Samsung Chromebook Plus Vs Plus V2 Is The Upgrade Worth It

The Samsung Chromebook Plus series has long been a favorite among users who want premium build quality, solid performance, and full compatibility with Android apps and Linux on Chrome OS. When Samsung released the Chromebook Plus V2, many owners of the original model were left wondering: is the upgrade truly worth it? For students, remote workers, and casual users alike, this decision hinges on more than just specs—it's about real-world improvements in speed, battery life, display quality, and longevity.

This breakdown compares both models across key categories to help you determine whether upgrading delivers meaningful benefits or if the original Plus still holds its ground in today’s Chromebook landscape.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Samsung Chromebook Plus and Plus V2 look nearly identical. Both feature a sleek aluminum chassis, a 360-degree hinge for tablet, tent, and presentation modes, and a compact 12.3-inch form factor that makes them highly portable. The weight difference is negligible—474 grams (1.05 lbs) for the original and 487 grams (1.07 lbs) for the V2—so neither feels heavier in daily use.

However, subtle refinements in the V2 include improved hinge durability and slightly better palm rest ergonomics. While not revolutionary, these tweaks enhance long-term comfort during extended typing sessions. The keyboard remains one of the best in the Chromebook lineup—spacious, quiet, and responsive—on both models.

Tip: If you frequently use your Chromebook in tablet mode, the V2’s reinforced hinge offers marginally better stability when propped on uneven surfaces.

Display and Visual Experience

Both devices boast a 12.3-inch LTPS touchscreen with a resolution of 2400 x 1600 pixels, delivering sharp text and vibrant colors. This remains one of the standout features of the Plus line, especially compared to budget Chromebooks with 1080p displays.

The screen technology hasn’t changed significantly between versions, but the V2 benefits from minor calibration improvements and slightly better brightness consistency across viewing angles. In practical terms, outdoor visibility and media consumption are excellent on both, though the V2 edges ahead in color accuracy thanks to firmware-level tuning.

For digital artists or note-takers using the included S Pen (compatible with both models), the responsiveness is nearly identical. There’s no latency improvement in the V2 specifically for stylus input, so if you’re upgrading solely for better drawing performance, you may be disappointed.

Performance: Processor, RAM, and Real-World Speed

This is where the most significant differences emerge. The original Chromebook Plus launched with a MediaTek MT8179, an octa-core ARM processor designed for efficiency rather than raw power. While adequate for basic browsing and streaming, it struggled with multitasking and heavier web applications like Google Docs with multiple add-ons or complex spreadsheets.

The Chromebook Plus V2 replaces this with the MediaTek MT8179A—a revised version with higher clock speeds and improved thermal management. More importantly, Samsung paired it with 4GB of RAM instead of the original’s 4GB shared memory architecture, resulting in smoother app switching and faster response times.

In benchmark tests conducted by Laptop Mag, the V2 scored 20–25% higher on web-based performance tools like JetStream and MotionMark. Users report fewer stutters when running Android apps side-by-side with browser tabs open, which was a common pain point on the original model.

“While both run Chrome OS smoothly under light loads, the V2 handles real-world workloads—especially split-screen usage—with noticeably less lag.” — David Kim, Chrome OS Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Comparison Table: Key Specifications

Feature	Samsung Chromebook Plus (1st Gen)	Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
Processor	MediaTek MT8179 (Octa-core, up to 2.1GHz)	MediaTek MT8179A (Improved clocks, better thermals)
RAM	4GB LPDDR3 (shared)	4GB LPDDR3 (dedicated allocation)
Storage	32GB eMMC	32GB eMMC
Display	12.3” 2400x1600 LTPS Touchscreen	12.3” 2400x1600 LTPS Touchscreen (improved calibration)
Battery Life	Up to 9 hours	Up to 10 hours
USB Ports	1x USB-C, 1x USB 3.1	1x USB-C, 1x USB 3.1
S Pen Support	Yes (included)	Yes (included)
Weight	474g (1.05 lbs)	487g (1.07 lbs)
Launch Year	2017	2018

Battery Life and Charging

Samsung claims the V2 offers up to 10 hours of mixed usage, compared to 9 hours on the original. Real-world testing shows this is accurate under typical conditions: web browsing, video playback, and light document editing.

