Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook

Updated on May 17, 2026

The Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a 2020-era 11.6-inch convertible Chromebook built around a MediaTek ARM processor (MT8173C on the original launch SKUs, MT8183 on later 11M836 refreshes). Lenovo positioned it as an entry-level school and family device: 4GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of eMMC storage, an IPS touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge that lets the lid fold flat into tablet mode, and a fanless chassis that makes no noise even under load. It is one of the cheapest convertible Chromebooks still actively supported by Google, with Chrome OS updates guaranteed through June 2030.

Lenovo has moved its budget lineup to the 12.2-inch Intel-based Flex 3i for newer model years, so the MediaTek Flex 3 covered here is increasingly a used-market device: marketplace third-party listings on Amazon are common, but Amazon’s own warehouse no longer carries fresh stock. It still makes sense as a hand-me-down to a young student, a backup browser machine, or a cheap second device for travel, given how long the Auto Update Expiration runway runs.

Related Videos

Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook Comparison Chart

	Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook	Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook	Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook	Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Price	List Price: $279.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $329.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $289.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $279.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	82HG0000US	82KM0004US	82HG0006US	11M836
Performance Rating	2.6	3.8	2.6	3.8
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No	No
Processor	Quad-core 1.70 Ghz (max 2.10 Ghz) MediaTek M8173C	Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183	Quad-core 1.70 Ghz (max 2.10 Ghz) MediaTek M8173C	Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"	11.6"	11.6"	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768	1366x768	1366x768	1366x768
Screen Type	IPS	IPS	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.5 x 8.48 x 0.77 inches (292.1 x 215.39 x 19.56 mm)	11.5 x 8.48 x 0.77 inches (292.1 x 215.39 x 19.56 mm)	11.5 x 8.48 x 0.77 inches (292.1 x 215.39 x 19.56 mm)	11.22 x 7.95 x 0.73 inches (284.99 x 201.93 x 18.54 mm)
Weight	2.64 lbs (1.2 kg)	2.64 lbs (1.2 kg)	2.64 lbs (1.2 kg)	2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No	No	No
Webcam	720p	720p	720p	720p
WiFi	WiFi 5 (802.11 ac)	WiFi 5 (802.11 ac)	WiFi 5 (802.11 ac)	WiFi 5 (802.11 ac)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2
Ethernet	No	No	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	No HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C charging)	2 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C charging)	1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C charging)	2 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C charging)
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No	No
Card Reader	SD	microSD Card Reader	SD	microSD Card Reader
Battery	3 cell, Lithium-ion	3 cell, Lithium-ion	3 cell, Lithium-ion	3 cell, 42 Wh, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours	10.0 hours	10.0 hours	16 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2030	June, 2030	June, 2030	June, 2030

The convertible hinge is the headline feature: the screen swings a full 360 degrees so the device can be used as a clamshell laptop, propped tent-style for media viewing, or folded flat as a thick tablet. Despite the bargain-bin price, Lenovo still includes a 720p webcam, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a built-in SD or MicroSD card reader depending on which version you have. The cooling solution is entirely passive: no fan, no vents, no noise, which is why this machine keeps showing up in classroom and library carts.

Reviewers’ Opinions on Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook

In a detailed review by HardwareSense, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook was described as “the ultimate budget machine” and an excellent option for students. The reviewer, Ivan, praised the Chromebook’s comfortable and responsive keyboard and impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 hours with light work and media consumption. He also appreciated the device’s silent cooling solution, making it ideal for classroom use.

However, Ivan also pointed out some areas where the Chromebook could improve. He noted that the screen’s resolution of 1366x768 is outdated and could have been at least 1080p. He also mentioned that while the MediaTek MT8173C processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage aren’t the fastest, they are sufficient for schoolwork, email checking, internet browsing, and app installation from the Play Store.

Despite these limitations, Ivan concluded that the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is worthwhile for those on a strict budget. He said, “For $200, would I recommend it? Yeah, absolutely, if you’re in a very strict budget, and you cannot spend more than $200-$220, and you absolutely need a new device, to send your kid back to school, or to do school work, or if you wanna do light work on the go, this device can definitely do it.” See our best Chromebooks under $200 guide for more budget-friendly options.

NotebookCheck’s Allen Ngo put the later 11M836 revision (with the eight-core MediaTek MT8183 in place of the launch MT8173C) through a full lab review and scored it 80 of 100, calling it “a better Chromebook than the Acer Chromebook Spin 311” thanks to a brighter panel and a built-in MicroSD slot. The review measured 13 hours and 15 minutes of real-world WiFi browsing on the 40.9Wh battery: well above Lenovo’s conservative 10-hour rating and one of the most generous runtimes in the under-$300 category. Display brightness landed at 290 to 306 nits with a 1162:1 contrast ratio and a fast 16ms response time, which is unusual at this price.

Ngo was less impressed with the physical proportions. The Flex 3 weighs in at 1.237 kg (about 2.73 lb) and the bezels are thick enough that, as he put it, “though this is an 11.6-inch laptop, the thick bezels make the system feel like a 13.3-inch laptop instead.” He also flagged a slow MicroSD card reader at 18.5MB/s (rivals push 30 to 57MB/s), weak bass response from the downward-firing speakers, and the lack of a built-in HDMI port: external displays require a USB-C adapter. The fanless thermals stay reasonable, peaking around 41C on the top surface and a cool 22C on the palmrests during max load, so the chassis stays comfortable even when the chip is working hard.

Both reviewers agreed on the core verdict: the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a no-frills convertible designed for grade-schoolers, travel duty, or as a cheap secondary machine, and it performs that role well. If you need anything more performance-intensive (heavy multitasking, Linux apps, Android gaming beyond casual titles), the MediaTek ceiling will show itself quickly. See our best Chromebooks for kids guide for similar budget convertibles worth comparing.

Customer Reviews of Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook

Customers have generally given positive reviews for the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook. Many users praised its responsive touchscreen, comfortable keyboard, and overall performance. Despite being smaller and surrounded by noticeable bezels, the screen was appreciated for its excellent pixel density and color representation. The 720p webcam embedded in the bezel also performed well in low-light conditions.

The laptop’s hinge was noted for its smooth pivoting action and reasonable orientation control when folded into tablet mode. However, some users found the key travel on the keyboard to be short. While lacking physical buttons, the touchpad was praised for being responsive and handling multi-finger gestures well.

The speakers, located on the underside of the Chromebook, were identified as the weakest part of the machine, with some users finding them easily obstructed, making it a poor fit for music production. However, they still delivered decent sound when on a hard surface. The ARM-based processor performed well for general web browsing and video watching but was slower when running Linux.

Battery life was estimated at around 10 hours, with minimal heat generation even under load. One user bought the Chromebook for their 12-year-old daughter, who uses it constantly and loves its touchscreen and flexible positions. Another user praised the screen’s clarity, preferring to use a mouse to avoid smudging the pristine display. Customers highly recommended the Chromebook for its performance and features, if one can overlook the screen size.

Who Is It For?

The Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a solid choice for users who need a budget-friendly device for schoolwork, email checking, and internet browsing. However, users who require more advanced features or faster performance may consider other options. Those who want to compare the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook with other devices can use Starry Hope’s Chromebook Comparison Tool here.

Frequently Asked Questions