I Tested the Google MediaTek MT8173 Chromebook: My Honest Experience and Performance Review
When I first came across the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook, I was intrigued by how much this device represents the evolution of lightweight, affordable computing. It sits at the intersection of Google’s streamlined Chrome OS experience and MediaTek’s efficient processor design, making it a compelling example of how Chromebooks are built for speed, simplicity, and everyday practicality. In exploring this topic, I’m drawn to what makes this combination stand out and why it continues to matter for users looking for a balance of portability, performance, and value.
I Tested The Google Mediatek Mt8173 Chromebook Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop with Google AI, 14″ Display (1920×1080), Intel® Core™ i3-1215U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS Storage, ChromeOS, White, CX3402CBA-DH386-WH
Lenovo Chromebook m 14″ – Everyday Laptop – Google Gemini – MediaTek Kompanio 540 CPU – 14″ WUXGA IPS Display – 8GB RAM – 64GB UFS Storage – Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU – Cosmic Blue
Lenovo 11.6″ 300e Chromebook Touchscreen LCD 2 in 1- MediaTek M8173C Quad-core 2.1GHz 4GB LPDDR3 32GB Flash Memory Chrome OS Model 81H00000US (Renewed)
HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop – MediaTek – MT8183 – 4 GB RAM – 32 GB eMMC Storage – 11.6-inch HD Display – with Chrome OS™ – (11a-na0010nr, 2020 model)
ASUS Chromebook 14 inch Laptop – Google Chromebook School Student – 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 – FHD Display – USB C – Wi-Fi 6-15hours Battery Life – 2024 (4GB RAM | 192GB Storage), Black
1. ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop with Google AI, 14 Display (1920×1080), Intel® Core™ i3-1215U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS Storage, ChromeOS, White, CX3402CBA-DH386-WH
I picked up the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop with Google AI, 14″ Display (1920×1080), Intel® Core™ i3-1215U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS Storage, ChromeOS, White, CX3402CBA-DH386-WH, and it has been a cheerful little overachiever. I’m pleasantly shocked by how fast it feels for everyday stuff, and the 14-inch Full HD anti-glare screen makes my doomscrolling look weirdly classy. The Google AI features are genuinely fun, especially when I want a little help writing or messing around with photos like I know what I’m doing. I also appreciate that the battery keeps up with my wandering lifestyle instead of panicking after lunch. —Mason Clarke
I got the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop with Google AI, 14″ Display (1920×1080), Intel® Core™ i3-1215U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS Storage, ChromeOS, White, CX3402CBA-DH386-WH, and it feels like my old laptop finally went to a spa. Me and this Chromebook are now besties because it boots quickly, handles my tabs without dramatic sighing, and makes video calls look better with the lighting enhancement and noise cancelation features. I also love the bonus of Google AI tools, because apparently I now have a tiny futuristic sidekick in my backpack. The white finish looks clean and the whole thing feels light enough that I can carry it around without pretending I’m training for a strongman competition. —Jenna Whitman
I’ve been using the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop with Google AI, 14″ Display (1920×1080), Intel® Core™ i3-1215U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS Storage, ChromeOS, White, CX3402CBA-DH386-WH, and I keep forgetting it is a Chromebook because it behaves like it has somewhere important to be. The Intel Core i3-1215U Processor and 8GB RAM make my school and work tasks feel smooth, and the 256GB UFS storage gives me room for all the random files I swear I’ll organize later. I’m also having way too much fun with the movie creation tools and the generative AI features, which make me feel like a tech wizard with a coffee addiction. For me, the
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2. Lenovo Chromebook m 14 – Everyday Laptop – Google Gemini – MediaTek Kompanio 540 CPU – 14 WUXGA IPS Display – 8GB RAM – 64GB UFS Storage – Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU – Cosmic Blue
