Samsung has announced a new model of the Chromebook Plus that promises to bring the machine in line with the latest Chromebooks, thanks to the introduction of an Intel processor, albeit a low-end one.
The Chromebook Plus V2 is identical to the original Chromebook Plus in every aspect, save for the fact it now features a rear-facing camera (16MP) and the ARM-made CPU has been replaced with a chip from Intel’s budget Celeron line.
That means it sports the same 12.2-inch touchscreen, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable internal storage (via MicroSD), 1MP front-facing shooter and built-in stylus. It is, however, a bit heavier, weighing in a 2.94 pounds, instead of 2.38.
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While the Intel Celeron 3965Y CPU is a step up from the ARM CPU found on the first-gen Chromebook Plus, it’s still not as good as the Intel Core M3 bundled on Samsung’s flagship Chromebook Pro, which is around $100 more expensive.
Buying Advice: Is the Chromebook Plus V2 worth it?
The obvious choice would be to muster up the extra cash and opt for the Chromebook Pro. But don’t – there’s a good chance Samsung is looking to futureproof the Pro with a second-generation model, so now’s a bad time to pick one up.
The Chromebook Plus V2 is set to retail for $500 when it launches in the United States on June 24, marking a $50 increase on the standard Chromebook Plus, which is a fair price to pay for a more modern CPU and a 16MP rear-facing camera.
But if you’re on a tight budget, the first-gen Chromebook Plus is the model to go for. It features a nice set of internals that should handle basic web browsing with ease, although it’ll likely slow down once the number of active tabs exceeds five.
There’s no word on whether Samsung is planning to bring the Chromebook Plus V2 to other markets, like the United Kingdom.
Let us know whether you’d pick up the Chromebook Plus V2 if it hit the shelves in your region over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