The extra hour comes from a combination of the slightly more efficient SoC and optimized power delivery. Both models charge via USB-C and support fast charging, reaching 60% in about 30 minutes. However, because the battery capacity increase is minimal (from 39.6Wh to 40.8Wh), don’t expect dramatic gains unless you’re consistently pushing the device to its limits.

Tip: To maximize battery longevity on either model, avoid leaving the Chromebook plugged in continuously. Charge cycles degrade faster when kept at 100% for long periods.

Software Support and Longevity

This is a critical consideration often overlooked. The original Chromebook Plus launched in early 2017 and reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date in June 2022. That means it no longer receives OS updates or security patches from Google—an important risk for anyone concerned about online safety.

The Chromebook Plus V2, released in mid-2018, had an AUE date of June 2023. As of now, **neither model receives official updates**, which significantly impacts their viability in 2024 and beyond.

If you're considering buying either secondhand, this is a major red flag. Without security updates, these devices become increasingly vulnerable over time, especially when handling sensitive data or logging into financial accounts.

Mini Case Study: A Teacher’s Experience

Jamila Reyes, a middle school educator in Austin, used the original Chromebook Plus from 2017 through 2021 for lesson planning, grading, and classroom presentations. She upgraded to the V2 in 2019 after experiencing frequent freezes during video conferences.

“The V2 felt snappier right away,” she said. “I could have five tabs, a YouTube video for class, and Google Keep open without everything slowing down. But by 2022, even the V2 started getting update warnings. Now I’ve moved to a newer model because I can’t risk outdated software around student records.”

Her experience underscores a vital point: hardware improvements matter, but long-term software support matters more.

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you own the original Chromebook Plus and are still using it in 2024, the answer depends on your needs and expectations.

• For performance: Yes, the V2 is faster and more responsive, particularly with multitasking.
• For portability and design: No significant advantage—both are excellent in hand.
• For future-proofing: No. Neither model receives updates, so investing in either now carries security risks.
• For cost: If you find a used V2 at the same price as the original, go for the V2. Otherwise, consider newer Chromebooks with active support.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Are you currently using the original Plus and experiencing slowdowns? → ✅ Upgrade
2. Do you rely on your Chromebook for secure tasks (banking, email, schoolwork)? → ❌ Avoid both due to expired updates
3. Are you buying secondhand and getting the V2 at no extra cost? → ✅ Prefer V2
4. Do you need modern features like Wi-Fi 6, USB4, or better cameras? → ❌ Look at newer models
5. Is your current device failing or damaged? → ✅ Consider replacement, but not necessarily within this line

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the Chromebook Plus or V2 safely today?

You can, but with caution. These devices no longer receive security updates, making them risky for entering passwords or accessing sensitive accounts. Use them only for offline tasks or secondary purposes like media playback.

Does the V2 support Linux apps better than the original?

Marginally. Both support Linux (Beta) via Crostini, but the V2’s improved RAM management allows for smoother terminal operations and lighter development work. However, neither is ideal for serious coding due to limited storage and aging hardware.

Is the S Pen interchangeable between models?

Yes. The active stylus works identically on both devices. If you lose yours, replacements are widely available and affordable.

Final Verdict

The upgrade from the Samsung Chromebook Plus to the V2 brings tangible improvements in performance and battery life, but not enough to justify a switch in 2024—especially given that both models have reached end-of-life for software support.

If you’re attached to this form factor and love the 360-degree design with S Pen integration, your best move is to explore newer Chromebooks with similar features: the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook (2020), Lenovo Duet series, or Acer Spin 5. These offer updated processors, longer support windows, and enhanced connectivity.

Technology evolves quickly, and while the Chromebook Plus line set a high bar in its time, clinging to outdated hardware—even upgraded versions—can compromise both productivity and security.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Share your Chromebook journey in the comments below—what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d recommend to others facing the same choice.