Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro is set to have another Windows-based rival this year, in Samsung's updated Notebook 9. Read on, as we compare the features and specs of the two 13-in variants.
Size
Sizes are similar, though the Notebook 9 is a hair shorter and wider. Samsung's laptop also comes in at 7-percent thinner.
Weight
Weight is a different story, as the Notebook 9 is 40-percent lighter.
Build
The lightness is partially helped by Samsung's almost plasticky-feeling magnesium build. Apple sticks with its trademark aluminum.
Colors
We also handled a blue variant of the Notebook 9 at CES, but a Samsung representative tells us that only the titan (white-ish) model will launch in the U.S.
Display size
Despite having identical diagonal measurements, the MacBook Pro's screen is 5-percent bigger. That's due to using different aspect ratios (16:9 for the Notebook 9, 16:10 for the MacBook).
Display resolution
While the overall display quality of the Notebook 9 looked very good in our hands-on, its resolution is significantly lower than the MacBook's.
Touchscreen
Unlike many Windows laptops, the Notebook 9 doesn't have a touchscreen.
Touch Bar
In place of a touchscreen, Apple added a multitouch, contextual strip to the more expensive (US$1,800 and up) tiers of the 2016 MacBook Pro.
Trackpad
Samsung uses a physically-hinged ("diving board") trackpad, where clicking it is much easier on the bottom than top. Apple uses pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback to make its trackpad feel like it's moving when it isn't.
Processor
Samsung is using newer Kaby Lake processors in the upcoming laptops, while Apple's latest are 6th-gen Skylake. Another differentiator is Samsung offering a faster Core i7 option for the 13-inch model (though you can also get a Core i7 MacBook if you order a special configuration from Apple's online store).
RAM
Samsung adds an "up to" in its RAM specifications for the new notebooks, suggesting there's at least a possibility the entry-level models will have less.
Storage
Ditto for storage, where "up to" leaves the door open to a mere 128 GB SSD in the cheapest Notebook 9.
MicroSD
Samsung added a microSD slot to complement its internal storage.
SD
If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera and don't use Wi-Fi, then prepare for adapters: Neither machine has a built-in, full-sized SD reader.
Ports
Samsung offers a balance of new and old: two legacy USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C and an HDMI for video out. Apple's ports are all Thunderbolt/USB-C.
Standalone charging port
The Notebook 9 has a standalone charging port, so you don't have to take up its USB-C slot (as you need to do with the MacBook). You do, however, also have the option of charging via USB-C on Samsung's.
Fast charging
Samsung also added a fast-charging feature, which Samsung representatives at CES told us works through both the proprietary charging port and USB-C.
Battery
Battery specs come out favorably for the MacBook (likely a big reason for the Notebook 9's weight advantage), but Samsung's laptop also has a lower-res display to drive. We can't draw firm conclusions, though, until we review the Notebook 9.
Fingerprint sensor
The Notebook 9 has a built-in fingerprint sensor. Apple only put its Touch ID sensors in the more-expensive models that also have the Touch Bar.
Software
Samsung's machine runs Windows 10 Home, while the MacBook is on macOS El Capitan.
Release
Samsung hasn't narrowed down a ship date for the new machine, apart from H1 of 2017.
Starting price
We also don't yet have pricing info for the Notebook 9. Given its lower-res screen, we'd hope it would come in significantly lower than the (arguably overpriced) MacBook.
For more, you can visit New Atlas' CES hands-on with the Notebook 9, and our review of the MacBook Pro.
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