Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE Review: Doesn’t justify the “Fan Edition” label

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S20 FE last year, it said the new Fan Edition lineup was a tribute to Galaxy fans that set “a new standard of making uncompromising flagship innovations accessible to as many people as possible.” During the launch event, the company also promised it would launch “Fan Editions of our flagship devices in the years to come.”

So when Samsung reached out to send over a review unit of the new Galaxy Tab S7 FE, I expected to receive an affordable version of the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus with perhaps a few missing features. However, the device I’ve been using for the last ten days is anything but that.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE only has a total of three features in common with the flagship Galaxy Tab S7+ — the display size, battery capacity, and One UI — and in my opinion, it doesn’t deserve the FE moniker. Samsung should have just called it the Galaxy Tab S7 Lite (as previous leaks and rumors suggested) because the “FE” tag will only mislead fans.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: Specifications

Specification	Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
Dimensions & Weight	185.0 x 284.8 x 6.3mm 608g
Display	12.4-inch FHD+ TFT LCD 2560 x 1600 (244 PPI) 16:10 aspect ratio 60Hz refresh rate
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G Adreno 619
RAM & Storage	4GB + 64GB 6GB + 128GB microSD card slot (up to 1TB)
Battery & Charging	10,090mAh 45W fast charging support 15W charger included
Security	Face unlock
Rear Camera	8MP, AF Video: 1080p @30fps
Front Camera	5MP Video: 1080p @30fps
Port(s)	USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C
Audio	Dual speakers tuned by AKG Dolby Atmos support
Connectivity	4G LTE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
Software	One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
Other Features	S Pen (not active, <30ms latency) Samsung DeX support 6-month Clip Studio Paint subscription 30-day Canva Pro trial Noteshelf

About this review: I received the 6GB/128GB version of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (LTE) from Samsung India for this review. Samsung had no inputs in any part of this review.

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Design & Display

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE looks quite like the flagship Galaxy Tab S7+. It has a similar metal chassis with square edges, a tiny pill-shaped camera module in the top right corner on the back, antenna lines on the left and right edges, and Samsung branding in the top left corner. The only obvious difference between the two is that the Galaxy Tab S7 FE doesn’t feature a glass strip next to the camera module. That’s because the flagship model came with an active S Pen that charged wirelessly when placed on the glass strip. Since the Galaxy Tab S7 FE’s S Pen is just a glorified stylus, Samsung has removed the glass strip from the tablet.

Over on the front, the tablet features a 12.4-inch TFT LCD (2560 x 1600) that has a 16:10 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate, and minimal bezels on all sides. While the display is great for content consumption and gets bright enough for outdoor use, it’s a bit underwhelming for the asking price. I expected to see a 60Hz AMOLED panel or a high refresh rate LCD at this price point, but that’s sadly not the case.

The power button, volume rocker, and SIM tray on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE all reside on the top edge, while the USB Type-C port can be found on the right edge. The tablet features a dual speaker setup tuned by AKG, another downgrade from the flagship models. It features the same proprietary keyboard connector at the bottom edge, which is compatible with the keyboard accessories designed for the Galaxy Tab S7+. The tablet features a front-facing camera, which resides in the center of the top bezel.

Overall, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE feels just as premium as the flagship Galaxy Tab S7+. But it lacks a few crucial features you would expect to see on a tablet that costs over ₹45,000 (~$600), such as a fingerprint scanner. Yeah, you read that right. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE doesn’t have a fingerprint scanner. Software-enabled Face Unlock is the only mode of biometric authentication on the tablet — and we all know how secure that is.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: Performance & Battery Life

While the Fan Edition label might lead you to believe the Galaxy Tab S7 FE packs a flagship SoC, it doesn’t. The tablet features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G, which is a mid-range chipset found on affordable devices like the OnePlus Nord CE. The SoC is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage on the base model, while the higher-end variant gets 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Since I recently reviewed the OnePlus Nord CE, which also packs the same SoC, I was expecting the tablet to perform just as well, if not better. But it didn’t.

Performance-wise, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is just good enough for light workloads and media consumption. So if you’re planning on getting some serious work done or play demanding games on the tablet, then you should probably look elsewhere. While using the tablet over the last two weeks, I noticed a couple of issues with the Galaxy Tab S7 FE that may turn buyers away. The tablet stuttered quite often when I had more than a couple of Chrome tabs open for work, it froze while playing demanding games like COD: Mobile at medium to high graphics settings, and it took far too long to switch to DeX mode.

