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Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK Convertible Review

Touch Chromebook. Acer's Chromebook convertible offers an IPS touchscreen, a silent operation, and long battery runtimes. ARM technology is used inside. The whole package costs approximately 400 Euros (~$425).

For the original German review, see here.

The simplicity of Chromebooks is pleasing: Open, log in and get started. Users do not have to fuss with the laptop's software or configuration. Acer now has the 13.3-inch Chromebook R13 convertible in its portfolio. The installed touchscreen will first prove its practicality when Android apps can be used officially on the Chromebook R13. The Chromebook competes against devices such as HP's Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5Acer's Swift 1HP's Stream 13HP's Stream 13 and Lenovo's E31-70.

Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK (Chromebook R13 Series)
Processor
Mediatek MT8173C 4 x 2.1 GHz, Cortex-A72/-A53
Graphics adapter
PowerVR GX6250, Core: 700 MHz
Memory
4 GB 
, LPDDR3
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, capacitive, 10 touch points, Active Stylus support, IPS, glossy: no
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: micro-SD, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 15.5 x 326 x 228 ( = 0.61 x 12.83 x 8.98 in)
Battery
53.9 Wh, 4670 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.55 V, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 12 h
Operating System
Google Chrome OS
Camera
Webcam: HD
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
1.49 kg ( = 52.56 oz / 3.28 pounds), Power Supply: 272 g ( = 9.59 oz / 0.6 pounds)
Price
399 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case and Connectivity

Acer's Chromebook proves that using metal does not automatically mean a solid casing. The base unit can be dented in the usual places (on both keyboard sides, below the touchpad). Furthermore, it is easy to twist. This is also true of the lid. At least this does not cause image distortions, even when pressure is applied to the lid's back. The use of aluminum primarily makes the Chromebook look stylish, but it does not contribute to the devices robustness.

The laptop features a USB 3.1 Gen1 port (Type-C) for connecting the power supply. It can, however, also be used for connecting USB peripherals. A monitor can also be connected. However, a Type-C USB-to display-port adapter would be needed (not included). The addition of another video-out to the already existing HDMI port in the Chromebook would enhance the device significantly. 

The installed Wi-Fi module supports the fast ac-standard (2.4 and 5 GHz). Acer relies on a solution with two antennas (2x2 MIMO).

Size Comparison

339.4 mm / 13.4 inch 234.9 mm / 9.25 inch 17.9 mm / 0.705 inch 1.6 kg3.53 lbs333.2 mm / 13.1 inch 229 mm / 9.02 inch 19.5 mm / 0.768 inch 1.5 kg3.36 lbs327 mm / 12.9 inch 228 mm / 8.98 inch 20.7 mm / 0.815 inch 1.5 kg3.31 lbs326 mm / 12.8 inch 228 mm / 8.98 inch 15.5 mm / 0.61 inch 1.5 kg3.28 lbs320 mm / 12.6 inch 230 mm / 9.06 inch 21.5 mm / 0.846 inch 1.6 kg3.49 lbs320 mm / 12.6 inch 220 mm / 8.66 inch 15 mm / 0.591 inch 1.2 kg2.65 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs
Left: USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-C), HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-A), microSD card reader
Left: USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-C), HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-A), microSD card reader
Right: Volume control, combo audio, power button, cable lock slot
Right: Volume control, combo audio, power button, cable lock slot

Android Apps @ Chromebook

Acer's Chromebook R13 is on the 2017 list of devices that can be equipped with Android apps from Google's Play Store. At the time of our test, no corresponding Chrome OS update was available. However, a beta version of Chrome OS that allows using Android apps can be installed via the beta channel. Naturally, we tried this out: The use and installation of these apps functioned mostly smoothly. We ran some Android benchmarks using the Chrome OS. However, not all apps are yet ready for use with the Chrome OS. For example, MS Word and MS Excel cannot be installed. Some apps cannot be used via the keyboard - the game "Asphalt 8: Airborne" is an example. And this is where the touchscreen in the Chromebook R13 becomes useful.

