Lenovo Chromebook S330

Updated on February 5, 2026

Note: The Lenovo Chromebook S330 reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) in June 2025 and no longer receives Chrome OS security updates. While the device continues to function, we recommend considering a newer Chromebook for ongoing security support. The information below is kept for historical reference.

Overview

Released in early 2019, the Lenovo Chromebook S330 earned a reputation as a solid budget option that delivered reasonable value without pretending to be something it wasn’t. At launch prices between $170 and $280, it targeted students, casual users, and families looking for an affordable entry point into the Chromebook ecosystem. 9to5Google’s Damien Wilde called it “the benchmark for budget laptops,” praising its honest approach to budget computing without trying to oversell its capabilities.

The S330 came in two main configurations: a base model with a 1366x768 HD display and 32GB storage, and an upgraded version featuring a 1920x1080 Full HD anti-glare screen with 64GB storage. Both variants shipped with 4GB of RAM and the ARM-based MediaTek M8173C processor, a quad-core chip running at 1.70GHz. The fanless design meant completely silent operation, making it well-suited for library use or shared workspaces where noise might be a concern.

Pros and Cons

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Lenovo Chromebook S330 Comparison Chart

	Lenovo Chromebook S330	Lenovo Chromebook S330
Price	List Price: $279.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $249.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	81JW0000US	81JW0001US
Performance Rating	2.6	2.6
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Quad-core 1.70 Ghz (max 2.10 Ghz) MediaTek M8173C	Quad-core 1.70 Ghz (max 2.10 Ghz) MediaTek M8173C
RAM	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	14"	14"
Screen Resolution	1920x1080	1366x768
Screen Type	TN anti-glare	TN anti-glare
Touch Screen	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	12.8 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (325.12 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm)	12.8 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (325.12 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm)
Weight	3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)	3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No
Webcam	1280×720	1280×720
WiFi	802.11ac (2x2)	802.11ac (2x2)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.1	Bluetooth 4.1
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C port is USB 3.1 Gen 2 with DisplayPort 1.2 support and power delivery)	1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C port is USB 3.1 Gen 2 with DisplayPort 1.2 support and power delivery)
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	SD	SD
Battery	3 cell, 45 WHr, Lithium-ion	3 cell, 45 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2025	June, 2025

Display and Design

The 14-inch display offered adequate screen real estate for productivity tasks, though the viewing experience varied significantly between the two display options. The base HD model at 1366x768 resolution provided functional visuals for basic tasks, but the Full HD upgrade was worth the additional cost for anyone planning to spend extended time on the device. Techaeris reviewer Jason Bouwmeester found that setting the FHD display to 1536x864 provided the optimal balance between clarity and comfortable reading, noting the anti-glare coating produced crisp visuals in various lighting conditions.

Lenovo built the S330 with a textured plastic lid that resisted fingerprints and minor scuffs, a practical choice for a device likely to end up in backpacks and handled by multiple family members. The soft-touch palm rest added a premium touch to an otherwise budget-oriented chassis. At 3.3 pounds and measuring 12.8 by 9.1 by 0.8 inches, the S330 was portable enough for daily carrying without being exceptionally light by modern standards.

Performance Reality

The MediaTek M8173C processor delivered performance that matched expectations for a budget Chromebook, though reviewers noted some frustrating limitations during real-world use. Techaeris testing revealed that web pages loaded slower than expected, with noticeable typing delays appearing when using web-based applications like Office Online. These performance hiccups became more pronounced when running on battery power versus plugged in, suggesting aggressive power management throttled the already modest processor.

The combination of the FHD display and MediaTek processor appeared to create a bottleneck that affected overall responsiveness. Users running multiple browser tabs or using resource-intensive web applications experienced slowdowns that could disrupt workflow, particularly when working with content management systems or complex spreadsheets. For basic browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the S330 performed adequately, but it wasn’t the machine for power users with demanding workflows.

Chrome OS helped mitigate some performance concerns by maintaining consistent speed over time, unlike budget Windows laptops that often slow down as software updates accumulate. Android app compatibility through the Play Store expanded the S330’s functionality, though app performance varied based on individual app optimization for ARM processors.

Keyboard and Input

The keyboard emerged as an unexpected highlight in multiple reviews. 9to5Google noted the keyboard as “my favorite portion of the entire package,” praising the responsive keys with good travel distance that made extended typing sessions comfortable. The full-size layout included Chrome OS-specific shortcut keys in the top row, maintaining the familiar Chromebook experience without cramping the main key spacing.

The touchpad received more mixed feedback. While functional for basic navigation, responsiveness lagged behind the keyboard quality, and some users found precision pointing tasks required more effort than expected. The 180-degree hinge allowed the screen to fold flat against the back, useful for sharing content in collaborative settings or adjusting viewing angles in cramped spaces.

