummed out and increasingly desperate for a new computer, I decided to give the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro a try in early August, even though I was not too thrilled that it only has a 256 GB hard drive. Even though unboxing the unit was not as glitzy of an experience as with the HP and Lenovo, it was love at first sight once I had the Samsung in my hands! The build quality is absolutely amazing. There is absolutely nothing out of place! The lid and keyboard are all perfectly aligned when closed and in tablet mode. In my opinion, the fit and finish of the Samsung are above and beyond anything else I have tried over the past several months.
I was also quite pleased by the size and weight of the Samsung. I had tested out smaller 13.3 and 14 inch 2 in 1’s in the store, but because my eyesight is not the best in the world, I had decided that I would be most satisfied with a 15 inch display. Most are 15.6”, but Samsung smartly designed the Notebook 9 Pro with a 15.0” display, which ultimately allowed them to undercut the competition in size and weight. The Samsung is noticeably thinner and lighter than any of its competitors while not sacrificing on build quality. Also a delight is the 1920x1080 FHD display. While not UHD like the HP and Lenovo, Samsung’s display is every bit as sharp, with vivid, accurate color representation. Its display is brighter than both the HP and Lenovo, and that doesn’t take into account the outdoor mode which allows the Samsung display to brighten substantially more outdoors.
The touchscreen is also the best of any of the devices that I have tried. I experienced a fair amount of friction when using Lenovo’s touchscreen, while the HP was a smoother experience. However, it didn’t even come close to the buttery smooth feel of the Samsung. I also agree with other reviewers of the Samsung who liked the touchpad experience and the snappy nature of the keyboard with decent travel for such a thin notebook.
Unlike the Lenovo, the Samsung also has a microSD card slot and HDMI output port—features that some 2 in 1’s like the Lenovo are doing without. It also features 2 USB 3.0 ports, and while it does not have Thunderbolt 3, it does have one USB Type C port. This port can be used to charge the notebook with another power adapter, or to charge another device (like a cell phone) using the Notebook 9’s battery.
Speaking of the battery, I am typically averaging 7-8 hours on a charge with multi-tabbed browsing, office productivity programs, email, and some video streaming mixed in. However, it has ranged as low as 6 hours with more intensive activities to as high as 10-11 hours with low demand applications. The battery consistently charges from 10% to 100% in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, which is exceptionally fast compared with the other devices.
I am also pleased with the boost in performance that the dedicated 2GB AMD Radeon 540 graphics card provides—especially when editing photos and videos. That said, I am not a gamer. My understanding is that the Samsung should allow for at least some light gaming at reduced settings. However, hardcore gaming enthusiasts would probably be better served by a more powerful device.
The three-tiered backlighting for the keyboard is also a nice touch compared to two levels for the Lenovo and the on/off approach of the HP. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity have thus far been flawless. Facial recognition via Windows Hello also works well and allows for quick logins.
About the only cons that I can find on this computer (and they are minor) include the hard drive storage space (256 GB) and the sound quality from the speakers. While it would be nice to have something larger than 256 GB, it’s something I really don’t need. Plus, I already have a 1 TB external drive that provides plenty of extra storage if I need it. While the speakers are admittedly just average, I also recognize that none of the computers I tested truly had what I would call great sound quality. This is something easily remedied by a good pair of headphones or Bluetooth speakers.
While it would have been ideal to wait until Samsung upgraded their lineup to Intel’s recently announced 8th generation Core i7 quad core processors, I ultimately decided to keep the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro out of necessity because I have no idea how long it will take for this upgrade to take place. Plus, I really don’t need the extra processing power for how I typically use the computer.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with my Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. In a heartbeat, I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a mid to high end 2 in 1 notebook/tablet. I am so impressed by it that I am now eyeing the Samsung Galaxy line for my next smartphone purchase.
I would also like to commend Best Buy for going out of their way to accommodate me over the past several months. When it comes to computers, Amazon doesn't even come close to Best Buy when it comes to selection, price, and service. Plus, Best Buy provided a price match a couple of weeks ago when they put the Samsung on sale for $100 off. Thanks Best Buy!
My Best Buy number: 251862008
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ryan's Answers
HP Chromebook: With the HP Chromebook the best of Google is at hand on a colorfully sleek and stylish notebook. Access your favorite websites instantly on a beautiful 11-inch diagonal HD display.Learn more about Chromebooks ›
is the keyboard backlit?
Yes, the keyboard has 3 levels of backlighting.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Ryan
Only at Best BuyBring flexibility to work with the powerful and versatile Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. Easily switch between typing on the keyboard, writing with the intuitive S Pen, and navigating the brilliant touchscreen. And do it all at once with an ultra-fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a Radeon™ 540 graphics card. The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro keeps up with all the ways you work.
What is the resolution of the screen?
The screen resolution is 1920x1080, so it is not UHD. However, it is every bit as sharp, bright, and colorful as other computers I tried with UHD displays.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Ryan
Only at Best BuyBring flexibility to work with the powerful and versatile Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. Easily switch between typing on the keyboard, writing with the intuitive S Pen, and navigating the brilliant touchscreen. And do it all at once with an ultra-fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a Radeon™ 540 graphics card. The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro keeps up with all the ways you work.
Does it include a one-year warranty from Samsung?
A 1 year warranty is included with this computer.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Ryan
Only at Best BuyBring flexibility to work with the powerful and versatile Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. Easily switch between typing on the keyboard, writing with the intuitive S Pen, and navigating the brilliant touchscreen. And do it all at once with an ultra-fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a Radeon™ 540 graphics card. The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro keeps up with all the ways you work.
How is the battery life in the device? And does it have a fan, if so, is it loud?
Battery life is averaging 7 to 8 hours without attempting to conserve battery power. It has two fans--one for the processor and the other for the graphics card. However, they only run when using high demand applications and they are barely noticeable.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Ryan
Only at Best BuyBring flexibility to work with the powerful and versatile Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. Easily switch between typing on the keyboard, writing with the intuitive S Pen, and navigating the brilliant touchscreen. And do it all at once with an ultra-fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a Radeon™ 540 graphics card. The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro keeps up with all the ways you work.
What is your average battery life when you try to save juice while in use?
My unit is averaging 7 to 8 hours of battery life. This is extended up to 10 to 11 hours using low demand applications (screen brightness still at 50-60% though!!). I am not sure what I would average if the device were put into battery saver mode the entire time.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Ryan
Only at Best BuyBring flexibility to work with the powerful and versatile Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. Easily switch between typing on the keyboard, writing with the intuitive S Pen, and navigating the brilliant touchscreen. And do it all at once with an ultra-fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor and a Radeon™ 540 graphics card. The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro keeps up with all the ways you work.
Can the battery be replaced when it wears out over time? DIY? Cost? Or do they design these so you would then have to buy a new laptop?
As I understand from watching a detailed online video review, the battery in the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro can be replaced if needed by the user.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Ryan