Overview
- The IdeaPad 3 exudes a more traditional laptop aesthetic with a plastic body and a textured lid.
- The Chromebook 4 offers a limited selection of ports, including two USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
- However, the Chromebook 4’s longer battery life and lightweight design make it a better choice for students who need a laptop for extended use on the go.
In the realm of budget-friendly laptops, the Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices offer a compelling blend of affordability and functionality, catering to students, professionals, and casual users alike. However, discerning which one reigns supreme requires a careful comparison of their key features.
Design and Build
Samsung Chromebook 4: The Chromebook 4 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a plastic chassis. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it highly portable, ideal for users on the go.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The IdeaPad 3 exudes a more traditional laptop aesthetic with a plastic body and a textured lid. While it’s not as slim as the Chromebook 4, it offers a more substantial and durable feel.
Display
Samsung Chromebook 4: The Chromebook 4 features an 11.6-inch HD TN display with a resolution of 1366 x 768. The display delivers decent color accuracy and brightness, but the viewing angles are somewhat limited.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The IdeaPad 3 comes with a larger 14-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The IPS panel provides superior color reproduction, wide viewing angles, and a sharper image overall.
Performance
Samsung Chromebook 4: Powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, the Chromebook 4 delivers adequate performance for basic tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and working on documents. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The IdeaPad 3 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor, which offers a significant performance boost over the Chromebook 4. It can handle multitasking, light photo editing, and even some basic gaming.
Storage and Memory
Samsung Chromebook 4: The Chromebook 4 comes with 64GB of eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM. The limited storage capacity may necessitate the use of external storage devices, while the 4GB of RAM provides a decent amount of multitasking capability.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The IdeaPad 3 offers 256GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. The ample storage space allows for storing a substantial amount of files and applications, while the 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and faster loading times.
Battery Life
Samsung Chromebook 4: The Chromebook 4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12.5 hours on a single charge. This makes it a great choice for users who need a laptop that can last throughout a long day of work or school.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The IdeaPad 3 has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge. While still respectable, it falls short of the Chromebook 4’s exceptional endurance.
Ports and Connectivity
Samsung Chromebook 4: The Chromebook 4 offers a limited selection of ports, including two USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The IdeaPad 3 provides a more comprehensive array of ports, including two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
Operating System
Samsung Chromebook 4: The Chromebook 4 runs on Chrome OS, which is a lightweight and user-friendly operating system. It offers access to a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store and provides seamless integration with Google services.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The IdeaPad 3 runs on Windows 10 Home, which is a more versatile operating system that supports a wider range of software and applications. However, it comes with additional bloatware and requires regular updates.
Verdict: The Winner is…
The Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are both excellent laptops in their own right. However, based on our comprehensive comparison, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 emerges as the clear winner. Its superior display, enhanced performance, ample storage capacity, and more versatile operating system make it the better choice for most users.
What People Want to Know
Which laptop is better for students?
Both the Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are suitable for students. However, the Chromebook 4’s longer battery life and lightweight design make it a better choice for students who need a laptop for extended use on the go.
Which laptop is better for business use?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is the better choice for business use due to its more powerful processor, larger storage capacity, and more comprehensive port selection. It can handle a wider range of business applications and provides a more productive experience.
Which laptop offers the best value for money?
The Samsung Chromebook 4 offers the best value for money if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop with a long battery life and a lightweight design. However, if you need a more powerful and versatile device, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is worth the additional investment.