HP Chromebook 11 (G4)

Updated on February 5, 2026

Released in mid-2015, the HP Chromebook 11 G4 targeted the education and budget-conscious consumer markets with its durable construction and straightforward specifications. This 11.6-inch Chromebook packed an Intel Celeron N2840 dual-core processor running at 2.16 GHz with burst speeds up to 2.58 GHz. HP positioned the G4 as a workhorse device built for classroom environments, featuring a spill-resistant keyboard and reinforced corners that could withstand the daily rigors of student use. While it reached its Auto Update Expiration date in June 2021, the G4 represented a solid entry point for Chrome OS computing during its active support window.

HP Chromebook 11 (G4) Comparison Chart

	HP Chromebook 11 (G4)	HP Chromebook 11 (G4)
Price	List Price: $199.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $229.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	P0B79UT#ABA	P0B78UT#ABA
Perfomance Rating	1.9	2.4
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.58 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2840	Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.58 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2840
RAM	2 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	16 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768	1366x768
Screen Type	SVA WLED anti-glare	SVA WLED anti-glare
Touch Screen	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.81 x 8.1 x 0.81 inches (299.97 x 205.74 x 20.57 mm)	11.81 x 8.1 x 0.81 inches (299.97 x 205.74 x 20.57 mm)
Weight	2.83 lbs (1.29 kg)	2.83 lbs (1.29 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No
Webcam	1280x720	1280x720
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3	1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	SD	SD
Battery	3 cell, 36 WHr, Lithium-ion	3 cell, 36 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	8.0 hours	8.0 hours
Fanless	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2021	June, 2021

Detailed Insights

The HP Chromebook 11 G4 delivers a surprisingly premium feel for its budget price point thanks to the aluminum top cover with a textured matte finish that resists fingerprints and minor scratches. Build quality reflects HP’s experience in the education market, with reinforced hinges and a chassis designed to handle being tossed into backpacks day after day. The device measures 11.81 x 8.1 x 0.81 inches and weighs a manageable 2.83 pounds, making it easy for students to carry between classes. An anti-glare SVA WLED display minimizes reflections in bright classroom environments, though the 220-nit brightness and limited viewing angles mean the screen works best when viewed straight-on in moderate lighting conditions.

Connectivity covers the essentials without unnecessary frills. The USB 3.0 port not only handles high-speed data transfers but can also charge mobile devices when the Chromebook is plugged in, a thoughtful inclusion for users who need to top up their phones during the day. A full-size HDMI port enables easy connection to classroom projectors or external monitors without requiring adapters. The SD card reader accepts full-size cards, providing straightforward storage expansion for photos, documents, or media files. Wireless connectivity includes dual-band 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, covering both high-speed internet access and peripheral connections. The 720p webcam handles video calls adequately, though like most Chromebook webcams of this era, it struggles in low-light conditions and produces somewhat grainy images.

Performance from the Intel Celeron N2840 proves adequate for the educational and web-centric tasks Chrome OS handles best. The dual-core processor and 2-4GB of RAM allow users to maintain a dozen or more browser tabs open simultaneously without significant slowdown. Benchmark testing at the time of release showed an Intel Octane score around 8555, placing it competitively among budget Chromebooks of its generation. The 36 WHr battery delivers approximately 7-8 hours of runtime depending on workload, which covers a typical school day but falls short of competitors that achieved 10+ hours from similar hardware.

Reviewer Insights on the HP Chromebook 11 G4

Clinton’s Perspective (ClintonFitch.com)

Clinton at ClintonFitch.com called the HP Chromebook 11 G4 “one of the best 11-inch Chromebooks” available in its price range, praising the premium build quality and responsive input devices. His hands-on testing highlighted the keyboard as a particular standout, noting the island-style keys with 2.2mm of stroke depth provided satisfying tactile feedback for extended typing sessions. The touchpad earned similar praise for its glass-like surface texture and accurate palm rejection.

Clinton documented his productivity testing extensively, reporting that he “was easily able to use Google Docs, Sheets and Slides simultaneously with no issues while watching a video on YouTube.” The system maintained smooth performance until tab counts exceeded 15, at which point occasional pauses became noticeable. The IPS display panel impressed him as “pretty good for only being 1080p” though he noted color accuracy diminished at wider viewing angles, a common limitation of budget panels.

His primary criticism centered on battery life, which he measured at approximately 8 hours during normal use. While respectable, this runtime trailed competitors in the same category that achieved 11-12 hours. Clinton concluded that the build quality and performance justified the asking price, recommending the G4 for users who prioritized typing comfort and construction durability over marathon battery life.

Andrew E. Freedman’s Perspective (Laptop Mag)

Andrew E. Freedman at Laptop Mag delivered a more tempered assessment, scoring the device 3 out of 5 stars and characterizing it as “adequate” for light computing tasks. His benchmark testing provided specific performance metrics: a Browsermark score of 2,362 and a SunSpider completion time of 556.7 milliseconds placed the G4 competitively among its peers. Graphics performance during WebGL testing showed the device handling 50 animated fish at 53-57 frames per second, indicating basic visual content posed no challenges.

The Laptop Mag review identified the display as a notable weakness, with Freedman describing it as dim and producing washed-out colors compared to premium alternatives. His battery testing under controlled conditions (100 nits brightness, automated web surfing) yielded 7 hours and 10 minutes, falling below the ultraportable category average of 8 hours and 10 minutes that existed at the time. On the positive side, he praised the keyboard’s comfortable feel for extended typing and the audio quality from the built-in speakers, which produced fuller sound than expected from such a compact device.

Freedman positioned the G4 as a sensible choice for budget shoppers who understood Chrome OS limitations and needed a reliable device for browsing, email, and document work. The solid keyboard and trackpad combination, combined with reasonable audio performance, offset the display and battery shortcomings enough to earn a cautious recommendation.

Who Should Consider the HP Chromebook 11 G4

The HP Chromebook 11 G4 served its intended audience well as an affordable, durable computing solution. Schools appreciated the spill-resistant keyboard, reinforced construction, and simplified Chrome OS management that reduced IT support burdens. Students benefited from the lightweight design and all-day battery life that covered typical class schedules. Budget-conscious families found it a capable secondary computer for web browsing, homework, and video streaming.

However, the June 2021 Auto Update Expiration means anyone still using this device should avoid sensitive tasks like online banking or shopping due to discontinued security updates. For those seeking similar portability with current software support, consider the HP Chromebook 11MK G9 which continues HP’s tradition of education-focused 11.6-inch devices with modern specifications and extended update support.

Frequently Asked Questions