Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)

Updated on January 26, 2026

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD) is a budget-friendly convertible Chromebook that combines versatility with durability in a compact 11.6-inch form factor. Powered by an AMD A6-9220C APU with Radeon R5 Graphics, this Chromebook is designed for students, casual users, and anyone who needs a reliable device for everyday computing tasks. With its 360-degree hinge, you can use it as a traditional laptop, tablet, or in tent mode for presentations and media consumption. The device features a fanless design for completely silent operation and an IPS touchscreen display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD) Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)
Price	List Price: $399.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	R721T-62ZQ / NX.HBRAA.003
Perfomance Rating	2.5
Chromebook Plus	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.80 Ghz (max 2.70 Ghz) AMD A6-9220C APU with Radeon R5 Graphics
RAM	4 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768
Screen Type	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.42 x 8.11 x 0.74 inches (290.07 x 205.99 x 18.8 mm)
Weight	2.64 lbs (1.2 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	HD
WiFi	IEEE 802.11ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.1
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (with DisplayPort and charging)
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	3 cell, 4200 mAh, Lithium Ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2026

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 distinguishes itself through thoughtful design choices that prioritize practicality over aesthetics. The matte black plastic chassis features a subtle diamond-shaped pattern on the lid that adds visual interest without being flashy. While the thick bezels surrounding the display give the device a somewhat dated appearance, they also serve a practical purpose by providing grip points when using the device in tablet mode. The 360-degree hinge mechanism feels sturdy and holds positions firmly, allowing smooth transitions between laptop, tablet, tent, and display modes. At 2.64 pounds, the device is heavier than some ultraportable competitors but remains manageable for carrying in a backpack.

Build quality reflects the Chromebook Spin 311’s education-focused heritage with impressive durability credentials. The device has been tested to withstand drops from 122cm (about 4 feet) onto plywood surfaces, making it suitable for the inevitable bumps and tumbles of student life. Perhaps more importantly for classroom environments, the keyboard features a liquid-resistant design with drainage channels that can handle spills up to 342ml, roughly equivalent to a full can of soda. The keyboard itself offers a surprisingly pleasant typing experience with well-defined keys and adequate travel, though the lack of backlighting means you’ll struggle in dimly lit rooms. Reviewers consistently praise the keyboard as a standout feature given the device’s budget positioning.

The AMD A6-9220C processor paired with 4GB of RAM provides adequate performance for Chrome OS’s lightweight requirements, though don’t expect blazing speeds. Day-to-day tasks like web browsing with multiple tabs, document editing, and video streaming run smoothly enough, but you’ll notice occasional hesitation when switching between numerous apps or loading resource-intensive websites. The 32GB eMMC storage fills up quickly once you install a few Android apps, so cloud storage becomes essential for anything beyond basic use. Battery life proves to be a genuine strength, with most users reporting 8-10 hours of real-world usage, closely matching Acer’s 10-hour claim. The fanless design ensures completely silent operation, which proves valuable in quiet environments like libraries or during video calls.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)

Pocket-lint’s Perspective

Andrew Williams at Pocket-lint delivered a thorough review of the AMD-powered R721T model, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. Williams particularly praised the keyboard quality, noting that it offers “comfortable, full-size keys with good key definition” that make extended typing sessions pleasant. He emphasized that despite the modest AMD processor, “the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 always handles whatever is thrown at it,” describing it as “a consistent little workhorse of a Chromebook.”

The review acknowledged the device’s aesthetic limitations, observing that “some aspects of the 311 look dated” due to the oversized bezels. However, Williams concluded that “at this price point it’s hard to complain about its overall well-considered spec.” He tested battery life at approximately 8.3 hours during streaming, falling slightly short of the claimed 10 hours but still impressive for a budget device. Williams also highlighted the education-focused durability features as genuine selling points rather than marketing fluff.

TechRadar’s Perspective

TechRadar’s Rob Dwiar awarded the Chromebook Spin 311 an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “one of the best Chromebooks 2021 has to offer” despite being released in 2020. The review praised the device’s versatility, particularly highlighting the “fantastic touchscreen” and “stellar flexibility” provided by the 360-degree hinge. Dwiar was impressed by how the Chromebook handled multitasking with multiple Chrome tabs, YouTube, Spotify, and messaging apps running simultaneously without significant slowdowns.

