The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 has emerged as a standout in the realm of lightweight laptops, offering remarkable battery life, impressive performance, and a fanless design that some might argue rivals that of the MacBook Air. For commuters and frequent travelers, this Chromebook is a compelling option to consider.
Delving into the specifics, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 surprises with features rarely seen in Chromebooks. Its built-in webcam delivers such sharp images that it might make you do a double-take. The fanless design ensures a silent operation, and remarkably, the device remains cool even under extended use. Furthermore, the inclusion of an OLED display is a significant highlight, offering vibrant and punchy colors that enhance the user experience.
Design and Build: Sleek Yet Unassuming
The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 sports a sleek silver chassis, officially termed ‘seashell,’ with an aluminum top lid that resists fingerprints reasonably well. The plastic bottom, while slightly creaky when pressed, feels sturdy overall. Although not the most visually striking Chromebook, its design is practical and functional.
With dimensions of 12.4 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches and a weight of just 2.8 pounds, it is one of the lightest laptops tested, making it an excellent companion for those on the move. The fanless design contributes to its quiet operation, a feature that enhances the overall user experience.
Display: OLED Brilliance with a Caveat
The 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) OLED touch display is a rarity in Chromebooks and a significant factor in the device’s higher price point. The display offers stunning visuals, especially when brightness is maximized at 400 nits, showcasing vibrant and rich colors without oversaturation. However, the 60Hz refresh rate may be a limitation for users interested in cloud gaming or those seeking a smoother visual experience.
Performance and Features: Balancing Power and Practicality
Under the hood, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is powered by a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 processor, coupled with 16GB RAM and 256GB of UFS storage. This configuration ensures smooth performance, even with multiple applications and tabs open simultaneously. The absence of a fan does not hinder its performance, maintaining a cool temperature during prolonged use.
The Chromebook includes a variety of AI features, such as text summarization and writing assistance, which can be particularly useful for users with extensive reading and writing tasks. However, some AI tools, like background removal in the Gallery app, still require refinement.
The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 achieved a multi-core score of 7,680 on Geekbench 6, making it the best-performing Chromebook at the time of testing.
Audio and Connectivity: Room for Improvement
The audio performance of the Chromebook Plus 14 leaves much to be desired. Despite featuring four 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos technology, the sound quality is tinny and fatiguing at higher volumes, particularly when playing music. For a better audio experience, investing in quality headphones is recommended.
In terms of connectivity, the Chromebook offers a limited selection of ports: a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and an audio jack. While this setup is adequate for basic use, additional ports such as a microSD card reader or HDMI would enhance its versatility.
Battery Life: A Long-Lasting Companion
The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 excels in battery performance, lasting an impressive 15 hours and 45 minutes on a full charge during standard testing. This longevity makes it an ideal choice for users who require extended use without frequent recharging.
Only the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 surpasses this battery life, with 18 hours and 11 minutes on the same test, due to its IPS display compared to Lenovo’s OLED panel.
Conclusion: A Worthy Contender with Considerations
In summary, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 offers a compelling package with its long battery life, stunning OLED display, and solid performance in a fanless design. It is particularly well-suited for those seeking a lightweight, travel-friendly Chromebook for everyday tasks. However, prospective buyers should consider waiting for a sale due to its $749 price tag.
While it excels in many areas, the Chromebook Plus 14 may not be the best fit for everyone. Its 60Hz display refresh rate may deter gamers, and its audio quality could disappoint music enthusiasts. Additionally, the limited port selection may not accommodate users with numerous wired peripherals. Nonetheless, for most users, it remains a strong contender in the Chromebook market.
