HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

Starry Hope Rating
2.5

Updated on

Photo of HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

Note: This Chromebook reached its Auto Update Expiration in June 2022 and no longer receives Chrome OS security updates. It is no longer recommended for purchase. The information below is kept for historical reference.

The HP Chromebook 11 G5 represented HP’s fifth iteration of their compact 11-inch Chromebook line, released in mid-2016 when the Chromebook market was still establishing itself in education and consumer spaces. Built around Intel’s entry-level Celeron N3050 dual-core processor, this device was designed for budget-conscious buyers who prioritized portability and battery life over raw performance. With HP’s claimed 12.5-hour battery life and a starting price under $200, it targeted students, traveling professionals, and anyone who needed a simple, lightweight machine for web-based work.

ProsCons
Exceptional 12.5-hour battery life for all-day useChrome OS support ended June 2022 (no longer receiving updates)
Lightweight and compact design at 11.25 x 8.07 x 0.72 inchesIntel Celeron N3050 is underpowered by modern standards
Spill-resistant keyboard suitable for education environmentsLimited to 2-4GB RAM which restricts multitasking
Full-size HDMI port for direct monitor connectionNon-touch TN panel with limited viewing angles
MicroSD card reader expands storage optionsOnly 16GB eMMC storage fills quickly
Dual-band 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2No keyboard backlight for typing in dim conditions

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HP Chromebook 11 (G5) Comparison Chart

HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

HP Chromebook 11 (G5)

Price

List Price: $189.00

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List Price: $209.00

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List Price: $199.99

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Model numberX9U01UTX9U02UT11-v010nr / X7T64UA
Performance Rating1.92.42.4
Chromebook PlusNoNoNo
ProcessorDual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.16 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N3050
Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz)
Intel Celeron Processor N3060
Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz)
Intel Celeron Processor N3060
RAM2 GB4 GB4 GB
Internal Storage16 GB eMMC16 GB eMMC16 GB eMMC
Screen Size11.6"11.6"11.6"
Screen Resolution1366x7681366x7681366x768
Screen TypeHD SVA eDP WLED anti-glareHD SVA eDP WLED anti-glareHD SVA anti-glare WLED-backlit
Touch ScreenNoNoNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
11.25 x 8.07 x 0.72 inches
(285.75 x 204.98 x 18.29 mm)
11.25 x 8.07 x 0.72 inches
(285.75 x 204.98 x 18.29 mm)
11.25 x 8.07 x 0.72 inches
(285.75 x 204.98 x 18.29 mm)
Weight2.51 lbs (1.14 kg)2.51 lbs (1.14 kg)2.54 lbs (1.15 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNoNoNo
Webcam1280x7201280x7201280x720
WiFi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.0
EthernetNoNoNo
Cellular ModemNoNoNo
HDMIFull-Size HDMIFull-Size HDMIFull-Size HDMI
USB Ports2 USB 32 USB 32 USB 3
Thunderbolt PortsNoNoNo
Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card Reader
Battery2 cell, 43.7 WHr, Long Life Li-ion polymer2 cell, 43.7 WHr, Long Life Li-ion polymer2 cell, 43.7 WHr, Long Life Li-ion polymer
Battery Life12.5 hours12.5 hours12.5 hours
FanlessNoNoNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2022June, 2022June, 2022

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Historical Context of the HP Chromebook 11 G5

The HP Chromebook 11 G5 arrived during an interesting period for Chrome OS devices. In 2016, Chromebooks were gaining significant traction in K-12 education due to their low cost, easy management, and resistance to malware. HP positioned the G5 as an evolutionary update to their popular 11-inch line, refining the design while keeping the entry-level pricing that made Chromebooks attractive to schools and budget shoppers.

The Intel Celeron N3050 processor at the heart of the G5 offered modest performance suitable for basic web browsing, Google Docs, and simple Android apps (which had just started rolling out to select Chromebooks in 2016). With a base clock of 1.6 GHz across two cores and no hyperthreading, the N3050 delivered passable performance for its era but would feel sluggish by today’s standards. The 2GB RAM configuration was tight even in 2016, making the 4GB variant a much better choice for anyone planning to keep more than a handful of tabs open.

HP engineered the G5 with durability in mind, including a spill-resistant keyboard that could handle minor liquid accidents without damaging internal components. This feature made it particularly appealing for education deployments where accidents are inevitable. The chassis, while plastic, felt reasonably solid for a sub-$200 device, and the 11.6-inch form factor made it easy to toss in a backpack.

Detailed Specifications and Connectivity

The 11.6-inch display used a 1366x768 TN panel, which was standard for budget Chromebooks of the era. TN technology meant color accuracy and viewing angles were limited, requiring users to view the screen head-on for the best picture. The glossy finish could cause reflections in bright environments, though the display performed adequately for document work and casual video streaming.

