Acer Chromebook Spin 312 review
The Acer Acer Chromebook Spin 312 ranks as the #825 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 58. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #623-ranked connectivity among 777 laptops. Consider the Samsung Galaxy Book Go or Samsung Galaxy Book2 Go, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is a solid performer with its compact size, decent ports, and acceptable sound quality. However, it's the processor that might raise some eyebrows. With an Intel M100 chip, battery life takes a hit, but the estimated 13h hour battery life is still respectable. For casual use and light Android gaming, it's fine, but if you're looking for more power, the higher spec version with an Intel Core i3n 305 processor would be worth considering - especially in regions where that model is available. The Spin 312's asking price of just under £200 makes it a decent entry-point, but its performance and features don't quite justify its mid-range status.
Build
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 boasts a sturdy build with a weight of around 1.31 kg (2.90 pounds). The all-plastic construction makes it a bit heavier than its predecessor, the Spin 311. Despite this, the device feels solid in the hand. The selection of ports and connectivity is decent, although having two USB-C ports on both sides would be ideal. However, the inclusion of an HDMI port is a welcome addition for many users. The keyboard deck is familiar to those who have used Acer Chromebooks before, with keys featuring medium to deeper travel. The touchpad feels smooth and responsive. Consider discovering the power of Acer TravelMate Spin B1, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The 12.2-inch convertible touchscreen display of the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is a solid performer. Its 16:10 aspect ratio allows for a good amount of screen real estate, and the IPS touch display is nice and bright. The WUXGA resolution is also a plus, enabling users to fit more on their screen at once. However, the bezels are not exactly small, which might be helpful in holding the screen in tablet mode. Overall, the display is a highlight of this Chromebook, making it well-suited for general use and light Android gaming. You might prefer Acer Nitro Blaze 11, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is a solid performer with a Intel M100 processor that provides smooth browsing and light Android gaming experiences. The device's performance is fine for casual use with one user, but it may not be ideal for multitasking or demanding tasks. The inclusion of an HDMI port and decent connectivity options are definite advantages. However, the absence of a more powerful Intel Core i3n 305 processor and 8 GB RAM option in this model makes it less competitive in the small convertible Chromebook space. For a superior performance, Acer Chromebook Spin 311 could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312's battery life is fairly impressive, lasting up to 13 hours in light use. However, I found that mixed usage resulted in around 8-9 hours of actual use before needing a charge. The included 65W USBC charger quickly replenished the battery, reaching 90% capacity in just one hour. Overall, the Spin 312's battery performance is solid for casual use, but may fall short for those requiring more intensive usage.
Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 offers decent connectivity options, including one USB-C port on each side and an HDMI port. The inclusion of the latter is a welcome addition for many users. However, having two USB-C ports would be ideal. Overall, the Spin 312's connectivity is sufficient but not exceptional, making it a solid choice for everyday use. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is a small convertible touchscreen laptop with a 12.2" display in a 16:10 aspect ratio. It features an Intel M100 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. The device has decent ports and connectivity, including a HDMI port, but lacks a second USB-C port. It also boasts a medium-travel keyboard and a smooth touchpad. If you’re after a better features, Acer Spin 1 could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 offers solid support and maintenance. It runs on the Intel M100 processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, receiving Chrome OS updates until June 2033. Battery life is decent, lasting up to 13 hours for light use and easily lasting a day or more.
Pros
1. A solid performer
2. The small size (12.2 in) is a plus
3. Feels fairly solid in the hand with a weight of about 1.31 kg
4. Decent selection of ports and connectivity, including HDMI port
5. Keyboard deck is familiar and has more medium to deeper travel for comfortable typing
6. Ocean glass branded touchpad feels extremely smooth and responds well to taps and clicks
7. Estimated battery life of around 13h hour with light use
Cons
1. The build quality could be improved (too plastic-y)
2. Sound quality is still pretty average
3. IPS touch display might not live up to ACA's claim of 300 nits brightness
4. No pen support on this model, only USI pen supported on higher spec version
5. Entry-level HD webcam, which can't compete with full HD webcams from other Chromebooks
6. Bezels aren't exactly small, might be handy for holding the screen in tablet mode though
7. Only available with Intel M100 processor in the UK, not the more powerful Core i3n 305
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