While playing videos on YouTube, the tablet worked fine as long as I stuck to the auto or 1080p video quality preset. But the video stuttered as I switched to a higher quality preset. It’s also worth noting that the tablet’s speakers, while pretty decent for the most part, crackled at high volume in some situations. Here’s a sample:

I’m not sure if the issue is limited to my review unit or not.

If you care about synthetic benchmarks, here’s a quick look at the results posted by the Galaxy Tab S7 FE:

In Geekbench 5, the tablet got a single-core score of 650 and a multi-core score of 1,882. In 3DMark’s Sling Shot Extreme OpenGL test, it got an overall score of 2,320, and it scored 33.3 in Browserbench’s Speedometer 2.0 web benchmark. In Androbench, the tablet delivered sequential read speeds of 899.63MB/s and sequential write speeds of 487.62MB/s.

I have no complaints about the Galaxy Tab S7 FE’s battery life. It performed reasonably well, with a four hour Netflix binge session at full brightness consuming around 50 percent of the battery. While doing only browser-based tasks, the tablet lasted just about two days on a single charge.

While the tablet’s battery performance was decent, its charging speeds were atrocious. That’s because it ships with a 15W charger in the box, even though it supports 45W fast charging. The charger took well over three hours to charge the 10,090mAh battery on the tablet from 0-100%, which is rather unacceptable. I’m disappointed that Samsung still doesn’t ship a faster charger with its tablets, but that was to be expected as the company ships the same 15W brick with its flagship Galaxy Tab S7.

S Pen & Keyboard Folio

As mentioned earlier, the S Pen that comes with the Galaxy Tab S7 FE isn’t the same as the one you get with the flagship models. It’s just a glorified stylus that doesn’t support any of the premium features you get with the active S Pen. In addition to that, it doesn’t offer the same 9ms ultra-low latency as the active S Pen you get with the Galaxy Note 20 or Galaxy Tab S7 series. Instead, it promises <30ms latency, which isn’t all that great for writing or drawing.

The keyboard folio case for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is also a downgrade. While it’s similar to the keyboard folio for the Galaxy Tab S7 in terms of design and build quality, it doesn’t feature a trackpad. This makes working on the tab a bit annoying, as you have to use the touch screen for all the tasks you would otherwise perform with a mouse or trackpad.

Conclusion

I don’t see which “uncompromising flagship innovations” the Galaxy Tab S7 FE makes more accessible for buyers. It’s just a mid-range tablet with a large screen and a large battery, and it fails to justify the Fan Edition moniker. In my opinion, Samsung should’ve offered the Galaxy Tab S7 FE with an older flagship chip. That would’ve addressed the performance issues while keeping the cost low.

Speaking of which, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE’s price tag also makes it hard to recommend. You can get a regular iPad or the iPad Air for a similar price. Both of those options undoubtedly offer better performance and they’re significantly better tablets overall. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is also a much better purchase, and it’s often available at attractive discounts that bring its price down to the same level.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a mid-range tablet with a large screen and a large battery, but it fails to justify the Fan Edition label.

View at Samsung

I honestly expected Samsung to offer users better value with its Fan Edition devices. I hope upcoming Fan Edition phones or tablets aren’t as disappointing as the Galaxy Tab S7 FE.

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Twitch now lets you join Watch Parties from an Android or iOS device

Twitch now lets you join watch parties from an Android or iOS device starting today. Watch Parties launched late last year and lets streamers host viewing parties for movies and TV shows that are available on Amazon Prime, but until today, they could only be joined from a desktop.

Watch Parties are now rolling out on an Android or iOS device near you.

To learn more about Watch Parties, including how to host your own, check out the help article at https://t.co/YvqLMCD5c6. pic.twitter.com/5aQC9It02G

— Twitch (@Twitch) June 30, 2021

It’s important to keep in mind that Twitch streamers and viewers who want to watch along will need to have an Amazon Prime subscription in order to join the party. However, you don’t need to be a Twitch affiliate or partner to start a watch party. When joining a watch party for the first time, you’ll be asked to authorize the device you’re on for Prime Video playback.