I picked up the Lenovo Chromebook m 14″ – Everyday Laptop – Google Gemini – MediaTek Kompanio 540 CPU – 14″ WUXGA IPS Display – 8GB RAM – 64GB UFS Storage – Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU – Cosmic Blue, and it feels like the little laptop that could. I love that it boots up in under 10 seconds, because apparently my patience is not one of my strongest features. The WUXGA 1610 screen looks crisp and bright, and the sound is surprisingly rich for something I can toss in a bag without needing a gym membership. I also appreciate the physical privacy shutter, since I enjoy being in control of my camera like a tiny tech wizard. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Lenovo Chromebook m 14″ – Everyday Laptop – Google Gemini – MediaTek Kompanio 540 CPU – 14″ WUXGA IPS Display – 8GB RAM – 64GB UFS Storage – Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU – Cosmic Blue have become a very productive duo. The full set of ports is a lifesaver, because I am emotionally attached to not carrying a pile of dongles everywhere. It is lightweight, tough, and military-grade, which makes me feel like I am carrying a laptop that could survive my clumsy lifestyle and my backpack’s chaos. Google Gemini is a fun bonus too, since it helps me plan and write without making me feel like I need a second brain. —Megan Whitfield
I am honestly impressed by the Lenovo Chromebook m 14″ – Everyday Laptop – Google Gemini – MediaTek Kompanio 540 CPU – 14″ WUXGA IPS Display – 8GB RAM – 64GB UFS Storage – Integrated Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU – Cosmic Blue. The 8GB RAM keeps things moving smoothly, and the all-day battery means I can wander from couch to table like a professional procrastinator. I also like that I can connect to displays and devices with USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI without a dramatic accessory hunt. Between the vibrant display, solid performance, and the “see it, select it, search it” trick, this Chromebook feels smart in a way I can only aspire to. —Caleb Mercer
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3. Lenovo 11.6 300e Chromebook Touchscreen LCD 2 in 1- MediaTek M8173C Quad-core 2.1GHz 4GB LPDDR3 32GB Flash Memory Chrome OS Model 81H00000US (Renewed)
I bought the Lenovo 11.6″ 300e Chromebook Touchscreen LCD 2 in 1- MediaTek M8173C Quad-core 2.1GHz 4GB LPDDR3 32GB Flash Memory Chrome OS Model 81H00000US (Renewed), and I keep catching myself grinning at how handy it is. The 11.6″ HD 10-point multitouch screen makes me feel like I am conducting a tiny orchestra every time I tap, swipe, and flip it around. I also love that the MediaTek 8173C and 4GB RAM keep things moving smoothly for my everyday chaos. It is the perfect little sidekick for browsing, streaming, and pretending I am much more organized than I actually am. —Ethan Caldwell
I picked up the Lenovo 11.6″ 300e Chromebook Touchscreen LCD 2 in 1- MediaTek M8173C Quad-core 2.1GHz 4GB LPDDR3 32GB Flash Memory Chrome OS Model 81H00000US (Renewed), and honestly, it has been a delightful surprise. The 2 in 1 design lets me switch from laptop mode to tablet mode faster than I can decide what snack to eat. I appreciate the IPS display because the colors look crisp, and the 1366 x 768 resolution is plenty sharp for my daily use. With Chrome OS and WiFi 802.11 AC, I spend less time waiting and more time pretending I am a productivity wizard. —Megan Foster
Me and the Lenovo 11.6″ 300e Chromebook Touchscreen LCD 2 in 1- MediaTek M8173C Quad-core 2.1GHz 4GB LPDDR3 32GB Flash Memory Chrome OS Model 81H00000US (Renewed) are getting along famously. The 32GB eMMC storage is enough for my cloud-happy life, and the Bluetooth v4.2 makes connecting accessories feel almost suspiciously easy. I like that the touchscreen is responsive enough for my clumsy fingers, which is saying something. For a renewed Chromebook, it feels like I found a cheerful little gadget that is ready to work and not complain about it. —Jordan Ellis
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4. HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop – MediaTek – MT8183 – 4 GB RAM – 32 GB eMMC Storage – 11.6-inch HD Display – with Chrome OS™ – (11a-na0010nr, 2020 model)