Play Store
Play Store
Android Apps preloaded on the Chromebook
Android Apps preloaded on the Chromebook
Firefox @Chromebook
Firefox @Chromebook
MS Outlook @Chromebook
MS Outlook @Chromebook

Input Devices

Acer's Chromebook is equipped with an unlit chiclet keyboard. The flat, roughened keys have a medium drop. The pressure point is rather spongy and the keys' resistance could be crisper. The keyboard yields slightly when typing on it. Acer delivers a keyboard designed for home use; prolific typists will not be happy with it. The installed ClickPad replaces a mouse. It has an area of approximately 10.5 x 6 cm (~4.1 x 2.4 in). Its sleek surface allows the fingers to glide easily. The pad has a short drop and clear pressure point.

The touchscreen supports 10 touch points. It did not cause any problems and responded quickly to inputs. The screen can be used with the fingers or an active stylus.

Input devices
Input devices

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The 13.3-inch touchscreen has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD). The screen's brightness is too low (204.3 cd/m²), but its contrast (835:1) is satisfactory. Positive: The screen never displays PWM flickering.

205
cd/m²
217
cd/m²
198
cd/m²
201
cd/m²
192
cd/m²
215
cd/m²
208
cd/m²
204
cd/m²
199
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 217 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 204.3 cd/m² Minimum: 14 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 194 cd/m²
Contrast: 835:1 (Black: 0.23 cd/m²)
ΔE Greyscale 3.99 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.45
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
3200x1800, 13.30
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
TN LED, 1366x768, 14.00
Lenovo E31-70 80KX015RGE
TN, 1366x768, 13.30
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
TN LED, 1366x768, 13.30
HP Stream 13-c102ng
TN, 1366x768, 13.30
Display
Display P3 Coverage
40.97
49.25
44.72
40.68
sRGB Coverage
61.5
73.5
67.3
59.8
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
42.35
50.9
46.2
42.32
Response Times
-20%
-7%
-3%
-17%
-14%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
38 ?(14, 24)
39.2 ?(18, 21.2)
-3%
32 ?(10, 22)
16%
44.4 ?(22.8, 21.6)
-17%
39 ?(20, 19)
-3%
45 ?(21, 24)
-18%
Response Time Black / White *
23 ?(5, 18)
31.6 ?(11.6, 20)
-37%
30 ?(16, 14)
-30%
20.4 ?(14, 6.4)
11%
30 ?(12, 18)
-30%
25 ?(7, 18)
-9%
PWM Frequency
1389 ?(44)
200 ?(90)
200 ?(90)
1000 ?(90)
201 ?(30)
Screen
-26%
-60%
-66%
-67%
-42%
Brightness middle
192
355.5
85%
270
41%
206
7%
255
33%
190
-1%
Brightness
204
330
62%
247
21%
200
-2%
232
14%
179
-12%
Brightness Distribution
88
90
2%
80
-9%
84
-5%
82
-7%
85
-3%
Black Level *
0.23
0.804
-250%
0.57
-148%
0.6
-161%
0.52
-126%
0.33
-43%
Contrast
835
442
-47%
474
-43%
343
-59%
490
-41%
576
-31%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.99
4.35
-9%
12.73
-219%
10.94
-174%
15.01
-276%
10.32
-159%
Gamma
2.45 90%
2.35 94%
2.36 93%
2.76 80%
2.41 91%
2.48 89%
CCT
6380 102%
6269 104%
14629 44%
13282 49%
24382 27%
11884 55%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.75
3.01
9.2
13.12
9.84
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.15
6.33
14.8
22.98
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
39
46.92
43
38
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
62
73.36
68
60
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-23% / -25%
-34% / -46%
-35% / -50%
-42% / -55%
-28% / -35%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

The screen presents a relatively balanced color reproduction in the state of delivery. It does not suffer from a bluish tint.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
23 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 45 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
38 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14 ms rise
↘ 24 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 49 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Acer has equipped the Chromebook with a viewing angle stable IPS screen. Thus, the screen is legible from all positions. The laptop is not really suitable for the outdoors. The combination of low brightness and glossy surface has a negative effect here.

The Chromebook outdoors
The Chromebook outdoors

Performance

Acer's Chromebook R13 is a 13.3-inch convertible. Our review sample is priced at approximately 400 Euros (~$425). Other configurations were not available at the time of testing.

