Acer Chromebook 715

Updated on January 26, 2026

The Acer Chromebook 715 represents Acer’s ambitious push into the premium Chromebook market, combining enterprise-grade build quality with workstation-class productivity features that set it apart from consumer-focused alternatives. Featuring a full aluminum unibody chassis, a spacious 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, and a full keyboard with numeric keypad (a first for Chromebooks when it launched), the CB715 targets business professionals, accountants, and students who prioritize durability and typing comfort over flashy multimedia features. The Intel Core i3-8130U processor delivers reliable performance for everyday Chrome OS tasks including web browsing, document editing, and Android app multitasking, while the MIL-STD-810G military-grade certification ensures the device can withstand the rigors of daily commuting, office use, and classroom environments. This Chromebook earned an impressive 82.8% rating from NotebookCheck, who called it “perhaps the current pinnacle of Chromebooks.” However, reviewers consistently note that the display’s limited brightness and color accuracy represent significant compromises at this price point, making it better suited for controlled indoor lighting than outdoor or bright office environments.

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Acer Chromebook 715 Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook 715	Acer Chromebook 715
Price	List Price: $749.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $499.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	715 CB715-1W-59YQ / NX.HB2AA.003	CB715-1W-35ZK / NX.HB3AA.007
Perfomance Rating	5.8	3.6
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 2.20 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Core i3-8130U	Dual-core 2.20 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Core i3-8130U
RAM	16 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC	128 GB eMMC
Screen Size	15.6"	15.6"
Screen Resolution	1920x1080	1920x1080
Screen Type	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	14.4 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches (365.76 x 248.92 x 17.78 mm)	14.4 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches (365.76 x 248.92 x 17.78 mm)
Weight	4.3 lbs (1.95 kg)	4.3 lbs (1.95 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	Yes	Yes
Webcam	HD	HD
WiFi	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac with 2x2 MU-MIMO)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac with 2x2 MU-MIMO)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort and charging)	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort and charging)
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	4 cell, Lithium-ion	4 cell, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	11.0 hours	11.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2028	June, 2028

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 715

The Acer Chromebook 715 features an all-aluminum unibody chassis that sets it apart from the plastic construction common in most Chromebooks. The matte finish resists fingerprints effectively, and the tight gaps throughout the build demonstrate attention to manufacturing quality. At 4.3 pounds, it sits in the middleweight category for 15.6-inch laptops, striking a reasonable balance between portability and durability. The MIL-STD-810G military-grade certification provides peace of mind for users who frequently travel or work in demanding environments, protecting against drops, shocks, and temperature extremes.

Performance from the Intel Core i3-8130U processor proves more than adequate for Chrome OS workloads. The dual-core, four-thread chip handles complex Google Sheets documents, 4K video playback, and multiple browser tabs without stuttering. NotebookCheck recorded a WebXPRT 2015 score of 501 points, outperforming competitive models like the Dell Inspiron 7486. The 4GB or 16GB RAM configurations (depending on variant) handle typical multitasking scenarios smoothly, though power users may prefer the 16GB version for running Android apps and Linux containers simultaneously.

Connectivity options include two USB-C 3.1 Gen1 ports with power delivery and DisplayPort output, one USB-A 3.1 port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The USB-A port eliminates the need for dongles when connecting legacy peripherals. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac with 2x2 MU-MIMO) and Bluetooth 4.2 provide wireless connectivity, though the lack of Wi-Fi 6 may feel dated for enterprise deployments. Like most Chromebooks, there is no built-in Ethernet port, so enterprise users needing a wired connection should pick up a USB Ethernet adapter. The microSD card reader achieves 51.4 MB/s transfer speeds according to NotebookCheck testing, which falls below average performance for external storage workflows.

