Samsung Chromebook 4
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The Samsung Chromebook 4 is a compact, low cost 11.6 inch Chromebook that Samsung shipped from 2019 onward in two waves of RAM and storage configurations: the original K01US through K04US SKUs with an Intel Celeron N4000, and a 2021 refresh on KA1US, KB1US, KC1US, and KD1US that moved to the slightly newer Intel Celeron N4020 (each model number appears in its Amazon listing title). The base model launched at $229.99 with the N4000, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of eMMC. The plastic shell feels solid for the price, but there is no backlit keyboard, no fingerprint reader, and no touchscreen on any version. ChromeOS support runs through June 2029 (Google's published Auto Update Expiration date for the device, after an extension from its original 2027 date), so the platform clock matters more here than the hardware does.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Chromebook 4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and portable | Poor screen quality |
| Decent battery life | Substandard sound |
| Hardy plastic construction | 720p webcam captures dim images |
| Affordable | Performance is solid but not outstanding |
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Samsung Chromebook 4 Comparison Chart
 Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | |
| Price | List Price: $229.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $229.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $224.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $239.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $239.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $249.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $279.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $224.99 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | XE310XBA-KC1US | XE310XBA-K01US | XE310XBA-KD1US | XE310XBA-KA1US | XE310XBA-KB1US | XE310XBA-K02US | XE310XBA-K03US | XE310XBA-K04US |
| Performance Rating | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020 | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.60 Ghz) Intel Celeron N4000 Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020 | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020 | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020 | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.60 Ghz) Intel Celeron N4000 Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.60 Ghz) Intel Celeron N4000 Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.60 Ghz) Intel Celeron N4000 Processor |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 6 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | HD LED | HD LED | HD LED | HD LED | HD LED | HD LED | HD LED | HD LED |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) | 11.33 x 7.96 x 0.66 inches (287.78 x 202.18 x 16.76 mm) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Webcam | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p |
| WiFi | 802.11 ac wave2 | 802.11 ac wave2 | 802.11 ac wave2 | 802.11 ac wave2 | 802.11 ac wave2 | 802.11 ac wave2 | 802.11 ac wave2 | 802.11 ac wave2 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (Type C ports support display output and power delivery) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion | 2 cell, 5070mAh, Li-Ion |
| Battery Life | 12.5 hours | 12.5 hours | 12.5 hours | 12.5 hours | 12.5 hours | 12.5 hours | 12.5 hours | 12.5 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2029 | June, 2029 | June, 2029 | June, 2029 | June, 2029 | June, 2029 | June, 2029 | June, 2029 |
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The display is the single biggest compromise. Every variant uses the same 11.6 inch, 1366x768 TN panel, which limits viewing angles and color accuracy and looks dim in a sunlit room. The smaller screen size masks some of that pain (text feels sharper at this resolution than it would at 15 inches), but anyone coming from an IPS panel will notice. Speakers are bottom firing and quiet, and the 720p webcam captures dull, low light images. Performance from the Celeron N4000 (or the N4020 in the 2021 refresh) is enough for Google Docs, Gmail, a handful of tabs, and casual YouTube. It is not enough for heavy multitasking; ChromeOS will start to stutter once you stack ten or more tabs against just 4GB of RAM.
The port loadout is minimal but usable: one USB-C port (which doubles as the charging port), one USB 3.0 Type-A port that pairs well with a USB ethernet adapter, a combo audio jack, a Kensington lock slot, and a microSD card reader on most variants. Worth noting that the two KC1US and KD1US 2021 refresh SKUs are sold as "2021 Model Without SD Slot" on Amazon, so if expandable storage matters, check the listing title for that phrase before ordering. Wi-Fi is 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth is 4.0, and Samsung rates battery life at up to 12.5 hours of light browsing.
Reviewer Insights on the Samsung Chromebook 4
PCMag's Perspective
Eric Grevstad at PCMag reviewed the XE310XBA-K02US configuration (4GB RAM, 64GB storage) at $242.51 as tested, and gave it a 3.0 "Average" score. He framed the 11.6 inch design as the more successful of the two Samsung Chromebook 4 siblings, calling it "a bit more successful than its bigger sibling" the Chromebook 4+, partly because "its low screen quality is less noticeable at the smaller size."
On the display, Grevstad was blunt about the panel choice. He wrote that the "antique twisted-nematic (TN), rather than in-plane-switching (IPS), panel technology translates to narrow viewing angles and dishwater-murky colors," and noted that the low brightness makes images "pale and dingy at the same time, with weak contrast." On audio, his verdict landed flatly: "Sound from the bottom-mounted speakers seems muted or muffled even with volume cranked to the max." The 720p webcam fared no better, with PCMag observing that it "captures dim, barely tinted (instead of colorful) images" during testing.
