HP Chromebook 15

Starry Hope Rating
3.5

Updated on

HP Chromebook 15 lifestyle

Note: The HP Chromebook 15 has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase. This page is maintained for historical reference.

The HP Chromebook 15 was a simple yet versatile device that was well suited for students, providing an all-in-one solution for a seamless learning and entertainment experience. It featured a large HD display, dual speakers, ample storage space, and compatibility with various software and applications.

The HP Chromebook 15 sported a 15.6-inch micro-edge Full-HD display with anti-glare properties to reduce eye strain. It was powered by an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor, with 8GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage, providing efficient performance for basic tasks, multimedia, and light gaming. The Chromebook was equipped with a backlit full-size keyboard that included a dedicated number pad, and the trackpad was aligned with the keyboard for easy navigation.

The device ran Chrome OS with free upgrades guaranteed through June 2031, offering access to Google apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, as well as compatibility with Office 365 and Google Classroom. Additional features included HP QuickDrop for file transfers, Google Assistant, a 720p HD camera, integrated dual-array digital microphones, and over 10 hours of battery life with charging via any Type-C port.

ProsCons
Full-size backlit keyboard with dedicated number pad (Chrome Unboxed)Display brightness around 250 nits limits outdoor visibility (NotebookCheck)
Solid build quality with sturdy construction for daily student useScreen uses TN panel technology with narrower viewing angles
8-10 hours of real-world battery life with HP Fast Charge support720p webcam produces noisy images in low light (NotebookCheck)
Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 with stable connectivity performanceNo HDMI port requires USB-C adapter for external displays
Chrome OS updates guaranteed through June 2031 (5+ years remaining)64GB eMMC storage fills quickly with offline apps and media
USB-C Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 for versatile connectivityTouchpad can feel stiff compared to glass trackpads

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HP Chromebook 15 Comparison Chart

HP Chromebook 15

HP Chromebook 15

Price

List Price: $399.99

Amazon Prices:

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Model number15a-na0047nr
Perfomance Rating5.3
Chromebook PlusNo
ProcessorQuad-core 1.10 Ghz (max 3.30 Ghz)
Intel Pentium Silver N6000
RAM8 GB
Internal Storage64 GB eMMC
Screen Size15.6"
Screen Resolution1920x1080
Screen Typeanti-glare, 250 nits
Touch ScreenNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
14.28 x 9.51 x 0.71 inches
(362.71 x 241.55 x 18.03 mm)
Weight3.74 lbs (1.7 kg)
Backlit KeyboardYes
Webcam720p HD
WiFiWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0
EthernetNo
Cellular ModemNo
HDMINo HDMI
USB Ports1 USB 3, 2 USB 4
USB-C Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4
Thunderbolt PortsNo
Card ReadermicroSD Card Reader
Battery2 cell, 47 Wh, Li-ion
Battery Life10.0 hours
FanlessNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2031

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Detailed Insights into the HP Chromebook 15

HP Chromebook 15 connectivity features

The HP Chromebook 15 took a practical approach to design, prioritizing functionality over flashiness. The chassis featured a mineral silver finish with a matte texture that resisted fingerprints and minor scratches well. At 14.28 x 9.51 x 0.71 inches and weighing 3.74 pounds, it was portable enough for students to carry between classes, though heavier than many 13 or 14-inch alternatives. The overall build quality was solid with minimal flex in the keyboard deck and lid, making it suitable for the rigors of daily student life. HP included thoughtful touches like the micro-edge bezels around the display that maximized screen real estate while keeping the overall footprint manageable.

The 15.6-inch Full HD display delivered a 1920x1080 resolution with anti-glare coating, making it comfortable for extended reading and document work. The 250-nit brightness rating was adequate for indoor environments like classrooms and libraries, though it did struggle in brightly lit spaces or outdoors. Color accuracy was serviceable for web browsing and document editing, but photographers and designers needed to look elsewhere. The non-touch panel kept costs down while eliminating one potential point of failure. Viewing angles were acceptable for solo use but narrowed noticeably when sharing the screen with others, a common compromise in this price segment.