Virtual watch parties have become quite popular thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic pushing people to find socially distant ways to watch their favorite movies and TV shows with their friends. Twitch has taken quite a while to get watch parties working on mobile, though its parent, Amazon, has yet to roll out watch parties support in the Prime Video app for mobile users.

Watch parties in Twitch is an awesome feature and one that a lot of people will end up using at some point. They’ve already become quite popular on Twitch, with many variety streamers taking to hosting them with their fans live on stream. There’s even a dedicated section for watch parties so that you can pick any random streamer to join and watch with if you’re feeling bored.

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Google Photos for Android prepares to add a homescreen widget for your Memories

Back in October, Google released an update to the Google Photos app for iOS that added a homescreen widget. This widget cycles through the “Memories” albums that Photos automatically generates. On Android, Memories are visible at the top of the “Photos” tab, but Google is preparing to let users see them on the Android homescreen through a widget — just like on iOS.

An APK teardown can often predict features that may arrive in a future update of an application, but it is possible that any of the features we mention here may not make it in a future release. This is because these features are currently unimplemented in the live build and may be pulled at any time by the developers in a future build.

Version 5.49 of the Google Photos app is rolling out on Android, and a quick look through the APK reveals that a widget is being prepared.  New strings reference a “Google Photos widget” that lets you “rediscover moments from Google Photos.”

<string name="photos_widget_account_not_found">Account not found</string>
<string name="photos_widget_description">Rediscover moments from Google Photos</string>
<string name="photos_widget_label">Your memories</string>
<string name="photos_widget_loading">Loading…</string>
<string name="photos_widget_no_logged_in_account">Please add your Google Account before setting up the Google Photos widget</string>
<string name="photos_widget_one_year_ago_title">1 year ago</string>
<string name="photos_widget_select_an_account">Select an account</string>
<string name="photos_widget_this_week_subtitle">This week</string>

While the strings and widget preview image suggest the Memories album will only show photos from this week last year, it’s possible that the widget will behave the same way as it does on iOS. That is, you’ll be able to add a widget that cycles through all of your auto-generated Memories albums.

Although the requisite receiver and activities are listed in the app’s Manifest, I’m unable to actually add the widget to the homescreen as it seems to be dynamically disabled. Perhaps Google will enable the feature through a future update or by toggling a server-side flag. Once the widget becomes available in the Google Photos app for Android, we’ll let you know. You can download the latest version of the app from Google Play, though version 5.49 may not have rolled out to everyone just yet.

Google Photos (Free, Google Play) →

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Which model iMac should I buy: Price, configurations, colors, and more

Apple’s new 24-inch iMac was refreshed at its Spring event earlier this year as an all-purpose PC for the masses. It’s now powered by the M1 Silicon, Apple’s ARM-based processor that currently powers the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13, iMac mini, and even the new iPad Pro 2021. The new iMac also gets a much-needed design refresh where Apple is offering the machine in seven different colors in a sleek and slender design.

If you’re planning to buy one, there are some important things to consider and we’re going to list all the differences so you can make an informed decision. Before we list the differences, let’s take a look at all the common features on the new iMac that are available across variants.

The most obvious one is the chipset, the M1 Silicon, Apple’s first ARM-based microprocessor that’s based on TSMC’s 5nm process. According to Apple, it has the world’s fastest CPU core in low power silicon and the world’s best CPU performance per watt. It’s also Apple’s first step into moving away from Intel chipsets.

The new iMac comes with an updated 23.5-inch 4.5K Retina display which offers a brightness of up to 500-nits, support for one billion colors, P3 color gamut, and Apple’s True Tone technology. All models of the new iMac also feature at least 8GB of memory, the new and improved 1080p camera, a six-speaker system with support for Dolby Atmos, triple microphone array, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and, last but not least, a 3.5mm headphone jack. All models also come with two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports, however the higher tier models have additional ports (more about this later). There are a total three configurations available priced at $1,299, $1,499, and $1,699.

24-inch iMac Colors

The new colors are one of the most attractive selling points on the new iMac. It’s available in Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, Yellow, Orange, and Purple. However, if you’re planning to buy the $1,299 base variant, you can only choose between Blue, Green, Pink, and Silver. Only the more expensive models of the iMac offer all seven color options.

