Samsung launched the Galaxy Book 4 series in early 2024, then quietly dropped the Book 6 at CES 2026. But here’s the twist: the Book 4 is STILL the better buy for most people—and it’s $1,000 cheaper than a MacBook Pro while doing everything Apple does. Sometimes.
What Actually Makes Book 4 Special
The base Galaxy Book 4 starts at a shockingly reasonable price for what you get:
- 15.6″ FHD display
- Intel Core 3/5/7 processors (your choice)
- 54Wh battery (lasts all day)
- 1.57kg weight (lighter than most ultrabooks)
- USB-C charging that works with Galaxy phones
But the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra ($2,999) is where Samsung stops apologizing for copying Apple and starts flexing:
Book 4 Ultra Specs:
- Intel Core Ultra 9 processor + NPU for AI
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics
- 16-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen (3K resolution, 120Hz)
- 11% wider vapor chamber cooling vs Book 3
- 140W fast charging (55% in 30 minutes)
- Samsung Knox security chip (chipset-level protection)
The Galaxy Book4 Ultra lowers heat and fan noise with a new optimal cooling system, including an 11 percent wider vapor chamber and a dual fan with an uneven blade spacing design. Translation: it runs quieter than MacBook Pro while doing heavier work.
The MacBook Pro Problem Samsung Won’t Admit
TechRadar’s review was brutal and honest: “It’s hard to imagine that this generation of Samsung Galaxy Books would look the way they do if Apple’s MacBook Air had never existed. There are just too many similarities in the wedge-shaped design and the mid-grey anodized finish.”
Samsung copied Apple’s homework. The chassis, the hinge, the keyboard layout, the trackpad size—it’s all MacBook DNA wearing a Samsung logo.
But here’s the thing: it works. The Book 4 Ultra feels premium, runs Windows natively, has a touchscreen Apple refuses to add, and costs less than a comparable 16-inch MacBook Pro ($3,499).
Galaxy Book 6 Just Dropped (But You Should Ignore It)
At CES 2026, Samsung announced the Galaxy Book 6 series with Intel’s newest Panther Lake chips. The Galaxy Book 6 Ultra is 15.4mm thick (1.1mm thinner than Book 4 Ultra), while the Book 6 Pro is a svelte 11.9mm.
New features sound impressive:
- 35% improved cooling efficiency with larger fins and re-engineered fans
- Up to 30 hours of video playback (both Ultra and Pro models)
- Book 6 Ultra reaches 63% charge in 30 minutes
- AI tools for image cut-outs and Note Assist summarization
But here’s the catch: Book 6 won’t ship until late January 2026 (already delayed), and pricing will likely jump $200-$300 over Book 4.
Meanwhile, Book 4 models are available NOW with discounts.
The AI PC Hype vs Reality
Both Book 4 and Book 6 are marketed as “AI PCs” because they have NPUs (Neural Processing Units). The Intel Core Ultra processor combines a faster CPU, higher-performance GPU, and newly added NPU into a single package.
What this actually means:
- Microsoft Copilot runs locally (no cloud dependency)
- Faster AI image generation (Stable Diffusion optimized)
- Better battery efficiency during AI tasks
What this doesn’t mean:
- Your laptop suddenly becomes sentient
- You can’t live without these AI features
- The NPU is more important than CPU/GPU for most tasks
Honestly? The AI features are nice-to-haves, not must-haves. The Book 4 would be great even without them.
Book 4 vs MacBook Pro: The Honest Comparison
Galaxy Book 4 Ultra Wins On:
- Touchscreen (MacBook refuses to add one)
- Ports (HDMI, USB-A, microSD—MacBook is USB-C only)
- Graphics (RTX 4070 destroys M4 Pro in gaming/3D work)
- Price ($2,999 vs $3,499 for comparable MacBook)
- Windows ecosystem (if you’re locked into Microsoft/gaming)
MacBook Pro 16″ M4 Wins On:
- Battery life (20+ hours vs 12-15 hours realistic on Book 4)
- Performance-per-watt (M4 sips power, Intel chugs it)
- Build quality (Book 4 has slight keyboard flex)
- Audio (MacBook speakers embarrass Samsung’s)
- Software optimization (macOS is smoother than Windows)
- Resale value (MacBooks hold value better)
Should You Buy Book 4 in 2026?
Buy Galaxy Book 4 if:
- You need Windows for work/gaming
- Touchscreen matters to you
- You want RTX graphics for creation/gaming
- $2,999 is your budget ceiling (vs $3,499 MacBook)
- You’re already in Samsung’s ecosystem (phone, watch, buds)
Skip it if:
- You prioritize battery life above all (get MacBook)
- You’re a macOS user with no reason to switch
- You can wait for Book 6 discounts in mid-2026
- Audio quality matters (built-in speakers are weak)
Wait for Book 6 if:
- You want 30-hour battery claims (wait for real-world tests)
- 1.1mm thinner chassis matters to you (it doesn’t)
- You’re okay paying $200-$300 more for minor upgrades