Connectivity options were practical rather than cutting-edge. Two USB 3.0 ports handled peripherals, while the full-size HDMI port allowed direct connection to monitors and projectors without adapters. The microSD card slot provided expansion beyond the limited 16GB internal storage. Dual-band 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 kept the G5 competitive with other mid-2016 Chromebooks. Schools that needed wired network access could connect a USB Ethernet adapter to one of the USB 3.0 ports.

The standout specification was battery life. HP rated the G5 for up to 12.5 hours on a single charge, achieved through the efficient Celeron processor and the 43.7 Wh two-cell battery. Real-world testing by reviewers often showed 8-10 hours of mixed usage, which still made it possible to use the device throughout a full school or work day without charging.

Reviewer Insights from 2016

When the HP Chromebook 11 G5 released, reviewers praised its value proposition while noting the expected compromises of budget hardware.

Chrome Unboxed’s Assessment

Chrome Unboxed’s review of the related touchscreen variant found that the G5 line delivered solid performance at an exceptional price point. Robby Payne noted the device “feels, looks and performs much better than you’d expect for a couple hundred dollars.” The review highlighted the IPS display option on certain variants, responsive touchscreen interaction, and surprisingly good bottom-firing speakers. However, Payne criticized the overly clicky keyboard with slightly wobbly keys, and the trackpad click mechanism required excessive pressure. In Octane benchmarks, the device scored around 9,000, which was respectable for a budget Celeron Chromebook in 2016.

LaptopSuggest’s Perspective

LaptopSuggest’s review characterized the G5 as “adequate, inexpensive and friendly” while cautioning that it wasn’t for power users. Emil Stefansson praised the exceptional portability at 2.6 pounds, outstanding 12.5-hour battery endurance, and the quiet operation during everyday tasks. The review noted that the Celeron processor “is well adapted to perform everyday tasks” but emphasized that buyers should keep expectations aligned with the budget price. Common criticisms included limited 16GB storage requiring cloud dependency, non-upgradeable RAM soldered to the motherboard, and sparse port selection.

Both reviews reflect the consensus that the HP Chromebook 11 G5 succeeded at what it attempted: providing a reliable, portable, and affordable Chrome OS device for users with basic computing needs.

The HP Chromebook 11 G5 reached its Auto Update Expiration date in June 2022, meaning Google stopped providing Chrome OS security patches and feature updates. Running an unsupported Chromebook exposes users to potential security vulnerabilities and prevents access to new Chrome OS features. While the hardware may still function, using it for tasks involving sensitive data or accounts is not advisable.

Beyond software support, the hardware specifications have not aged well. The Intel Celeron N3050 struggles with modern websites that rely heavily on JavaScript, and the 2-4GB RAM configurations cannot handle today’s more memory-intensive Chrome browser and Android apps. Users looking for a budget 11-inch Chromebook should consider currently supported options that offer better processors, more RAM, and several years of remaining updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the HP Chromebook 11 G5 stop receiving updates?

The HP Chromebook 11 G5 reached its Auto Update Expiration in June 2022. This means it no longer receives Chrome OS security updates, feature updates, or bug fixes from Google.

Is the HP Chromebook 11 G5 safe to use in 2024 and beyond?

Since the HP Chromebook 11 G5 no longer receives security updates, using it for sensitive tasks like online banking, shopping, or accessing accounts with personal information is not recommended. The device may still work for offline tasks or as a media player, but it should not be trusted for secure web browsing.

What was the difference between the HP Chromebook 11 G5 variants?

The HP Chromebook 11 G5 came in several configurations. The X9U01UT (v1) featured 2GB RAM, while the X9U02UT (v2) included 4GB RAM. The consumer variant (11-v010nr) also offered 4GB RAM. Some variants included a touchscreen IPS display, while others had a standard non-touch TN panel. All versions shared the same Intel Celeron N3050 processor and 16GB eMMC storage.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the HP Chromebook 11 G5?

No, both the RAM and eMMC storage on the HP Chromebook 11 G5 are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The microSD card slot can be used to expand storage for files and media, but it won’t increase the available space for Chrome OS or Android apps.

What are modern alternatives to the HP Chromebook 11 G5?

For buyers seeking a budget 11-inch Chromebook with long battery life, consider current-generation options with Chrome OS support through 2030 or later. Look for devices with Intel N-series processors (N100, N200), at least 4GB RAM, and 64GB or more storage. The best Chromebooks under $200 offer significantly better performance while maintaining affordable pricing.

How long did the HP Chromebook 11 G5 battery actually last?

HP rated the Chromebook 11 G5 for up to 12.5 hours of battery life. Real-world testing by reviewers typically showed 8-10 hours of mixed usage at moderate screen brightness, which was still impressive for a budget Chromebook in 2016.