If you’re on the hunt for the best Chromebook for kids, a great option is the Samsung Chromebook 4! This affordable laptop has military-grade durability, an 11.6” HD screen, and offers a battery life of up to 12.5 hours of battery life. While this Chromebook definitely won’t win any awards for storage or gaming performance (or win the best chromebook award), it’s low cost and specs make it the perfect first computer for any youngster!
Why We Like It – Samsung Chromebook 4
As one of the many devices currently running Chrome OS, the Samsung Chromebook 4 stands out for its low price, costing less than $200! For that price, you get 32 GB of internal storage, 4 GB of RAM, and the ability to download/use mobile applications from the Google Play Store.
- Extremely Durable Design
- Works With a Gigabit Wifi Connection
- Free Shipping
- Unsightly Bezels
- Low-Resolution Screen
Display Type
It’s nowhere near the screen size of the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434, but the 11.6” HD display on the Chromebook 4 is adequate for first-time users. The HD LED display doesn’t have the clarity you would find on a full HD or 4K display, but it will work for watching Youtube or basic browsing. There isn’t a full HD option available though, so if you want to get a full HD laptop you will need to try the Samsung Chromebook 4+ or a different device such as the Google Pixelbook i5.
Resolution
As mentioned above, the Samsung 4 is only HD, not full HD. This means that rather than a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, the Chromebook 4 only has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It will be able to play up to 720p videos on Youtube without an issue, but it won’t be able to accurately render 1080p videos. The low resolution won’t present a problem for younger users, but older users who are used to a clearer screen may find it to be detrimental to the overall experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the areas where the Samsung Chromebook 4 excels (even superior to what you get with the Samsung Chromebook Plus). Samsung claims that the internal battery will last up to 12.5 hours on a single charge. This is a great battery life, exceeding even the battery life of the higher-priced Google Pixelbook Go by half an hour. It accomplishes this performance with only a single 5070 mAh 2-cell lithium-ion battery. Unfortunately, this Chromebook doesn’t have a fast-charging feature, but the battery life should easily last throughout a normal school day. Other Samsung models can also be a great alternative. Learn more when you check out our Samsung Chromebook 3 Review.
Weight & Durability
The Chromebook 4 is a decently light device, weighing in at 2.6 lbs. While not the lightest model available on the market, your kid shouldn’t have any trouble carrying this laptop around with them during their day-to-day activities. In terms of durability, this is one of the best Chromebooks you can buy. The 4 has been tested & is rated for military-grade resistance to drops, vibrations, temperatures, dust, and humidity. If your child manages to break this device, then you may want to reconsider giving them a laptop!
Inputs
Connection options for this device are limited, but they should be suitable for your child. This Chromebook offers a single USB 3.0 port, a USB C port, a microSD card slot, & a 3.5mm headphone jack. While it would have been nice to have seen more ports included, the USB C port will work for any additional connections (such as an HDMI or DisplayPort connection) that your child may want, provided you purchase the appropriate adapter. If your kid prefers wireless headphones, then they’ll be happy to know that the Chromebook 4 has Bluetooth capabilities as well!
Samsung Chromebook 4 Wrap Up
While it’s sure to fall short of most adult’s expectations, the Samsung Chromebook 4 makes the perfect first computer for your younger child! Teenagers and young adults may be put off by its low resolution, limited storage space, and limited processing power, but younger children will surely enjoy this device for its simplicity, durability, and Android app compatibility!