24-inch iMac Storage

There are plenty of SSD storage options on the iMac. The base storage starts at 256GB on the $1,299 model which can be configured with 512GB and 1TB for an additional $200 and $400 respectively. The $1,499 model also starts at 256GB with upgrade options of 512GB, 1TB and 2TB for an additional $200, $400 and $800. The top $1,699 model comes with 512GB as standard and offers an upgrade to 1TB storage for an additional $200 and 2TB for $600.

Unless you’re a content creator who deals with a lot of heavy files, we suggest that 256GB of SSD storage should be more than enough. You can always look at cloud storage or external USB drives in case you fall short on storage space.

24-inch iMac Memory and GPU

Apple uses the new M1 chip on all three models, however the chipset also has different variants with different GPU and memory options. The base variant comes with a 7-core GPU while the other two get an 8-core version. As for the memory, 8GB is standard on all, but you can bump up to 16GB for an additional $200. There’s only a marginal difference between the two GPU options when it comes to performance, however getting extra memory is advised if you plan on heavy multitasking workloads. If you plan on using the iMac as a regular home PC, then 8GB of memory shouldn’t be an issue.

24-inch iMac Port selection

The new iMac comes with a limited number of ports due to its super slim design. All three models come with two Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Note the $1,499 and $1,699 models offer two additional USB-C ports. You don’t get any USB-A or HDMI ports, which means the port selection is very limited and you might have to invest in a good USB or even better a Thunderbolt dock for additional ports. It’s worth noting that the new iMac supports one external monitor with up to 6K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. This is a limitation of all M1-powered Macs and according to Apple’s documentation, you can’t increase the number of supported monitors by using a dock either.

The new iMac also comes with an Ethernet port that’s placed right into the charging brick, which is a neat solution to cut down on cable clutter. The base model doesn’t come with an Ethernet port, but you can pay an extra $30 for one. Both the $1,499 and $1,699 models come with Ethernet embedded into the charging brick.

24-inch iMac Touch ID

A new introduction to the iMac, Apple has added Touch ID via the Magic Keyboard which now comes in the same colors as the new iMac itself. Having fingerprint authentication not only lets you log in securely, but you can use Apple Pay and switch between profiles with just a finger. The feature should be great for consumers who have multiple users at home.

The new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is available on the $1,499 and $1,699 models. The $1,299 model comes with a standard wireless Magic Keyboard, however you can upgrade for an additional $50. If you’re going for the base variant, our recommendation is to pay that extra $50 for the Touch ID-equipped Magic Keyboard for seamless authentication without the need for typing in passwords.

In our opinion, it’s worth spending the extra $200 for the $1,499 iMac rather than the base variant. For the extra money you’re getting additional USB-C ports along with an Ethernet connection, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, slightly better graphics performance, and of course more color choices.

If you’re planning on getting one, make sure you check our guides on the best external monitors, docks, mice, and keyboards for the new 24-inch iMac with M1. Additionally, check out our roundup of the best laptops for 2021.

Apple iMac 24-inch

The new 24-inch iMac gets a complete redesign and is now powered by Apple's M1 Silicon, along with a brand new 24-inch 4.5K Retina Display and seven color options.

Buy from Amazon

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T-Mobile’s new 5G phone has a huge display and is really cheap

One of the cheapest 5G smartphones to hit the United States will arrive on the 23rd of July, and it’s the new T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G. This device costs just $199 and has a massive 6.82-inch HD+ display and 5G support with the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip. This puts it right up against the OnePlus Nord N200, which interestingly, the carrier offers for free with a trade-in of literally any functional mobile device (flip phones included) as part of its “5G for all” offer.

The T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, expandable via a microSD card. It runs Android 11 with a nearly stock UI. The 5000mAh battery can be charged at 18W speed with the included USB-C charger in the box. The triple camera setup on the back is comprised of a 16MP primary shooter and two additional 5MP and 2MP cameras. The front-facing camera offers 16MP resolution shots. The MediaTek Dimensity 700 only supports sub-6GHz 5G connectivity so there’s no mmWave support, though you’re honestly not missing out on much. It’s not as if mmWave is particularly common on T-Mobile let alone in the U.S..

