Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)

Updated on January 26, 2026

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD) is a budget 11.6-inch convertible Chromebook built around the AMD A6-9220C APU with Radeon R5 graphics. The 360-degree hinge lets you use it as a laptop, a tablet, or in tent mode, and the fanless design runs silently. It is aimed at students and casual users who need a durable, all-day device for web browsing, documents, and media rather than heavy work. This is the AMD model (R721T); Acer also sold the Spin 311 with Intel and MediaTek chips under different model numbers.

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
Performance 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, 2029

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)

The matte black plastic chassis has a subtle diamond pattern on the lid, and while the thick bezels date the look, they double as grip points in tablet mode. The 360-degree hinge feels sturdy and holds its position, so transitions between laptop, tablet, tent, and display modes are smooth. At 2.64 pounds it is heavier than some ultraportables but still easy to carry 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 and 4GB of RAM are adequate for ChromeOS but no more: web browsing with a handful of tabs, document editing, and video streaming run fine, but you will see hesitation when juggling many apps or heavy sites. The 32GB of eMMC fills up fast once you add a few Android apps, so cloud storage or a microSD card becomes necessary. Battery life is a genuine strength, with most owners reporting 8 to 10 hours, close to Acer’s 10-hour claim, and the fanless design keeps it silent in a library or on a call.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD)

Pocket-lint’s Perspective

Andrew Williams at Pocket-lint reviewed the AMD-powered R721T model and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. The keyboard was his standout: he called the 311 “a superb little laptop for typing and work,” noting “it’s got a full-size keyboard; key definition is solid, and there’s no sense of feeling cramped when typing.” He rated the screen “pleasant enough (even with big borders and low resolution)” and listed solid battery life among the pros.

He was candid about the dated look, writing that “some aspects of the 311 look dated” because of the oversized bezels, but landed on it being good value for the price.

TechRadar’s Perspective

TechRadar’s Rob Dwiar reviewed the AMD Spin 311 and gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “one of the best Chromebooks 2021 has to offer” (it was released in 2020). He credited its “easy usability thanks to that fantastic touch screen, great design, and stellar flexibility,” and was impressed by how it handled multiple Chrome tabs, YouTube, Spotify, and messaging apps at once.

TechRadar’s main knock was the screen: Dwiar flagged it as “too dim” and listed “Massive bezels drastically reduce actual screen size” among the cons. Overall he recommended it as an affordable, versatile Chromebook that does not compromise on build quality.

NotebookCheck’s Aggregate Analysis

NotebookCheck compiled 7 professional reviews of the R721T into an 85.71% average, rated “good,” with strong marks for value and workmanship. That aggregate lines up with the rest of the coverage: a well-built, education-ready budget Chromebook whose value outweighs its modest specs.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (AMD) is a durable, comfortable budget convertible. The thick bezels and dim screen show its budget origins, but the full-size keyboard, all-day battery, fanless silence, and education-grade build make it a sensible pick for students and casual users who value durability over speed. The A6-9220C and 4GB of RAM are fine for web-based tasks; the Radeon R5 graphics give it a slight edge over comparable Intel Celeron options for media.

Note: this is a 2020 model and is no longer sold new, so it is mainly a reference for current owners or a used-market option. Its Auto Update Expiration date is June 2029, per Google’s schedule, so it still has a few years of ChromeOS updates left if you have one or find one used. To see how it compares with current models, use the Chromebook Comparison Chart.

Frequently Asked Questions