Processor

A passively cooled MT8173C SoC from MediaTek is inside the Chromebook. This ARM SoC has a total of four CPU cores: Two Cortex A72 and two Cortex A53 cores that create the so-called big.LITTLE array. Here, two high-performance cores (A72; max. 2.1 GHz) and two energy-saving cores (A53; max. 1.7 GHz) are combined to ensure that the highest possible performance is available when required, but the battery is not depleted in idle mode or low load. It is also possible to use all four cores simultaneously, so that this is a genuine quad-core processor.

Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel Pentium N4200
1555 Points +7%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Mediatek MT8173C
1451 Points
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
1179 Points -19%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel Pentium N4200
4162 Points +62%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
3433 Points +34%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Mediatek MT8173C
2570 Points
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Mediatek MT8173C
578 ms *
HP Stream 13-c102ng
Intel Celeron N3050
407.5 ms * +29%
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel Pentium N4200
232 ms * +60%
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
Intel Core m5-6Y57
228.8 ms * +60%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
Intel Core m5-6Y57
164 Points +188%
Lenovo E31-70 80KX015RGE
Intel Core i3-5005U
106.9 Points +88%
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel Pentium N4200
89.1 Points +56%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
62.9 Points +10%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Mediatek MT8173C
57 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
4425 ms * -34%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Mediatek MT8173C
3297 ms *
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel Pentium N4200
3027 ms * +8%
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
Intel Core m5-6Y57
1056 ms * +68%
Octane V2 - Total Score
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
Intel Core m5-6Y57
28478 Points +181%
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel Pentium N4200
12856 Points +27%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Mediatek MT8173C
10139 Points
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
9032 Points -11%
WebXPRT 2015 - Overall
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
Intel Core m5-6Y57
347 Points +151%
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel Pentium N4200
210 Points +52%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Mediatek MT8173C
138 Points

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system runs smoothly, and we did not encounter any problems. The Chrome OS boots within seconds and applications launch quickly.

Storage Device

An eMMC module with a capacity of 32 GB serves as the system drive. The storage capacity can be expanded via a microSD card when required.

Graphics Card

The PowerVR GX6250 GPU is responsible for video output. The graphics core has been on the market since mid-2014 and is consequently not one of the latest models. It reaches speeds of up to 700 MHz, and the integrated decoder unloads the processor when playing videos. H.264, H.265/HEVC, and VP-9 formats are supported.

3DMark - 1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
24021 Points +48%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
16197 Points
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
47.2 fps +57%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
30 fps
T-Rex Onscreen
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
57.3 fps +173%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
21 fps
GFXBench 3.0
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
18.9 fps +35%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
14 fps
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
29.2 fps +356%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
6.4 fps
GFXBench 3.1
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
14.1 fps +57%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
9 fps
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
23.5 fps +434%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
4.4 fps
GFXBench
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
10.3 fps +171%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
3.8 fps
on screen Car Chase Onscreen
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
16.6 fps +326%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
PowerVR GX6250, Mediatek MT8173C
3.9 fps

Emissions and Energy Management

System Noise

The SoC installed in the Chromebook is cooled passively. Thus, a fan is not present. The laptop does not produce any other side noises.

Temperature

It cannot really be said that the Chromebook heats up. The laptop is lukewarm in idle mode. The temperatures do not increase much during load either. 30 degrees Celsius (~86 degrees Fahrenheit) is exceeded on only two measuring points. To simulate the stress test, we run Google's Octane V2 benchmark on a loop and play a Full HD video at the same time.

Max. Load
 30.3 °C
87 F
30.6 °C
87 F
23.3 °C
74 F
 
 25.7 °C
78 F
28 °C
82 F
23.4 °C
74 F
 
 23.3 °C
74 F
23.2 °C
74 F
22.5 °C
73 F
 
Maximum: 30.6 °C = 87 F
Average: 25.6 °C = 78 F
23.1 °C
74 F
28.6 °C
83 F
29.5 °C
85 F
22.9 °C
73 F
27 °C
81 F
26.8 °C
80 F
23.1 °C
74 F
23.8 °C
75 F
24.6 °C
76 F
Maximum: 29.5 °C = 85 F
Average: 25.5 °C = 78 F
Power Supply (max.)  28 °C = 82 F | Room Temperature 21 °C = 70 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 25.6 °C / 78 F, compared to the average of 29.8 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Netbook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 30.6 °C / 87 F, compared to the average of 33.1 °C / 92 F, ranging from 21.6 to 53.2 °C for the class Netbook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 29.5 °C / 85 F, compared to the average of 36.6 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 21.9 °C / 71 F, compared to the device average of 29.8 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 23.3 °C / 73.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 29.3 °C / 84.7 F (+6 °C / 10.8 F).
Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development upper side (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development underside (load)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development upper side (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)
Temperature development underside (idle)

