While they are understandably somewhat less-powered compared to more premium computers, Chromebooks do a pretty darn good job of mixing affordability with all the essentials that you’d expect from a laptop for work or school, such as access to the internet, the ability to work on documents and spreadsheets, and even run Android apps. With that in mind you might be after a reasonably new Chromebook upgrade, and as such Google (alongside Samsung and Lenovo) recently showcased some juicy new models which come with the latest Chrome OS features – let’s take a look.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11
First up is the The Chromebook Duet 11. Starting at just £349, Lenovo’s new budget-friendly hybrid device packs a 10.95-inch WUXGA display with a brightness of 400 nits, which isn’t the brightest display although it should be enough for the tasks at hand. It’s powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, and once again we have to note that most Chromebooks aren’t equipped with high-powered processors, with manufacturers instead opting for chipsets that are capable of running Chrome OS and all the essential apps.
The touchscreen supports USI 2.0 styluses, allowing for more precise input for drawing and painting apps for example, as well as other software that might require a bit more accuracy with touch input. There’s also up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, allowing the Duet 11 to accommodate your files and apps. The Chromebook Duet 11 can also last up to 12 hours on a single charge, and includes a convenient case with a keyboard and kickstand, enabling comfortable use in both portrait and landscape orientations.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
Meanwhile, Samsung offers a more high-end take with the new Galaxy Chromebook Plus. Unlike the Chromebook Duet 11, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a full-flegded laptop that comes with a much larger display, as well as a sleek design. It’s pretty light at 2.58 pounds, and is pretty thin measuring at just 11.8mm. There’s also a large 15.6-inch OLED screen which should make for a pleasant viewing experience for movies, games, and more.
Powering the laptop is Intel’s Core 3 100U Raptor Lake-R processor, alongside 256GB of storage and up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge. With that said, the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is considerably cheaper than a lot of Windows laptops out there, coming in at just £649 GBP.
Software Features
The new devices also come with the latest Chrome OS features, which include Gemini integration, a free three-month Google One AI Premium plan, Welcome Recap for quick access to recent activities, Focus for distraction-free work, and the ability to pin important files to your home screen for easy access. For Chomebook Plus models, there’s support for “Help me read” for summarizing PDFs, Live Translate for overcoming language barriers, a Recorder app for capturing audio and notes, and new video call features for improved audio and visual quality.
