HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) vs Microsoft Surface Go 2
The real choice here is the system: the HP Chromebook 14a runs ChromeOS and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 runs Windows. On the specs, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 has the edge: it has more memory and has more storage.
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Key differences
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Performance
Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
Same class of processor, but the Microsoft Surface Go 2 has more memory (8 GB against 4 GB).
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Gaming
Evenly matched
Neither is made for modern games.
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Display
Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has the better screen: 10.5" Full HD against 14" HD 250 nits.
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Battery life
HP Chromebook 14a wins
The HP Chromebook 14a should last longer: up to 11.25 hours against up to 10 hours.
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Connectivity
HP Chromebook 14a wins
The HP Chromebook 14a is better connected. Only it has HDMI and USB-A.
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Portability
Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is easier to carry at 0.79 kg, against 1.52 kg.
Other differences
- Operating system Depends on you
They run different systems: the HP Chromebook 14a runs ChromeOS and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 runs Windows. Pick the one that runs the apps you rely on.
- Memory Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has 8 GB of memory against 4 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- Storage Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has twice the storage: 128 GB against 64 GB.
- Tablet mode Depends on you
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a 2-in-1 that turns into a tablet; the HP Chromebook 14a is a regular laptop.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the HP Chromebook 14a if…
- You mostly live in a web browser and want something simple that looks after itself: it runs ChromeOS.
- You want more room to work: its 14-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
- You plug things in: it has HDMI (for TVs and monitors) and USB-A (for older USB accessories).
Choose the Microsoft Surface Go 2 if…
- You need Windows programs or want to play PC games: it runs Windows 11, which runs almost anything.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 8 GB of memory gives it more room than 4 GB.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 128 GB of storage.
- You'd like to use it as a tablet, or write and draw on the screen: it's a 2-in-1.
- You'll carry it every day: at 0.789 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
Full spec comparison
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 leads on performance and battery and weight; elsewhere the two are closely matched.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is ahead on performance.
It has more memory, has more storage and has a faster SSD, and the HP Chromebook 14a doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4500 | Intel Core m3-8100Y |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR4X | — |
| Maximum memory | 4 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | — |
| Storage | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Storage type | eMMC | SSD |
| Storage interface | eMMC | — |
| Storage slots | 0 | — |
Screen
On the screen, it comes down to what you need.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a 2-in-1 that turns into a tablet; the HP Chromebook 14a is a regular laptop. The HP Chromebook 14a has a bigger screen, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 doubles as a tablet and is more compact.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 10.5" |
| Resolution | HD (1366 x 768) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 3:2 |
| Panel | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | — | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | — |
| Brightness | 250 nits | — |
| Colour range | 45% NTSC | — |
| HDR | None | None |
| Finish | Matte | — |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The HP Chromebook 14a charges over USB-C, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is lighter and is slimmer.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 11.25 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Battery capacity | 47 Wh | — |
| Charger | 45 W | 24 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | Surface Connect |
| Fast charging | approximately 50% in 45 minutes | — |
| Weight | 1.52 kg | 0.789 kg |
| Dimensions | 326.5 x 226.9 x 18.3 mm | 245 x 175 x 8.3 mm |
| Materials | recycled aluminium cover; recycled plastic in bezel, keycaps and speaker enclosure | Magnesium |
| Colour | Modern grey | Platinum |
| Colours available | Modern grey | Platinum |
Ports and wireless
On ports and wireless, it comes down to what you need.
The HP Chromebook 14a has HDMI and USB-A, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 has an SD card reader.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1x USB-C (charging), 1x Surface Connect (charging), 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1x microSDXC (UHS-I), 1x Surface Type Cover port |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | None |
| Card reader | None | microSDXC (UHS-I) |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi card | Realtek Wi-Fi 6 2x2 | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is ahead on extras.
It has a sharper webcam, and the HP Chromebook 14a doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 1080p + IR |
| Webcam privacy | — | None |
| Backlit keyboard | No | No |
| Keyboard | full-size keyboard, 1.5 mm key travel | — |
| Login | — | Face |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | HP Imagepad with four-finger multi-touch gestures | — |
| Speakers | dual stereo speakers | 2 W stereo speakers, Dolby Audio |
| Microphones | integrated dual-array digital microphones | Dual Studio Mics |
| Pen | No | Supported (sold separately) |
| Security | H1 Secure Microcontroller | Firmware TPM, Windows Hello face sign-in |
Software and model
They run different systems, so this comes down to the apps you use.
| Spec | HP Chromebook 14a (older gen) | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | ChromeOS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Update promise | — | None |
| Model number | BG9H3EA#ABU | — |
| Released | — | 2020 |