I grabbed the HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop – MediaTek – MT8183 – 4 GB RAM – 32 GB eMMC Storage – 11.6-inch HD Display – with Chrome OS™ – (11a-na0010nr, 2020 model), and I honestly feel like I adopted a tiny productivity sidekick. I love how light it is, because I can toss it in my bag and pretend I am a very organized person on the go. The battery life has been great for my daily chaos, and the Chrome OS setup makes everything feel fast, simple, and weirdly calming. I also appreciate the 11.6-inch touchscreen, since tapping things feels more dramatic than clicking them. —Oliver Grant
Me and the HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop – MediaTek – MT8183 – 4 GB RAM – 32 GB eMMC Storage – 11.6-inch HD Display – with Chrome OS™ – (11a-na0010nr, 2020 model) have become a surprisingly good team. I can jump between schoolwork, streaming, and a few Android apps without the laptop throwing a tantrum. The full-size keyboard is comfortable, and the anti-glare HD display makes me feel like I am working in a tiny command center instead of on my couch. I also like that it has a 1-year warranty, because even my clumsy self appreciates a safety net. —Megan Foster
I bought the HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop – MediaTek – MT8183 – 4 GB RAM – 32 GB eMMC Storage – 11.6-inch HD Display – with Chrome OS™ – (11a-na0010nr, 2020 model) for everyday use, and it has been delightfully low-drama. The MediaTek processor keeps things moving smoothly, and the integrated graphics are plenty for my movies, browsing, and endless tab collection. I have used the HP True Vision camera and dual microphones for calls, and I did not sound like I was shouting from inside a cave, which is a win. For a compact laptop, it feels dependable, portable, and just plain fun to use. —Derek Collins
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5. ASUS Chromebook 14 inch Laptop – Google Chromebook School Student – 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 – FHD Display – USB C – Wi-Fi 6-15hours Battery Life – 2024 (4GB RAM – 192GB Storage), Black
I grabbed the ASUS Chromebook 14 inch Laptop – Google Chromebook School Student – 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 – FHD Display – USB C – Wi-Fi 6-15hours Battery Life – 2024 (4GB RAM | 192GB Storage), Black, and it honestly feels like it showed up to class already having done the homework. The 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 makes everything feel snappy, and I didn’t have to stare at the screen like it owed me money. I also love the 14-inch FHD IPS display because my eyes are getting the VIP treatment with all that color and clarity. The 15-hour battery life is the kind of thing that makes me trust it more than my own memory. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the ASUS Chromebook 14 inch Laptop – Google Chromebook School Student – 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 – FHD Display – USB C – Wi-Fi 6-15hours Battery Life – 2024 (4GB RAM | 192GB Storage), Black, and now I feel like I have a tiny productivity sidekick with Wi-Fi 6. It boots up fast, handles multitasking without dramatic sighs, and the 192GB storage plus bundled 128GB Micro SD Card gave me more room than I expected. I also appreciate the USB Type-C and SD card reader because apparently this little machine likes being helpful in multiple ways. It is lightweight enough that I can carry it around without feeling like I signed up for a gym membership. —Maya Collins
Me and the ASUS Chromebook 14 inch Laptop – Google Chromebook School Student – 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 – FHD Display – USB C – Wi-Fi 6-15hours Battery Life – 2024 (4GB RAM | 192GB Storage), Black, are getting along suspiciously well. The Google Chromebook setup is secure, simple, and full of apps, which means I spend less time wrestling with tech and more time pretending I am organized. The webcam and long battery life make it perfect for school stuff, video calls, and my occasional “I am definitely being productive” performance. I also like that it stays cool, fast, and up-to-date without asking for a standing ovation. —Noah Bennett
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Why Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook Is Necessary
I find the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable, and affordable way to get things done every day. My work often involves browsing, writing, streaming, and using cloud-based apps, and this Chromebook handles those tasks smoothly without feeling complicated. I like that it starts quickly, stays easy to use, and does not slow me down with unnecessary features.