Speakers

A speaker is found on the left and the right of the casing. They produce a very decent sound that allows prolonged listening.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2042.735.842.7253933.3393139.532.639.54040.631.340.65041.829.941.86344.131.144.18044.328.244.31004528.34512545.625.345.616047.525.647.520051.224.951.225054.323.554.331559.522.959.540060.421.860.450063.120.963.16306619.96680072.719.372.7100071.318.971.3125063.218.263.2160061.918.261.9200063.117.863.1250065.317.665.3315066.417.666.4400067.317.667.3500070.517.670.5630063.817.863.8800065.917.865.91000064.717.764.71250064.617.564.61600065.117.765.1SPL79.130.879.1N46.11.546.1median 63.8median 18.2median 63.8Delta42.4435.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAcer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YKApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (73 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.2% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.2% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (13.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 0% of all tested devices in this class were better, 14% similar, 86% worse
» The best had a delta of 14%, average was 25%, worst was 35%
Compared to all devices tested
» 12% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 85% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency diagram in comparison (checkboxes above can be turned on/off!)

Power Consumption

The laptop does not present any irregularities in terms of energy requirement. The power consumption is on a normal level for a device from this performance category over the entire load range. The power supply has a nominal output of 45 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.32 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.8 / 6.2 / 6.6 Watt
Load midlight 11 / 12.7 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

We simulate the load needed for opening websites via a script in our practical Wi-Fi test. The screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The Chromebook achieved a runtime of 12:53 hours.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Chrome 56)
12h 53min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
MT8173C, PowerVR GX6250, 53.9 Wh
773 min
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
N3710, HD Graphics 405 (Braswell), 55 Wh
661 min -14%
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
6Y57, HD Graphics 515, 45 Wh
404 min -48%
HP Stream 13-c102ng
N3050, HD Graphics (Braswell), 37 Wh
370 min -52%
Acer Aspire ES1-332-P91H
Pentium N4200, HD Graphics 505, 36 Wh
365 min -53%
Lenovo E31-70 80KX015RGE
5005U, HD Graphics 5500, 35 Wh
254 min -67%

Pros

+ IPS panel
+ Full HD resolution
+ noiseless system
+ very long battery life
+ Type-C USB

Cons

- dark screen
- unstable casing
- no upgrade options

Verdict

In review: Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK. Test model courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de
In review: Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK. Test model courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de

Acer's Chromebook R13 relies on ARM technology with the MT8153C SoC. The SoC allows passive cooling that is also implemented here. Thus, the Chromebook runs silently. Acer does not present a run-of-the-mill device with its Chromebook R13. It is a 13.3-inch Chromebook convertible. A touchscreen in a Chrome OS device is basically a superfluous feature. However, this will change as soon as Android apps officially run on Acer's Chromebook. A Wi-Fi module for Internet access, which supports the fast ac-standard, is installed. Furthermore, the Chromebook can serve with an outstanding battery life.

A charged battery will last the user through a workday or a day at school/university.

The laptop's metal casing is attractive primarily due to its looks, but we would expect more in terms of stability. The keyboard is sufficient for home use, but it is not designed for prolific writers. The installed IPS panel pleases with stable viewing angles and good contrast, but its brightness is too low.

Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK - 02/28/2017 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
75 / 98 → 77%
Keyboard
70%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
44 / 80 → 55%
Weight
69 / 35-78 → 79%
Battery
96%
Display
85%
Games Performance
32 / 68 → 47%
Application Performance
54 / 87 → 62%
Temperature
97 / 91 → 100%
Noise
100%
Audio
60 / 91 → 66%
Camera
42 / 85 → 49%
Average
70%
81%
Netbook - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK Convertible Review
Sascha Mölck, 2017-03- 9 (Update: 2018-05-15)