The recent wave of Windows laptops under Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC program, built with AI and ARM chips, promises a new era of computing. While many of these laptops boast performance and battery life improvements thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Edge stands out as the most compelling.
Design Excellence and Efficiency
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs often target the MacBook Air M3 as a benchmark. While many competitors match or exceed the Air’s performance and battery life, they often fall short in terms of thinness. The Surface Laptop, for example, remains at 0.69 inches, significantly thicker than the Air’s 0.44-inch profile. Thinness isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about maximizing the efficiency of the ARM architecture, a key factor in the MacBook Air’s success.
The Galaxy Book4 Edge embraces this design philosophy. The 14-inch model is an astonishing 0.43 inches thick, even thinner than the MacBook Air, while the 16-inch model comes in at 0.48 inches. Impressively, the 16-inch model still manages to include an HDMI port. This achievement highlights the efficiency of Qualcomm’s chips, potentially rivaling Apple Silicon. Furthermore, the Galaxy Book4 Edge incorporates a fan, unlike the fanless MacBook Air, suggesting the potential for superior sustained performance without compromising its sleek design. While other Copilot+ laptops approach the Air’s thinness, none surpass it like the Galaxy Book4 Edge. This sets a new standard for Windows laptops, showcasing the potential of ARM-based PCs.
Galaxy AI Integration
Beyond hardware, AI integration is a core element of Copilot+. While all Copilot+ PCs benefit from Windows AI features like Recall, the Galaxy Book4 Edge leverages its integration within the Samsung ecosystem to enhance Copilot’s functionality.
One standout feature is seamless phone control via natural language processing. Using Copilot and Phone Link, users can manage their phone through voice commands on the Galaxy Book4 Edge. Tasks like sending texts or accessing navigation become effortless. This deep integration with the Galaxy ecosystem, including features like Samsung Flow, provides a cohesive user experience across devices. As developers continue building tools for Copilot and utilizing the laptops’ NPUs, the potential for AI-driven features will only expand.
Addressing Pricing Concerns
One potential drawback is the Galaxy Book4 Edge’s price. With limited configurations available, it sits on the higher end of the Copilot+ spectrum. The competitive pricing of the M2 MacBook Air further complicates matters. The 16GB RAM requirement for Copilot+ PCs also contributes to higher base prices.
Conclusion: A True MacBook Air Competitor?
Despite pricing concerns, the Galaxy Book4 Edge has the potential to be a genuine MacBook Air competitor in the Windows world. Its sleek design, powerful performance, and AI-driven features, combined with the benefits of the Samsung ecosystem, make it a compelling choice. Thorough testing is needed to confirm its capabilities, but the Galaxy Book4 Edge is undoubtedly a top contender among the Copilot+ lineup.
