Samsung Notebook 9
A Samsung range of thin-and-light notebook computers marketed at different times as Series 9, ATIV Book 9, and Notebook 9.
Last updated August 22, 2026
Overview
Samsung Notebook 9 was a family of premium notebook computers produced by Samsung Electronics from 2011 through the late 2010s. The range began as the Samsung Notebook Series 9, known as SENS Series 9 in South Korea, and was subsequently renamed ATIV Book 9 when Samsung reorganized its personal-computer branding in 2013. Later generations returned to the Samsung Notebook 9 name. The line was positioned around portability, thin construction, premium materials, bright high-resolution displays, and a design philosophy Samsung described as “Thin & Light.” The first Series 9 was introduced at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. Its aerospace-grade duralumin enclosure, 16.3-millimetre thickness, low weight, solid-state storage, and second-generation Intel Core processor made it an early Samsung answer to the premium ultraportable market. The original family included a 13.3-inch model and, for a shorter period, an 11.6-inch version. Samsung later added a 15-inch model as demand favored larger screens. The initial design used a dark, brushed-metal appearance and a paper-like visual motif intended to communicate thinness. The 2012 generation refined the chassis and hinge design, moved to a single-shell aluminium construction, reduced thickness and weight, and raised the 13.3-inch display resolution to 1600 by 900 pixels. It was offered with solid-state storage capacities including 128 GB and 256 GB. Although its specifications fitted the emerging ultrabook category, Samsung did not consistently market the product using Intel’s Ultrabook name. In 2013 the family expanded substantially. The standard model gained a full-HD display and adopted the ATIV Book 9 designation. Samsung also introduced the ATIV Book 9 Plus, with a touchscreen and an unusually high-resolution 3200 by 1800 display, and the lower-cost ATIV Book 9 Lite, which used a plastic enclosure and an AMD processor. The Lite retained the visual identity of the premium models but was aimed at less demanding users such as people browsing the web, communicating by email, and using ordinary office applications. The 2014 models broadened the range further. The ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition used a 15.6-inch full-HD display, emphasized long battery life, and included support for high-resolution lossless audio through Samsung’s bundled S Player+ software. The ATIV Book 9 Style offered a more affordable plastic construction, a leather-like exterior treatment, and stronger built-in speakers. Samsung also promoted features such as high-current USB charging, Bluetooth aptX support, Dolby virtual surround sound, and remote audio control. The 2015 ATIV Book 9 adopted a low-power Intel Core M processor and a fanless design. Its 12-inch display used a 2560 by 1600 resolution, while the compact chassis weighed approximately 2.06 pounds. From late 2015 onward, Samsung introduced higher-performance variants including the Book 9 Pro and Book 9 Spin. The Pro used a 4K display, while the Spin used a 360-degree hinge for convertible operation. Samsung returned to the Notebook 9 name for subsequent generations. The 2016 models used sixth-generation Intel Core processors and were offered in especially light 13.3-inch and 15-inch versions. Later editions used seventh- and eighth-generation Intel processors, optional Nvidia graphics in larger models, magnesium-aluminium construction, and, in Notebook 9 Pen versions, integrated S Pen support. The 2019 Notebook 9 Pen and Notebook 9 Pro were the final major iterations associated with the family. Samsung subsequently introduced the Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion, which served as successors to important parts of the Notebook 9 portfolio. The Notebook 9 therefore represents a discontinued Samsung laptop family rather than a current standalone product line.