Performance from the Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor hit the sweet spot for Chrome OS workloads. The quad-core chip handled multiple browser tabs, Google Docs editing, video streaming, and basic Android apps without significant slowdowns. The 8GB of RAM provided adequate headroom for keeping multiple applications open simultaneously, a meaningful upgrade over the 4GB configurations found in some budget Chromebooks. However, users needed to temper expectations for demanding tasks like heavy photo editing or running multiple Linux applications concurrently. The 64GB eMMC storage offered reasonable speed for Chrome OS but filled quickly for those who relied heavily on offline content or installed many Android apps from the Play Store.

Connectivity options covered the essentials without any surprises. Two USB 4.0 ports supported Power Delivery charging and DisplayPort 1.4 output for connecting external monitors at resolutions up to 4K. A single USB 3.0 Type-A port provided backward compatibility for older peripherals like mice and USB drives. The microSD card slot allowed storage expansion, which proved particularly useful given the modest internal capacity. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 handled wireless duties reliably, though Wi-Fi 6 would have been a welcome addition for future-proofing. The absence of an HDMI port meant USB-C adapters were necessary for connecting to projectors or older displays, a minor inconvenience in educational settings. Similarly, connecting to a wired network required a USB Ethernet adapter.

Reviewer Insights on the HP Chromebook 15

HP Chromebook 15 performance tier

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed highlighted the HP Chromebook 15 as the first Chromebook to ship with a dedicated number pad, calling it “a game-changer for users who work with spreadsheets or need to enter numbers frequently.” Their review praised the premium feel of the ceramic-like white lid and aluminum interior, noting that “it looks and feels more expensive than it actually is.” However, they were critical of the display brightness, observing that “you’ll need to crank it up to 75-80% for comfortable indoor use, and outdoor visibility is essentially a non-starter.” Battery life impressed them, with 8-10 hours of real-world usage making it “a genuine all-day laptop for students.” Their verdict: a solid choice for number-heavy tasks, but don’t expect to use it by a sunny window.

NotebookCheck’s Testing

NotebookCheck’s comprehensive review of the HP Chromebook 15a series provided detailed measurements and benchmarks. Their testing revealed the microSD card reader performs well at 59.83 MB/s, better than many competitors in this price range. They praised the “completely silent operation” thanks to fanless design, making it ideal for quiet study environments. On the negative side, they noted the display panel “produces colors that are noticeably washed out” with only 57.5% sRGB coverage. Their conclusion: “Easy on the wallet, hard on compromise” - a fair assessment of a Chromebook that prioritizes affordability over everything else. They recommend it specifically for “students and casual surfers” who need basic internet access without bells and whistles.

Digital Trends’ coverage of the HP Chromebook 15 series dubbed it “the bread and butter laptop” in their 7/10 review. They appreciated the touch display functionality and solid Chrome OS performance for everyday tasks. The review noted that “battery life holds up well throughout a full day of classes or work.” However, they criticized the keyboard for having “an uncomfortable bounce” during typing that some users may find distracting. Their overall impression was that it’s a dependable, no-frills option that “gets the job done without any standout features” - exactly what many budget-conscious buyers are looking for.

The reviewer consensus pointed to a Chromebook that excelled at being reliable and affordable rather than exciting. The number pad remained its most distinctive feature, genuinely useful for students in accounting, finance, or data entry courses. Display quality and webcam performance represented the most significant compromises, though neither was unusual for this price tier.

Customer Reviews of the HP Chromebook 15

Amazon customers who purchased the HP Chromebook 15 shared mixed but generally positive experiences. The product maintained a 3.3-star rating based on user feedback, with the majority of praise focused on its value proposition for students and casual users. Buyers frequently mentioned that the Chromebook handled schoolwork, web browsing, and streaming video without issues. Several customers specifically called out the number pad as a valuable feature that other Chromebooks lacked.

