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Samsung unveils the Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion – the world’s first laptops with QLED LCD displays

The new Galaxy Book laptops, powered by 10th Gen Intel Core processors, will be available in December in select markets

Samsung has used the keynote conference for its 2019 Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) in San Jose to take the covers off three laptops in the Galaxy Book range.

In addition to an Intel-powered model of the Galaxy Book S, a new laptop showcased at September’s IFA technology show, Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy Book Flex and the Galaxy Book Ion, co-engineered with Intel. 

Galaxy Book Flex

The Galaxy Book Flex 2-in-1 is based on 10th Gen Intel Core processors with Intel Iris Plus graphics alongside and comes with a 360-degree hinge and enhanced S Pen with gesture control, biometric login and an aluminium body with what Samsung is calling a “Royal Blue” finish.

The gesture controls on the new S Pen allows you to switch slides in PowerPoint during a presentation, or rewind a video using your hand. A series of apps have been optimised for use with this S Pen, to improve the writing and drawing experience and, for the first time on a laptop, Samsung’s PENUP social network is available. 

Meanwhile, the built-in biometric credentialing is powered by Windows Hello, to offer peace of mind and boost the laptop’s security.

Galaxy Book Flex 13 specifications 

  • 13.3in QLED FHD display
  • 10th Generation Intel Core Processor 
  • 16GB of RAM
  • 1TB storage
  • 302.6 x 202.9 x 12.9 mm
  • 1.15kg
  • Price: TBC
  • Release date: December

Galaxy Book Flex 15 specifications 

  • 15.6in QLED FHD display
  • 10th Generation Intel Core Processor 
  • 16GB of RAM
  • 1TB storage
  • 355 x 227.2 x 14.9 mm
  • 1.52kg-1.57kg
  • Price: TBC
  • Release date: December

Galaxy Book Ion

The Galaxy Book Ion is also based on 10th Gen Intel Core processors and has an ultra-thin, lightweight magnesium clamshell frame in an “Aura Silver” colour. It measures 12.9mm-14.9mm depending which model you choose – either the 13in or 15in design – and weighs less than a kilogram.

Galaxy Book Ion’s 15.6in version comes with an additional SSD and DDDR4 RAM slot, so that you can boost your PC’s performance. 

Galaxy Book Ion 13 specifications 

  • 13.3in QLED FHD display
  • 10th Generation Intel Core Processor 
  • 16GB of RAM
  • 1TB storage
  • 305.7 x 199.8 x 12.9 mm
  • 0.97kg
  • Price: TBC
  • Release date: December

Galaxy Book Ion 15 specifications 

  • 15.6in QLED FHD display
  • 10th Generation Intel Core Processor 
  • 16GB of RAM
  • 1TB storage + 1TB SSD expandable slot
  • 356.1 x 228 x 14.9 mm
  • 1.19kg-1.26kg
  • Price: TBC
  • Release date: December

Both have been built with responsiveness and battery life at the forefront but it’s the display tech that takes centre-stage. Both are the first laptops in the world to employ Samsung’s QLED LCD panels, a technology that has formerly been reserved solely for high-end TVs like the Samsung Q90R.

The Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion will be available in December in select markets.

The Samsung Developer Conference is running at the San Jose Convention Centre from October 29 to 30. You can watch the keynote stream and learn more about the event here

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