TechRadar did note the screen’s limitations, describing it as “too dim” with “massive bezels that drastically reduce actual screen size.” The review emphasized that the compact form factor works well for portability but may feel cramped for users accustomed to larger displays. Overall, Dwiar recommended the device for anyone seeking an affordable, versatile Chromebook that doesn’t compromise on build quality or essential features.

NotebookCheck’s Aggregate Analysis

NotebookCheck compiled data from 7 professional reviews, resulting in an 85.71% average score rated as “good.” The aggregate highlighted excellent value with a 100% price rating and solid 80% marks for both performance and workmanship. The compilation emphasized the device’s rugged construction credentials, noting military-grade durability testing including extreme temperature tolerance from -32°C to +49°C and vibration resistance up to 7.7G per axis. These specifications make the Spin 311 particularly suitable for demanding educational environments where devices face daily wear and tear.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)

Amazon customers have given the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD) a 4.3 out of 5-star rating based on over 100 reviews, reflecting generally positive sentiment with some notable concerns. Many buyers praise the device as an excellent value for basic computing needs, particularly highlighting the responsive touchscreen and comfortable keyboard. Parents frequently recommend it as a first Chromebook for children, appreciating the durability and simple Chrome OS interface. The fanless silent operation earns consistent praise from users who previously dealt with noisy laptop fans during video calls or quiet study sessions.

Several customers specifically mention the 360-degree hinge as a standout feature, using the device in tablet mode for reading and media consumption. Teachers report success deploying these Chromebooks in classroom settings, noting that the spill-resistant keyboard has saved multiple devices from sticky-fingered accidents. The Chrome OS updates and automatic security patches provide peace of mind for parents who prefer a managed computing environment.

Common complaints center on the limited 32GB storage, with several reviewers noting that Android apps consume space quickly. Some users recommend immediately setting up Google Drive or other cloud storage to compensate. Screen brightness disappointment appears frequently, with buyers finding it inadequate for use near windows or outdoors. The 1366x768 resolution also draws criticism from users accustomed to sharper displays on smartphones, though others argue it’s acceptable given the compact 11.6-inch screen size.

The weight, while reasonable at 2.64 pounds, strikes some buyers as heavier than expected for an 11.6-inch device. A few reviewers compare it unfavorably to lighter 14-inch Chromebooks. Battery life experiences vary, with most users reporting 6-8 hours of mixed usage rather than the advertised 10 hours, though this still exceeds many budget Chromebooks. Several long-term owners note that battery life degraded after 18-24 months of daily use, which is typical for lithium-ion batteries. Overall, customers agree the Chromebook Spin 311 delivers solid performance for its intended audience of students and casual users who prioritize versatility over raw speed.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD) succeeds as a budget-friendly convertible Chromebook that doesn’t sacrifice build quality or essential features. While the thick bezels and dim screen reveal its budget origins, the comfortable keyboard, excellent battery life, and genuine durability make it easy to recommend for students, casual users, and anyone seeking an affordable Chrome OS device. The 360-degree hinge works smoothly across all positions, and the fanless design ensures whisper-quiet operation. If you can accept the modest AMD processor performance and limited storage, the Chromebook Spin 311 offers compelling value, particularly for education environments where durability matters more than raw speed.

The device’s strengths align perfectly with its target market: students need durability over performance, casual users benefit from all-day battery life, and the convertible form factor adds genuine versatility. The AMD A6-9220C processor handles Chrome OS efficiently for web-based tasks, and the Radeon R5 integrated graphics provides marginally better media playback than comparable Intel Celeron options. With its June 2026 Auto Update Expiration date approaching, buyers should consider the device’s remaining software support lifespan, though this remains a capable Chromebook for several more years of use.

For those seeking a budget Chromebook for basic productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, the Spin 311 (AMD) delivers where it matters most. The combination of proven durability, comfortable keyboard, and silent operation creates a reliable daily driver that handles student life with resilience. While newer Chromebooks offer brighter screens and faster processors, few match this device’s balance of build quality and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions