Distinctions - Chrome OS is perfect for business applications where ALL work is done through Google drive. Syncing is immediate and consistent, uploads are incredibly quick as they are usually backend transfers with no middleman, and seamless integration of operations applications like Calendar and Meet make staying connected with your coworkers through Google easier than ever. The Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+ caters to this with factory settings that make that full suite easily accessible through an ever-present taskbar.

Criticisms - Over-reliance on Chrome is a detriment to the product that cannot be overstated. Chrome optimization for memory usage is beyond awful, especially on the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+ with its incredibly limited 4GB of RAM. Having multiple tabs open (we saw issues past even four) puts the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+ at risk of freezing and crashing with no restoration options like Task Manager or Activity Monitor. During moments of stress the screen will go entirely gray or black until manually reset by a force shutdown, which, when using apps outside of the Google suite can result in lost or unsaved work. The larger screen real estate provided by the 15.6 inch screen often goes to waste as multiple application windows open and visible can cause similar problems. Features like ‘dynamic sound’ or a ‘brighter screen’ are barely worth mentioning as well, not even holding a candle to base offerings from other manufacturers. The sound is best described as slightly below speaking and muffled, while the screen, at its brightest and most vivid settings is still flat and lacks the luster or range of anything close to a Retina display.

Distinctions - Ports on the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+ are solid, even after repeated and extended use with multiple plugins.

Criticisms - Battery life is terrible and often overestimated internally. The included Celeron processor is mediocre and backed up by really nothing. Build quality is plastic heavy with floppy hinges and a cheap screen. Plastic shell is an absolute showcase of fingerprints. Speakers are tinny and eat battery life. Why the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+ would be so reliant on Chrome OS when Chrome bloated tabs absolutely obliterate the poor hardware is beyond reason. When having a Doc open during a Google Meet causes a crash, serious reevaluation is necessary.

Distinctions - Nothing positive to note for the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+.

Criticisms - The aesthetic theme can be easily summed up as cheap. Budget choices for material quality and look are so apparent, trying to capture a brushed aluminum chassis without the actual spending for it. A matte screen is a pleasant addition when color and resolution are not compromised, however, this is not the case for the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+. An extremely garish Chromebook logo also breaks up the coherence of the color palette on the case, giving users a constant visible reminder of why their laptop performs poorly.

Distinctions - Nothing positive to note for the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+.

Criticisms - Horrific battery life eventually leads to a point where operation is only possible when plugged in to an outlet. Frustrations with hardware, especially as websites gradually get more memory demanding will quickly lead to obsolescence of the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+’s internals. Users that eventually need apps outside of the Google Suite will quickly abandon Chrome OS in favor of better software that gives the framework for out-of-ecosystem products. A flimsy build with minimal protections and available protective accessories also presents an additional real world vulnerability to damage.

Distinctions - The Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+ is great for anyone looking to do a lot of writing within the Google Suite.

Criticisms - Nothing about the Samsung 15.6" Chromebook 4+ warrants its purchase over even secondhand alternatives. It excels at nothings, struggles with most benchmarks, and fails in the face of anything outside of the box it was designed for. Chrome’s frustrating lack of memory optimization is just another reason they languish in anything venture they pursue outside of their core suite of products. Those looking for a simple computer would be better off seeking last generation tablets or secondhand laptops from more capable manufacturers.