Which Samsung Chromebook is Best: 2, 4 or 4+?

Chromebooks have come a long way in a short amount of time. These days, they are much more than a cheap laptop alternative, hence their rapid rise in popularity over the last several years.

These sleek, slimmed-down laptops offer solid performance at modest prices. They’re also incredibly versatile. While some consumers are happy with bare-bones specs, others desire a little more power and a nicer screen. For such savvy consumers, Samsung has several different Chromebooks worth examining. The Chromebook 4 and Galaxy Chromebook 2, for example, are available at a wide range of prices.

Prior to investing in one of these Chromebooks, it’s important to know what each unit brings to the table. Keep reading for a full breakdown of all that sets these laptop models apart.

Samsung has worked tirelessly to make Galaxy a household name amongst tech enthusiasts. This branding extends to the tech giant’s top-of-the-line smartphones, tablets, laptops, and, of course, Chromebooks. All this can be a bit confusing for shoppers not familiar with Samsung’s naming conventions.

Case in point? The latest Chromebook lineup. Samsung currently offers two competing models: the Galaxy Chromebook 2 and the bluntly named Chromebook 4. To make things even more confusing, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 represents a huge upgrade over the Chromebook 4, despite the lower numbers in its name.

If Samsung expects consumers to know that the Galaxy branding makes it a premium product, the company could stand to re-brand the Chromebook 4’s with a less confusing moniker.

Most Chromebooks are deliberately underpowered. The main goal is clearly to keep costs down. Samsung offers a welcome bit of relief from this trend, as the company has decided to go a different route with the Galaxy Chromebook 2 line. A brief look at the specifications for the two different models proves that Samsung is gunning for the ultra-enthusiast Chromebook user who wants performance without paying Apple prices:

The Core i3 processor inside the more expensive Galaxy Chromebook 2 gives it a full-featured laptop feel. While most Chromebooks are able to handle basic non-web-related productivity tasks, this model is perfect for business travelers on the go.

Perhaps the biggest selling point for both Galaxy Chromebook models? The fantastic screens. Both versions get 13.3-inch QLED screens with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. Samsung claims that these devices will get up to 13 hours of battery life. However, as with any promise made regarding battery life, this should be taken with a grain of salt.

Samsung’s Galaxy 2 Chromebook blows away most of the competition in this space. However, it does so at price points more akin to budget laptops than conventional Chromebooks. As such, Consumers on the hunt for a more affordable option may prefer the Chromebook 4.

With a more palatable $299 price tag, Samsung’s Chromebook 4+ is an enticing proposition. For $229, the entry-level Chromebook 4 is also not a bad choice for budget-conscious consumers. There are a couple of key differences between the two models, however, as shown below:

The difference in screen size and quality is considerable, with the $229 model certainly presenting itself as a budget product. For users who don’t mind a smaller screen — and all the compromises that come with it — the base Chromebook 4 is a fine value. Anyone else, however, will want to spend the extra money and go with the Chromebook 4+.

While Samsung isn’t doing consumers any favors with the latest naming conventions, the company definitely provides valued choices. With several different models and a variety of different prices available, Samsung has targeted the widest audience possible. Shoppers looking for a budget laptop will find a lot to love with the Chromebook 4. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy devotees will be more than happy with the package offered by the Galaxy Chromebook 2 device lineup.

From a basic Chromebook to a high-priced laptop, every device deserves protection from an Upsie extended laptop warranty. Accidents happen — and portable technology is prone to a wide variety of everyday hazards. An Upsie extended warranty comes at a great price, so there’s no reason to miss out. With easy-to-understand terms and conditions, it’s the best way to gain valuable peace of mind for any tech purchase.