Acer Chromebook R 13
Updated on
The Acer Chromebook R 13 represents one of the most ambitious Chromebooks of its generation, combining premium aluminum construction with convertible versatility at a remarkably accessible price point. Released in 2016, this 13.3-inch convertible was among the first Chromebooks built specifically with Android app support in mind, featuring a 360-degree hinge that transforms it from laptop to tent to tablet mode. While newer Chromebooks have since arrived, the R 13 remains a compelling option for users seeking a well-built machine for light productivity, media consumption, and casual computing tasks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium all-aluminum construction that feels like a MacBook (Chrome Unboxed) | MediaTek ARM processor delivers only adequate performance for basic tasks (NotebookCheck) |
| Exceptional 9-12 hour battery life, among the best in its class (Booredatwork) | Display brightness insufficient for outdoor use at only 204 cd/m² (NotebookCheck) |
| Silent fanless operation with excellent thermal management (NotebookCheck) | Build quality concerns - chassis flexes when picked up one-handed (TechRadar) |
| Versatile 360-degree convertible design with 10-point touchscreen | Spongy keyboard feel not ideal for extended typing sessions (NotebookCheck) |
| Strong value at $399 with premium materials rarely seen at this price | 16:9 aspect ratio makes tablet mode awkward for extended use (Chrome Unboxed) |
| Full HDMI port and USB-C for dual external display support | Some units had wobbly hinges and loose USB-C ports (reviewer reports) |
Related Videos
Acer Chromebook R 13 Comparison Chart
 Acer Chromebook R 13 | Acer Chromebook R 13 | Acer Chromebook R 13 | |
| Price | List Price: $399.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $399.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $429.00 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | CB5-312T-K5X4 / NX.GL4AA.008 | CB5-312T-K5X4 / NX.GL4AA.003 | CB5-312T-K40U / NX.GL4AA.003 |
| Performance Rating | 2.6 | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.70 Ghz (max 2.10 Ghz) MediaTek M8173C | Quad-core 1.70 Ghz (max 2.10 Ghz) MediaTek M8173C | Quad-core 1.70 Ghz (max 2.10 Ghz) MediaTek M8173C |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 13.3" | 13.3" | 13.3" |
| Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Screen Type | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 12.8 x 9 x 0.61 inches (325.12 x 228.6 x 15.49 mm) | 12.8 x 9 x 0.61 inches (325.12 x 228.6 x 15.49 mm) | 12.8 x 9 x 0.61 inches (325.12 x 228.6 x 15.49 mm) |
| Weight | 3.28 lbs (1.49 kg) | 3.28 lbs (1.49 kg) | 3.28 lbs (1.49 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No |
| Webcam | 1280x720 | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| WiFi | 2x2 MIMO 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 2x2 MIMO 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 2x2 MIMO 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (with DisplayPort support) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (with DisplayPort support) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (with DisplayPort support) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 3 cell, 54.0 Wh 4670 mAh, Li-ion | 3 cell, 54.0 Wh 4670 mAh, Li-ion | 3 cell, 54.0 Wh 4670 mAh, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 12.0 hours | 12.0 hours | 12.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | August, 2026 | August, 2026 | August, 2026 |
Related Chromebooks
-
Acer Chromebook 514The Acer Chromebook 514 shines with its Full HD IPS touch display, fanless design for silent… -
Acer Chromebook 15The Acer Chromebook 15 stands out with a 15.6" FHD IPS touch display, backlit keyboard, and up to… -
ASUS Chromebook C403The ASUS Chromebook C403 shines with a 14-inch anti-glare display, robust 12-hour battery life, and… -
ASUS Chromebook CX1 (CX1400)The ASUS Chromebook CX1 combines a 14-inch anti-glare FHD display, 12-hour battery life, and… -
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 shines with its vivid QLED touchscreen, premium build, and enhanced… -
HP Chromebook 14The HP Chromebook 14 was a popular budget Chromebook known for its WLED-backlit display,…
Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook R 13
The Acer Chromebook R 13’s design philosophy centers on delivering premium materials at a budget-friendly price, and in this regard it largely succeeds. The all-aluminum chassis gives the device a distinctly MacBook-like appearance, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that belies its $399 price tag. At 3.28 pounds and 0.61 inches thick, it strikes a reasonable balance between portability and screen real estate, though it is heavier and thicker than some competitors. The build quality, while impressive at first glance, does show some limitations under closer scrutiny. TechRadar noted that the bottom case flexes noticeably when picked up with one hand or when pressure is applied to the palmrest, and NotebookCheck found the base unit can be dented in the usual places.