History
The Samsung Notebook 9 lineage began on January 6, 2011, when Samsung presented the Notebook Series 9 at CES. The first 13.3-inch model used an aerospace-grade duralumin enclosure, a Sandy Bridge Intel Core i5 processor, a 128 GB solid-state drive, and a 1366 by 768 display. Its thinness and low weight were central to its identity, and the design received recognition at CES. Samsung subsequently tested an 11.6-inch model in South Korea and other markets, but the smaller format was discontinued after limited demand. A 15-inch version was introduced to address stronger interest in larger displays. The second generation appeared at CES in January 2012. Samsung reduced the 13.3-inch model’s thickness and weight, changed the body from duralumin to a single-shell aluminium construction, revised the hinge arrangement, and increased the display resolution to 1600 by 900. The 15-inch model followed in the same year, and Samsung also developed a magnesium-body version. These products emphasized premium construction and portability but were not branded as Intel Ultrabooks despite fitting many of that category’s characteristics. During 2013 Samsung reorganized its computer branding under the ATIV name. The Series 9 became ATIV Book 9, and the range received a full-HD standard model, the high-resolution touchscreen ATIV Book 9 Plus, and the less expensive ATIV Book 9 Lite. The Plus used a Haswell-generation Intel Core processor and a 3200 by 1800 display. Early software support meant that the display initially operated under advertised limitations with Windows 8, but Windows 8.1 enabled the intended higher resolution. The Lite used a plastic body and AMD A6-1450 APU, retaining the family’s thin styling while targeting casual users. Samsung’s 2014 products included the ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition and ATIV Book 9 Style. The former used a 15.6-inch full-HD display and was promoted for long battery operation and native high-resolution lossless audio playback. Samsung supplied dedicated S Player+ software to work around operating-system audio limitations. The Style used plastic rather than premium metal, added a textured exterior and more powerful speakers, and omitted the lossless-audio feature. Samsung also added connectivity and audio features across the 2014 range, including a high-current USB port, aptX Bluetooth support, Dolby virtual surround effects, and a remotely controllable audio port. The 2014 Edition was the last Book 9 generation released in Europe before Samsung announced its withdrawal from that laptop market. In January 2015, Samsung introduced a smaller and fanless ATIV Book 9 using Intel Core M. The 12-inch computer used a 2560 by 1600 display and a very light chassis. At the end of 2015 and into 2016, the family expanded with the Book 9 Pro and Book 9 Spin. The Pro targeted higher performance and included a 4K display, while the Spin used a 360-degree hinge for convertible use. Samsung also re-established the Notebook 9 name in later markets. The 2016 models used sixth-generation Intel Core processors and were offered in 13.3-inch and 15-inch versions, with the larger model adding USB-C connectivity. The 2017 generation adopted seventh-generation Intel Core processors. Samsung highlighted the exceptionally low weight of the 13-inch model, while the 15-inch model could be configured with Nvidia GTX 940MX graphics. The Notebook 9 Pro introduced S Pen support. In 2018, Samsung released Notebook 9 and Notebook 9 Pen models with eighth-generation Intel processors and a magnesium-aluminium alloy Samsung called Metal12. The 2019 Notebook 9 Pen continued in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, while a revised-aluminium Notebook 9 Pro also appeared. Samsung then shifted its premium Windows laptop strategy to the Galaxy Book family. Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion became the practical successors to the Notebook 9 Pen and Notebook 9 Pro, bringing the Notebook 9 series to an end.
- 2019Final Notebook 9 generations
Samsung released updated Notebook 9 Pen and Notebook 9 Pro models before transitioning to Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion.
- 2018Metal12 construction and Notebook 9 Pen
Samsung released eighth-generation models using magnesium-aluminium alloy construction and expanded its pen-enabled offering.
- 2017Notebook 9 Pro gains S Pen support
The seventh-generation Notebook 9 Pro added support for Samsung’s S Pen, while the standard range emphasized very low weight.
- 2016Notebook 9 branding and Pro/Spin variants expand
Later models used the Notebook 9 name and included a 4K Pro configuration and a 360-degree Spin convertible.
- 2015Fanless 12-inch model is introduced
Samsung used Intel Core M to create a thinner, lighter, fanless ATIV Book 9.
- 201415.6-inch 2014 Edition launches
The 2014 Edition combined a larger full-HD display with battery-life and high-resolution audio features.
