Following our recent review of the HP Chromebook, here’s another affordable option for under ₹12,000—the Acer Chromebook CB315-4H. Equipped with an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 15.6-inch Full HD display, and impressive hardware, this Chromebook promises to run most Android apps and games seamlessly. Today, we’ll explore if it truly meets those expectations or falls short as a budget Chromebook option.
Acer Chromebook CB315-4H Review
The Acer Chromebook CB315-4H is a budget-friendly device targeting students, professionals, and casual users who need a solid, portable computing solution. Powered by Chrome OS, this laptop features a Titan C security chip and regular updates that promise security and smooth operation. With an 8GB RAM setup and Wi-Fi 6 capability, it aims to deliver solid multitasking performance in a lightweight design.
Key Features
- Operating System: Chrome OS with Titan C chip for enhanced security.
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4500, Dual-Core with Burst Technology, reaching speeds of up to 2.8GHz.
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED-backlit screen.
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, USB 3.2, Wi-Fi 6.
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of battery life.
- Google One Premium: 3-month subscription with 2TB cloud storage.
Specs Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Acer |
| Model Name | CB315-4H |
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Full HD |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4500 |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128 GB eMMC |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
| Weight | 1.6 kg |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB Type-C |
| Audio | HD audio, built-in speakers |
| Dimensions | 24.4L x 36.6W x 2T cm |
Gaming Test and FPS Performance
To test its gaming performance, we ran some popular Android games, which provide a good benchmark for what this Chromebook can handle.
| Game | Resolution | Settings | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt 9 | 1080p | Medium | 35-40 FPS |
| PUBG Mobile | 720p | Low | 25-30 FPS |
| Free Fire | 1080p | Medium | 45-50 FPS |
| Minecraft | 720p | Low-Medium | 20-25 FPS |
Overall, the Acer Chromebook CB315-4H performs decently for light Android gaming but may struggle with more graphically intense games. For non-gaming users, the performance is sufficient for video streaming and running productivity apps.
GPU Benchmark Results
The Intel UHD Graphics integrated into this Chromebook is not designed for heavy gaming but handles day-to-day graphical tasks with ease. Here’s a summary of its benchmark performance:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| GFXBench | 15 fps (T-Rex) |
| 3DMark Sling | 180 (Graphics) |
| Geekbench | 430 (Single-Core), 835 (Multi-Core) |
Audio Performance
The Chromebook is equipped with HD audio output and integrated speakers. Here’s a breakdown of our audio test results:
- Volume: Adequate for personal use; falls short in noisy environments.
- Clarity: Clear for voice and moderate-level sounds; struggles slightly with bass-heavy audio.
- Balance: Sound is well-balanced, with an emphasis on clarity.
Interface and Design
The Acer Chromebook CB315-4H has a silver metallic finish, giving it a sleek and modern look. The design is simple yet functional, with a comfortable full-size keyboard that includes a numeric keypad—a handy feature for those who work with data.
- Display: The Full HD display with anti-glare coating delivers clear visuals, suitable for watching videos or attending online classes.
- Keyboard: The chiclet-style keyboard is responsive, with enough key travel for a comfortable typing experience.
- Ports: The inclusion of USB Type-C and USB 3.2 ports ensures modern connectivity options, while Wi-Fi 6 capability enhances wireless performance.
Battery Life and Performance
With up to 10 hours of battery life, this Chromebook supports a full day’s work on a single charge, making it suitable for students and professionals who are on the go.
Is It Worth It?
The Acer Chromebook CB315-4H delivers a decent balance of performance and affordability. While it may not be suited for heavy gaming, it shines in everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and basic app use. With its robust design, ample connectivity, and excellent battery life, it provides good value for users needing a budget-friendly, versatile laptop.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 15.6″ Full HD display with anti-glare coating
- Good battery life of up to 10 hours
- Lightweight and portable at 1.6 kg
- Wi-Fi 6 compatibility
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Limited gaming performance
- Average audio output
- Not suited for intensive multitasking or high-end applications
App Compatibility and Performance
The Acer Chromebook CB315-4H, running on Chrome OS, offers smooth access to a wide range of Android apps through the Google Play Store. Whether for productivity, entertainment, or educational purposes, the Chromebook can handle various popular apps, thanks to its 8GB RAM and efficient Celeron processor.
- Productivity Apps: This Chromebook handles productivity apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides seamlessly. The device is also compatible with Microsoft Office apps, making it versatile for users who need a budget-friendly option for work or school. Cloud storage is easily accessible through Google Drive, and the device’s 128GB storage helps to keep offline files at hand. Multitasking, like switching between apps, is smooth, and the 8GB RAM ensures efficient handling of tasks without much lag.
- Entertainment and Streaming: With a Full HD 1080p display, the Acer Chromebook CB315-4H is great for streaming videos on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. The colors are vivid, and the anti-glare coating makes viewing comfortable even in brightly lit rooms. However, while the speakers are decent, using headphones may enhance the audio experience, especially for music or cinematic content.
- Educational Apps: This Chromebook is a solid choice for students who rely on educational apps, as it runs Google Classroom, Khan Academy, Coursera, and other study-related applications smoothly. The long battery life ensures that students can use it for classes, assignments, and research without frequent charging.
- Social Media and Communication: For those who like to stay connected, apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet work well on this Chromebook, especially with the reliable Wi-Fi 6 support for stable video calls and online interactions. The larger display makes group chats and video calls more enjoyable, and multitasking between apps is relatively smooth.
- Android Games: Although this Chromebook can run popular Android games like Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, and Temple Run, it is not ideal for graphics-intensive games. Games that require high GPU power may experience lag or limited frame rates, so the device is better suited for light gaming.
App Performance Table
Here’s a quick look at how various types of apps perform on the Acer Chromebook CB315-4H:
| App Type | Examples | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Google Docs, Microsoft Office | Smooth multitasking |
| Entertainment | Netflix, YouTube, Spotify | Excellent streaming quality |
| Educational | Google Classroom, Coursera | Reliable for study use |
| Social Media | WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet | Stable connections, clear video calls |
| Android Games | Clash of Clans, Candy Crush | Good for light gaming, average for heavy gaming |
With its solid performance on a variety of apps, the Acer Chromebook CB315-4H is a versatile choice for users who need an affordable laptop that can handle both productivity and entertainment tasks efficiently. However, it is worth noting that while Android apps run smoothly, Chrome OS still lacks support for certain desktop software, which may limit its appeal for users with specialized software needs.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook CB315-4H is a well-rounded budget laptop that impresses with its large Full HD display, reliable battery life, and smooth app performance on Chrome OS. Designed for students, professionals, and casual users alike, this Chromebook offers enough power to handle everyday tasks, from document editing and video streaming to running various Android apps. It strikes a good balance for those needing a device under ₹12,000, providing value for productivity and moderate entertainment.
While it isn’t built for heavy gaming or intensive software, its affordability, lightweight design, and Chrome OS benefits make it a smart choice for budget-conscious users. If you’re looking for a dependable, easy-to-use laptop for browsing, streaming, and basic productivity, the Acer Chromebook CB315-4H delivers excellent value. For those needing advanced performance, however, investing in a higher-end device might be the better route.
