What To Know
- The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, while the Lenovo Flex 3 claims to last up to 11 hours.
- For the price, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 offers a good balance of features and value, while the Lenovo Flex 3 provides slightly better performance and a higher-resolution display at a slightly higher cost.
- However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for better performance, a sharper display, and a fingerprint reader, the Lenovo Flex 3 is a solid choice.
In the realm of affordable convertibles, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and the Lenovo Flex 3 stand out as two of the most compelling options. Both devices offer versatile functionality, combining the portability of a Chromebook with the flexibility of a tablet. However, deciding between these two budget-friendly contenders can be a challenge. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Display and Design
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 boasts an 11.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While it’s not the sharpest display, it provides decent viewing angles and color accuracy for basic tasks. On the other hand, the Lenovo Flex 3 has a slightly larger 11.6-inch IPS display with a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This results in a noticeably sharper and more detailed image quality.
In terms of design, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a sleek and compact form factor, weighing in at just 2.65 pounds. Its 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in various modes, including laptop, tablet, tent, and display modes. The Lenovo Flex 3 is also lightweight at 2.6 pounds, but its hinge only allows for 270-degree rotation, limiting its versatility to laptop and tablet modes.
Performance and Hardware
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. This hardware configuration is adequate for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
The Lenovo Flex 3 comes with a slightly more powerful MediaTek MT8183 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage. This provides a noticeable performance boost over the Acer Chromebook Spin 311, making it better suited for multitasking and running more resource-intensive apps.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, while the Lenovo Flex 3 claims to last up to 11 hours. Both devices offer decent battery life for everyday use, but the Lenovo Flex 3 has a slight edge in this area.
In terms of connectivity, both the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and the Lenovo Flex 3 feature Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 also has two USB-C ports, while the Lenovo Flex 3 has one USB-C port and one USB-A port.
Operating Systems and Features
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 runs on Chrome OS, which is known for its simplicity, speed, and security. It offers access to the Google Play Store, where you can download a wide range of apps and games. The Lenovo Flex 3, on the other hand, runs on Windows 10 S, which is a simplified version of Windows 10. While it offers more flexibility than Chrome OS, it has a limited selection of apps in the Microsoft Store.
Both devices come with a built-in webcam and microphone, making them suitable for video calls and online meetings. The Lenovo Flex 3 also has a fingerprint reader for added security.
Price and Value
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 typically retails for around $250, while the Lenovo Flex 3 starts at around $300. For the price, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 offers a good balance of features and value, while the Lenovo Flex 3 provides slightly better performance and a higher-resolution display at a slightly higher cost.
Verdict: Which One to Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and the Lenovo Flex 3 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, simplicity, and long battery life, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is an excellent option. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for better performance, a sharper display, and a fingerprint reader, the Lenovo Flex 3 is a solid choice.
Popular Questions
Which device has a better processor?
The Lenovo Flex 3 has a slightly more powerful MediaTek MT8183 processor, while the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has an Intel Celeron N4020 processor.
Which device has a longer battery life?
The Lenovo Flex 3 has a slightly longer battery life of up to 11 hours, while the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a battery life of up to 10 hours.
Which device has a higher-resolution display?
The Lenovo Flex 3 has a higher-resolution 1920 x 1080 pixel display, while the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a 1366 x 768 pixel display.