Battery and Charging

Lenovo marketed the S330 with “up to 10 hours” of battery life, but real-world testing painted a different picture. Techaeris measured approximately 6 hours during typical web-based work, while 9to5Google achieved around 7 hours of actual usage. Either result represented a significant gap from marketing claims and meant the S330 required mid-day charging for users away from outlets for extended periods.

More concerning was the battery drain behavior when the lid was closed. Techaeris documented the battery dropping from 40% to 4% over just two days in sleep mode, far more drain than expected for a device supposedly in low-power state. Charging took 2-3 hours to reach full capacity via the USB-C port, which also supported Power Delivery and DisplayPort output for connecting external displays.

Connectivity

Port selection on the S330 was generous for its price class. The left side housed a USB-C port supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds, Power Delivery charging, and DisplayPort 1.2 video output. A full-size USB-A 3.0 port and full-size HDMI port sat alongside it, the latter being particularly notable as many budget Chromebooks omitted dedicated video output entirely. The right side featured a full-size SD card reader, 3.5mm combo audio jack, and Kensington lock slot.

Wireless connectivity included 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2x2 MIMO antenna configuration and Bluetooth 4.1. For wired network access, a USB Ethernet adapter could be connected through the USB-A or USB-C ports. The 720p webcam and dual 2W speakers handled video calls adequately, though audio quality was described as “hollow and flat” by reviewers. The positioning of the webcam at the top of the display was a practical choice that avoided unflattering upward angles common to some budget laptops.

Reviewer Perspectives

9to5Google

Damien Wilde approached the S330 review with appropriate expectations for budget hardware and came away impressed by the value proposition. His testing focused on everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, finding the S330 handled these without major complaints. The keyboard quality particularly stood out, making the S330 a reasonable choice for users who prioritize typing comfort over raw performance. He noted that things loaded “a little slower” but emphasized that buyers “won’t be disappointed overall” given the price point. The inclusion of a full HDMI port earned special praise as a feature rarely found at this price.

Techaeris

Jason Bouwmeester took a more critical stance, emphasizing the gap between marketing claims and real-world performance. His detailed testing revealed consistent performance throttling on battery power, typing delays in web applications, and battery life that fell well short of advertised figures. While acknowledging the solid build quality and reasonable pricing, he concluded it was “a bit hard to recommend the S330 given performance and battery concerns, even at discounted pricing.” His review serves as a useful counterpoint for buyers considering the S330, highlighting limitations that matter for users with more demanding use cases.

Who Should Consider This Chromebook

The Lenovo Chromebook S330 made sense for a specific audience: budget-conscious buyers needing a secondary device for basic tasks, families looking for a durable Chromebook for kids to use for schoolwork and entertainment, or students who prioritized affordability over performance. The solid keyboard made it reasonable for writing papers and taking notes, while the HDMI port allowed easy connection to classroom projectors or home televisions.

Users who would have been frustrated by the S330 include anyone needing to run multiple browser tabs simultaneously, professionals working with complex web applications, or anyone who prioritized a premium display experience. The battery life shortfall also made it a poor fit for users regularly away from power outlets for full school or work days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lenovo Chromebook S330 still worth buying?

The S330 reached its Auto Update Expiration in June 2025 and no longer receives Chrome OS security updates. While it still functions, we recommend newer Chromebooks for anyone concerned about ongoing security. If you already own one, it remains usable for basic tasks but should not be used for sensitive activities like banking.

What is the actual battery life of the Lenovo Chromebook S330?

Despite Lenovo’s claim of up to 10 hours, real-world testing by reviewers showed 6-7 hours of actual battery life during typical web-based work. Battery drain in sleep mode was also higher than expected.

Can the Lenovo Chromebook S330 run Android apps?

Yes, the S330 supports Android apps through the Google Play Store. However, app performance varies because the MediaTek M8173C is an ARM processor, and not all Android apps are optimized for this architecture or larger laptop screens.

Does the Lenovo Chromebook S330 have a touchscreen?

No, the Lenovo Chromebook S330 does not have a touchscreen. It features a standard 14-inch non-touch display available in either 1366x768 HD or 1920x1080 Full HD resolution.

Can you upgrade the RAM or storage on the Lenovo Chromebook S330?

No, the 4GB RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The 32GB or 64GB eMMC storage is also not user-replaceable. However, you can expand storage using the built-in SD card reader or USB drives.

What display resolution should I choose for the Lenovo Chromebook S330?

If you can find the Full HD (1920x1080) model, it offers noticeably sharper text and images compared to the base HD (1366x768) version. However, the higher resolution may slightly impact performance due to the modest MediaTek processor.