Summary
- The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 comes standard with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the Lenovo Flex 3 offers 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage.
- The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 15 hours, while the Lenovo Flex 3 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 10 hours.
- The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 offers a slimmer design, longer battery life, and a built-in stylus, while the Lenovo Flex 3 boasts a higher resolution display, touch screen, and backlit keyboard.
When it comes to budget-friendly laptops, Chromebooks have emerged as a formidable force. Two of the most popular options in this category are the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and the Lenovo Flex 3. But which one truly stands out as the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and design aspects of these two contenders to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and the Lenovo Flex 3 sport a sleek and portable design. However, there are some subtle differences. The Spin 311 boasts a slimmer profile, measuring just 0.67 inches thick compared to the Flex 3’s 0.78 inches. Additionally, the Flex 3’s 360-degree hinge allows for flexible usage modes, while the Spin 311’s hinge only flips back 180 degrees. In terms of build quality, both devices feel sturdy and well-made, with the Lenovo Flex 3 featuring a slightly more premium metallic finish.
Display
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 comes with an 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) IPS display, while the Lenovo Flex 3 offers a slightly larger 11.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display. The higher resolution of the Flex 3 results in sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the Flex 3’s display is touch-enabled, allowing for intuitive navigation and interaction.
Performance
Under the hood, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, while the Lenovo Flex 3 features an Intel Celeron N4020 or N4120 processor. Both devices offer adequate performance for basic tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and creating documents. However, the N4120 processor in the Flex 3 provides a slight performance boost, making it a better choice for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
Storage and Memory
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 comes standard with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the Lenovo Flex 3 offers 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage. Both devices support expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing you to increase your storage capacity as needed.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a Chromebook. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 15 hours, while the Lenovo Flex 3 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 10 hours. This means that the Spin 311 can last an entire school day or workday on a single charge, while the Flex 3 may require a recharge during extended usage.
Features
Both the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and the Lenovo Flex 3 come with a range of features that enhance their functionality. The Spin 311 features a built-in stylus, which is a great tool for drawing, taking notes, and interacting with the touchscreen. The Flex 3, on the other hand, offers a backlit keyboard, which is a convenient feature for working in low-light conditions.
Price
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a starting price of $249.99, while the Lenovo Flex 3 starts at $299.99. The price difference is primarily due to the Flex 3’s higher resolution display, touch screen, and backlit keyboard.
Verdict
Both the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and the Lenovo Flex 3 are excellent budget-friendly Chromebooks with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 offers a slimmer design, longer battery life, and a built-in stylus, while the Lenovo Flex 3 boasts a higher resolution display, touch screen, and backlit keyboard. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which Chromebook has a better display?
A: The Lenovo Flex 3 has a higher resolution Full HD display compared to the Acer Chromebook Spin 311’s HD display.
Q: Which Chromebook has a longer battery life?
A: The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a longer battery life of up to 15 hours compared to the Lenovo Flex 3’s battery life of up to 10 hours.
Q: Which Chromebook is more portable?
A: The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is slightly thinner and lighter than the Lenovo Flex 3, making it more portable.