The 11.6-inch 2-in-1 convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (2021) is a laptop. It features an ARM-based MediaTek MT8183 Processor, integrated Mali-G72 MP3 graphics, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage. There are models with larger 64GB storage drives, but there aren’t any different CPU, GPU, or RAM choices. It has a 36Wh battery, a webcam with 720p resolution, and an IPS display. It has a 45W power adaptor and can be charged by USB-C.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage on the 11.6-inch Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (model CP311-3H-K23X) with a MediaTek MT8183 Processor were tested. Memory, the GPU, and the CPU cannot be configured. There is a model with a bigger storage capacity, though. Other Chromebook Spin 311 variants with AMD or Intel CPUs do exist, but as they don’t belong to the CP311-3H series and have slightly different designs, we classify them as separate models.
Our performance and display results are solely applicable to the setup we tested. We’ll update it if you find an alternative configuration option that isn’t mentioned above or if you have an Acer Chromebook Spin 311 that differs from the one we reviewed. Certain tests, such color accuracy and black uniformity, can differ between different units.
Compared To Other Laptops
For a laptop in its class, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 performs admirably. The SoC can’t perform hard activities or heavy multitasking, and the display is only big enough for one or two windows at once, so it’s only appropriate for persons with a very low workload.
Test Results
DESIGN
Style
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is ordinary in terms of appearance. Despite being made entirely of plastic, it seems cheap while being thin and light. The antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass is printed in the upper left corner of the thick bezels and cannot be removed. It is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop, which allows you to turn the screen around and use it as a tablet. There are two speakers on the bottom and ports on both sides of the laptop. Just the Pure Silver color scheme is offered.
Build Quality
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a respectably solid build quality. There are no gaps in the construction, and although it is entirely plastic and doesn’t feel very premium, it doesn’t scratch or attract fingerprints very readily. The keyboard deck has some flex, but the display has nearly none. The feet seem fine. If you want a similar laptop with higher build quality, check out the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020).
Serviceability
Poor serviceability is present. The bottom panel and a few screws can be easily removed to gain access to the internals. The only user-replaceable component is the battery, which most users shouldn’t have to do for the duration of the device’s lifespan.
In The Box
- Acer Chromebook Spin 311 laptop
- 45W USB-C power adapter and cord
- Documentation
DISPLAY
Screen Specs
Although the screen of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a poor resolution, the pixel density is acceptable due to the screen’s tiny size. There isn’t much room for multitasking; yet, it is crisp enough for standard online browsing and movie viewing. Some individuals might find the thick bezels distracting. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 has a far better-looking screen if you’re seeking for a 2-in-1 laptop (2020).
Refresh Rate
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is only available with a 60Hz display, which is typical for a budget Chromebook. The response time is slow, causing visible ghosting, so it isn’t ideal for viewing fast-moving content or gaming.
Contrast
Brightness
INTERFACE
Keyboard
The keyboard of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is adequate. Despite the laptop’s small size, it doesn’t feel crowded because of the evenly placed keys. It’s fairly pleasant and satisfying to type on as the keys are quick to actuate, have a reasonable amount of travel, and provide tactile feedback. They aren’t the most stable keys, either, and they feel a bit cheap. There is no backlighting either.
Look into the Acer Chromebook 315 if you need a Numpad and want a Chromebook with a similar pricing (2020).
Touchpad
A poor touchpad is used. It’s little, and the clicking mechanism has a cheap feel to it. Although palm rejection isn’t always effective, unintentional triggers aren’t a significant problem.
Our Verdict
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 works okay for academic purposes. It is a lightweight, portable laptop that is small and easy to carry around. The battery life is over sixteen hours. Because it is a 2-in-1 convertible with a 360-degree hinge, you can turn the screen around to use it as a tablet. Sadly, the touchpad is very small, and although while the keyboard is comfortable to text on, it doesn’t have backlighting. Although it has an ARM-based Processor, it is not powerful enough to perform intensive workloads like graphic design.
