In a move that has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts, Samsung has quietly refreshed a portion of its laptop portfolio, hinting at a strategic shift while we await the highly anticipated Galaxy Book6 series. The tech giant has officially replaced the Galaxy Book4 Edge with a new, connectivity-focused model: the Galaxy Book5 Edge 5G.
This surprise release in the UK market adds a crucial feature that many mobile professionals have been craving, setting the stage for an interesting battle in the always-connected PC (ACPC) space.
A Glimpse into the Future: Galaxy Book6 on the Horizon
Before diving into the new Book5 Edge, it's worth noting the bigger picture. The tech world is abuzz with rumors about the next-generation Galaxy Book6 lineup. By all accounts, Samsung is poised to equip its premium Galaxy Book6 Pro and the rumoured Galaxy Book6 Ultra with Intel's next-generation Panther Lake processors. This move is expected to bring a significant boost in integrated graphics (iGPU) performance, potentially changing the game for thin-and-light laptops that don't rely on dedicated GPUs.
Galaxy Book5 Edge 5G: What’s New and What’s Not
While we wait for the Book6 series, the new Galaxy Book5 Edge 5G serves as a compelling stopgap. So, what exactly has changed from its predecessor?
The Headline Act: Built-in 5G Connectivity
The most significant upgrade is right in the name. The Galaxy Book5 Edge 5G includes a built-in 5G modem, a feature conspicuously absent from the Galaxy Book4 Edge. This allows users to stay connected to high-speed internet anywhere with cellular coverage, eliminating the need to tether to a smartphone or hunt for public Wi-Fi.
A Smarter Port Selection
To accommodate the new cellular capabilities, Samsung has ingeniously redesigned the card slot. They've replaced the Galaxy Book4 Edge's microSD-only slot with a hybrid tray that can hold both a Nano SIM card and a microSD card. This means you get cellular connectivity without sacrificing storage expansion—a win-win for users on the go.
Familiarity is maintained elsewhere, with the HDMI 2.1, USB4, and USB 3.2 Type-A ports all returning. A Kensington lock slot and a 3.5 mm headphone jack round out the connectivity on the laptop's right-hand side.
Display, Battery, and a Puzzling Weight Gain
The visual experience remains consistent with a 15.6-inch IPS display featuring a 1080p resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and an anti-glare coating. The chassis dimensions (356.6 x 229.8 x 15.5 mm) and the 61.2 Wh battery with 65W fast-charging support are also carried over.
However, one puzzling change is the weight. Despite switching to the notoriously power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) chipset, the new model is 160 grams heavier than its predecessor, now tipping the scales at 1.66 kg. The reason for this increase remains unexplained by Samsung.
Availability and Pricing
For now, the Galaxy Book5 Edge is exclusively available in the UK. It is currently sold with a configuration of 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, retailing for £949 (approximately $1,247, including 20% VAT).
If you're based in the UK and looking to get your hands on one, the laptop is available for purchase through major retailers. You can find the new model on eBay and directly through Samsung's official UK website.
It is currently unclear when—or if—Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy Book5 Edge 5G in other markets like North America or Europe.
This strategic, region-specific launch suggests Samsung is testing the waters for its 5G-enabled laptops before a potential global rollout, making the UK a key market to watch for the future of Samsung's mobile computing vision.
Looking for a deal on the previous model? The Galaxy Book4 Edge is still available on Amazon for a reduced price.
