HP Chromebook 11a (ARM)
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The HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) is a budget 11.6-inch Chromebook aimed at students and casual users. Released in 2020, it runs on the MediaTek MT8183, an ARM chip whose efficiency gives it long battery life and a fanless design, at the cost of entry-level performance. It weighs 2.36 pounds and came in Snow White, Ash Gray, and Indigo Blue. Its dim TN display and 4GB of RAM are the obvious compromises, but for web browsing, document work, and learning it is a solid, no-frills machine that originally sold for under $300.
Note: this is a 2020 model that HP no longer manufactures, so new stock is limited. Its ChromeOS updates run through June 2030, so it is still a supported device, but a current budget Chromebook will be faster and brighter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long battery life (11-13h real-world per Chrome Unboxed) | TN panel with poor viewing angles and washed-out colors |
| Light (2.36 lb) and fanless, silent operation | 4GB RAM only; limited heavy multitasking |
| Sturdy build for the price | 32-64GB eMMC pushes you to cloud storage |
| ChromeOS updates through June 2030 | No backlit keyboard |
| Was strong value under $300 | Just one USB-A and one USB-C; no HDMI |
| MT8183 fine for browsing and documents | Dim 220-nit screen; hard to use outdoors |
HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) Comparison Chart
 HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) |  HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) |  HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) |  HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | |
| Price | List Price: $329.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $329.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $259.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $219.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $259.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $219.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $259.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $249.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | 11a-na0110nr / 60G05UA | 11a-na0100nr / 60G04UA | 11a-na0090nr / 60G03UA | 11a-na0080nr / 60G02UA | 11a-na0050nr / 1F6G1UA#ABA | 11a-na0030nr / 1F6F8UA#ABA | 11a-na0021nr / 241T0UA#ABA | 11a-na0070nr / 60G00UA | 11a-na0010nr / 1F6F4UA#ABA | 11a-na0040nr / 1F6F9UA#ABA | 11a-na0027nr / 657X9UA |
| Performance Rating | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) |
| Weight | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Webcam | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 |
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Detailed Insights into the HP Chromebook 11a
The plastic chassis (in Snow White, Ash Gray, or Indigo Blue) is light and reasonably rigid for a budget Chromebook, and at 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches and 2.36 pounds it slips easily into a bag. It is built to take everyday handling rather than to feel premium.
The MediaTek MT8183 (an octa-core ARM chip) with 4GB of LPDDR4x and Mali-G72 graphics runs ChromeOS smoothly for browsing, documents, and media, holding up across a handful of tabs but not heavy multitasking. Chrome Unboxed found the 11a feels snappier than the similarly-specified Lenovo Chromebook Duet, crediting the lower 1366x768 screen, which it estimated has “about a 55% reduction in the actual number of pixels” to push compared with the Duet’s 1920x1200 panel.
For ports it has one USB-C (charging and DisplayPort), one USB-A 3.0, a combo audio jack, and a microSD reader; there is no HDMI, so an external monitor needs a USB-C adapter, and a wired connection needs a USB Ethernet adapter. The 720p webcam is fine for calls. Battery is the strong point: HP rates it at up to 15 hours, Chrome Unboxed measured 11-13 hours in real use, and Electronics Critique cites a 15.45-hour figure, helped by the MT8183’s low 6W TDP and the 37Wh battery.
The 11.6-inch TN display is the main compromise. At 220 nits it is dim and hard to use outdoors, the viewing angles are poor, and colors look washed out next to an IPS panel, though the 1366x768 resolution is adequate for reading, documents, and streaming.
Reviewer Insights on the HP Chromebook 11a
Chrome Unboxed
Chrome Unboxed was positive, asking “Is this Chromebook worth the asking price? 100% it is!” The reviewer liked the Indigo Blue color, noting that “adding a splash of color really does affect the way you perceive a Chromebook,” and found the chassis rigid with little flex. Battery came in at 11-13 hours of real use, short of HP’s 15-hour claim but still all-day, and the trackpad drew praise for its smooth surface and click. He acknowledged the TN display’s poor viewing angles and washed-out colors as the trade-off, concluding: “Whether it acts as a secondary device around the house or a decent performer for the kids, the HP 11a deserves your attention.”
Electronics Critique
Electronics Critique reviewed the 11a-na0021nr and 11a-na0050nr models and cited a 15.45-hour battery figure, crediting the MediaTek MT8183’s low 6W TDP for the efficiency. They noted that the 32GB storage pushes you toward cloud-based workflows, and rated ChromeOS’s automatic updates and ease of use as a good fit for people coming from Windows or macOS.
Conclusion
The HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) is a no-frills budget Chromebook for students and casual users who mostly browse, write, and stream. Its strengths are battery life (11-13 real-world hours per Chrome Unboxed), a light and sturdy build, and silent fanless operation, and ChromeOS support runs through June 2030, so it stays secure for years. The trade-offs are the dim TN display, 4GB of RAM, small eMMC storage, and the bare port set.
Because it is a 2020 model that HP has discontinued, it makes the most sense as a hand-me-down or a cheap secondary device rather than a new purchase, especially since current sub-$300 Chromebooks ship with brighter screens and faster chips. If you already have one, it remains a perfectly usable everyday machine. To see how it compares with newer models, use Starry Hope’s Chromebook Comparison Chart.
To see how the HP Chromebook 11a stacks up against other Chrome OS devices, visit our Chromebook Comparison Chart to sort and filter by the specs that matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the HP Chromebook 11a battery actually last?
HP claims up to 15 hours of battery life, and real-world testing supports this claim. Chrome Unboxed achieved 11-13 hours with active use, while Electronics Critique measured 15.45 hours in their testing. For typical student usage with web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, expect genuine all-day battery life without needing to recharge.
Can the HP Chromebook 11a run Android apps?
Yes, the HP Chromebook 11a fully supports Android apps through the Google Play Store. The MediaTek MT8183 ARM processor provides native Android app compatibility, and the 4GB RAM handles most lightweight apps smoothly. However, demanding games or productivity apps may experience occasional slowdowns due to the entry-level specifications.
Is the HP Chromebook 11a good for students?
The HP Chromebook 11a works well for students, particularly in K-12. The light 2.36 lb design fits easily in a backpack, the all-day battery avoids mid-class charging, and ChromeOS handles Google Classroom and educational apps. The build holds up to daily handling, though the small 11.6-inch display can feel cramped for long research or writing sessions.
Can I expand the storage on the HP Chromebook 11a?
The internal eMMC storage (32GB or 64GB depending on variant) is not upgradeable, but you can expand storage using the built-in microSD card reader. This allows adding up to 256GB or more of additional storage for offline files, photos, and media. Most users also rely on Google Drive for cloud storage, which is built into ChromeOS.
How long will the HP Chromebook 11a receive Chrome OS updates?
Google guarantees Chrome OS automatic updates through June 2030 for the HP Chromebook 11a-na0 models with MediaTek MT8183 processors. This ensures the device receives security patches, new features, and performance improvements for years of reliable use. After this date, the Chromebook will continue functioning but won’t receive new updates.
Can I connect the HP Chromebook 11a to an external monitor?
Yes, the USB-C port supports DisplayPort output, allowing connection to external monitors using a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter. This enables extending or mirroring the display to larger screens for presentations or more comfortable viewing. Note that the Chromebook lacks a dedicated HDMI port, so an adapter is required for most monitors.