Acer Chromebook 314

Starry Hope Rating
4.0

Updated on

Acer Chromebook 314 lifestyle

The Acer Chromebook 314 represents Acer’s commitment to delivering a capable, budget-friendly Chromebook for students, families, and everyday users who prioritize value without sacrificing essential features. With its 14-inch Full HD IPS display, impressive battery life exceeding 12 hours, and versatile USB-C connectivity, this Chromebook strikes a balance between affordability and functionality that has earned praise from reviewers across the board. The C933 series with Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor provides enough power for web browsing, document editing, and streaming while maintaining the simplicity and security that Chrome OS is known for.

ProsCons
Excellent 12.5-hour battery life for all-day use (Trusted Reviews)No touchscreen option on this model series
Sharp 1920x1080 IPS display with good viewing anglesNo backlit keyboard for low-light typing
Solid build quality with premium-feeling design (UNTITLED review)Limited to 32-64GB eMMC storage
Versatile USB-C ports with DisplayPort and charging support720p webcam quality is mediocre for video calls
Gorilla Glass trackpad provides smooth, accurate inputNo HDMI port for direct monitor connection
Lightweight at 3.75 lbs for a 14-inch notebookAuto Update Expiration in June 2027

Related Videos

Acer Chromebook 314 Comparison Chart

Acer Chromebook 314

Acer Chromebook 314

Acer Chromebook 314

Acer Chromebook 314

Price

List Price: $499.99

Amazon Prices:

Check Price on Amazon

List Price: $399.99

Amazon Prices:

Loading prices...

Model numberC933-P36SC933T-C0C1 / NX.HR4AA.001
Perfomance Rating4.73.4
Chromebook PlusNoNo
ProcessorQuad-core 1.10 Ghz (max 3.10 Ghz) Intel Pentium Silver N5030 ProcessorQuad-core 1.10 Ghz (max 3.10 Ghz) Intel Pentium Silver N5030 Processor
RAM8 GB4 GB
Internal Storage64 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC
Screen Size14"14"
Screen Resolution1920x10801920x1080
Screen TypeIPSIPS
Touch ScreenNoNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
12.8 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches
(325.12 x 231.14 x 19.81 mm)
12.8 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches
(325.12 x 231.14 x 19.81 mm)
Weight3.75 lbs (1.7 kg)3.75 lbs (1.7 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNoNo
Webcam1280x7201280x720
WiFi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth 4.0
EthernetNoNo
Cellular ModemNoNo
HDMINo HDMINo HDMI
USB Ports2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
Thunderbolt PortsNoNo
Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card Reader
Battery3 cell, Lithium Ion3 cell, Lithium Ion
Battery Life12.5 hours12.5 hours
FanlessNoNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2027June, 2027

Related Chromebooks

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 314

Acer Chromebook 314 connectivity features

The Acer Chromebook 314 delivers a build quality that belies its budget positioning. The chassis features a clean, professional aesthetic that reviewers have praised for not looking like a typical budget Chromebook. The 14-inch display is a standout feature, offering 1920x1080 resolution with IPS technology that provides wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction for its price class. While the display lacks touch functionality, the matte finish reduces glare effectively during extended use sessions. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with adequate key travel, though the absence of backlighting may be a drawback for users who frequently work in dim environments.

Performance on the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor proves adequate for Chrome OS’s lightweight demands. Users can expect smooth operation when handling multiple browser tabs, streaming video, and running Android applications from the Play Store. Trusted Reviews noted Geekbench 5 scores of 428 (single-core) and 799 (multi-core), which places this Chromebook appropriately within its budget category. The 4GB or 8GB RAM configurations handle everyday multitasking without significant slowdown, though power users will want to opt for the 8GB variant to maintain responsiveness when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Connectivity options on the Chromebook 314 are notably generous for its price point. Two USB-C ports support both DisplayPort output and USB Power Delivery charging, while two USB-A 3.0 ports provide backward compatibility with older peripherals. The microSD card reader allows for storage expansion, partially offsetting the limited 32GB or 64GB internal storage. However, the absence of an HDMI port means users will need a USB-C adapter for connecting to external displays. The 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 provide reliable wireless connectivity, though the lack of Wi-Fi 6 puts it behind more recent Chromebook releases.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook 314

Acer Chromebook 314 performance tier

TechRadar’s Perspective

TechRadar’s Rob Dwiar awarded the Chromebook 314 a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as “a tremendous Chromebook harboring great performance and battery life.” The review highlights the device’s solid construction and responsive performance, noting that it excels at the everyday computing tasks that most users require. Dwiar particularly praised the bright, crisp display and the laptop-like design that sets it apart from more utilitarian budget options. The main criticisms centered on the lack of touchscreen functionality and fingerprint reader, features that some competitors include at similar price points.

Trusted Reviews’ Assessment

Trusted Reviews’ Reece Bithrey similarly rated the device at 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “one of the best Chromebooks out there for those on a tight budget.” The review emphasized the exceptional battery life, with testing revealing 13.5 hours of continuous use before shutdown. Bithrey noted the sturdy construction and comprehensive port selection as significant strengths, making it “ideal for students looking for a laptop to pick up and pop in a bag.” The review acknowledged display limitations on lower-spec models but praised the overall value proposition at the sub-$300 price point.

