Intel Celeron Processor N4120 Chromebooks

The Intel Celeron Processor N4120 is a quad-core mobile processor from Intel’s Gemini Lake Refresh platform, launched in Q4 2019. Built on Intel’s mature 14nm process, it serves as the higher-performance sibling to the dual-core N4020, adding two additional cores while maintaining the same 6W TDP envelope. This combination of quad-core capability with ultra-low power consumption made the N4120 an attractive option for budget Chromebook manufacturers seeking to deliver meaningful multitasking improvement without sacrificing the fanless designs and all-day battery life that define the entry-level segment.

The N4120 runs at a base frequency of 1.1 GHz with burst speeds up to 2.6 GHz across all four cores, sharing a 4MB L2 cache. Intel’s Scenario Design Power rating of 4.8W enables completely passive cooling in well-ventilated chassis, allowing N4120 Chromebooks to operate in silence. The processor includes Intel UHD Graphics 600 with 12 execution units clocked up to 700 MHz, supporting DirectX 12 and hardware video decoding for H.265 and VP9 up to 4K resolution. With support for up to 8GB of DDR4-2400 or LPDDR4 memory across two channels, the N4120 provides adequate memory bandwidth for its performance class.

In the Chromebook market, the N4120 occupied a strategic middle ground between the budget-constrained N4020 and more expensive Pentium Silver options. HP adopted it extensively across their Chromebook 14a line between 2020 and 2023, where it powered devices priced in the $200-$350 range. The processor represents the point where budget Chromebooks transition from “barely adequate” to “comfortably capable” for everyday tasks, with the doubling of core count providing noticeably smoother multitasking compared to dual-core alternatives.

Performance

The Intel Celeron N4120 achieves an Octane 2.0 JavaScript benchmark score of approximately 32,000, representing a significant 60% improvement over the dual-core N4020’s score of 20,000. This uplift translates directly to more responsive web browsing, faster JavaScript execution in web applications, and smoother operation within Google Workspace. The PassMark CPU Mark score lands around 2,516, positioning the N4120 roughly 64% ahead of the N4020 (approximately 1,534) in multi-threaded workloads.

Geekbench 5 testing shows single-core scores around 452 points and multi-core scores around 1,554 points. While the single-threaded performance remains similar to the N4020 due to the identical Goldmont Plus architecture and clock speeds, the multi-core score benefits substantially from the additional two cores. For Chromebook users, this means background tasks like syncing, updating, and running Android apps have less impact on foreground responsiveness compared to dual-core processors.

What do these numbers mean for daily use? User reviews on Amazon describe N4120-powered HP Chromebook 14a models as “super fast” and “lightning fast” for basic tasks, a notable departure from the frequently lukewarm assessments of N4020 devices. The quad-core design handles 10-15 browser tabs comfortably, maintains responsive performance during video calls while taking notes, and runs popular Android apps without the stuttering common on dual-core chips. However, this remains a budget processor, and demanding tasks like Linux development, complex spreadsheets, or simultaneous heavy workloads will reveal its limitations.

Ideal Use Cases

The Intel Celeron N4120 serves students and basic productivity users well, delivering the performance uplift that transforms budget Chromebooks from merely functional to genuinely pleasant to use. Students handling Google Classroom, Google Docs, research browsing, and video conferencing will find N4120 Chromebooks responsive and capable throughout a typical school day. The fanless operation keeps these devices silent during tests and library sessions, while the exceptional battery life (HP rates their 14a models at 14 hours) eliminates charging anxiety. The HP Chromebook 14a series with the N4120 has earned 4.2-star ratings from hundreds of Amazon reviewers who praise the value proposition for basic computing needs.

Casual home users seeking a reliable machine for web browsing, email, streaming video, and light productivity will find the N4120 hits a satisfying performance point. The processor handles 1080p and 4K video playback smoothly through hardware decode, streams Netflix and YouTube without issue, and manages a reasonable number of browser tabs and Android apps simultaneously. For a secondary household computer or a dedicated couch-browsing device, N4120 Chromebooks deliver solid performance at budget prices.

The N4120 remains unsuitable for power users, developers, or anyone with demanding workflow requirements. Users who regularly work with 20+ browser tabs, run multiple Android apps simultaneously, or need responsive Linux development environments should consider the newer Intel Processor N100 series or Core-class processors. Heavy Android gaming beyond casual titles will struggle with the UHD 600 graphics, and any content creation workflow will feel constrained by the processor’s modest capabilities.

What to Look For

When choosing an Intel Celeron N4120 Chromebook, RAM configuration requires immediate attention. All N4120 Chromebooks on the market shipped with 4GB of RAM, which creates a meaningful bottleneck when multitasking. Chrome OS manages memory efficiently, but tab-heavy users will encounter background tab reloading and slowdowns before the N4120’s four cores become the limiting factor. Unfortunately, RAM is soldered on these devices, making the purchase decision permanent. Accept the 4GB limitation for light use, or consider alternative processors like the N100 where 8GB configurations are more common.

Display quality varies across N4120 Chromebooks and represents an area where budget models frequently compromise. The HP Chromebook 14a series predominantly uses 1366x768 HD panels, which appear noticeably pixelated on the 14-inch screen size. Some variants offer 1920x1080 Full HD displays that dramatically improve text clarity and content viewing. HP’s BrightView panels achieve adequate brightness around 220 nits for indoor use, though outdoor visibility suffers. Consider screen quality carefully, as you will interact with the display constantly while the processor runs invisibly in the background.

Storage on N4120 Chromebooks typically comes as 32GB or 64GB of eMMC flash, with 64GB being the standard for most HP 14a variants. For cloud-centric Chromebook usage, 64GB provides adequate space for Android apps, offline files, and Linux containers if enabled. Models lacking built-in SD card readers (like some HP Chromebook 14a 2022 and 2023 variants) limit expansion options, so consider storage needs at purchase.

Auto Update Expiration dates vary significantly across N4120 Chromebooks. The HP Chromebook 14a (2023) models extend support through June 2033, offering excellent longevity. Earlier HP Chromebook 14a (2022) variants expire in June 2027, while older models like the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 EE reach end of life in June 2026. For a device you plan to use for several years, prioritize models with AUE dates extending to 2029 or later to maximize your investment.