Lenovo Chromebook S340

Starry Hope Rating
3.5

Updated on

Photo of Lenovo Chromebook S340

The Lenovo Chromebook S340 was an entry-level 14-inch Chromebook for students, home users, and anyone who needed a straightforward device for everyday web-based tasks. The Intel Celeron N4000 processor from Intel’s Gemini Lake generation and 4GB of RAM put portability and all-day battery life ahead of raw computing power. It arrived in 2019 alongside its convertible sibling the Lenovo Chromebook C340, taking a traditional clamshell approach while keeping a touchscreen display. Google extended its Auto Update Expiration to June 2029 (the original AUE was June 2025), so existing units still receive Chrome OS updates for now, even though the device is no longer sold new.

ProsCons
10-hour rated battery life for all-day useHD (1366x768) resolution limited for detailed work
Touchscreen display for Android app interactionNo keyboard backlighting
Fanless design runs completely silentBasic dual-core processor limited multitasking
Two USB-C ports for charging and display out32GB storage required cloud storage reliance
Lightweight at just over 3 poundsAnti-glare screen had limited brightness
microSD slot expanded the 32GB of eMMCChrome OS updates end at the June 2029 Auto Update Expiration

Lenovo Chromebook S340 Comparison Chart

Lenovo Chromebook S340

Lenovo Chromebook S340

Lenovo Chromebook S340

Lenovo Chromebook S340

Price

List Price: $319.99

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List Price: $249.99

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Model number81V30000US81TB0000US
Performance Rating3.13.1
Chromebook PlusNoNo
ProcessorDual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.60 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N4000 Processor
Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.60 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N4000 Processor
RAM4 GB4 GB
Internal Storage32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC
Screen Size14"14"
Screen Resolution1920x10801366x768
Screen TypeIPSanti-glare
Touch ScreenYesNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
12.9 x 9.2 x 0.74 inches
(327.66 x 233.68 x 18.8 mm)
12.9 x 9.2 x 0.74 inches
(327.66 x 233.68 x 18.8 mm)
Weight3.02 lbs (1.37 kg)3.02 lbs (1.37 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNoNo
Webcam720p720p
WiFiIntel 9560 802.11AC (2 x 2)Intel 9560 802.11AC (2 x 2)
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2
EthernetNoNo
Cellular ModemNoNo
HDMINo HDMINo HDMI
USB Ports2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
(USB-C ports support display output and power input)
2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
(USB-C ports support display output and power input)
Thunderbolt PortsNoNo
Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card Reader
Battery3 cell, 42 WHr, Lithium-ion3 cell, 42 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life10.0 hours10.0 hours
FanlessYesYes
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2029June, 2029

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A 14-inch fanless clamshell built for light web work

The silver or platinum gray plastic chassis measured 12.9 x 9.2 x 0.74 inches and weighed just over 3 pounds, portable enough for a student carrying it between classes. Unlike its convertible counterpart, this one used a traditional clamshell design with a 180-degree hinge that let the display fold flat for collaborative viewing, but not beyond for tent or tablet modes. The plastic build and the pared-back feature list were typical of the budget Chromebooks schools and families bought through the late 2010s.

The 14-inch display carried an anti-glare coating and a touchscreen, both practical additions at this price. The 1366x768 (HD) resolution was common among budget Chromebooks of the era, though text and images appeared less sharp than on the Full HD panels of premium models. NotebookCheck, who reviewed the touchscreen variant (S340-14T), praised the low-reflection coating for its effectiveness at reducing glare from overhead lighting and windows. The touchscreen helped with navigating Android apps from the Google Play Store, which mattered more as Chrome OS expanded its app ecosystem.

Two USB Type-C ports supported display output and Power Delivery charging, so the machine did not need a proprietary charger. The two USB 3.0 Type-A ports kept compatibility with existing peripherals like mice, flash drives, and external keyboards. The microSD card slot expanded storage beyond the 32GB internal eMMC, and the Intel Wireless-AC 9560 with Bluetooth 4.2 handled 2x2 MIMO wireless for the era. There was no built-in Ethernet port, though anyone who needed wired networking could connect a USB Ethernet adapter through one of the USB-A ports.

The dual-core Celeron N4000 with 4GB of RAM handled basic web browsing with multiple tabs, Google Workspace applications, video streaming, and lightweight Android apps without issue. Extensive multitasking with 15+ tabs, video editing, or resource-intensive Android apps ran into the hardware’s limits. NotebookCheck’s benchmarking of the S340-14T variant recorded a battery runtime of 8 hours and 32 minutes during their WiFi test. The fanless design ran without any mechanical noise at all.

Reviewers rated it adequate for basic work with an effective matte screen

NotebookCheck’s Assessment

NotebookCheck reviewed the Lenovo Chromebook S340-14T and found it to be “an affordable Chromebook without any real quirks.” Their reviewer Sascha Mölck noted that the Celeron N4000 processor from Intel’s Gemini Lake generation provided adequate performance for typical Chromebook workloads, including web browsing, streaming, and productivity applications. Their Geekbench and WebXPRT scores placed the machine among entry-level Chromebooks of its era.