- 2013Series 9 becomes ATIV Book 9
Samsung renamed the family under its ATIV computer branding and launched Plus and Lite derivatives.
- 2012Second-generation Series 9 arrives
The revised generation adopted a slimmer aluminium body, a redesigned hinge, lighter weight, and a higher-resolution 1600 by 900 display.
- 2011Series 9 debuts at CES
Samsung introduced the original 13.3-inch Series 9 notebook, built around a thin duralumin chassis, Intel Core processing, SSD storage, and a high-brightness display.
Products and positioning
Premium and upper-mainstream personal computers emphasizing thinness, light weight, minimalist styling, high-resolution displays, long battery life, and progressively broader productivity and creative capabilities.
Samsung Series 9Premium thin-and-light laptop2011
The original Series 9 established the family’s premium ultraportable identity. The first generation used a thin aerospace-grade duralumin enclosure, Intel Core processing, solid-state storage, and a 13.3-inch display. Samsung later offered an 11.6-inch version and a larger 15-inch model. The line was designed for users who valued portability and premium industrial design while still requiring a conventional Windows notebook.
ATIV Book 9Thin-and-light laptop2013
The standard ATIV Book 9 was the renamed continuation of the Series 9. The 2013 generation brought a full-HD display and continued Samsung’s emphasis on a slim metal body, low weight, and solid-state storage. It served as the core premium productivity model in the ATIV Book 9 range and formed the basis for several related versions.
ATIV Book 9 PlusHigh-resolution touchscreen laptop2013
The Plus was the display-focused member of the 2013 family. It used a Haswell-generation Intel Core processor, a 13.3-inch touchscreen, and a 3200 by 1800 resolution. Its initial Windows 8 software experience did not expose the full advertised resolution in every circumstance, but Windows 8.1 restored support for the panel’s intended operating mode.
ATIV Book 9 LiteEntry-level thin-and-light laptop2013
The Lite adapted the Book 9 aesthetic to a lower-cost configuration. It used a plastic enclosure, an AMD A6-1450 APU with Radeon HD 8250 graphics, and a 13.3-inch HD display. Its solid-state storage helped everyday responsiveness, but the product was intended for web browsing, email, and general casual use rather than demanding computation.
ATIV Book 9 2014 EditionLarge premium laptop2014
The 2014 Edition increased the display size to 15.6 inches and moved to full-HD resolution. Samsung promoted it for long battery operation and high-quality audio, including support for lossless formats through bundled S Player+ software. Additional features included a high-current USB port for charging devices, Bluetooth aptX support, Dolby virtual surround processing, and audio controls that could be accessed remotely.
ATIV Book 9 StyleMainstream large laptop2014
The Style was a more affordable 15-inch Book 9 derivative. It used a plastic chassis with a leather-like textured finish and faux stitching details. Unlike the 2014 Edition, it did not include the lossless-audio playback feature, but it emphasized built-in sound with two higher-output speakers. The model retained the family’s thin-and-light visual language while reducing material cost.
ATIV Book 9Fanless compact laptop2015
The 2015 ATIV Book 9 used Intel’s low-power Core M 5Y10c processor to enable a fanless design. It had a 12-inch WQXGA display with 2560 by 1600 resolution, a very light chassis, and Windows 8.1. Samsung bundled applications such as SideSync, S Agent, and S Player. This version prioritized silent operation and mobility over high-end performance.
Notebook 9 ProPerformance laptop2015
The Notebook 9 Pro was the performance-oriented branch of the later family. Early versions used Intel Core i7 processors and a 4K display, while later generations adopted newer Intel architectures and revised chassis designs. The Pro name was also used for a 2017 model bundled with an S Pen and for a 2019 model with a revised aluminium body. It was eventually succeeded by Samsung’s Galaxy Book Ion direction.