Build quality and portability landed in the positive column. PCMag found the plastic chassis "fairly hardy, without too much flex when you grasp the screen corners or press the keyboard deck," and praised the typing experience as having "adequate travel and tactile feedback." The summary verdict captures the recommendation neatly: "The Samsung Chromebook 4 gets the job done, but in the manner of a space-saver spare tire instead of a high-performance radial. If you can afford a higher-priced and better-equipped laptop, you'll have a much more enjoyable ride."
Tech Synth's YouTube Review
In his YouTube review, Tech Synth walks through the entry level 4GB / 32GB N4000 configuration and frames it as a sub-budget purchase decision. He says the Intel Celeron N4000 is "pretty much as entry level as it gets" and that for ordinary web and document work, "basic day-to-day tasks is about all you'll be able to do" on this Chromebook. He still grades that performance as "surprisingly capable" for the price.
On the 4GB RAM ceiling, Tech Synth makes a practical argument: he says he wouldn't normally recommend a laptop with only 4GB of RAM because "it just really isn't enough," but adds that "these are acceptable circumstances" on a low end Chromebook where most owners "probably won't have a bunch of tabs open at the same time." Push past that limit and, in his words, the system "will start to lag and freeze."
Who is the Samsung Chromebook 4 For?
The Samsung Chromebook 4 is a fit for students and tight budget buyers who need a small, light Chromebook to handle the web, Google Docs, Gmail, and a single Zoom call at a time. If that is the brief, this is competent hardware at competent money; the best Chromebooks under $300 guide collects similar options if this specific model is sold out or you want a touchscreen.
If you want a brighter or higher resolution screen, better speakers, more than 4GB of RAM, a backlit keyboard, or a touchscreen, look elsewhere. The Chromebook 4 will feel cramped fast under any workload heavier than a few tabs and a Google Doc, and the TN panel will not get more flattering with age. The June 2029 Auto Update Expiration means anyone buying new today still has roughly three years of remaining ChromeOS updates, a reasonable window for a budget device, though a newer Chromebook in the same price range will stretch further.
If you are weighing the Samsung Chromebook 4 against other budget options, the Chromebook Comparison Chart lets you sort and filter the full catalog by price, screen size, and specs side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the battery last on the Samsung Chromebook 4?
A: The Samsung Chromebook 4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12.5 hours on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for students or professionals needing a device that can last a full day of work or school.
Q: What kind of processor does the Samsung Chromebook 4 have?
A: The Samsung Chromebook 4 is equipped with an Intel Celeron N4000 or Intel Celeron N4020 processor. These entry-level processors make the device suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. However, it may not be suitable for more intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on the Samsung Chromebook 4?
A: Unfortunately, the Samsung Chromebook 4 does not support storage upgrades. It comes with either 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of eMMC storage, depending on the model. However, you can expand the storage with a microSD card or use cloud storage solutions like Google Drive.
Q: Does the Samsung Chromebook 4 have a backlit keyboard?
A: The Samsung Chromebook 4 does not feature a backlit keyboard. This makes typing in low-light conditions challenging.
Q: Can the Samsung Chromebook 4 handle multiple tasks at once?
A: The Samsung Chromebook 4 can handle basic multitasking, such as a handful of browser tabs and Google Docs at the same time. The 4GB RAM ceiling is the real limit; once you stack ten or more tabs, especially with a video call running, you will see ChromeOS slow down and tabs reload as memory pressure builds. The 6GB / 64GB XE310XBA-K03US variant has more headroom for this kind of workload.
Q: When does the Samsung Chromebook 4 stop getting ChromeOS updates?
A: Google's published Auto Update Expiration date for the Samsung Chromebook 4 is June 2029 (extended from its original 2027 date). After that, Google stops shipping new ChromeOS versions and security updates for the device, and any browser based service that requires a current Chrome version will eventually break. Anyone buying new in 2026 is getting roughly three years of remaining update support.
Q: Does the Samsung Chromebook 4 have a touchscreen?
A: No, the Samsung Chromebook 4 has no touchscreen. It features an 11.6-inch HD LED screen with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels.
Q: Is the Samsung Chromebook 4 good for students?
A: The Samsung Chromebook 4 is a great choice for students. Its compact size, lightweight design, and long battery life make it ideal for carrying to and from school. Plus, it's durable and affordable, making it a practical choice for students on a budget.