T-Mobile’s REVVL devices are “white-label” smartphones, meaning that they are rebranded smartphones from other manufacturers. While we can’t tell exactly what the original device is, it seems to resemble the TCL 20 SE, though that has a rear fingerprint scanner instead of being on the side. It also doesn’t have the MediaTek Dimensity 700, so it doesn’t support 5G. Some of T-Mobile’s previous REVVL devices have been rebranded TCL smartphones, so it’s not out of the question for the REVVL V+ 5G to be made by TCL.

Regardless, T-Mobile’s REVVL V+ 5G is perhaps the cheapest 5G device that you can get in the U.S. right now, but as competition heats up, it’s possible we’ll see something even cheaper in the future. You can purchase the REVVL V+ 5G in Metro by T-Mobile stores starting July 12th and in T-Mobile stores and online starting July 23rd. Qualifying T-Mobile customers can get the device for $8.34/month over 24 months on an EIP, and some lucky customers can snag one for free by playing T-Mobile’s new AR game.

T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G Specifications

Specification	T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G
Build	Nebula Black
Dimensions	6.84” x 3.05” x 0.28”
Display	6.82” 20:5:9 HD+ LCD Waterdrop notch
SoC	MediaTek Dimensity 700
RAM & Storage	4GB RAM + 64GB storage MicroSDXC card slot
Battery & Charging	5000 mAh + 18W fast charging
Security	Face unlock and side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Rear Camera(s)	16MP + 5MP + 2MP
Front Camera(s)	16MP
Port(s)	USB-C port
Connectivity	5G n25/n41/n66/n71 LTE 2/4/5/12/25/26/41/66/71
Software	Android 11

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New Jetpack library adds backward compatibility for Android 12’s Splash Screen API

With the release of the third developer preview of Android 12, Google added a new platform API for apps to customize their app’s splash screen. Although Android 12 automatically generates a splash screen that shows the app’s icon on a light or dark background, developers can customize the splash screen with a custom icon or an animation to maintain their unique branding. For example, the Google Drive app on Android 12 has a custom splash screen with an animated icon, as users on Reddit spotted last week.

In order to make it easier for developers to make a custom splash screen, Google today released Core Splashscreen Version 1.0.0. This is a new Jetpack support library that lets developers add a splash screen to their app that’s not only compatible with the new Splash Screen APIs in Android 12 but also backward compatible all the way back to API level 23, or Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Android 12 adds new APIs for seamlessly transitioning from your windowBackground to your content. Many of these APIs are now available back to API 23 via the new Core Splashscreen 1.0.0-alpha01.https://t.co/RTMrgVnIiU

— Ian Lake (@ianhlake) June 30, 2021

Another new notable update in today’s set of Jetpack library releases is version 1.0.0 of Core Google Shortcuts. This module allows shortcuts saved using the ShortcutManagerCompat API to also be “donated to Google.” This will “unlock additional features with those shortcuts for users, such as displaying them as suggestions or allowing Google Assistant to fulfill them through voice query.”

Core Google Shortcuts reaches 1.0.0 today and has flown a bit under the radar, which makes some sense since it has no public API surface. Instead, it just makes the ShortcutManagerCompat APIs even better. Check out the docs for more details!https://t.co/sBDeeHjdzG

— Ian Lake (@ianhlake) June 30, 2021

At Google I/O 2021, Google announced new APIs for Shortcuts in Android 12 that makes it easier to find all Assistant queries that are supported with apps. Developers that build an Android Shortcut can have them automatically appear in the Assistant Shortcuts gallery, and soon, these shortcuts will be shown in suggestion chips in the Assistant panel or as suggestions in Search surfaces.

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Best Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 accessories for 2021

Samsung is one of the largest manufacturers of consumer electronics. Ranking number four on the list of Chromebook vendors by volume, Samsung has an impressive lineup of devices running Chrome OS. If premium design is your thing, Samsung is definitely one of the top Chromebook manufacturers to consider. Indeed, the new flagship Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is one of the best Chromebooks you can buy. With the first ever QLED display on a Chromebook, this laptop is excellent for work and play. Those that use a Samsung Android phone as their daily device will also enjoy further integration into the rich Samsung ecosystem.

If you use your Galaxy Chromebook 2 for work or school, you could use it with a docking station and external monitor. Using an external monitor can provide more screen real estate, and docking stations can offer additional ports for multi-tasking. Of course, you’ll also need an excellent mouse for when you take your Galaxy Chromebook 2 on the road. It’s also useful to have a nice sleeve to carry your Chromebook in on a daily basis, even if you use a backpack.

