Primebook 2 Neo Review

The laptop market has long been dominated by Windows and macOS devices, catering to a wide range of users from casual browsers to high-end professionals. However, a new contender has emerged, challenging the status quo with a unique proposition: the Primebook 2 Neo, an Android 15-based laptop priced at just Rs. 15,990. Designed specifically for India’s youth, college students, and new professionals, this 11.6-inch device promises to blend the productivity of a desktop with the versatility of Android. But does it live up to the hype? After two weeks of hands-on testing, here’s a detailed review.

Design and Build

The Primebook 2 Neo sports a compact and lightweight design, making it an ideal companion for users on the go. At just 11.6 inches, it’s smaller than most traditional laptops, which enhances its portability without compromising the classic laptop form factor. The device features a full-sized keyboard and a trackpad, ensuring a familiar typing experience for users accustomed to laptops rather than tablets.

The build quality is admirable for a budget device. The laptop feels sturdy, with a sleek grey finish that gives it a modern, professional look. The slim profile and lightweight construction make it easy to slip into a backpack, perfect for students dashing between classes or professionals commuting to work. The design is minimalist yet functional, with ports including Type-C, USB, and MicroSD, offering decent connectivity options for peripherals and storage expansion.

The highlight of the design is the 11.6-inch HD IPS display. For a budget laptop, the screen is surprisingly vibrant, offering good colour reproduction and wide viewing angles. Watching videos, browsing the web, or working on documents, the display delivers a crisp and clear visual experience. While it may not compete with high-end Retina or 4K displays, it’s one of the best screens you’ll find in this price range. The bezels are reasonably thin, contributing to the modern aesthetic, though they’re not as slim as those on premium laptops.

However, the trackpad could use some improvement. While functional, it lacks the precision and smoothness of higher-end laptops, which might frustrate users who rely heavily on trackpad gestures for navigation. The keyboard, on the other hand, is comfortable and responsive, making typing a pleasant experience even during extended sessions.

Performance

The Primebook 2 Neo is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 (MT8781) processor, paired with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS storage. Running on PrimeOS 3.0, a customized version of Android 15, the laptop is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease. The inclusion of AI tools and Cloud PC access further enhances its versatility, allowing users to access desktop-like applications and workflows on a mobile platform.

For light tasks such as web browsing, email, document editing, and streaming videos, the Primebook 2 Neo performs admirably. Opening multiple tabs in Chrome, working on Google Docs, or streaming content on apps like YouTube or Netflix feels smooth and responsive. The Android app ecosystem is a significant advantage here, with access to over 50,000 apps through the dedicated app store. This makes the laptop highly versatile, allowing users to run popular productivity apps, social media platforms, and even light games without issue.

The AI Companion Mode is a standout feature, offering intelligent assistance for tasks like scheduling, note-taking, and content creation. For students, this can be a game-changer, as it streamlines workflows and integrates seamlessly with Android’s ecosystem. The Cloud PC feature also allows users to access a virtual desktop environment, which is particularly useful for running apps that require more processing power or are not natively available on Android.

However, the performance takes a hit when the workload gets more demanding. During my two weeks of testing, I noticed occasional lag when multitasking with resource-intensive apps or opening multiple heavy applications simultaneously. For instance, running a video editing app alongside a browser with several tabs and a cloud-based productivity tool caused noticeable slowdowns. While the MediaTek Helio G99 is capable for a budget device, it struggles to keep up with more intensive tasks, making the Primebook 2 Neo less suitable for professionals.

Compared to traditional Windows laptops in the same price range, the Primebook 2 Neo’s Android-based system offers a unique experience but comes with trade-offs. The familiarity of Windows and its broader software compatibility may still be preferable for some users. However, for those already invested in the Android ecosystem or looking for a lightweight device for basic tasks, the Primebook 2 Neo delivers a solid performance.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Primebook 2 Neo is its impressive battery life. With moderate usage like web browsing, document editing, and occasional video streaming, the laptop easily lasts 6-7 hours on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for students attending long lectures or professionals working through a busy day without access to a charger.

The battery performance is particularly noteworthy when compared to other budget laptops, many of which struggle to last beyond 4-5 hours. The efficient MediaTek processor and optimized PrimeOS 3.0 contribute to this longevity, ensuring that users can rely on the device for extended periods. Charging is also convenient, thanks to the Type-C port, which supports relatively fast charging for a device in this category.

Verdict

The Primebook 2 Neo aims to redefine the budget laptop market with its Android-based design. Featuring an 11.6-inch IPS display and impressive battery life, it’s a strong choice for students and young professionals. Running on Android 15 with PrimeOS 3.0, it offers useful AI tools and Cloud PC access that enhance its versatility.

However, it has limitations, such as performance issues under heavy workloads and a less refined trackpad. For light tasks like browsing and studying, it’s an excellent value at ₹15,990, especially for those familiar with Android. Compared to Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops, the Primebook 2 Neo stands out with its portability, battery life, and app support. While it may not suit power users, it’s a great option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, modern device.