Samsung debuts less expensive QLED-based Galaxy Chromebook 2

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Chromebook 2, a fresh take on its ultra-slim Chromebook series. Where last year’s pricey Galaxy Chromebook impressed with a 4K screen, this year’s machine dials things back a bit to reach a lower price point.

Samsung says it is targeting a different class of user with the Galaxy Chromebook 2. The original Galaxy Chromebook unabashedly went for the top end of the Chromebook market. The sequel hopes to appeal to those who started with low-end Chromebooks and who now want more from their machine. It’s still a premium device. Samsung insists that the Galaxy Chromebook 2 packs premium sound, powerful performance, and more comfortable typing — all in an ultra-slim profile.

See also: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 hands-on

The outer portions of the chassis are still aluminum, but Samsung said it switched to plastics for the inner sections. This helped cut down weight and cost. The machine weighs in at 2.71lbs and measures just over half an inch thick. Samsung improved the typing experience with a smidge more travel in the backlit keys. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 comes in red and gray.

The screen still measures 13.3 inches, but the resolution has been reduced from 4K to Full HD. More importantly, the display relies on QLED technology. The switch to QLED doesn’t necessarily offset the loss in resolution, but it helps in one area the original Galaxy Chromebook sorely lacked — battery life. Samsung didn’t make any new claims concerning the Chromebook 2’s battery life, but the screen changeup more or less guarantees a dramatic improvement. That’s good news for users. The display retains touchscreen functionality and S Pen stylus compatibility, but the Chromebook 2 does not pack a stylus in the box. You’ll have to spring extra for a stylus if you want one.

Two processor configurations will be available. At the lower end, you’ll see an Intel Celeron 5205U processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. At the higher end, you’ll get an Intel Core i3 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Either way you get Intel UHD graphics.

Other niceties under the hood include Gigabit Wi-Fi 6, AKG-tuned stereo speakers, a 720p HD webcam, a dedicated security chip, and automatic background updates to prevent tampering, viruses, and malware. There are two USB-C ports, one on either side.

As for cost, you’re looking at $549 for the Celeron variant and $699 for the Core i3 version. These compete with the likes of the Acer Flip C434 and C436. The original Galaxy Chromebook will remain in the portfolio at the same $999 price point. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 will go on sale later this year. Samsung didn’t specify exact timing on the launch.