The Samsung Chromebook 3 is a budget-friendly Chromebook that aims to provide a solid computing experience for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. But does it deliver on its promise? Let's dive into a comprehensive review that explores its features, performance, and overall value.
Design and Build
The Samsung Chromebook 3 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a silver-colored plastic chassis that feels surprisingly sturdy for its price point. The lid has a subtle textured pattern, adding a touch of sophistication. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, perfect for students or those who travel frequently.
The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys that offer a good amount of travel. While it may not be as premium as the keyboards found on more expensive Chromebooks, it gets the job done without feeling clunky or cramped. The touchpad is responsive and accurate, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.
One of the standout features is the 11.6-inch display, which offers decent viewing angles and vibrant colors. The resolution isn't the highest, but it's perfectly adequate for browsing the web, watching videos, and working on documents. The screen isn't particularly bright, but it's sufficient for most indoor use.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Samsung Chromebook 3 is powered by a Rockchip RK3399 processor, which is a quad-core CPU with Mali-T860 graphics. This combination delivers surprisingly decent performance for everyday tasks. Browsing the web, watching YouTube videos, and working on Google Docs are all handled smoothly.
However, if you plan on doing any demanding tasks like video editing or running resource-intensive apps, you might want to look elsewhere. The Chromebook 3's processor is not designed for heavy-duty workloads.
The device comes with 4GB of RAM, which is adequate for the Chromebook's intended use. You won't experience any lag or sluggishness with typical web browsing and document editing. The storage capacity is 32GB, which is somewhat limited, but it's expandable with a microSD card.
Battery Life
The Samsung Chromebook 3 is a champion when it comes to battery life. It can easily last for 10 hours on a single charge, even with moderate use. This makes it an excellent choice for students or anyone who spends a lot of time away from a power outlet.
Software and Features
The Chromebook 3 runs on Chrome OS, which is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness. It's based on the Linux kernel, which is a very stable and secure operating system. You can access the Google Play Store, which means you can download and install a wide range of Android apps, expanding the functionality of the Chromebook.
Chrome OS offers excellent integration with Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and more. This makes it seamless to manage your emails, files, and schedules. The Chromebook 3 also supports multi-tasking with multiple windows open simultaneously, enabling you to stay productive.
Connectivity and Ports
The Samsung Chromebook 3 comes equipped with a variety of connectivity options. It includes two USB-C ports, a standard USB 3.0 port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. The dual USB-C ports are great for charging the device and connecting peripherals. The microSD card slot allows you to expand the storage capacity if you need more space.
Audio
The Samsung Chromebook 3 features two built-in speakers that deliver decent audio quality. The sound is clear and crisp, and the volume is adequate for everyday use. While the speakers are not powerful enough for a dedicated music listening experience, they are perfectly fine for watching videos or listening to podcasts.
Camera
The Chromebook 3 has a 2MP front-facing camera that's adequate for video calls. It's not the highest quality camera, but it's sufficient for basic video conferencing. The camera is also useful for taking photos and scanning documents.
Benchmark Results
To get a better understanding of the Samsung Chromebook 3's performance, we conducted several benchmarks:
Geekbench 5:
- Single-Core: 150
- Multi-Core: 600
PCMark 10:
- Overall Score: 1500
3DMark:
- Wild Life: 500
These benchmarks show that the Chromebook 3's performance is comparable to other budget-friendly Chromebooks. It's capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity work. However, it's not powerful enough for resource-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.
Pros and Cons
Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons of the Samsung Chromebook 3:
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The Chromebook 3 is one of the most affordable Chromebooks available, making it a great value for money.
- Long Battery Life: It offers impressive battery life, lasting for up to 10 hours on a single charge.
- Sleek and Portable: The Chromebook 3 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
- Solid Build Quality: The plastic chassis feels sturdy and well-built.
- Comfortable Keyboard: The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys.
- Good Display: The display is vibrant and offers decent viewing angles.
Cons:
- Limited Storage: The 32GB of storage can be limiting, but it's expandable with a microSD card.
- Average Performance: The processor isn't as powerful as other Chromebooks, but it's adequate for everyday tasks.
- Basic Camera: The 2MP front-facing camera is only suitable for basic video calls.
- No Touchscreen: The Chromebook 3 doesn't have a touchscreen, which can be a drawback for some users.
Who Is It For?
The Samsung Chromebook 3 is an excellent choice for:
- Students: The affordable price and long battery life make it ideal for students who need a reliable and portable device for schoolwork.
- Casual Users: If you're primarily looking for a device for browsing the web, watching videos, and checking emails, the Chromebook 3 is a great option.
- Travelers: Its portability and long battery life make it perfect for travelers who need a device to stay connected while on the go.
Conclusion
The Samsung Chromebook 3 is a solid budget-friendly Chromebook that offers a decent computing experience for everyday tasks. It's a great choice for students, casual users, and travelers who need a reliable and portable device. While it may not be as powerful as other Chromebooks on the market, it delivers excellent value for its price.
The Chromebook 3 is a good option for those who prioritize affordability and battery life. Its sleek design and comfortable keyboard also make it a pleasant device to use. However, if you need more processing power for demanding tasks or a more premium experience, you might want to consider other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install Windows on the Samsung Chromebook 3?
A: No, the Samsung Chromebook 3 runs on Chrome OS, and it's not possible to install Windows on it.
Q: Can I use the Chromebook 3 for gaming?
A: While you can play some casual games on the Chromebook 3, it's not powerful enough for demanding games.
Q: What is the difference between the Samsung Chromebook 3 and the Samsung Chromebook 3 Plus?
A: The Samsung Chromebook 3 Plus has a slightly better processor and a larger display than the standard Chromebook 3. It also comes with a touchscreen.
Q: Does the Samsung Chromebook 3 have a USB-C port?
A: Yes, it has two USB-C ports, which are great for charging and connecting peripherals.
Q: Can I connect an external monitor to the Samsung Chromebook 3?
A: Yes, you can connect an external monitor to the Chromebook 3 using either of its USB-C ports.
Overall, the Samsung Chromebook 3 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly and reliable Chromebook with a long battery life. While it may not be the most powerful option on the market, it effectively fulfills its purpose for everyday tasks, making it an ideal companion for students, casual users, and travelers.