The display represents the most significant compromise in the Chromebook 715’s design. The 15.6-inch IPS panel offers 1920x1080 Full HD resolution with reasonable viewing angles, but brightness maxes out at around 250 nits according to calibrated testing. This proves adequate for indoor office environments with controlled lighting but struggles significantly in bright rooms or near windows. Color accuracy falls short of expectations for premium pricing, with NotebookCheck measuring 59.8% sRGB coverage and a deltaE of 4.83. Users who primarily work with text documents and spreadsheets will find the display acceptable, but those who need accurate colors for photo editing or design work should look elsewhere.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook 715

NotebookCheck’s Technical Analysis

NotebookCheck’s comprehensive review awards the Chromebook 715 an impressive 82.8% overall rating, calling it “perhaps the current pinnacle of Chromebooks” and “easily one of the best Chromebooks on the market.” Their detailed testing revealed display brightness averaging 247.5 cd/m2 with a maximum of 311.1 nits, resulting in outdoor visibility challenges. The contrast ratio of 976:1 and color accuracy scoring of 4.83 deltaE prove acceptable for general productivity but fall short for color-critical work. The reviewer particularly praised the five-stage backlit keyboard with its crisp, well-sized keys and integrated numeric keypad, noting the reliable fingerprint reader that enables quick sign-ins. However, they criticized the soldered RAM and storage that prevent user upgrades, with only the wireless card being replaceable.

Android Police’s Hands-On Experience

Android Police’s detailed review describes the keyboard as “one of the best keyboards I’ve ever used,” with the reviewer achieving 94 words per minute during typing tests. The large Gorilla Glass trackpad receives praise for its smooth surface and accurate tracking. Battery life testing showed 9 hours at 75% screen brightness, dropping to 6.5 hours at maximum brightness. Despite the premium build quality and exceptional input devices, the reviewer finds the Chromebook 715 “tough to recommend” due to its underwhelming display, noting that “colors are dull, the screen doesn’t get bright enough, and the pixel density is coarse” for a device at this price point.

TechRadar’s Business Perspective

TechRadar’s review rates the device 3.5 out of 5 stars, characterizing it as “a powerful, premium Chromebook” that arrives at a serious premium cost. They highlight the powerful Intel CPU and excellent battery life as key strengths, while criticizing the poor screen quality and weak storage performance. The reviewer notes that the device suits users prioritizing processing power and battery longevity but willing to accept display limitations. For business applications requiring spreadsheet work and document processing, the numeric keypad adds genuine productivity value that few Chromebooks offer.

Laptop Mag’s Productivity Assessment

Laptop Mag awards 4 out of 5 stars with the tagline “Durable, premium simplicity.” The review praises the over 10 hours of battery life and premium chassis construction while noting the dim display and poor audio quality as significant drawbacks. The integrated number pad receives particular attention as a valuable feature for data entry professionals and students who frequently work with spreadsheets.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook 715

Customer feedback for the Acer Chromebook 715 reflects the professional publication reviews, with buyers consistently praising the build quality and typing experience while noting display limitations. Users frequently mention the keyboard as a standout feature, with multiple reviews calling it the best keyboard they have used on any Chromebook. The aluminum chassis receives positive feedback for feeling premium and professional in business settings.

On the critical side, customers echo reviewer concerns about display brightness, particularly for users who work near windows or in brightly lit offices. Several buyers note that while the screen works adequately for indoor use, outdoor visibility is essentially impossible. The eMMC storage in the base models receives occasional criticism for slower performance compared to SSD-equipped alternatives, though most users find it acceptable for typical Chrome OS workflows.

Value perception varies significantly based on the purchase price. Buyers who acquired the device during sales events report high satisfaction, while those who paid full retail price express more mixed feelings about the cost-to-feature ratio. The long Auto Update Expiration date of June 2028 provides reassurance about long-term Chrome OS support and security updates.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook 715 delivers genuine workstation credentials in a Chrome OS package, with its aluminum construction, numeric keypad, and reliable performance earning praise from professional reviewers and customers alike. The 82.8% rating from NotebookCheck and consistent recognition of the keyboard quality across all reviews confirm this device excels at productivity-focused tasks. Battery life ranging from 9-11 hours handles full work days without requiring a charger.

The display remains the primary weakness, with brightness and color accuracy falling short of what buyers might expect at premium Chromebook pricing. Users who primarily work in controlled indoor lighting environments will find this less problematic than those who frequently work outdoors or near bright windows. The eMMC storage also limits performance compared to NVMe-equipped alternatives, though Chrome OS handles this well for most workloads.

The Chromebook 715 is ideal for business professionals who value keyboard comfort and durability over display quality, students who need a reliable laptop for note-taking and research, and data entry professionals who benefit from the numeric keypad. Those who prioritize display quality for media consumption or creative work should consider alternatives. With Chrome OS support extending through June 2028, buyers can expect several more years of security updates and feature improvements, making this a reasonable long-term investment despite its aging hardware specifications. For comparing similar options, check out the Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your specific requirements.

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