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    USA wall to USB-C charger / power supply for Galaxy Book Flex? (Korean unit)

    Discussion in 'Samsung' started by njweb, May 14, 2020.

  1. njweb

    njweb Notebook Enthusiast

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    galaxy flex power.jpg I received my Galaxy Book Flex 15 (Korean edition).
    Looks great and can't wait to try it out (used gloves to set up Windows and will let the laptop sit a while longer to be safe - it was shipped about 2 3/4 days ago).

    The power cord needs an adapter (i.e. black plug in attached photo) for the US which the seller supplied.
    The only thing is that if it is plugged into a wall outlet, the big Samsung brick / block will hang precariously downward from the wall outlet due to the design, especially now with the extra distance added by the US adapter.

    (So as not to double pay) are there any reasonable aftermarket USB-C-to-wall outlet power cable alternatives to use in the USA for the Flex given after all this is simply USB-C (as opposed to a proprietary plug on the computer end)?
    What power specs should I be looking for (assuming I can't match the exact specs of the Samsung version)?


    Thanks!
     
  2. njweb

    njweb Notebook Enthusiast

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    Adding specs since I found them on the other side of the adapter:
    65 Watts
    3A / 3.25A (see photo)
    20V = 3.25A
    15V = 3A
    9V = 3A
    5V = 3A

    So, when I am looking for an aftermarket adapter (smaller form factor), how do I know which specific voltage and amperage will be used by Galaxy Book Flex (sorry I am not a power expert) so I can pick a matching aftermarket adapter?

    EDIT:
    1. In any case, the following one seems to be an exact match on power specs compared to the Samsung OEM one, albeit with a US plug which I need:
    https://www.amazon.com/Laptop-Charger-ThinkPad-720-13IKB-Adapter/dp/B086SMXCWW/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=65w+usb-c+power+3a+3.25a&qid=1589554327&s=electronics&sr=1-5
    Power:65W. Input: 100V-240V 50-60Hz; Output: 5V/3A,9V/3A,12V/3A,15V/3A,18V/3A,20V/3.25A
    Only 11 Amazon reviews so far though, so not a large sample size over a period of time.

    2. This one also matches, although it has one EXTRA voltage 20.3V in addition to the voltages (20V, 15V, 9V, 5V which the Samsung power supply supports.
    Assume that does not matter?
    Rated Power: 65W, Input: 100V-240V 50-60Hz, Output: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20.3V/3A, 20V/3.25A 65W. Connecter Size: USB Type-C. Quick Charge, Slim, lightweight design, Simplifies storage.
    https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Charger-MacBook-Matebook-Thinkpad/dp/B07QQS2FBD/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=65w+usb-c+power+3.25a&qid=1589554236&s=electronics&sr=1-10
    Edit - Probably ruling this one out based on high % of 1-star reviews on Amazon (13% of reviews are 1-star).

    3. Option 3? Excellent reviews, ultra compact and 65W, but no supported voltages and amperages specified?
    https://www.amazon.com/Charger-RAVPower-Adapter-Foldable-Nintendo/dp/B083BQ9TKB/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=65w+usb-c+samsung+power&qid=1589554064&refinements=p_72:1248879011&rnid=1248877011&s=electronics&sr=1-4&th=1
    It does says this: " Monumental Compatibility: One-stop charging solution that works flawlessly with virtually all USB-C and USB-A powered devices, from iPhone to Samsung to USB-C laptops and more"


    Update: Option 4
    Looks like this may be perfect: (assuming USB PD is supported by the Flex which I believe it is?)
    https://www.amazon.com/ZMI-zPower-Turbo-Power-Adapter/dp/B07D64QLQ1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BJ6RIGJL55DE&dchild=1&keywords=65w+usb-c+charger&qid=1589558508&refinements=p_72:2661618011&rnid=2661617011&sprefix=65w+usb-c+charger,hpc,146&sr=8-1


    Photo of my Samsung Galaxy Book Flex OEM power supply photo with specs (Korean version):
    Galaxy Book Flex Korean power adapter specs. 50pct.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 15, 2020
  3. Worzyl

    Worzyl Notebook Consultant

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    What specs are your machine? I am going to pick one up this week, though I am still torn between the flex and Ion as I prefer the port selection on the Ion, but I also prefer the i7 CPU of the Flex and the pen.
     
  4. njweb

    njweb Notebook Enthusiast

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    I bought the 16GB Korean version of the 15.6" model with built in nVidia graphics for same price as the Best Buy 12GB version with Intel graphics.
    Will just have to get used to the extra Korean characters next to the letters.
    In the event that I do not like the keyboard feel (did not like NB 9 Pen keyboard last year but the Flex is supposed to be an improvement according to one owner here), may give the Flex to my wife since she is due for a new 2nd machine. If not will sell it.

    I actually wanted the Ion initially (when they said 16GB would be available) due to the lower weight than the Flex and better keyboard travel according to one reviewer who had tried both last year during one of those CES type shows.
    However, when the Ion came to the US as 8 GB only a bit over a week ago, I stumbled onto the Flex 16GB (Korean version as noted above) for a very good price and given the better build quality / strength of the Flex chassis / case (over the Ion), I decided to give it a try. Also like the looks more (nice bonus).
    Lastly, the CPU difference between the Ion and Flex is something that I was not aware of till more recently.

    I would not have bought the 12GB version of the Flex given the RAM would be a downgrade from my 16GB RAM HP 1050 G1 i7-8750H 1TB SDD Elitebook (got it for a decent price a year ago).
    Luckily I found a decent deal on the 16GB version of the Flex. Definitely smaller and lighter than my Elitebook, but the Elitebook has a very nice keyboard.
    I even prefer the Elitebook keyboard to the Lenovo X1 Extreme I had! Battery life was too short on the Lenovo; otherwise I liked it overall. Aside from battery life, keyboard actuation force was too high - those were my only gripes). I did like the look of the classic ThinkPad keyboard. Too bad about battery life and keyboard because I got it for 40% off MSRP (special deal around Black Friday).
    Still miss it a bit thinking back to it, but Flex may change that if I like the keyboard.

    Will post my impressions this weekend after actually using it.
     
    Last edited: May 15, 2020
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  5. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    How do you like your Flex? I'm looking at picking up a Flex alpha.
     
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