Chromebooks used to be a Windows-alternative with plastic builds and dirt-cheap prices. Well, that still holds some truth. However, some Chromebooks now have better build with an equally hefty price. Moreover, the Chrome OS inside these devices is improving every year as Google brings new features to the operating system.
In this article, we are going to compare and take a closer look at two Chromebooks from established laptop manufacturers: Acer and Lenovo. These products are not typical laptops since both are 2-in-1 convertible Chromebooks. Let’s take a look at the Acer Chromebook R11 and Lenovo Chromebook C330.
| Acer Chromebook R11 | Lenovo Chromebook C330 | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Operating System | Chrome OS | Chrome OS |
| Materials and Build | Aluminum and Plastic | Plastic |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N3150 Quad-Core Processor 1.6GHz with Intel Burst Technology up to 2.08GHz | MediaTek™ MTK 8173C Processor (1.70GHz) |
| Graphics Card | Integrated Intel HD Graphics | Integrated PowerVR GX6250 Graphics |
| Memory | 4GB DDR3L Onboard Memory | 4 GB LPDDR3 @ 1866MHz |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 64GB eMMC |
| Screen | 11.6” LED-backlit IPS display | 11.6” Anti-glare IPS display, 300 nits |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels resolution |
| Touchscreen | 10-point multi-touch | 10-point multi-touch |
| Camera | 720p HD webcam | 720p HD webcam |
| Speakers | Two Built-in Stereo Speakers | Two 2 Watts Stereo Speakers |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-band Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ports | 1 x USB 3.0 port, 1 x USB 2.0 port, 1 x HDMI port, SD card reader, audio combo jack | 1 x USB Type-C port (PowerDelivery, DisplayPort, HDMI pass-through), 1 x USB 3.1 port, 1 x HDMI port, SD card reader, audio combo jack |
| Battery | 3-cell 3220 mAh Li-ion batteries | 45Wh Li-polymer battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Item Dimensions | 8.03 x 11.57 x 0.76 inches | 11.50 x 0.77 x 8.48 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.76 pounds | 2.64 pounds |
| Available Colors | White | Blizzard White |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Similarities between Acer Chromebook R11 and Lenovo Chromebook C330
2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
Why buy a laptop and a tablet when you can have both in one device, right? The Acer Chromebook R11 and Lenovo Chromebook C330 are 2-in-1 convertible Chromebooks. Both Chromebooks have the processing power of a laptop and the portability of a tablet. You can use either of them as a traditional laptop using their keyboards and trackpads. Or use it as a tablet for gaming or media consumption. The displays of convertible laptops have 360-degree hinges so you can open it all the wall to become a tablet. Moreover, you can fold it into the ‘tent’ mode to enjoy movies.
Chrome Operating System
Chrome OS is Google’s attempt at joining Windows and macOS in the laptop and desktop market. Google’s Android OS is Linux-based, so it is not surprising to see that Chrome OS is built the same way. If you are already familiar with the Windows OS, it takes no time at all to get used to the Chrome OS. Since Chrome OS is the creation of Google, it also has access to the Google Play Store. You can enjoy your favorite Android apps straight from your Chromebook. Just take note that not all apps are optimized with the Chrome OS.
Display
Convertible laptops have touchscreen by default. Both the R11 and C330 have 11.6” IPS displays with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
Differences between Acer Chromebook R11 and Lenovo Chromebook C330
Build and Design
Although Chromebooks are generally cheap, we should still expect great build and design quality from them.
Acer Chromebook R11
While the Acer Chromebook R11 has a body made out of plastic, the top panel is made out of aluminum. Acer decided to put an aluminum panel to put additional protection for the IPS display. Since its hinge rotates a full 360 degree, torque can be applied which can lead to screen cracks. The aluminum panel helps to prevent that. Moreover, its bottom side is textured which helps to add an extra grip when handling. The Acer Chromebook R11 is available in white.
Lenovo Chromebook C330
Like the Acer Chromebook, the C330 has plastic construction. There is not much difference between the R11 and C330. However, the C330 does not have the aluminum panel that the R11 has. With that being said, the Acer Chromebook beats the C330 in terms of Build and Design. The C330 is also available in Blizzard White.
The Winner Is- Acer Chromebook R11
Performance
Chrome OS is a stable operating system. Thus, the performance of both R11 and C330 is ample for everyday usage and casual gaming.
Acer Chromebook R11
The Acer R11 has a quad-core processor running at 1.6GHz and can boost up to 2.08Ghz. Running apps from the Google Play Store is a breeze on the R11. While we are on the topic of apps, the R11 is compatible with Google’s Crostini project. With the Crostini installed, you can run Linux apps alongside ChromeOS and Android apps.
Lenovo Chromebook C330
While the Acer R11 has an Intel-based processor, the Lenovo C330 has an ARM-based processor. Like the R11, it is can run apps straight from the Play Store. However, the Crostini is not available yet on the C330. Perhaps, it will never be. I still recommend the C330 since it is released more recently. Thus, having longer software support.
The Winner Is- Lenovo Chromebook C330
Ports and Internal Storage
Ports are plentiful in both Chromebooks.
Acer Chromebook R11
The Acer Chromebook R11 has plenty of ports that embarrass even Apple’s Macbooks. It has 2 USB ports, one of which is a USB 3.0. Moreover, it has a full-size HDMI port, SD card reader, and a headphone jack. If the 32gb internal storage is not enough for your usage, you can expand it via the SD card reader.
Lenovo Chromebook C330
The most notable difference in their ports is the inclusion of a USB Type C port on the C330. It is a full-service USB Type C port as it can charge the device, transfer data, and even output video feed. It can output a video feed of up to 1440p running at 60 Hertz. You use its HDMI port to output video the old-fashioned way. However, it cannot produce video output simultaneously. It has one less full-sized USB port, however. Lastly, it has a higher internal storage of 64gb.
The Winner Is- Lenovo Chromebook C330
Pros and Cons
Acer Chromebook R11
Pros:
- The aluminum panel gives extra protection and a more luxurious feel.
- Aesthetically very attractive minimalist design
- It has official support from Google to install Linux apps.
Cons:
- The trackpad of the Acer R11 is not that great, it feels spongy sometimes.
Lenovo Chromebook C330
Pros:
- It has longer software support because it was released more recently.
- Long battery life
- You can install more apps and games due to its higher internal storage of 64GB.
- Very good IPS screen and comfortable keyboard
Cons:
- SD card protrudes out when plugged in. Thus, it is not possible to expand its internal storage.
Final Verdict
Both Chromebooks are great for web-based work or casual gaming. Moreover, both are great laptops for kids for their school work. Google has revised its Auto Update Policy from only 5-6 years to 8 years of software update support. That is exactly why I recommend the Lenovo Chromebook C330 since it has an Auto Update Expiration date of June 2025 versus Acer’s June 2022.