In this list, we’ll take a look at the best Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 accessories. From mice to styluses, we’ve got you covered.

Navigate this article: 

• Best docking stations for Galaxy Chromebook 2
• Best external monitors for Galaxy Chromebook 2
• Best mice for Galaxy Chromebook 2
• Best sleeves/bags for Galaxy Chromebook 2
• Best stylus pens for Galaxy Chromebook 2

Best docking stations for Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Are you looking to use your Galaxy Chromebook 2 with an external display? Then you’ll likely want to add a docking station to increase the number of available ports. With a good docking solution, you can greatly expand your Chromebook’s versatility. You can use it to connect a mouse, a mechanical keyboard, external storage devices, multiple monitors, or all of them at once. On top of that, with some docking stations, you can even keep your Chromebook charged as long as it has a compatible USB Type-C port or thunderbolt port. Overall, you’ll want a docking station if the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is your daily productivity laptop.

Tiergrade USB-C Docking Station

Best overall

The Tiergrade USB C Chromebook docking station is perfect for power users. It offers the widest selection of ports, including two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, two USB 3.0 Type-C ports, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort port, an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port, 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks, a S/PDIF audio port and a USB 3.0 Type-C port with 60W power delivery. On top of that, the dock also includes a full-size SD card reader and a microSD card reader.

View at Amazon

Baseus 16-in-1 Docking Station

Best budget alternative for power users

The Baseus 16-in-1 Chromebook docking station is a cheaper alternative to the Tiergrade dock with a slightly different port selection. It includes three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, two USB 3.0 Type-C ports, a USB type-C port with pass-through charging support, an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port, a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack, a microSD card slot, and an SD card slot. For display connectivity, it features a VGA port and an HDMI port. However, it only supports screen mirroring for dual external displays.

View at Amazon

NOVOO 8-in-1 USB-C Dock

Best portable

The NOVOO 8-in-1 USB C dock is the tiniest Chromebook Docking Station on this list, earning it the most portable title. Despite its tiny size, it packs 3 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, an Ethernet port, a USB Type-C port with up to 100W passthrough charging, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. That's a lot of ports for something as tiny as this. Makes me wonder why some fruity OEMs can't offer more than two USB Type- C ports on their laptops.

View at Amazon

Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub

Best budget portable

If you're not willing to spend $40 on a tiny USB C hub, then the Anker PowerExpand+ should be a better option. It's slightly larger than the NOVOO USB C dock, but features the same number of ports. This includes two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a USB Type-C port for data, a USB Type-C port with pass-through charging support at up to 100W, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. It should get the job done if you have basic needs.

View at Amazon

Sabrent Universal Laptop Docking Station

Best for Chrome OS tablets

The Sabrent Chromebook docking station is a good choice for Chromebooks with a detachable keyboard as it features a stand that you can use to prop up your Chromebook when you're not using the included keyboard. In terms of ports, it offers two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, two USB Type-A 2.4A fast charging ports, an HDMI port, a DVI port, a USB 3.0 input, 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks, and a RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port.

View at Amazon

Targus USB-C Universal Docking Station

Best with built-in stand

The Targus Chromebook docking station is a good 2-in-1 option that not only offers a decent selection of ports but also doubles up as an ergonomic stand. It includes 4 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two DisplayPort ports, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB Type-C port with 60W pass-through charging support, a headphone / mic combo jack, and a RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port.

View at Amazon

Best external monitors for Samsung  Galaxy Chromebook 2

Monitors come in a variety of sizes, and span the price spectrum from fairly cheap to incredibly expensive. When choosing an external monitor to use with your Galaxy Chromebook 2 , you should carefully consider your use-case as well as your budget.

Keep in mind you must also consider the available I/O ports available on your Chromebook when picking a monitor. If you need to expand your port selection, the aforementioned docking stations and dongles are the way to go.  We’ve rounded up the best monitors for 4K performance, creative professionals, and those looking to get the best overall bang for their buck.

Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX

Best overall

This monitor offers great color accuracy and sharp visuals with 1,440px resolution. It also comes with a great industrial design with slim bezels and a good set of I/O connectivity. The 27 inch display size is also the sweet spot for most content creators.