Common complaints centered on the display and storage capacity. Multiple reviewers noted that the screen appeared dim in certain lighting conditions and that viewing angles were narrower than expected. The 64GB storage drew criticism from users who found it inadequate for downloading multiple Android apps or storing offline content. Some customers also mentioned that the keyboard layout took adjustment due to the number pad compressing the main typing area slightly.

Performance-related feedback was largely positive, with users reporting fast boot times and responsive Chrome OS operation. The battery life claims were validated by real-world users, with many confirming they could work a full school day on a single charge. Build quality assessments were mixed, with some praising the solid construction while others noted plastic creaking sounds. Overall, customer reviews suggested this Chromebook delivered on its promise as an affordable, functional device for basic computing needs, with the caveat that buyers needed to have realistic expectations about display quality and storage space.

Conclusion

The HP Chromebook 15 occupied a sensible position in the Chromebook market, offering a large 15.6-inch display and full-size keyboard with number pad at a reasonable price point. It wasn’t trying to compete with Chromebook Plus devices or premium convertibles - instead, it focused on delivering reliable performance for students, casual users, and anyone who valued the number pad for data entry work. The Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor combined with 8GB of RAM handled typical Chrome OS workloads smoothly, while the 10-hour battery life meant users could leave the charger at home.

The compromises were real but predictable for this price range. The display didn’t impress anyone used to premium panels, and the 64GB storage required cloud-first habits or a microSD card for expansion. For those who needed an affordable, full-size Chromebook for web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the HP Chromebook 15 delivered exactly that. For students who worked with spreadsheets or needed to enter numbers frequently, the dedicated number pad alone justified choosing this model over smaller alternatives. While the HP Chromebook 15 is no longer available for purchase, it represented a solid value option during its time on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the HP Chromebook 15 receive Chrome OS updates?

The HP Chromebook 15 (15a-na0 series) will receive Chrome OS updates until June 2031. This Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date is set by Google and represents how long the device will receive official software support, including automatic security patches and feature updates.

Could the RAM or storage be upgraded in the HP Chromebook 15?

No, the HP Chromebook 15 used soldered RAM (8GB) and eMMC storage (64GB) that could not be upgraded by the user. However, storage could be expanded using the microSD card slot for additional media and file storage, or by relying on cloud storage solutions like Google Drive. The USB ports also supported external drives.

Was the HP Chromebook 15 good for students?

Yes, the HP Chromebook 15 was well-suited for students. It offered a large 15.6-inch display for comfortable reading and document work, a full-size backlit keyboard with number pad (great for math and data classes), 8-10 hours of battery life to last through a school day, and compatibility with Google Classroom and Office 365. The sturdy build quality handled the rigors of daily use, and Chrome OS provided built-in security without requiring antivirus software.

Could the HP Chromebook 15 run Android apps?

Yes, the HP Chromebook 15 had full access to the Google Play Store and could run Android apps. The 64GB storage filled up quickly if many apps were installed, so cloud-based alternatives were recommended. Performance for Android apps was generally good for productivity and light games, though demanding apps ran slowly on the Pentium processor.

Did the HP Chromebook 15 have a touchscreen?

No, the HP Chromebook 15 (model 15a-na0047nr) did not have a touchscreen. The 15.6-inch Full HD display was a standard non-touch panel with anti-glare coating. HP did offer touch-enabled versions in some HP Chromebook 15 variants.

Could the HP Chromebook 15 connect to external monitors?

Yes, the HP Chromebook 15 supported external monitors through its USB-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 output. Users could connect monitors at resolutions up to 4K. However, there was no built-in HDMI port, so a USB-C to HDMI adapter was needed to connect to projectors or displays that use HDMI. The laptop could run its internal display and an external monitor simultaneously.