Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360

Published on January 22, 2026

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is a compact 12.4-inch convertible that defies expectations with its stunning 2560x1600 WQXGA display, a resolution typically reserved for devices two or three times its price point. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor with 4GB of RAM, this 360-degree hinge design targets students and budget-conscious users who prioritize screen quality over raw performance. The device meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability standards and features a spill-resistant keyboard, making it a solid choice for on-the-go use. With Chrome OS updates guaranteed through June 2031, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 offers a lengthy support window for those who value longevity. Whether you’re watching streaming content, browsing the web, or taking notes in tablet mode, this Chromebook delivers where it matters most for casual users.

Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360

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Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 Comparison Chart

	Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360	Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
Price	List Price: $429.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $499.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	XE520QEA-KB2US	XE520QEA-KB1US
Perfomance Rating	3.1	3.1
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4500	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4500
RAM	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC	128 GB eMMC
Screen Size	12.4"	12.4"
Screen Resolution	2560x1600	2560x1600
Screen Type	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.33 x 8.13 x 0.67 inches (287.78 x 206.5 x 17.02 mm)	11.33 x 8.13 x 0.67 inches (287.78 x 206.5 x 17.02 mm)
Weight	2.82 lbs (1.28 kg)	2.82 lbs (1.28 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No
Webcam	HD	HD
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 5.1
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	Optional 4G LTE (XE520QEA-KB3US)	Optional 4G LTE (XE520QEA-KB3US)
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C with charging and DisplayPort Alt Mode (one on each side), 1x USB 3.2 Type-A	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C with charging and DisplayPort Alt Mode (one on each side), 1x USB 3.2 Type-A
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	45.5Wh	45.5Wh
Battery Life	10 hours	10 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2031	June, 2031

Detailed Insights into the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 measures 11.33 x 8.13 x 0.67 inches and weighs 2.82 pounds, making it highly portable for daily commutes or classroom use. The plastic construction feels robust despite not being premium materials, with Samsung earning praise from reviewers for solid build quality that belies the entry-level positioning. The 360-degree hinge mechanism operates smoothly, allowing transitions between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with confidence. Port selection includes two USB-C ports (one on each side for flexible charging), a single USB 3.2 Type-A port, a microSD card reader, and a combination headphone/microphone jack. The fanless thermal design means the device runs completely silent during operation, though reviewers note the bottom panel can get warm during extended use.

The star of the show is unquestionably the 12.4-inch display. With a 2560x1600 resolution at a 16:10 aspect ratio, this screen delivers approximately 400 nits of brightness and excellent viewing angles that reviewers describe as “spectacular.” The color accuracy hits 98.1% of the sRGB color space, producing vibrant images that make streaming content and photo viewing genuinely enjoyable. However, this premium display comes with a notable caveat: the Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB of RAM struggle to drive all those pixels smoothly, leading to noticeable lag during window animations and multitasking.

Connectivity options are generous for this price segment. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) ensures fast wireless performance on compatible networks, while Bluetooth 5.1 handles peripheral connections. Samsung offers an LTE variant (XE520QEA-KB3US) for users who need always-connected mobile broadband. The USB-C ports support both charging and DisplayPort Alt Mode for external display output, though there’s no Thunderbolt or USB4 support.

Reviewer Insights on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed delivered a detailed hands-on review that highlighted the fundamental contradiction at the heart of this Chromebook. Robby Payne was impressed by the display quality, noting “This screen is pretty spectacular actually… it’s got excellent viewing angles, really great colors, superb brightness.” The 360-degree convertible hinges earned praise for their sturdiness, and the keyboard deck showed minimal flex during typing.

However, the performance pairing left Chrome Unboxed puzzled about Samsung’s target audience. “It feels like they built half of it and then somebody else built the other half and they’re like, I don’t know, put those together and we’ll see what happens,” Robby observed. The trackpad response was particularly criticized as sluggish, seemingly a symptom of the underpowered internals trying to drive the high-resolution display. Their overall assessment was mixed, concluding “I just don’t know who this is for… I don’t understand exactly what Samsung was trying to do with it unfortunately.”

MergeDroid’s Perspective

MergeDroid spent two weeks with the device and provided practical insights from extended daily use. The reviewer echoed praise for the display, noting “the screen looks really good, perhaps too nice considering the processor and RAM it’s paired with.” One valuable observation was that lowering the resolution improved both performance and battery life noticeably.

MergeDroid highlighted the strong software support timeline, with Chrome OS updates extending through June 2031, giving the device at least five more years of security patches and feature updates from today. The review expressed some frustration with Samsung’s hardware choices: “it’s a shame they didn’t put the Pentium Silver from this generation, the N6000, in this Chromebook instead of the Celeron.”

TechRadar

According to TechRadar, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 is “a robust 2-in-1 Chromebook with a stunning high-resolution screen that is unfortunately held back by mediocre internal specifications.” Mark Pickavance praised the display as the clear standout feature, writing “The display is the star of the show here, offering a resolution that shames many more expensive laptops.” The durable construction was noted as student-friendly: “It’s a tough, well-made device that’s clearly aimed at students who need something that can survive a backpack.” However, TechRadar awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, with performance cited as “the Achilles heel of this device.”

Trusted Reviews

Trusted Reviews rated the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 a solid 4 out of 5, calling it “one of the best value Chromebook laptops you can purchase for less than £500, with a high-resolution display that makes it ideal for watching video.” The review appreciated the affordable pricing and versatile 360-degree design for tablet-like use cases. However, the processor drew criticism for delivering “underwhelming” performance and battery life that fell short of the advertised 10 hours.

Expert Reviews

Expert Reviews awarded the same 4 out of 5 score, concluding “it’s far from perfect but it’s a fine ultraportable Chromebook that gets more right than it gets wrong.” Stuart Andrews particularly highlighted the premium feel despite the budget positioning: “It feels more like a premium Chromebook than it really ought to at this price.” The review praised the fanless cooling that keeps the device quiet and cool, along with the excellent color handling at 98.1% sRGB coverage. The surprisingly good sound system with precise positioning was an unexpected highlight.

Across all reviews, the consensus points to the exceptional display and solid build quality as the primary strengths, while the underpowered Celeron processor paired with only 4GB of RAM appears consistently as the major limitation. Reviewers generally agree this is a niche product best suited for users who prioritize screen quality over performance.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 occupies an unusual niche as a budget convertible that prioritizes display quality over processing power. Its combination of a class-leading 2560x1600 screen, MIL-STD-810H durability, and long Chrome OS support makes it well-suited for students, content consumers, and users who value screen real estate for reading and media. The fanless design, optional LTE connectivity, and convenient port layout add practical value for on-the-go use.

That said, users who need responsive performance for multitasking, Android gaming, or productivity-focused work should consider alternatives with at least 8GB of RAM or a more capable processor like the Intel Core i3 or Pentium Silver N6000. The slow eMMC storage and lack of keyboard backlighting may also disappoint users accustomed to mid-range features.

For those comparing options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.

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