In the ever-evolving realm of laptops, Samsung has made a bold move with its latest release – the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra. Packed with features that not only challenge but also surpass some aspects of the MacBook 16, this device brings a new dimension to portable computing. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra and explore why it stands as a strong contender in the market.

Performance Powerhouse

At the heart of the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra lies a powerhouse of performance. Priced at less than 2500 pounds or about 2200 dollars, the base configuration boasts an RTX 4050, a 13th-gen i7, and a generous 512GB storage. The inclusion of Intel Evo certification further solidifies its credentials, making it a direct competitor to the MacBook 16.

The processing capabilities are bolstered by strong 45-watt Intel 13th-gen i7 and i9 processors, outshining their P series equivalents. However, a notable drawback is the soldered-on memory, limiting user customization. The absence of a 32GB RAM variant on the top-end model raises concerns and might pose a bottleneck in certain scenarios.

Revolutionary GPU Integration

A standout feature of the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is its integration of Nvidia’s 4050 and 4070 GPUs. With 4608 Cuda cores, 8GB of GDR6 VRAM, and a 60-watt TGP, the high-end model strikes a balance between performance and portability. While it outperforms integrated chips like the XE range, it doesn’t quite match dedicated gaming laptops, showcasing a compromise that caters to users seeking a blend of power and mobility.

Visual Brilliance: Display Matters

The Galaxy Book 3 Ultra sports a stunning 16:10, 120Hz AMOLED display that elevates your visual experience. The 3K resolution, coupled with Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2x panel, ensures brighter visuals, improved HDR, and accurate colors. Boasting a color accuracy of 100% sRGB, 95% Adobe RGB, and 99% DCI P3, it caters to graphic artists and designers. Despite the glossy finish, the display’s unparalleled max brightness surpasses Samsung’s stated figures. In a face-off between the Mac 16 and the Book 3 display, the Samsung display emerges as a worthy competitor.

Design Elegance

The Galaxy Book 3 Ultra embraces a classy and premium design, reminiscent of the MacBook. Weighing a mere 1.79 kilograms with a 16-inch screen, it strikes a balance between portability and screen real estate. However, compromises are made in the keyboard layout due to the influence of the large trackpad.

Connectivity: Ports and Potential

Connectivity features include dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, USB-A 3.2, a Micro SD card reader, audio jack, and HDMI 2 Port. While impressive, the absence of an HDMI 2.1 and a full-size SD slot may disappoint users considering the device’s price and target audience. On a positive note, the Vapor chamber cooler and upgradable PCIe4 SSD enhance overall performance.

Battery: Balancing Act

The battery, a pivotal aspect of any laptop, powers the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra with a 76-watt-hour battery. In general light use, it offers seven to eight hours of battery life, with gaming sessions lasting about one and a half hours. However, it’s worth noting that performance is noticeably dependent on being plugged in, with demanding titles experiencing significant drops when running on battery power.

Audio and Cam: Multimedia Dynamics

The Galaxy Book 3 Ultra boasts high-quality sound delivered through quad AKG-tuned speakers, ensuring clear and loud audio without quality loss. Despite lacking Windows Hello support, the device’s webcam stands out in terms of quality, featuring modes like eye contact and background blur.

In Summation: Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra Review

Performance:

• RTX 4050, 13th-gen i7, 512GB storage, Intel Evo certification.
• Competes directly with MacBook 16.

Processors/RAM:

• Strong 45W Intel 13th-gen i7/i9 processors.
• 16GB to 32GB RAM (soldered on).

GPU:

• Nvidia RTX 4050/4070 GPU.
• 4608 Cuda cores, 8GB GDR6 VRAM, 60W TGP.
• Performance compromise for portability.

Display:

• 16:10, 120Hz AMOLED display.
• 3K resolution, Dynamic AMOLED 2x panel.
• Ideal for graphics work with accurate colors.

Design:

• Classy, premium design.
• 1.79kg weight, 16-inch screen.
• Some compromises in keyboard layout.

Connectivity:

• Dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB-A 3.2, Micro SD card reader, audio jack, HDMI 2 Port.
• Vapor chamber cooler, upgradable PCIe4 SSD.

Battery:

• 76Wh battery.
• 7-8 hours general use, 1.5 hours gaming on battery.
• Performance impact on demanding titles when unplugged.

Audio & Cam:

• Quad AKG-tuned speakers, clear and loud audio.
• Webcam lacks Windows Hello support but offers quality features.

In the realm of laptops, the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra emerges as a compelling choice, challenging the established norms set by the MacBook 16. Its powerful performance, innovative GPU integration, stunning display, and thoughtful design make it a noteworthy contender. While it faces some trade-offs, particularly in user customization and certain connectivity options, the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra successfully carves a niche for users seeking a harmonious blend of power, portability, and multimedia excellence.