The matte finish cut distracting reflections, the review said. It flagged the HD resolution and modest brightness levels as limitations for working outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The battery tested at 8 hours and 32 minutes under continuous WiFi load, short of the 10-hour rating.

PCWorld’s First Look

PCWorld covered the 2019 launch of the Lenovo C340 and S340 Chromebooks, positioning the S340 as the more affordable traditional clamshell for buyers who did not need the convertible’s 2-in-1 flexibility. Both models shared the same Intel Celeron N4000 processor and featured similar port selections, with the difference being the S340’s conventional hinge against the C340’s 360-degree convertible design.

Light schoolwork and streaming fit the 4GB configuration

Students took to the lightweight design and the battery life that covered a full day of classes without hunting for an outlet. The touchscreen added convenience for scrolling through documents, navigating Android apps, and the occasional educational game. Parents bought the S340 as a first computer for children, where Chrome OS security and the modest price lowered the stakes on both malware and accidental damage.

Home users who primarily consumed content (streaming Netflix, browsing social media, reading news, and managing email) got everything they needed without the complexity of Windows or macOS. The fanless design kept the machine silent while streaming video, and the battery could power through multiple movies during travel. Google’s Family Link integration ran well here, letting parents manage screen time and content filtering for younger users. Students in school settings may have also encountered the Chromebook magnet trick, where classmates use magnets to trigger lid sensors and put devices to sleep.

A Google Meet video call while sharing a Google Slides presentation with several background tabs strained the 4GB of RAM. The 32GB eMMC storage filled up quickly once numerous Android apps went on, which meant regular management or reliance on cloud storage. The HD resolution made detailed spreadsheet work and document editing feel cramped compared to Full HD alternatives.

A budget machine whose updates end in June 2029

Budget Chromebooks of this period competed with entry-level Windows laptops by offering better battery life, faster updates, and simpler operation at comparable or lower prices. The Intel Celeron N4000 processor delivered the performance expected at its price point, and the combination of touchscreen, USB-C connectivity, and reliable wireless made for a competent everyday machine during its supported lifetime.

The fanless design removed a mechanical failure point, the solid-state storage avoided the slow performance of the spinning hard drives still found in some budget Windows laptops of the era, and Chrome OS handled security patches automatically.

Google extended the Auto Update Expiration to June 2029 from its original June 2025 date, so existing units still receive Chrome OS updates and security patches for now. After June 2029, the device will keep functioning for basic tasks but stop receiving updates, which makes it a poor fit anywhere current security matters. Anyone shopping for a Chromebook today gets more from a newer model with a later AUE date and a faster processor.

Our Chromebook Comparison Chart lets you filter and compare specs across all active models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could you run Android apps on the S340?

Yes. Google Play Store access was built in, and the touchscreen made Android apps easier to work with, though the 32GB of storage limited how many could be installed locally. Apps for note-taking, reading, and social media ran fine, while more demanding Android games often struggled with the Celeron N4000 processor.

What was the battery life of the S340?

Lenovo rated it at 10 hours. NotebookCheck’s testing of the S340-14T variant measured 8 hours and 32 minutes during their WiFi test. Students and commuters typically achieved 7-9 hours depending on screen brightness and workload, enough for a full school day or workday away from power.

Was the S340 good for students?

It handled research, writing papers, and learning management systems reliably. The battery lasted through a full school day, and the fanless design allowed quiet use in libraries and study halls. Students in fields requiring specialized software or heavy computational work needed to consider more powerful alternatives.

Is the S340 still receiving updates?

For now, yes. Google extended the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) to June 2029 (it was originally June 2025). Until then, existing units still receive Chrome OS updates and security patches. After June 2029 the device keeps functioning but stops receiving updates, making it less suitable for environments requiring up-to-date security.

How was the S340 different from the C340?

The S340 featured a traditional clamshell design with a 180-degree hinge, while the C340 was a convertible with a 360-degree hinge that enabled tent, stand, and tablet modes. Both models shared the same Intel Celeron N4000 processor and similar specifications. The S340 was typically less expensive, making it the better choice for users who did not need the convertible flexibility.

Could you connect an external monitor?

Both USB-C ports supported DisplayPort output, so a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter drove an external monitor. That made it possible to extend the display for additional workspace or mirror the screen for presentations. The Intel UHD Graphics 600 could drive external displays at reasonable resolutions for productivity work.

Did the S340 have a touchscreen?

It included a touchscreen display despite being a traditional clamshell rather than a convertible. The touchscreen proved useful for navigating Chrome OS, interacting with Android apps, and scrolling through content without using the trackpad. Combined with the anti-glare coating, the display worked well for everyday tasks.

Was the S340 silent during operation?

The fanless design used passive cooling, so the machine operated completely silently under all conditions. That silence mattered in libraries, classrooms, or bedrooms where fan noise would have been distracting. The trade-off was that under sustained heavy loads, performance throttling could occur to manage thermals.