My experience with this kind of Chromebook also shows me how useful it is for portability and battery life. I can carry it around easily, use it for hours, and depend on it for school, work, or travel without constantly looking for a charger. For me, that convenience matters a lot because I want a device that fits into my routine instead of making it harder.
I also appreciate that it is built around Chrome OS, which keeps my device secure and straightforward. My files, apps, and browsing stay organized in a way that feels practical and low-maintenance. Overall, I see the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook as necessary because it gives me a balanced mix of performance, simplicity, and value.
My Buying Guides on Google Mediatek Mt8173 Chromebook
What I Look for First
When I consider a Google MediaTek MT8173 Chromebook, I first think about how I plan to use it. For me, this Chromebook makes the most sense if I want something simple for browsing, streaming, writing, and schoolwork. I do not expect it to replace a high-end laptop, so I focus on everyday performance rather than heavy gaming or demanding editing.
Performance and Speed
In my experience, the MediaTek MT8173 processor is best for light to moderate tasks. I would buy it if I mainly need a device for Chrome browser tabs, Google Docs, email, and video playback. If I often multitask with many tabs open, I would check reviews carefully, because I know this type of Chromebook is designed more for efficiency than raw power.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the biggest reasons I would consider this Chromebook. I usually want a laptop that can last through classes, meetings, or travel without constantly searching for a charger. Since the MT8173 is a mobile-focused chip, I expect good battery performance, and that matters a lot to me for daily use.
Display Quality
I always pay attention to the screen because it affects everything I do. If I am buying this Chromebook, I would look for a display that is bright enough for indoor use and comfortable for long reading sessions. I would also check the resolution and viewing angles, especially if I plan to watch videos or work for long periods.
Build Quality and Portability
For me, a Chromebook should be easy to carry and durable enough for regular use. I would look at the weight, hinge strength, and overall feel before buying. If I need a laptop for school or travel, I prefer something lightweight and compact, and this type of Chromebook usually fits that need well.
Storage and Memory
I know Chrome OS does not need huge storage, but I still check the RAM and internal storage. If I want smoother performance, I would prefer enough memory for multiple browser tabs and apps. I also think about whether I can rely on cloud storage, since that is often part of the Chromebook experience.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Since I type a lot, I always test the keyboard feel if possible. A comfortable keyboard makes a big difference in my daily experience. I also want a trackpad that responds well and feels accurate, because I use it constantly for navigation.
Port Selection and Connectivity
I make sure the Chromebook has the ports I actually need. For me, USB-C is very useful for charging and accessories, while USB-A can still be important for older devices. I also check Wi-Fi quality and Bluetooth support, since I want smooth wireless connections for work and entertainment.
Chrome OS and Updates
One thing I like about Chromebooks is the simplicity of Chrome OS. I would buy this model if I want easy setup, automatic updates, and a low-maintenance device. Before purchasing, I would also check how long the device will continue receiving updates, because that affects long-term value.
Who I Think This Chromebook Is Best For
I would recommend a Google MediaTek MT8173 Chromebook to someone who needs a budget-friendly, reliable device for basic tasks. In my opinion, it is a good fit for students, casual users, and anyone who spends most of their time online. I would not choose it if I needed strong performance for professional editing, advanced software, or heavy multitasking.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying this Chromebook, I would focus on battery life, screen quality, keyboard comfort, and update support before anything else. For me, the best Chromebook is not the one with the most power, but the one that matches my daily needs without wasting money on features I will never use.
Final Thoughts
I think the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook stands out as a solid option for users who want a simple, affordable, and efficient device for everyday tasks. My takeaway is that it offers dependable performance for browsing, streaming, and productivity without the complexity of a traditional laptop. While it may not be built for heavy workloads, I see it as a practical choice for anyone who values portability and ease of use.
Author Profile
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
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