Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 Vs V1 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It Dont Make My Mistake

When I first heard about the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2, I assumed it was a natural evolution—better specs, improved design, and enhanced performance. After all, that’s how tech usually progresses. So when my old V1 started showing signs of wear, upgrading to the V2 felt like the obvious next step. But after using both models extensively, I realized something uncomfortable: for most users, the upgrade isn’t just marginal—it might not be worth it at all.

The V2 does bring some improvements, but they’re narrowly focused on specific use cases. If you're like me—a student, remote worker, or casual creator—you might end up paying more for features you’ll never fully utilize. Let’s break down exactly where the differences lie, who actually benefits from the V2, and how you can avoid making the same costly decision I did.

Design and Build: Subtle Changes, Same Feel

At first glance, the V2 looks nearly identical to the V1. Both feature the same 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, aluminum chassis, and convertible hinge allowing tablet, tent, and presentation modes. The weight difference is negligible—V1 weighs 2.87 lbs, while the V2 is slightly lighter at 2.82 lbs. That half-pound reduction won’t impact portability in real-world use.

The most noticeable design change is the relocated USB-C port. On the V1, both USB-C ports are on the left; the V2 moves one to the right side for better peripheral balance. It's a thoughtful tweak, especially if you often charge while using a mouse or external drive. However, this doesn’t justify an upgrade unless your workflow heavily relies on simultaneous device connections.

Tip: If you already own the V1 and aren’t experiencing hardware issues, don’t expect a transformative experience from the V2’s design.

Performance: Who Actually Benefits?

This is where Samsung marketed the V2 as a significant leap—thanks to the switch from the ARM-based Exynos 5 Dual to the Intel Celeron N3350 processor. On paper, this sounds like a major upgrade: Intel processors generally offer better app compatibility, faster multitasking, and improved Linux support.

In practice, though, the gains are inconsistent. For everyday Chrome OS tasks—browsing, email, Google Docs, YouTube—the V1 handles them smoothly. The Exynos chip may not be as powerful, but Chrome OS is lightweight enough that both devices perform similarly under normal loads.

Where the V2 pulls ahead is in heavier workloads: running Android apps intensively (like Photoshop Express or Lightroom), using Linux environments for coding, or juggling 20+ browser tabs. Even then, the improvement is moderate. You won’t suddenly feel like you’ve jumped to a MacBook Pro. The fanless design means thermal throttling kicks in during sustained tasks, limiting long-term performance gains.

“Most Chromebook users never push their hardware to the limit. For typical productivity, even older ARM chips remain surprisingly capable.” — David Lin, Chrome OS Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Detailed Comparison: V1 vs V2 at a Glance

Feature	Samsung Chromebook Plus V1	Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
Processor	Exynos 5 Dual (ARM)	Intel Celeron N3350 (x86)
RAM	4GB LPDDR3	4GB LPDDR3
Storage	32GB eMMC	32GB eMMC
Display	12.3\" WQXGA (2400x1600), Touchscreen	12.3\" WQXGA (2400x1600), Touchscreen
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 9 hours
USB Ports	2 x USB-C (both left side)	1 x USB-C left, 1 x USB-C right
Stylus Support	Wacom EMR (included)	Wacom EMR (included)
Audio	AKG-tuned dual front-facing speakers	AKG-tuned dual front-facing speakers
Weight	2.87 lbs (1.3 kg)	2.82 lbs (1.28 kg)
Launch Year	2017	2018

As the table shows, the core user experience remains unchanged. The display, stylus, audio, and storage are identical. The only meaningful hardware shift is the CPU architecture—which affects software compatibility more than raw speed.

A Real-World Example: My Classroom Experience

I teach high school computer science and rely on my Chromebook daily. I used the V1 for two full academic years without issue. Students used Google Classroom, Docs, Sheets, and basic coding in HTML/CSS via the web-based IDEs. The V1 handled everything flawlessly—even with 15 tabs open during live grading sessions.

When I upgraded to the V2, I expected smoother performance with Linux apps. I installed Python and VS Code to run local scripts. While setup was easier due to better x86 compatibility, actual performance wasn’t dramatically better. In fact, battery life dropped noticeably during coding labs—about 1.5 hours less than the V1 under similar usage.

After three months, I switched back to the V1. It still works perfectly. The V2 now sits unused in a drawer—an expensive lesson in unnecessary upgrades.

Who Should Upgrade—and Who Shouldn’t

Understanding your needs is critical. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

• Don’t upgrade if:
• You primarily use web apps and Google Workspace.
• You don’t run Linux or demanding Android apps.
• Your V1 still boots quickly and handles daily tasks.
• You value longer battery life over minor processing gains.

• Consider upgrading if:
• You develop code locally using Linux on Chrome OS.
• You frequently use resource-heavy Android apps (e.g., video editors).
• You need better driver compatibility for peripherals.
• You’re buying new and the price difference is minimal.

Tip: Before upgrading, test your current device under peak load. Open all your usual apps and tabs. If it runs smoothly, you likely don’t need the V2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the V1 run Linux apps effectively?

Yes, but with limitations. The V1 supports Linux (Beta) via Crouton or later Chrome OS updates, but ARM architecture means some x86-only packages won’t install. Compilation is slower, and certain development tools lack native builds. If you're doing light scripting or learning Python, it works fine. For serious development, the V2 is more compatible.

Is the stylus experience different between models?

No. Both include the same Wacom EMR pen with pressure sensitivity and no charging required. Handwriting recognition, note-taking in Google Keep, and drawing in apps like Concepts feel identical across both versions.

Why does the V2 have shorter battery life despite newer hardware?

The Intel Celeron N3350, while more powerful, is less power-efficient than the Exynos chip under idle and light loads. Additionally, background processes related to Linux and Android subsystems consume more energy. Real-world testing shows the V2 lasts about 8–9 hours versus the V1’s consistent 9–10 hours.

Final Recommendation: Think Twice Before Upgrading

The Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 isn’t a bad device. It’s well-built, responsive, and offers better software compatibility for niche users. But for the vast majority of people—students, educators, writers, casual creators—the upgrade from V1 to V2 delivers minimal real-world benefit.

Unless you’re actively developing software, editing media, or hitting the limits of your current machine, hold off. Instead, consider investing in accessories: a protective case, external SSD for backup, or a Bluetooth keyboard for typing comfort. These will enhance your experience far more than swapping nearly identical Chromebooks.

And if you’re buying secondhand? The V1 often sells for $100–$150, compared to $200+ for the V2. That savings could go toward a newer Chromebook altogether—or even a refurbished Pixelbook if you need more power.

“The best tech upgrade isn’t always the newest model. It’s the one that solves your actual problems.” — Maya Tran, Digital Minimalism Advocate

Take Action Based on Your Needs, Not Hype

Don’t let marketing language or spec sheets trick you into thinking newer equals better. Evaluate your actual usage. Test your current device. Ask yourself: am I upgrading because I need to, or just because I can?

💬 Have you upgraded from the V1 to V2? Did you notice a real difference? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could save someone else from the same mistake I made.