Samsung Chromebook Pro

Updated on February 5, 2026

Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. Its Auto Update Expiration date was June 2023, meaning it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The information below is kept for historical reference.

The Samsung Chromebook Pro launched in May 2017 as one of the most anticipated Chromebooks in the platform’s history. At $549, it was the first Chromebook to ship with Android app support and an included stylus, features that would later define the Chromebook Plus standard. Built around an Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor and featuring a stunning 12.3-inch 2400x1600 display in a 3:2 aspect ratio, the Chromebook Pro represented Samsung’s bet that Chrome OS was ready for premium hardware. For users whose workflows combined web browsing with Android applications, it offered capabilities no other Chromebook could match at the time.

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Samsung Chromebook Pro Comparison Chart

	Samsung Chromebook Pro	Samsung Chromebook Pro
Price	List Price: $549.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $599.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	XE510C24-K01US	XE510C25-K01US
Performance Rating	3.2	3.2
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 0.90 Ghz (max 2.20 Ghz) Intel Core m3-6Y30 Processor	Dual-core 0.90 Ghz (max 2.20 Ghz) Intel Core m3-6Y30 Processor
RAM	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	12.3"	12.3"
Screen Resolution	2400x1600	2400x1600
Screen Type	Quad HD display with Gorilla Glass 3	Quad HD display with Gorilla Glass 3
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	Supported	Supported
Dimensions width x length x thickness	8.72 x 11.04 x 0.55 inches (221.49 x 280.42 x 13.97 mm)	8.72 x 11.04 x 0.55 inches (221.49 x 280.42 x 13.97 mm)
Weight	2.38 lbs (1.08 kg)	2.38 lbs (1.08 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	Yes
Webcam	1280×720	1280×720
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MU-MIMO (Marvell 88W8997)	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MU-MIMO (Marvell 88W8997)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB-C up to 5Gbps, 4K display out with optional adapter	2 USB-C up to 5Gbps, 4K display out with optional adapter
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	2 cell, 5140 mAh / 39 Wh, Li-Ion	2 cell, 5140 mAh / 39 Wh, Li-Ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2023	June, 2023

Hardware and Performance

The Samsung Chromebook Pro runs on the Intel Core m3-6Y30, a dual-core 6th-generation processor from Intel’s Y-series designed for fanless ultrabooks. This 4.5W TDP chip enabled completely silent operation while delivering solid performance for Chrome OS workloads. Chrome Unboxed’s testing found the device “simply kills it” with smooth scrolling and snappy UI animations, noting that it “does whatever I need it to do whenever I need it to.” Ubergizmo’s benchmarking measured Geekbench scores competitive with other Core m3 devices and concluded it “performs better (for web browsing) than a Windows laptop of the same price.”

The configuration paired the m3 processor with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage. While the storage capacity was limited compared to some competitors offering 64GB, the included microSD card slot provided expansion options for media files and offline content. The full-size keyboard featured over 1mm of key travel with a 100x55mm glass trackpad that reviewers praised for its responsiveness, though the lack of keyboard backlighting drew criticism for a device at this price point.

Battery life proved contentious. Samsung claimed 10 hours of usage, but real-world testing varied significantly. Engadget’s review found approximately 7 hours in video looping at 66% brightness, with typical usage yielding only 4-5 hours. Android Authority reported 8-10 hours, while Ubergizmo measured approximately 6 hours of continuous use from the 39 Wh battery.

Display and Design

The 12.3-inch display was the Chromebook Pro’s standout feature. The 2400x1600 resolution in a 3:2 aspect ratio delivered 235 pixels per inch, providing more vertical space than typical 16:9 laptop screens—ideal for document editing and web browsing. Ubergizmo measured peak brightness at 533 nits, while Chrome Unboxed found 400 nits average brightness with “razor sharp everything.” Gorilla Glass 3 protection added durability to the touchscreen panel.

The physical design prioritized portability and premium materials. The all-metal aluminum construction measured just 0.55 inches thin and weighed 2.38 pounds, making it highly portable. The 360-degree hinge enabled laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, with Android Authority noting the “natural handling” across configurations. However, reviewers consistently criticized the bottom-firing speakers, which Engadget described as sounding “terrible in laptop mode” when the sound directed into surfaces.

Connectivity was limited to essentials: two USB-C 3.1 ports (one on each side), a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. Both USB-C ports supported charging and 4K display output with adapters. The absence of USB-A ports followed the industry trend toward USB-C standardization, though it required adapters for legacy peripherals and a USB ethernet adapter for wired networking.

The Samsung PEN Experience

The included Wacom EMR stylus was a defining feature, making the Chromebook Pro the first mainstream Chromebook with stylus support built into the price. The battery-free pen stored in a silo on the device’s underside and activated automatically when removed. Google Keep integration allowed annotation of screenshots directly with the pen.