View at Amazon

HP 24MH

Best budget

The HP 24mh is a 24-inch budget monitor that offers a good set of features for the asking price. It uses an IPS panel which means better colors and viewing angles, and it also offers great sRGB coverage. The monitor also features three inputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA), a functional stand with height, pivot, and tilt adjustment, as well as built-in speakers.

View at Amazon

HP U28 4K

Best 4K

HP's U28 features a factory-calibrated 4K HDR IPS panel which is great for studio work and it also features a host of I/O ports. If you want a 4K model with a solid price, this is an excellent option to consider.

View at Amazon

LG 29WP60G-B

Best ultrawide

The LG 29-inch ultrawide monitor should be great for users looking for loads of screen real estate. It comes with a 29-inch wide IPS panel offering a full-HD (2560 x 1080) resolution, 21:9 aspect ratio, 99% coverage of sRGB color gamut, HDR10, and AMD FreeSync.

View at Amazon

ASUS ProArt Display 27

Best for creative use

The ASUS ProArt PA279CV is suited for customers looking for an external display for the purpose of photo or video editing. It features a 27-inch 4K resolution IPS panel that offers 100% sRGB coverage, factory calibrated for Delta E < 2 color accuracy and a USB-C port for seamless connectivity.

View at Amazon

Dell U2520DR

Best with built-in hub

The quality and reliability of Dell's Ultrasharp series is well-known. This monitor also includes two standard USB 3.0 ports, along with a USB-C, HDMI port and dual DisplayPort options, allowing the monitor to act as your hub so you can connect additional peripherals.

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Best mice for Samsung  Galaxy Chromebook 2

When shopping for a mouse to pair with your new Galaxy Chromebook 2, comfort is king. In this list, we’ll prioritize the comfortable operation of each mouse over other advanced features. After considering the day-to-day usage, we’ll look at battery life, price point, and of course integration with Chrome OS. Mice come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s worth viewing a large volume of options before reaching a final decision.

Seenda 2.4G wireless mouse

Best budget mouse

If you need a wireless mouse on a budget, Seenda has you covered. This mouse lacks some bells and whistles, but costs under $6 and has a comfortable design. Battery life is excellent on this device. For those that only use a mouse on occasion, this is the way to go.

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Logitech M570

Best for trackball fans

Logitech's M570 has a distinct and instantly recognizable form-factor. The giant teal trackball is easily spotted while the mouse is in use. If you do a lot of scrolling for work, and find a trackball comfortable, this is the best option by far. This is one of the most comfortable mice to use for long periods of time.

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Jelly Comb mouse and keyboard combo

Best mouse and keyboard bundle

Bundles are never a bad thing in terms of value. Jelly Comb packages an excellent wireless keyboard and mouse combo for under $25. Both devices feature excellent battery life, and an auto sleep mode when not in use.

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Geyes Silent Wireless Mouse

Best noiseless mouse

Keeping quiet while at work is sometimes important. If you're looking for a mouse that's virtually silent, Geyes has you covered. This lightweight mouse is also rechargeable and features a comfortable honeycomb design. Friends and family will surely notice the eye-catching design on your new mouse.

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Logitech MX Master 3

Best for productivity

The Logitech MX Master series is the industry standard for what a mouse should be. Ultra-fast mag speed scrolling, ergonomic design and app-specific customization make this an ultra-premium pick. With USB-C quick charging and the ability to work on glass surfaces, this is a mouse you can use anywhere.

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Anker Vertical Ergonomic Mouse

Best vertical mouse

Another popular form factor is the vertical mouse design. This layout allows you to use the mouse in a grip-like orientation. Many users find this to be the most comfortable way to use a mouse for long periods of time. Anker also packs a fantastic feature set and battery life into this unique design.

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Best sleeves for Samsung  Galaxy Chromebook 2

Your Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a portable workstation with a lot of power. To protect your investment when out and about, you can grab a sleeve or bag at a fairly low price. Most of these options are on sale often, making the deal even sweeter. With so many options available, you can find something that fits your personal style and has functionality for daily work and play.

Amazon Basics Executive Laptop Sleeve

Best basic sleeve

If you just want a basic sleeve with no frills, Amazon has you covered here. This sleeve's size ranges from 11.6 inches up to 15.6 inches, depending on the size of your Chromebook. With three color options to choose from and a low price, grab this if you just need to carry your Chromebook outside on occasion.

