Samsung Chromebook 2 Features Exynos 5 Octa SoC, Comes with either 11.6" or 13.3" Display

Samsung has just launched the Chromebook 2 Series with two models based on on Exynos 5 Octa SoC, available in 11.6″ (1366×768) and 13.3″ (1920×1080) configurations, and featuring 4GB RAM, 16GB eMMC, and a longer battery life thanks partially to big.LITTLE processing technology. Samsung expects the new Chromebooks to be used for work, education, and entertainment.

Thanks to strong hardware specifications, these new ARM based Chromebooks will certainly offer performance similar to, or even outperforming, existing many Intel Celeron based Chromebooks, and at the same time offer a longer battery life. It’s a nice upgrade to the Exynos 5250 powered Chromebook launched in 2012, especially the addition of a model with a 13.3″ display with FHD resolution. The 13.3″ model has an Exynos 5 Octa processor clocked at 2.1GHz which should be the latest Exynos 5422, whereas the 11.6″ model might use Exynos 5420 instead (TBC).

The company also mention the 13.3″ Chromebook 2 features high-power stereo speakers (2Wx2) and a noise reducing array microphone optimized for Google+ Hangouts messaging and video calling. Thanks to Chrome OS, the laptops will boot within seconds, be updated automatically, and all information and files are saved, and encrypted to your account. Some premium adds such as Air Droid Premium, Wunderlist Pro, and LittleBridge.com will be included with the device.

The 11″ and 13.3″ Chromebook 2 will be available (in the US) in April 2014 for respectively $319.99 and $399.99.

Samsung loaned a few Chromebooks 2 to blogs in the US for some reviews and hands-on, and the reviewers were left with mostly positive first impressions:

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.