Notebook 9 SpinConvertible laptop2015
The Notebook 9 Spin was a convertible member of the portfolio with a 360-degree hinge. It was introduced alongside the Pro as a higher-end extension of the Book 9 concept, allowing the display to be folded into multiple positions for laptop, presentation, and tablet-style use. The Spin broadened the family beyond conventional clamshell notebooks.
Notebook 9 PenPen-enabled convertible laptop2017
Notebook 9 Pen models combined the thin Notebook 9 design with integrated S Pen support. The 2018 versions used eighth-generation Intel processors and Samsung’s Metal12 magnesium-aluminium alloy construction. Updated 2019 versions were offered in 13-inch and 15-inch formats. The Pen line targeted users who wanted handwriting, sketching, annotation, and touch interaction alongside conventional Windows productivity.
Flagship businesses
- Samsung Series 9
- ATIV Book 9 Plus
- ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition
- ATIV Book 9 Pro
- ATIV Book 9 Spin
- Samsung Notebook 9 Pen
- Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
Brand decisions
- 2019Transition from Notebook 9 to Galaxy BookStrategy
Samsung revised its premium Windows-PC portfolio after several generations of Series 9, ATIV Book 9, and Notebook 9 products.
What changed. The company introduced Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion as successors to important Notebook 9 Pen and Notebook 9 Pro configurations.
Aftermath. The Notebook 9 family was discontinued and the Galaxy Book name became Samsung’s principal premium Windows laptop branding in this segment.
- 2015Adopt a fanless Core M designGeneration change
Samsung sought to make the Book 9 thinner, lighter, and quieter for users prioritizing mobility and silent operation.
What changed. The 2015 model switched to a low-power Intel Core M processor and used a fanless thermal design with a smaller high-resolution display.
Aftermath. The model strengthened the family’s ultraportable positioning but occupied a lower-performance niche than the later Pro variants.
- 2015Add Pro and Spin variantsProduct launch
The established thin-and-light range was extended toward higher performance and more flexible form factors.
What changed. Samsung introduced the Notebook 9 Pro with a 4K display and the Notebook 9 Spin with a 360-degree convertible hinge.
Aftermath. The family covered a broader set of premium notebook use cases, including high-resolution work and tablet-style operation.
- 2013Move the Series 9 family into the ATIV brandStrategy
Samsung reorganized its computer naming architecture in 2013, placing the established Series 9 premium notebook family under the ATIV identity.
What changed. The company renamed subsequent Series 9 products ATIV Book 9 and expanded the range with Plus and Lite variants.
Aftermath. The ATIV name became associated with Samsung’s Windows PCs for several years, although later generations of the same premium family returned to the Samsung Notebook 9 designation.
Recent events
- 2019Galaxy Book models replace Notebook 9 variants
Samsung introduced Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book Ion as successors to key Notebook 9 Pen and Notebook 9 Pro configurations, with releases extending into 2020.
Product launch - 2016Notebook 9 succeeds the ATIV branding
Samsung introduced Notebook 9 models, including Pro and Spin variants, as later generations of the Series 9 and ATIV Book 9 family.
Product launch - 2015Samsung introduces a fanless ATIV Book 9
A compact 12-inch model used a low-power Intel Core M processor to deliver a fanless and lighter design.
Product launchProduct generation - 2014Samsung launches the ATIV Book 9 2014 Edition
The 2014 Edition increased the display to 15.6 inches, added full-HD resolution, and emphasized battery endurance and high-resolution audio playback.
Product launchProduct generation - 2013Series 9 is renamed ATIV Book 9
Samsung’s computer-branding reorganization placed the Series 9 family under the ATIV name, producing the ATIV Book 9 designation.
Product generation - 2013ATIV Book 9 Plus and Lite expand the family
Samsung added a high-resolution touchscreen Plus model and a lower-cost Lite model with a plastic chassis and AMD platform.
Product launch - 2011Samsung introduces Series 9 at CES
Samsung unveiled the original Series 9 notebook at CES, presenting it as an exceptionally thin and light premium laptop.
Product launch
Sources
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