MergeDroid’s Hands-On Experience

MergeDroid’s video review provided detailed hands-on testing of the CB314-3H variant, concluding that it “ticks a lot of boxes and delivers really well as a solid entry-level Chromebook.” The reviewer emphasized the benefit of choosing the 8GB RAM configuration, noting that “the 8 gig of RAM I have really helped… it was really still smooth enough and didn’t cause any frustration.” The lightweight design at 1.38 kg received praise for portability, and the OceanGlass trackpad was highlighted as a premium-feeling input device. The main drawbacks mentioned were the plastic construction and mediocre 720p webcam.

UNTITLED’s Budget Focus Review

UNTITLED’s 14-minute review provided an in-depth examination from a student perspective. The reviewer was impressed by the premium-feeling design, stating “it doesn’t necessarily look like it should be a Chromebook” and calling it “a mobile computing beast.” The Gorilla Glass trackpad and comprehensive port selection were highlighted as standout features. The review concluded that “the Chromebook 314 from Acer is absolutely brilliant” for users who “don’t expect more than the basics” and need a reliable machine for web browsing, email, and document work.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook 314

Amazon customer feedback for the Acer Chromebook 314 reflects the consensus from professional reviewers, with users consistently praising the battery life and display quality. Many customers report successfully using the device for remote work, online classes, and general productivity tasks. Students in particular appreciate the combination of portability and durability that makes the Chromebook suitable for daily transport between classes.

Common positive themes include the responsiveness of Chrome OS on this hardware, the comfortable keyboard for extended typing sessions, and the value for money compared to Windows laptops at similar price points. Several reviewers specifically mention the 12+ hour battery life as a key selling point, allowing full-day use without carrying a charger. The build quality, while plastic, is described as solid and capable of handling regular use without feeling cheap.

Criticisms from customers typically echo professional reviews: the limited storage space requires reliance on cloud storage or SD card expansion, and the 720p webcam produces grainy video during video calls. Some users note that the lack of a backlit keyboard makes the device less suitable for working in low-light conditions. The June 2027 Auto Update Expiration date is also mentioned by some reviewers as a consideration for long-term value, though most acknowledge this still provides several years of supported use.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook 314 delivers on its promise of an affordable, reliable Chromebook for everyday computing needs. The combination of a quality Full HD IPS display, exceptional battery life, and versatile connectivity options makes it a compelling choice for students, budget-conscious families, and anyone seeking a straightforward computing experience. While it lacks the touchscreen, backlit keyboard, and premium materials of higher-end Chromebooks, the C933 series provides genuine value at its price point.

For users whose primary activities include web browsing, document creation, email, and media consumption, the Chromebook 314 handles these tasks with ease. The 8GB RAM variant is recommended for those who plan to run multiple applications or Android apps simultaneously, while the 4GB version suits lighter users. With software support through June 2027 and a proven track record of positive reviews, the Acer Chromebook 314 remains a solid entry point into the Chrome OS ecosystem for budget-minded buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the Acer Chromebook 314?

No, the Acer Chromebook 314 does not support RAM or storage upgrades. The RAM is soldered to the motherboard and the eMMC storage is not user-replaceable. If you anticipate needing more memory, purchase the 8GB RAM variant from the start. For additional storage, use the microSD card slot or cloud storage services.

How long will the Acer Chromebook 314 receive software updates?

The Acer Chromebook 314 (C933 series) has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date of June 2027. Until this date, the device will receive Chrome OS updates including new features, security patches, and bug fixes. After the AUE date, the device will continue to function but will no longer receive updates.

Can the Acer Chromebook 314 run Android apps?

Yes, the Acer Chromebook 314 supports Android apps through the Google Play Store. You can download and run most Android applications, though the experience may vary since this model does not have a touchscreen. The 8GB RAM variant provides better performance when running Android apps alongside Chrome browser tabs.

Is the Acer Chromebook 314 good for students?

Yes, the Acer Chromebook 314 is well-suited for students. UNTITLED’s review specifically praised it as “ideal for students looking for a laptop to pick up and pop in a bag.” The 12+ hour battery life lasts through a full school day, the 14-inch display is comfortable for extended reading and writing, and Chrome OS provides easy access to Google Workspace for education.

Can I connect an external monitor to the Acer Chromebook 314?

Yes, you can connect an external monitor using the USB-C ports, which support DisplayPort Alt Mode. However, there is no dedicated HDMI port, so you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or USB-C cable with a compatible monitor. The Chromebook can extend or mirror your display when connected to an external screen.

How does the Acer Chromebook 314 compare to the Acer Chromebook 315?

The main difference is screen size: the Chromebook 314 has a 14-inch display while the Chromebook 315 has a 15.6-inch display. The larger 315 typically weighs more and has a larger footprint, making it less portable. Both offer similar processors and features at their respective price points, so choose based on whether you prioritize portability (314) or screen real estate (315).