Launched under Google’s new Chromebook Plus program, Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is making a lot of buzz in the USA market. The team of TechSputit.com has tested this device in detail and we have brought its full review for you.
This Chromebook is a strong contender in the mid-range segment with its premium design, great display and Google’s AI features.
Lightweight build quality with premium feel
As soon as you see the design of Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, you will realize its build quality. With an aluminum body, this device gives a solid feel, while its weight is just 1.4 kg which makes it excellent in terms of portability. During testing, the team of TechSputit found that its build quality also competes with many premium Windows laptops.
The keyboard and trackpad experience is also quite satisfactory. The key travel in the backlit keyboard is good and the hands do not get tired while typing. The trackpad is large in size and supports multitouch gestures smoothly. Some models also have a 360-degree hinge option that allows it to be used in tablet mode.
14-inch FHD+ touchscreen that displays sRGB colour gamut
The 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS display of this Chromebook is one of its biggest features. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, this display maximizes vertical space which helps in productivity tasks. During display testing, the TechSputit team found that this panel covers 100% of the sRGB colour gamut and comes with a brightness of 300 nits.
Although this is not an OLED display, the colour accuracy and viewing angles are quite good. Due to touch screen support, it also proves helpful in running Android apps. The only drawback is that due to the glossy finish, reflection in direct light can be a bit bothersome.
Which is better between Snapdragon and Intel variant?
The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is available in two processor variants – Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 and Intel Core i3-N305. The TechSputit team tested both variants and found that both have their own advantages according to the use case.
The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 variant is better in terms of battery life and it gives enough performance for web browsing, video calling and running Android apps. At the same time, the Intel Core i3-N305 variant is a better option for heavy multitasking, Linux apps and light photo editing. Both models have 8GB of RAM and 128GB / 256GB storage which is sufficient for ChromeOS.
Gives over 12 hours of battery life
Battery life is one of the most impressive features of this Chromebook. According to TechSputit’s testing, the Snapdragon variant gives over 12 hours of battery life, while the Intel variant lasts for about 10 hours. This battery life is enough for regular tasks like web browsing, document editing and video streaming.
Due to fast charging support, the device can be charged up to about 50% with 30 minutes of charging. With the facility of charging through USB-C port, users can also use their phone charger.
Software and AI features of Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
Under the Chromebook Plus program, this device gets some exclusive AI features from Google. With the help of Magic Eraser in Google Photos, you can easily remove unwanted objects from photos. AI-powered background noise cancellation makes video calls clearer.
Apart from this, writing and editing becomes easier with the help of AI suggestions in offline Google Docs. The biggest thing is that this device will continue to get software updates till June 2030, which makes it better for long-term use.
All necessary ports available
All the necessary ports for connectivity have been provided in Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. It has 2 USB-C ports (with USB 4.0 support), 2 USB-A 3.2 ports, microSD card reader and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Although HDMI port is not provided, but with the help of USB-C to HDMI adapter you can connect it to an external display. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support is available for wireless connectivity which gives stable and fast connection.
Is this Chromebook right for you?
According to the TechSputit team, Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is the best choice for users who want a premium, lightweight and long-lasting Chromebook. This is a great option for students as it is lightweight and has good battery life. It is also a good option for professionals who mostly use web-based apps and Google Workspace.
However, if you want to run heavy Linux apps or need more power, then the Intel variant will be better. With a starting price of $499, this Chromebook is a strong contender in the mid-range segment.
TechSputit Rating: 4.5/5
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