Initial benchmark and impressions: HP Chromebook 14 with AMD processor for $269
Acer isn’t the only Google hardware partner to add AMD processors to Chromebooks: The HP Chromebook 14 has one too, with a similar base model price of $269. There are several configuration options with respect to the display: The base model uses a 1366 x 768 screen, which can be had with or without touch and there’s a full HD choice as well. For this price, you’re getting a plastic chassis though, similar to the first HP Chromebooks, which I didn’t mind when I had one about five years ago. Indeed, the edges are smooth and comfortable.
The big deal here is the processor, of course. Instead of choosing an ARM chip or one from Intel, HP worked with AMD to use its 2.2 GHz Dual-Core A4-9120 with Radeon R4 graphics. The GPU shares some of the 4 GB memory inside this device and I’m not yet sure how a dedicated graphics option will improve games; I’m hoping to get a review unit for testing.
I did get a few minutes of hands-on time with the new HP Chromebook 14, which will be available in two color options: A chalkboard gray model and one in off-white ivory.
As you can plainly see, I ran a quick Octane score on one of the devices. As I said yesterday with the AMD-powered Acer devices, don’t expect Pixelbook performance. Based on benchmark results, this is more in line with an Intel Celeron Chromebook:
Don’t get too worked up about the 13,977 Octane score. I wasn’t able to use the HP Chromebook 14 in guest mode after a reboot, which is the ideal testing scenario for maximum scoring. I’d guess this device could see an Octane score of around 16,000 under ideal test conditions. But again, you’re getting roughly the performance of an Intel Celeron / Pentium device; perhaps a bit more. However, a similar Chromebook with an Intel chip such as those will likely cost you $50 to $100 more, depending on other hardware specifications.
As far as the rest of the specs, HP has a datasheet for the base model, which strangely doesn’t show the upgraded display or any other options:
- AMD 2.2 GHz Dual-Core A4-9120 with Radeon R4 graphics (fanless)
- 4 GB of memory
- 32 GB of eMMC storage
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2
- Front-facing HD webcam
- 180-degree hinge
- Multi-gesture trackpad, no keyboard backlighting
- microSD card reader
- Dual speakers tuned by B&O (I couldn’t get a feel for the sound quality due to crowd noise)
- 2 USB Type-C 3.1 ports, 2 USB Type-A ports
- Battery life expected around 9 hours
- A weight of 3.4 pounds
- Support for Android apps in the Google Play Store
If you’re in the market for a mid-range or high-end Chromebook, this is not for you. If $300 or so is your budget range and you want a basic device for browsing and Android apps though? The new HP Chromebook 14 with AMD processor is worth the look when it arrives on sale in the coming weeks.
I heard you on TWIG saying that you sold your Pixelbook to buy a Pixel Slate. Say hello to Leo and his Gang of Geeks from a long-time listener.
I thought your anaylsis of the Slate was pretty realsitic, and signed up for your emails as well as for a WordPress account.
I’m hoping you will do a story comparing all of Google’s Pixelbooks, tablets, etc., and include the date of release so that we can see what might still be worth buying should one of them ever pop up in sight. Thanks, Wo0dy
Thanks Woody!
I’m leaving this information on several sites in the hope that some manufacturer eventually makes what I want.
I’ve got a 2013 Acer C720P touch screen Chromebook that gets 12,383 on Octane 2. That is six years old. It was bought for only $210 new. It came with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. Why haven’t low end Chromebooks improved in performance in the last six years? I don’t want to spend $449 and up for a Samsung Chromebook Plus that gets only 14,000 on Octane. By now $300 and under Chromebooks should be reaching 20,000 on Octane, but no, manufacturers keep giving us crap that is slower than my 2013 machine. On benchmark sites the majority of Chromebooks get 11,000. There are very few that get over that; and those all cost $450 or more.
I want a 13″ or bigger IPS FHD touch screen with a minimum of 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Apps take up space. If apps could operate from an SD card then on board storage wouldn’t matter. It needs a 3.5 mm jack for audio and perhaps a headset. A reasonably good camera would be good. The one in my C720P is unusable. It needs good speakers. USB 3.1 and USB 3A ports should be there. There needs to be a separate charging port because I often attach two external drives and transfer files between them. I want an SD card slot because my camera uses that size. WiFi6 (802.11ax) should be in new machines not WiFi5 (802.11 ac). Battery life isn’t important to me now but at one time it was. Nine hours minimum would be good. I like the 16X10 or 3X2 aspect ratio screens. Make it have a minimum of 350 NITS. An Octane 2 score of 20,000 is enough for me. Make it for $375 and I’ll buy it.
Does anybody feel that these specifications seem reasonable for a 2019 medium to low end Chromebook? What do you think?
I like it. 32gb of storage for under $300 is nice. I’d like more storage to run Linux Beta. My 16gb Chromebooks barely have enough storage for that. It says it supports Android apps and Google Play ready, but I’m curious how many Android apps actually work instead of saying “will be installed soon”. My Asus and Samsung Chromebooks have been saying “soon” for over a year already.
Just bought one in The Netherlands (14-db0411nd) @ € 199,– the FHD (non-touch), 4/32GB version in grey. Which at the moment is $ 222,– and this a bargain !
I will just use it on the couch for web browsing, mail, social media, netflix, spotify.
Maybe i will try GalliumOS ( linux ) on it.