At a Glance
- The Chromebook 4 has a Celeron N4020, while the IdeaPad 3 has a Celeron N4020 or N4120, depending on the configuration.
- However, the Chromebook 4 has the edge in terms of battery life, while the IdeaPad 3 offers a larger display and faster storage.
- The Chromebook 4 excels in battery life and portability, while the IdeaPad 3 offers a larger display and faster storage.
In the realm of budget-friendly laptops, the Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 stand out as two formidable contenders. Both devices offer a blend of affordability and essential features, catering to students, casual users, and those on a tight budget. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to find out.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Chromebook 4 boasts a sleek and compact design, weighing just 2.65 pounds and measuring 0.63 inches thin. Its plastic chassis provides adequate durability for everyday use, while the textured finish adds a touch of style.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, on the other hand, has a more traditional laptop design. It’s slightly heavier at 2.98 pounds and thicker at 0.78 inches. Its plastic construction is sturdy but lacks the sleekness of the Chromebook 4.
Display
The Chromebook 4 features an 11.6-inch TN panel with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While it offers decent brightness and viewing angles, the colors appear washed out and the contrast is mediocre.
The IdeaPad 3 comes with a larger 15.6-inch TN panel with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It delivers better colors and contrast compared to the Chromebook 4, but still falls short of offering a truly immersive viewing experience.
Performance
Both the Chromebook 4 and IdeaPad 3 are equipped with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook 4 has a Celeron N4020, while the IdeaPad 3 has a Celeron N4020 or N4120, depending on the configuration.
These processors offer basic performance for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and creating documents. However, they may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
Storage and Memory
The Chromebook 4 comes with 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage, while the IdeaPad 3 offers 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage. eMMC storage is slower than SSD storage, so the IdeaPad 3 will have faster boot times and app loading speeds.
Both devices have 4GB of RAM, which is adequate for basic multitasking but may limit performance when running multiple programs simultaneously.
Battery Life
The Chromebook 4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for students or travelers who need a laptop that can last throughout the day.
The IdeaPad 3 has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 8 hours. While this is still respectable, it may not be sufficient for extended use away from an outlet.
Operating System
The Chromebook 4 runs on Chrome OS, a lightweight and secure operating system that focuses on cloud-based apps and web browsing. It’s easy to use and offers access to the Google Play Store for additional apps.
The IdeaPad 3 runs on Windows 10 S, a streamlined version of Windows that prioritizes security and performance. However, it has limited app availability compared to the full version of Windows.
Price and Value
The Samsung Chromebook 4 starts at $249 for the 64GB model and $299 for the 128GB model. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 starts at $249 for the 128GB model and $299 for the 256GB model.
Both devices offer excellent value for the price. However, the Chromebook 4 has the edge in terms of battery life, while the IdeaPad 3 offers a larger display and faster storage.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Chromebook 4 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are both solid choices for budget-minded laptop buyers. The Chromebook 4 excels in battery life and portability, while the IdeaPad 3 offers a larger display and faster storage.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize long battery life and a compact form factor, the Chromebook 4 is the way to go. If you prefer a larger display and faster performance, the IdeaPad 3 is a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers a larger display with better colors and contrast compared to the Samsung Chromebook 4.
Q: Which laptop has faster storage?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has faster SSD storage than the Samsung Chromebook 4’s eMMC storage.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: The Samsung Chromebook 4 has an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers up to 8 hours of battery life.