However, reviewers noted significant limitations. Chrome Unboxed observed “pen lag noticeable during quick movements,” while Engadget reported “S Pen latency issues in handwriting applications.” The OCR handwriting recognition in Google Keep was described by Android Authority as “unreliable.” For detailed drawing work, the stylus experience fell short of what dedicated tablets like the iPad Pro offered.

Reviewer Insights

Professional reviews from 2017 consistently praised the hardware while noting the early-stage nature of Android app support on Chrome OS.

Chrome Unboxed

Robby Payne’s comprehensive review called the Chromebook Pro “perhaps, the most anticipated Chromebook release in Chromebook history.” He praised the display as “the shining star” where “razor sharp everything” delivered a viewing experience unprecedented for Chromebooks. The review highlighted smooth multitasking performance and fast USB-C charging. Key criticisms included the lack of keyboard backlighting, speaker quality described as “fair, but not great,” and large bottom bezels. Payne concluded: “The magic of this device is this: the parts it gets right, it gets REALLY right.”

Engadget

Nathan Ingraham’s review noted the Chromebook Pro comes “close to the ideal Chromebook, but only if you don’t value battery life.” The deputy editor praised the “exceptional all-black metallic design” and described the device as feeling “much more expensive than its $550 price.” However, his battery testing revealed the 10-hour claim was optimistic, with real-world usage yielding 4-5 hours. Additional criticisms included the cramped keyboard frame, problematic delete key placement, and speakers that “perform poorly in lap usage.” His verdict: “It’s not the king of the Chromebooks I was hoping for when it was first announced.”

Ubergizmo

Hubert Nguyen’s review awarded the Chromebook Pro 9/10, declaring “Samsung Chromebook Pro makes Chromebook history” as the first device with Android app support and stylus capability. The detailed technical review measured 533 nits peak brightness and praised the 3:2 aspect ratio as “better for vertical content.” He emphasized the strong value proposition at $549, concluding that “allowing Chromebooks to run Android apps is awesome.” Criticisms focused on the bottom-mounted speakers requiring maximum volume and noticeable ink lag during rapid writing.

Android Authority

Ankit Banerjee’s review examined Samsung’s collaboration with Google on bringing Android apps to Chrome OS. He praised the metal construction, 360-degree hinge, and all-day battery performance claims. However, the review noted that Android app support remained beta with performance issues—“many apps fail to load or run smoothly” and “orientation rotation problems with tablet mode” plagued the experience. The trackpad lacked pinch-to-zoom functionality, and weak speakers muffled easily. Despite limitations, the review concluded the device “successfully balances simplicity with enhanced capabilities.”

Historical Significance

The Samsung Chromebook Pro holds an important place in Chromebook history as the device that introduced several features now standard across the platform. Its native Android app support preceded the universal rollout to all Chrome OS devices. The included stylus and convertible form factor anticipated the Chromebook Plus branding that Google would later formalize with specific hardware requirements.

The Chromebook Pro influenced subsequent premium Chromebooks, demonstrating that the market existed for high-end Chrome OS devices with build quality rivaling Windows ultrabooks. Its 3:2 aspect ratio display, aluminum construction, and stylus integration became common features in the Chromebook Plus tier that emerged years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still use the Samsung Chromebook Pro in 2026?

A: While the Chromebook Pro can still physically function, it stopped receiving Chrome OS updates in June 2023. This means no security patches, no new features, and potentially incompatible websites as web standards evolve. Using it for any sensitive activities like online banking is not recommended.

Q: What processor does the Samsung Chromebook Pro use?

A: The Chromebook Pro uses the Intel Core m3-6Y30, a dual-core 6th-generation processor from Intel’s Y-series designed for fanless ultrabooks. The 4.5W TDP chip enables completely silent operation while delivering solid performance for Chrome OS workloads.

Q: Is the stylus included with the Samsung Chromebook Pro?

A: Yes, unlike many stylus-compatible devices, the Samsung PEN was included with the Chromebook Pro at no additional cost. The Wacom EMR stylus is battery-free and stores in a built-in silo on the device. However, reviewers noted noticeable input lag during rapid writing.

Q: How long does the Samsung Chromebook Pro battery last?

A: Samsung claimed 10 hours of battery life, but real-world testing by Engadget found 4-5 hours in typical use, while Android Authority reported 8-10 hours. The 39 Wh battery capacity and high-resolution display contributed to variable results depending on usage patterns.

Q: What ports does the Samsung Chromebook Pro have?

A: The Chromebook Pro has two USB-C 3.1 ports (one on each side), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. Both USB-C ports support charging and 4K display output with adapters. There are no USB-A ports or HDMI output.

Q: What is the difference between the Samsung Chromebook Pro and Plus?

A: The Chromebook Pro (XE510C24/XE510C25) featured the Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor, while the Chromebook Plus (XE513C24) used an ARM-based OP1 processor. The Pro offered better raw performance for web applications, while the Plus had longer battery life. Both shared the same display, build quality, and stylus support.