Samsung Chromebook 3

Updated on February 5, 2026

Note: The Samsung Chromebook 3 has been discontinued and reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date in June 2022. Chrome OS no longer receives security updates on this device. This page is maintained for historical reference.

The Samsung Chromebook 3 (XE500C13) launched in early 2016 as Samsung’s entry-level offering in the compact 11-inch Chromebook market. Building on the legacy of the Chromebook 2 series, this model emphasized portability and battery life over raw performance. At 2.54 pounds with an 11-hour rated battery and completely fanless operation, the Chromebook 3 targeted students, casual users, and anyone who prioritized silent, all-day computing. Samsung positioned this device as a straightforward tool for web browsing, document editing, and streaming media rather than demanding applications. While the Intel Celeron N3050 processor offered modest performance even by 2016 standards, the combination of features made the Chromebook 3 a practical choice for basic computing needs at an attractive price point.

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Samsung Chromebook 3 Comparison Chart

	Samsung Chromebook 3	Samsung Chromebook 3	Samsung Chromebook 3
Price	List Price: $279.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $279.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $229.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	XE500C13-K06US	XE500C13-K03US	XE500C13-K02US
Perfomance Rating	2.3	2.3	2.3
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.16 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3050	Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.16 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3050	Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.16 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3050
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC	16 GB eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"	11.6"	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768	1366x768	1366x768
Screen Type	LED	LED	LED
Touch Screen	No	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	8.04 x 11.37 x 0.7 inches (204.22 x 288.8 x 17.78 mm)	8.04 x 11.37 x 0.7 inches (204.22 x 288.8 x 17.78 mm)	8.04 x 11.37 x 0.7 inches (204.22 x 288.8 x 17.78 mm)
Weight	2.54 lbs (1.15 kg)	2.54 lbs (1.15 kg)	2.54 lbs (1.15 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No	No
Webcam	720p HD	720p HD	720p HD
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	No	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3	1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3	1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	2 cell, 4400 mAh 33 Wh, Lithium-ion	2 cell, 4400 mAh 33 Wh, Lithium-ion	2 cell, 4400 mAh 33 Wh, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	11.0 hours	11.0 hours	11.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2022	June, 2022	June, 2022

Samsung Chromebook 3 Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Chromebook 3 inherited the understated design philosophy of its predecessors, featuring a simple plastic chassis in metallic black that prioritized function over flashiness. Samsung adopted what they called “anti-metric” construction, using materials designed to resist everyday bumps and scratches common in educational and mobile use scenarios. The build quality felt solid for a budget device, though the all-plastic construction couldn’t match the premium feel of aluminum-bodied competitors.

At 11.37 inches wide, 8.04 inches deep, and just 0.7 inches thick, the Chromebook 3 achieved an impressively slim profile that slid easily into backpacks and bags. The 2.54-pound weight made it noticeably lighter than many contemporary 11-inch laptops, adding to its portability credentials. Samsung placed the ports sensibly around the chassis: full-size HDMI and USB 3.0 on the left side, with USB 2.0, microSD card slot, and headphone jack on the right. The full-size HDMI port was particularly welcome for connecting to projectors and monitors without adapters.

The fanless design deserves special mention. By eliminating active cooling entirely, Samsung created a completely silent laptop that could be used anywhere without generating distracting noise. This came at the cost of some thermal throttling under sustained loads, but for the light workloads the Chromebook 3 was designed for, the trade-off made sense. The lack of vents also meant fewer entry points for dust and debris, contributing to long-term reliability.

Intel Celeron N3050 Performance

The Intel Celeron N3050 processor sat at the entry level of Intel’s Braswell architecture, offering two cores running at a base clock of 1.6 GHz with burst speeds up to 2.16 GHz. This chip featured Intel HD Graphics operating at up to 600 MHz, capable of hardware video decoding for smooth playback of streaming content. The 6-watt TDP enabled the fanless design while providing enough processing headroom for basic tasks.

In everyday use, the Chromebook 3 handled typical Chromebook workloads adequately. Web browsing with a handful of tabs, Google Docs, Gmail, and YouTube streaming all performed acceptably. However, the N3050 showed its limitations when users pushed beyond these basics. Opening more than eight to ten Chrome tabs simultaneously could cause noticeable slowdowns, and web applications with complex JavaScript would occasionally stutter. Android app support, which arrived on this device via a Chrome OS update, ran simple apps well but struggled with anything graphics-intensive.

