HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) vs Acer Chromebook Spin 314
Both laptops are very similar and suit the same kind of buyer: both have equally quick processors, 4 GB of memory and 14-inch screens, and both run ChromeOS. The main difference: only the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 has a touchscreen.
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Key differences
- Touchscreen Acer Chromebook Spin 314 wins
Only the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 has a touchscreen.
- Ports Acer Chromebook Spin 314 wins
Only the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 has an SD card reader.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the HP Chromebook 14a if…
- You mostly browse, stream and write: its Intel Celeron N4500 is built for browsing, email and documents.
- You want something compact: it has a 14-inch screen.
Choose the Acer Chromebook Spin 314 if…
- You like to tap, scroll and sign things on screen: it has a touchscreen.
- You plug things in: it has an SD card reader (for camera cards).
- You want a Chromebook that stays supported: Google updates it until June 2031.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsOn the specs both makers publish, these two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Both laptops are very close on performance.
Their processors are in the same class: both are built for browsing, email and documents, and both have 4 GB of memory.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Acer Chromebook Spin 314 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4500 | Intel Celeron N4500 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR4X | DDR4 |
| Maximum memory | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Storage type | eMMC | eMMC |
| Storage interface | eMMC | eMMC |
| Storage slots | 0 | 0 |
Screen
The Acer Chromebook Spin 314 is ahead on the screen.
It has a touchscreen, and the HP Chromebook 14a doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Acer Chromebook Spin 314 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 14" |
| Resolution | HD (1366 x 768) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel | LCD | IPS |
| Refresh rate | — | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | — |
| Brightness | 250 nits | — |
| Colour range | 45% NTSC | — |
| HDR | None | — |
| Finish | Matte | Glossy |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
Battery and size
Both are much the same on battery and weight.
Neither will be noticeably easier to carry or last noticeably longer away from a plug.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Acer Chromebook Spin 314 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 11.25 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Battery capacity | 47 Wh | 48 Wh |
| Charger | 45 W | 45 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | — |
| Fast charging | approximately 50% in 45 minutes | — |
| Weight | 1.52 kg | 1.55 kg |
| Dimensions | 326.5 x 226.9 x 18.3 mm | 326.4 x 227.5 x 19.8 mm |
| Materials | recycled aluminium cover; recycled plastic in bezel, keycaps and speaker enclosure | — |
| Hinge | — | 360-degree convertible |
| Colour | Modern grey | Pure Silver |
| Colours available | Modern grey | Pure Silver |
Ports and wireless
The Acer Chromebook Spin 314 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has an SD card reader, and the HP Chromebook 14a doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Acer Chromebook Spin 314 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-C 10Gbps (Power Delivery charging, DisplayPort 1.4), 2x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI (version not published), 1x 3.5 mm audio |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | None |
| Card reader | None | microSD |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi card | Realtek Wi-Fi 6 2x2 | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Acer Chromebook Spin 314 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p |
| Backlit keyboard | No | No |
| Keyboard | full-size keyboard, 1.5 mm key travel | — |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | HP Imagepad with four-finger multi-touch gestures | — |
| Speakers | dual stereo speakers | 2 speakers |
| Microphones | integrated dual-array digital microphones | dual-array |
| Pen | No | Supported (sold separately) |
| Security | H1 Secure Microcontroller | Discrete H1 TPM, Kensington lock |
Software and model
Both run ChromeOS.
So the same apps work on both, and they get the same kind of updates.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Acer Chromebook Spin 314 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | ChromeOS | ChromeOS |
| Updates until | — | June 2031 |
| Model number | BG9H3EA#ABU | NX.AZ3EK.001 |
| Released | — | 2021 |