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Case Logic Carrying Case 13/14

Best carrying case

If you need extra protection for your Spectre x360 when carrying it around, the hard shell on this sleeve can do just that. Meanwhile, the inside is soft to absorb any impact from your laptop moving around.

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Nacuwa Hard Sleeve

Best hard sleeve

If you want top of the line protection, get this hard sleeve from Nacuwa. With a range of size options, this sleeve is suitable for any Chromebook. You also get protection from spills, and a few inner pockets to organize cables and your laptop charger.

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UNIKA Leather Sleeve

Best leather sleeve

For those that want an elegant sleeve, UNIKA has a nice selection of color options. This sleeve features an ultra-thin design and accommodates 13-15 inch Chromebooks.

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Lymmax shockproof sleeve

Best shockproof sleeve

Sometimes we all have a clumsy day or two. With the Lymmax shockproof sleeve your laptop will stay protected even if you drop it. This sleeve comes in a range of color options but is limited to 13-15 inch size compatibility.

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Nillkin laptop sleeve with stand

Best sleeve with stand

Would you like a laptop sleeve that doubles as a stand? Nillkin offers just that at a price under $30. With four color options to choose from you should be able to find one that matches your personal style.

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Best stylus pens for Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

Unlike the original Galaxy Chromebook, the new Galaxy Chromebook 2 doesn’t come bundled with a built-in S-pen. Samsung removed this premium feature to make the Galaxy Chromebook 2 a more affordable device. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 isn’t even compatible with other Samsung pens you may have lying around from a previous device. Instead, you’ll need to pick up a third-party stylus if you want to write or draw on your screen. The good news is the Galaxy Chromebook 2 supports the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) protocol.

Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) defines industry-wide standards for interoperable communication between an active stylus and touch-enabled devices, such as phones, tablets, and computing and entertainment platforms. Thus far, there are quite a few solid USI pens available on the market, but they’re a bit pricier than the old-school capacitive styli. We recommend choosing one of the USI options below if it’s in your budget, otherwise we provide a budget option that’ll do the job in a pinch.

Penoval USI Stylus

Best overall USI stylus

This is the best overall stylus to take advantage of the USI compatibility on your Galaxy Chromebook 2. Solid overall build quality with a nice heft in-hand make this stylus easy to write with. It's a shame it requires a AAAA battery to run, but the usability is still impressive.

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iPlume USI Stylus

Best overall USI stylus

Another excellent USI stylus with a nice-looking overall design. It's comfortable to hold and it doesn't have the useless eraser button other models do. iPlume also boasts impressive low latency on this model, making it easier to write and draw with precision.

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HP Rechargeable USI Stylus

Best rechargeable stylus

The main downside to many USI styli is the annoyance of dealing with batteries. Luckily, HP has a USI pen that's rechargeable via USB-C. The battery life on this pen is also excellent, averaging over 2 weeks of typical use.

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TiMOVO USI Stylus Pen

Best budget USI stylus

This USI stylus from TiMOVO features unique palm rejection features that effectively avoid your palm from disturbing your creation. Comes with a replacement tip and a tool, you can use the tool to pull out the nib, which is very easy to replace. This pen is also frequently on sale, making it a good option for those on a budget.

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Lenovo USI Pen

Best OEM USI stylus

Lenovo's USI stylus is well-built and has a nice feel in the hand. While it's not as easy to power as the HP, it should last months on a single battery before it needs replacing. It features a pen clip to help you secure the stylus in your backpack.

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Mixoo Capacitive Stylus Pen

Best non-USI stylus

Have you found all these USI pens too expensive? Then you might want to go old-school with the capacitive stylus from Mixoo. This pen is under $10 and comes in many colors. You should be able to accomplish basic note-taking tasks and do it in style.

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That’s our roundup of the best accessories for your Galaxy Chromebook 2. As the first QLED Chromebook on the market, it’s truly one of the best Samsung laptops out there. Hopefully you now have everything you need to use your new Samsung Chromebook comfortably at home or on the go.

Our ideal setup includes the Tiergrade USB-C Docking Station, Logitech MX Master 3 mouse, and the Penoval USI stylus, Sleeve and bag options are really all about personal preference and style. If you try out some of our picks, let us know how they work for you in the comments section below.

The post Best Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 accessories for 2021 appeared first on xda-developers.

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