Samsung Chromebook 4 vs Lenovo Chromebook 3: Which is the Best Budget Laptop?

Looking for a budget-friendly Chromebook that can handle your everyday tasks? The Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo Chromebook 3 are two popular options, both offering impressive features and performance at an affordable price. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo Chromebook 3, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Build

Both Chromebooks boast a sleek and minimalist design, prioritizing portability and affordability. The Samsung Chromebook 4 features a sturdy plastic build with a subtle textured finish, available in a classic gray color. It weighs in at 2.9 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The Lenovo Chromebook 3, on the other hand, sports a slightly more premium look with a metal lid and a choice of gray or silver color options. It’s slightly lighter at 2.6 pounds, making it even more portable.

Display

The Samsung Chromebook 4 comes with a 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) display, providing decent clarity for everyday use. However, its brightness can be underwhelming in bright environments. The Lenovo Chromebook 3, in contrast, offers a larger 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. It also features a slightly brighter display, making it more comfortable to use outdoors.

Performance

Both Chromebooks are powered by MediaTek processors, offering smooth performance for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity. The Samsung Chromebook 4 features a MediaTek Kompanio 828 processor, while the Lenovo Chromebook 3 is equipped with a MediaTek Kompanio 800 processor. While the difference in processing power may seem minimal, the Chromebook 4 generally offers slightly faster performance, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications.

Storage and Memory

The Samsung Chromebook 4 comes in two storage options: 32GB and 64GB. Both models offer 4GB of RAM. The Lenovo Chromebook 3 also offers 32GB and 64GB storage options but comes with a choice of 4GB or 8GB of RAM. Opting for the 8GB RAM option can significantly improve multitasking capabilities and overall system responsiveness.

Battery Life

Both Chromebooks offer impressive battery life, allowing you to work or play for extended periods without needing a charger. The Samsung Chromebook 4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours, while the Lenovo Chromebook 3 offers up to 10 hours of usage. This difference in battery life could be a deciding factor for users who frequently travel or work remotely.

Connectivity and Features

Both Chromebooks feature a standard set of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and a headphone jack. The Samsung Chromebook 4 also includes a microSD card reader for expandable storage. The Lenovo Chromebook 3 offers an additional HDMI port, making it more versatile for connecting to external displays. Both Chromebooks support Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Both Chromebooks feature comfortable and responsive keyboards, ideal for typing for extended periods. The Samsung Chromebook 4’s keyboard has a slightly more compact layout, while the Lenovo Chromebook 3’s keyboard offers a larger typing surface. Both Chromebooks feature smooth and accurate touchpads, providing a comfortable and responsive navigation experience.

Price and Value

The Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo Chromebook 3 are both budget-friendly options, offering excellent value for money. The Samsung Chromebook 4 is generally priced slightly lower than the Lenovo Chromebook 3, making it a more affordable option. However, the Lenovo Chromebook 3’s larger display, additional RAM option, and HDMI port make it a more feature-rich choice for those willing to spend a bit more.

Choosing the Right Chromebook

The best Chromebook for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Choose the Samsung Chromebook 4 if:

• You’re on a tight budget.
• You prioritize battery life.
• You need a lightweight and portable device.

Choose the Lenovo Chromebook 3 if:

• You prefer a larger display.
• You need more RAM for multitasking.
• You need an HDMI port for connecting to external displays.

Moving Beyond the Conclusion: The Verdict

Ultimately, both the Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo Chromebook 3 offer great value for their price. The Samsung Chromebook 4 excels in battery life and portability, while the Lenovo Chromebook 3 provides a larger display and more RAM options. The best choice for you depends on your individual priorities and budget.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I upgrade the storage on either Chromebook?
A: Both Chromebooks offer microSD card slots, allowing you to expand storage capacity with a microSD card.
Q: Are these Chromebooks suitable for gaming?
A: While both Chromebooks can handle casual games, they’re not designed for high-performance gaming. Their processors and graphics capabilities are limited for demanding games.
Q: Can I use these Chromebooks for work?
A: Yes, both Chromebooks are perfectly capable of handling basic work tasks like email, document editing, and online meetings. They’re also compatible with popular productivity apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Q: Which Chromebook has a better camera?
A: Both Chromebooks feature basic webcams suitable for video calls and online meetings. However, neither Chromebook is designed for high-quality video recording or photography.
Q: Can I install Android apps on these Chromebooks?
A: Yes, both Chromebooks support Android app installation from the Google Play Store. You can access a wide range of Android apps, expanding your Chromebook’s functionality.