The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS display delivers good color accuracy with a Delta E of 3.99 according to NotebookCheck’s testing, along with an excellent contrast ratio of 835:1 that makes colors pop. Viewing angles remain stable thanks to the IPS panel, which is particularly important for a convertible device that will be used at various angles. However, the display’s 204.3 cd/m² average brightness falls short of ideal, making outdoor use challenging and limiting the device’s versatility. The glossy screen coating further compounds this issue by creating reflections in bright environments, though it does produce more vivid colors for media consumption indoors.
Performance from the MediaTek M8173C processor is adequate for Chrome OS but represents a clear step down from Intel alternatives. NotebookCheck measured an Octane V2 score of 10,139 and a JetStream 1.1 score of 57, placing it firmly in entry-level territory. For web browsing with a handful of tabs, light document editing, and media streaming, the processor handles tasks smoothly. However, CSPTech noted stuttering when opening more than 4-5 tabs, and power users will find the ARM chip limiting for any demanding workloads. The fanless design enabled by this processor is a significant benefit, maintaining impressive thermal control with a maximum surface temperature of just 30.6°C (87°F) under sustained load.
Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook R 13
Booredatwork.com’s Perspective
Lex from Booredatwork.com delivered a glowing review of the Acer Chromebook R 13, praising its premium design and versatility. “From a hardware design, this is a rather sexy laptop,” he notes, comparing its aluminum construction favorably to Apple’s MacBook lineup. “From afar, you might get confused and think this is a MacBook.” He was particularly impressed by the convertible functionality, calling it “extremely versatile when it comes to form factors” and highlighting its usefulness for media consumption and casual productivity. The 9-12 hour battery life earned special praise, with Lex calling it “extremely amazing.” However, he did note a loose USB-C charging port on his review unit as a minor quality concern. His verdict was enthusiastically positive, recommending it highly for students, media consumers, and casual users seeking premium feel at a budget price.
Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective
Robbie Payne from Chrome Unboxed provided a technically-focused review that highlighted the R 13’s exceptional value proposition. “It’s made of all-aluminum, front and back, inside and out and feels way more premium than the 399 price tag would have you think,” he observed. His benchmark testing confirmed Octane scores around 10,000, placing the MediaTek processor as adequate for most Chrome OS tasks. He noted the R 13 “could be considered the first of a new breed of Chromebook built expressly with Android apps in mind,” emphasizing its historical significance. The port selection impressed him, particularly the full-size HDMI and SD card slot alongside USB-C. However, he identified several minor issues: a wobbly hinge on his test unit, a trackpad with mechanical “play” that felt like a double-click, and the 16:9 aspect ratio making tablet mode awkward. Despite these concerns, his recommendation was clear: “Would you be happy with your purchase if you bought one? I can confidently say yes to that.”
NotebookCheck’s Perspective
NotebookCheck’s comprehensive technical review awarded the Chromebook R 13 an 81% score, praising its silent passive cooling and lightweight profile while highlighting display and keyboard limitations. Their extensive testing revealed impressive thermal performance, with idle temperatures averaging just 23.1°C (74°F) and maximum load reaching only 30.6°C (87°F). The display testing confirmed good color accuracy (ΔE 3.99) but inadequate brightness for outdoor use. “The base unit can be dented in the usual places…it is easy to twist,” they noted of the build quality. The keyboard received criticism for spongy feedback that makes it unsuitable for extended typing sessions. Their verdict positioned the R 13 as best suited for light browsing, media consumption, and basic productivity tasks within the Chrome OS ecosystem, with the touchscreen feature gaining significance as Android app support matured.
Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook R 13
Amazon customers have awarded the Acer Chromebook R 13 a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars across nearly 1,000 reviews, reflecting genuine satisfaction with the device’s core value proposition. The premium aluminum build quality consistently earns praise from buyers who expected plastic at this price point. Many customers specifically mention the MacBook-like aesthetics and solid feel as exceeding expectations. The battery life performance aligns closely with manufacturer claims, with numerous reviewers confirming 8-10 hours of real-world usage for web browsing and light productivity.
Common criticisms center on the MediaTek processor’s limitations for more demanding tasks. Customers who tried running multiple Android apps or keeping many browser tabs open report noticeable slowdowns. The 32GB storage in base models also frustrates some users, particularly those wanting to download Android apps extensively, though the 64GB variant addresses this concern. A small but notable portion of reviews mention build quality inconsistencies, including wobbly hinges and loose USB-C ports, suggesting quality control variations across production runs. Overall, customers who set appropriate expectations for a mid-range Chromebook report high satisfaction with the R 13’s balance of premium materials, long battery life, and convertible versatility.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook R 13 delivers a compelling package of premium design, convertible versatility, and exceptional battery life at a remarkably accessible price point. Its all-aluminum construction and MacBook-inspired aesthetics set it apart from the plastic-heavy competition, while the 360-degree hinge enables flexible usage modes for productivity and media consumption. The fanless MediaTek processor ensures silent operation with excellent thermal management, though its entry-level performance limits the R 13 to light computing tasks.
For students, casual users, and anyone seeking a well-built Chromebook primarily for web browsing, media streaming, music production, and Android apps, the R 13 remains a strong value. The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS display with 10-point touch support handles these tasks admirably, and the combination of USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and full-size SD card slot provides connectivity flexibility rarely seen at this price. However, users requiring strong performance, outdoor-visible displays, or excellent typing experiences should consider alternatives. With its August 2026 end-of-life date approaching, the R 13 represents a known quantity that will continue receiving Chrome OS updates for a defined period, making it a sensible budget-conscious choice for users who value build quality and battery life over raw performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acer Chromebook R 13 good for students?
Yes, the R 13 is well-suited for students needing a device for research, writing, and note-taking. The premium aluminum build survives backpack treatment better than plastic alternatives, and the 9-12 hour battery life easily covers a full school day. The convertible design is particularly useful for taking notes in tent mode or reading in tablet mode. However, students running demanding applications or keeping many tabs open may experience occasional slowdowns from the MediaTek processor.
Can the Acer Chromebook R 13 run Android apps?
Yes, the R 13 fully supports Android apps via the Google Play Store. In fact, it was one of the first Chromebooks designed specifically with Android app compatibility in mind. The touchscreen and convertible form factor make it particularly well-suited for touch-optimized Android applications. Most productivity and entertainment apps run smoothly, though graphically demanding games may struggle with the MediaTek processor’s integrated graphics.
How does the MediaTek processor compare to Intel Chromebook processors?
The MediaTek M8173C processor delivers roughly 50-60% of the performance of comparable Intel Celeron chips found in similarly priced Chromebooks. It achieves an Octane V2 score around 10,000, which handles basic Chrome OS tasks smoothly but shows limitations with heavy multitasking. The tradeoff is excellent battery life and completely silent fanless operation - benefits that Intel-based Chromebooks often cannot match at this price point.
Can the R 13 connect to external monitors?
Yes, the R 13 offers versatile display output options. The full-size HDMI port supports direct connection to monitors and TVs, while the USB-C port provides DisplayPort alternate mode for compatible displays. Chrome Unboxed confirmed the device can drive dual 1080p external displays simultaneously via USB-C, making it capable of a multi-monitor setup for productivity work.
Is the 32GB storage enough, or should I get the 64GB model?
The 32GB models are sufficient for users primarily working with web apps and cloud storage. However, if you plan to download Android apps or keep significant offline content, the 64GB variant offers worthwhile breathing room for approximately $30 more. The microSD card slot provides expansion capability regardless of which internal storage option you choose, allowing you to add storage for media files and backups.
What is the Acer Chromebook R 13’s end-of-life date?
The Acer Chromebook R 13 has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date of August 2026. After this date, the device will no longer receive Chrome OS updates, including security patches. This makes it a viable purchase only for short-term needs or users comfortable with a defined support window. The device will continue to function after AUE but without ongoing security updates.