The 4GB of RAM across all models provided reasonable headroom for Chrome OS, which manages memory efficiently. Samsung offered three storage configurations: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of eMMC storage. While eMMC provided faster boot times than traditional hard drives, even the 64GB model filled up quickly for users who stored local files. Chrome OS’s reliance on cloud storage mitigated this limitation for users with reliable internet connections, and the microSD card slot offered a straightforward expansion path.

Display and Audio

The 11.6-inch LED display delivered a standard 1366x768 resolution that was common in budget Chromebooks of its era. The matte finish reduced glare effectively, making the screen easier to view in bright environments or under fluorescent classroom lighting. However, color accuracy and viewing angles were limited, typical of TN panels used in budget devices. The display served its purpose for text-based work, web browsing, and video streaming, though users who needed accurate colors for photo editing or who frequently shared their screen with others might find the limited viewing angles frustrating.

Samsung included a 720p HD webcam above the display, suitable for video calls with reasonable quality in good lighting conditions. The webcam performed adequately for its intended purpose of basic video conferencing, though low-light performance was weak. Built-in microphones captured audio for calls, and the stereo speakers provided basic audio output sufficient for notifications, video calls, and casual media consumption, though users seeking better audio quality would want to use headphones or external speakers.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Samsung Chromebook 3 included 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band WiFi, notably including the faster 802.11ac standard that some competitors in this price range lacked. This enabled faster wireless speeds when connected to compatible routers, beneficial for cloud-based workflows and streaming. Bluetooth 4.0 provided reliable connections to wireless peripherals like mice, keyboards, and headphones.

The port selection offered practical connectivity for 2016. The full-size HDMI port supported external displays up to 1080p, useful for classroom presentations or desktop setups. The USB 3.0 port delivered faster transfer speeds for external storage devices, while the USB 2.0 port sufficed for peripherals like mice and keyboards. The microSD card reader accepted cards up to 64GB (officially, though larger cards often worked), providing affordable storage expansion.

The absence of USB-C reflects the device’s 2016 launch date, before USB-C became standard on Chromebooks. This means users are limited to the proprietary Samsung charger, without the flexibility of charging from USB-C power sources or the convenience of a reversible connector. The lack of Ethernet can be addressed with a USB Ethernet adapter connected to the USB 3.0 port for wired network access.

Battery Life and Power Management

Samsung advertised up to 11 hours of battery life, an impressive figure that held up reasonably well in real-world testing. The 33 Wh (4400 mAh) two-cell lithium-ion battery could realistically deliver eight to ten hours of mixed use including web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. The fanless design and efficient Celeron processor contributed to this endurance, allowing the Chromebook 3 to easily handle a full school or work day without needing a charge.

The power adapter used Samsung’s proprietary connector, charging the device in approximately two to three hours from empty. While this wasn’t the fastest charging available, the long battery life meant most users only needed to plug in overnight. Chrome OS’s efficient power management helped stretch battery life further, dimming the display and throttling the processor during idle periods.

Samsung Chromebook 3 Legacy

The Samsung Chromebook 3 represented the final generation of Samsung’s dedicated Chromebook line before the company shifted focus to convertible designs with the Chromebook Plus and Pro series. During its active lifespan, the XE500C13 served as a reliable budget option for users who needed simple, portable computing without breaking the bank. Its combination of long battery life, silent operation, and adequate performance made it particularly popular in educational settings.

Chrome OS support ended in June 2022, following Google’s Auto Update Expiration policy that provided approximately six years of updates. After this date, the device no longer receives security updates, bug fixes, or new features. While the Chromebook 3 will continue to function, using an unsupported device carries security risks, particularly for activities involving sensitive information like banking or personal data.

For users seeking a modern replacement, consider current 11-inch Chromebooks with Intel N-series processors or MediaTek chips that offer improved performance, USB-C charging, and active support for years to come. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go offers a spiritual successor with modern connectivity and extended support, while various options from ASUS, HP, and Lenovo provide alternatives in the budget 11-inch category.

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