Physics Wallah, a well-known Indian ed-tech platform, has entered the hardware space with the launch of the Pi Book, an affordable laptop priced at ₹14,999. Aimed at students, this device runs on Android 13, offering compatibility with Android apps and software for learning and productivity. Given its low price, many are curious about its performance for studies, general use, and even light gaming.
In this detailed review, we will cover everything from unboxing to performance tests and determine whether the Pi Book is worth buying.
Physics Wallah Pi Book: A Budget Laptop for Students
Pi Book Unboxing & First Look
Opening the box, the Pi Book presents itself as a compact and lightweight device. The packaging includes:
- The Pi Book laptop
- A power adapter
- User manual & warranty details
On first impression, the Pi Book looks sleek for a budget laptop, with a simple yet modern design. Let’s take a closer look at its design and build quality.
Design & Build Quality
The Pi Book features a thin and lightweight plastic body, making it highly portable for students. Despite its plastic construction, the build quality appears decent, with minimal flex on the lid and keyboard area. The matte black finish gives it a clean look, but it may attract fingerprints over time.
At just 1.3 kg, it’s easy to carry around in a backpack, making it ideal for school and college students.
Pros:
✔️ Lightweight & portable
✔️ Decent build quality for the price
✔️ Simple, student-friendly design
Cons:
❌ Plastic build may not be very durable
❌ Limited hinge flexibility
Keyboard, Mouse & Ports
Keyboard & Trackpad
The Pi Book comes with a full-sized keyboard, offering decent key travel. While it’s comfortable for typing, it lacks backlighting, which might be inconvenient for students working in dim environments.
The trackpad is reasonably large and responsive, but it does not support advanced gestures like in premium laptops.
Ports & Connectivity
Despite being a budget device, the Pi Book includes a good selection of ports, making it functional for students and casual users:
- 2 x USB ports (likely USB 2.0)
- 1 x HDMI port (for connecting to external monitors)
- 1 x MicroSD card slot (for storage expansion)
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth support
These connectivity options allow students to connect USB drives, external monitors, and accessories like keyboards and mice.
Display Quality
The Pi Book is equipped with a 14-inch HD (720p) display, which is acceptable for basic tasks.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1366 × 768 pixels (HD)
- Panel Type: Likely a TN or IPS panel
- Brightness: Around 200-250 nits
- Bezels: Thin on the sides, slightly thicker on the top and bottom
While it is not the sharpest display, it is good enough for watching videos, attending online classes, and basic browsing. However, the viewing angles are limited, meaning colors may look washed out when viewed from an angle.
Pros:
✔️ Decent screen size for study and entertainment
✔️ Thin bezels for a modern look
Cons:
❌ Lower resolution compared to Full HD screens
❌ Limited viewing angles
Processor & Basic Specs
The Pi Book is powered by a quad-core processor, likely a UNISOC or MediaTek chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM.
Pi Book Key Specifications:
- Processor: Quad-core (UNISOC or MediaTek)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC (expandable via microSD)
- Operating System: Pi OS (Based on Android 13)
- Battery: 5000mAh (approx. 6-7 hours of use)
While these specifications are sufficient for lightweight tasks like document editing, web browsing, and online classes, they are not ideal for heavy multitasking or gaming.
Pi OS Overview
The Pi Book runs on Pi OS, which is a customized version of Android 13 optimized for a laptop experience. Unlike Windows or macOS, it operates more like a large tablet with a laptop form factor.
Software & Features
- Google Play Store support (access to Android apps)
- Pre-installed educational & productivity apps
- Multitasking with split-screen
- File manager, notifications, and a taskbar-like UI
Since it’s Android-based, many software applications are limited to mobile versions. However, it works well for students who primarily use Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and other study-related apps.
Speakers & Camera
- Speakers: Bottom-firing stereo speakers with average loudness. Good for video calls but lacks bass for music and movies.
- Camera: 720p webcam, which is sufficient for online classes and video calls.
The mic quality is decent, ensuring clear voice transmission during Zoom or Google Meet calls.
Normal Apps & Software Performance
The Pi Book handles basic productivity tasks well, including: ✔️ Google Docs & Microsoft Word
✔️ YouTube & Netflix (HD playback)
✔️ Zoom & Google Meet
✔️ Basic coding (VS Code via Android apps)
✔️ Lightweight photo editing apps like Canva
However, apps that require heavy processing power (e.g., Photoshop, Premiere Pro) won’t run smoothly on this device.
Gaming Test
Despite being a budget laptop, the Pi Book supports Android games. We tested a few popular titles:
✔️ Casual Games: Subway Surfers, Candy Crush – Smooth performance
✔️ Mid-range Games: Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9 – Playable at low settings
❌ High-end Games: Genshin Impact, PUBG – Laggy & unplayable
Gaming Verdict:
The Pi Book is not meant for gaming, but it can handle light Android games well.
Final Overview: Is the Pi Book Worth Buying?
The Pi Book is a great option for students looking for a budget-friendly laptop for studying, online classes, and basic tasks. However, it is not suitable for heavy multitasking, professional work, or gaming.
Who Should Buy It?
✅ Students needing a lightweight laptop for online classes & studying
✅ Users comfortable with an Android-based interface
✅ Those looking for an affordable alternative to Chromebooks
Who Should Avoid It?
❌ Professionals needing Windows/macOS for work
❌ Gamers expecting high-end performance
❌ Users who require heavy software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or AutoCAD
Final Verdict
Pi Book offers great value at ₹14,999 for students who need a basic laptop for learning and casual use. While it has limitations in multitasking and gaming, its affordability, lightweight design, and Android app support make it a practical choice for students on a tight budget.
