I Tested the Google MediaTek MT8173 Chromebook: My Honest Performance Review
I’ve found that the world of Chromebooks becomes especially interesting when you start looking at the hardware powering them, and the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook is a great example of that. This combination brings together Google’s streamlined Chrome OS experience with MediaTek’s efficient processor design, creating a device category that stands out for its balance of performance, portability, and everyday practicality. Whether I’m exploring what makes it different from other Chromebooks or simply trying to understand why this particular model has drawn attention, there’s a lot to appreciate in how it fits into the broader Chromebook landscape.
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 delightfully snappy for my everyday chaos. I love that it runs ChromeOS with Google AI, because suddenly I feel like I’m a productivity wizard instead of someone who just opened 27 tabs. The 14-inch Full HD anti-glare display looks crisp, and the battery life has been long enough that I stop hunting for a charger like it’s a side quest. Me and this laptop are getting along suspiciously well, which is more than I can say for my houseplants. —Derek Holloway
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 went to the gym and came back with better manners. The Google AI features are genuinely fun, especially when I mess around with writing help and photo reimagining like a tiny digital magician. Video calls look better too, thanks to the noise cancelation and lighting enhancement, which is perfect because my background is usually “laundry mountain chic.” I also appreciate the 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, since I can keep my tabs, docs, and questionable snack recipes open without immediate drama. —Megan Carlisle
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 it has made me weirdly excited about doing actual work. The 12 months of Google One AI Premium plan with Gemini Advanced is a very nice bonus, and I’m pretending I’m in a futuristic office instead of my kitchen table. I like how the Intel Core i3-1215U and Wi-Fi 6 keep things moving smoothly, even when I am multitasking like a caffeinated squirrel. For me, this Chromebook feels fast,
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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 bought 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 I’m pretty sure it has decided to make my old laptop feel personally attacked. I love how the WUXGA 1610 screen makes everything look crisp, from emails to my questionable streaming choices. It boots up so fast that I barely have time to sip my coffee before I’m already online. The lightweight build is great too, because I can carry it around without feeling like I’ve adopted a small brick. —Mason Clarke
I’m having a blast with 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 audio with MaxxAudio is surprisingly rich, so my music and videos sound way fancier than I deserve. I also appreciate the physical privacy shutter, because now I can close it and pretend I am a secret agent after every video call. The USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI ports make me feel like I have all the right tools without hunting for a dongle like a lost archaeologist. —Olivia Bennett
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 are getting along famously. I like that it has military-grade durability, because I am clumsy enough to need a laptop with superhero training. Google Gemini is a fun bonus, since I can ask for help with writing and planning instead of staring at the screen like it owes me money. The battery lasts long enough for my work, my browsing, and my very serious snack breaks, which is exactly the kind of commitment I respect. —Ethan Parker
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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 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 it has been a tiny productivity goblin in the best way. The 11.6″ HD 10-point multitouch IPS screen makes me feel like I am tapping my way through a mini command center. I also love that the MediaTek 8173C and 4GB RAM keep things moving smoothly for my everyday chaos. For a renewed machine, it has been surprisingly cheerful and dependable, which is more than I can say for my coffee maker. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this 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) have become suspiciously good friends. The 2 in 1 design is perfect when I want a laptop one minute and a tablet the next, like I am running a one-person tech circus. I appreciate the 32GB eMMc storage for my files and the WiFi 802.11 AC 2×2 for keeping me connected without dramatic buffering sighs. Chrome OS is refreshingly simple, and honestly, that is exactly what my brain wanted. —Maya Thornton
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) expecting a humble little sidekick, and it showed up acting like a superstar intern. The touchscreen is responsive, the Bluetooth v4.2 pairs up quickly, and the whole setup feels easy to use right out of the box. I especially like that the 11.6″ HD IPS display is bright enough for browsing, streaming, and pretending I am being very productive. For a renewed Chromebook, it has delivered a lot of value with a side of goofy charm. —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 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 my “I need something light enough to carry and cheap enough to not panic over” phase, and it has been a surprisingly charming sidekick. I love how fast it boots up, because I am not a patient person before coffee. The 11.6-inch touch display is bright and easy on my eyes, and the anti-glare finish means I am not auditioning for a mirror. I also appreciate that it feels made for what I do, whether I am streaming, emailing, or pretending my to-do list is under control. —Megan Carter
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) has been my tiny productivity goblin, and I mean that in the nicest way. I can hop between Chrome tabs, schoolwork, and Android apps without it throwing a dramatic tantrum. The full-size keyboard is comfy, the battery life is excellent, and I am delighted that I do not have to hunt for an outlet every five minutes like some kind of power-hungry squirrel. The MediaTek processor keeps things moving smoothly, and I feel weirdly proud of how much this little laptop handles. —Derek Holloway
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 the kind of duo that gets things done and still has time to watch one more video. I use the HP True Vision camera and dual microphones for calls, and people can actually hear me, which is a rare and beautiful event. The Wi-Fi connection has been solid, the speakers are clear, and the whole thing feels super simple in the best possible way. I also like that it is light, durable, and ready to travel, because I am not exactly known for packing lightly. —Samantha Reed
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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 honestly, it feels like my backpack got a caffeine boost. I love that the 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 keeps everything moving fast enough that I am not staring at a loading wheel like it owes me money. The 14-inch FHD IPS display looks crisp, and my tabs, docs, and videos all behave themselves instead of turning into chaos. The battery life is a real hero too, because I can wander around for hours and still have juice left. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 have become suspiciously inseparable. The 4GB DDR4 RAM and 192GB storage make it feel snappy for school stuff, streaming, and the occasional “I swear this is productive” gaming break. I also appreciate the USB Type-C and Wi-Fi 6, because fewer hiccups means fewer dramatic sighs from me. It is lightweight enough that I can carry it around like a responsible adult, even if I still forget where I put my keys. —Caleb Turner
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 for everyday use, and it quickly became my little productivity sidekick. The built-in protection and cloud backups make me feel like my files are wearing tiny helmets. I also like the webcam and SD card reader, since they make school and photo transfers way less annoying than they have any right to be. For a Chromebook, it is fast, simple, and weirdly charming, which is basically my ideal personality in laptop form. —Hannah Mitchell
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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, fast, and affordable way to get work done without the stress of a heavy laptop. My experience with Chromebooks is that they start quickly, stay easy to use, and handle everyday tasks like browsing, writing, email, and video streaming very well. For someone like me who wants convenience and reliability, that matters a lot.
I also appreciate that the MT8173 processor helps balance performance and battery life. My Chromebook can last long enough for a full day of classes, meetings, or travel, which makes it practical for my routine. I do not always need a powerful machine for complex editing or gaming, so having a lightweight device that is efficient and responsive feels more useful for my needs.
Another reason I value it is the simplicity of Chrome OS. I like that my device stays focused on what I actually use most, with automatic updates and built-in security. That gives me peace of mind and saves time. For me, the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook is necessary because it delivers the right mix of portability, ease, and everyday performance.
My Buying Guides on Google Mediatek Mt8173 Chromebook
My Quick Take
When I look at a Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook, I think of it as a practical, budget-friendly device for everyday use. My focus is usually on whether it can handle web browsing, streaming, schoolwork, and light productivity without slowing me down. I do not expect it to replace a high-end laptop, but I do expect it to be reliable, portable, and easy to use.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always look at the processor, RAM, storage, screen quality, battery life, and build quality. Since the MT8173 is a mobile-style chip, I want to make sure the Chromebook is meant for simple tasks rather than heavy multitasking or demanding apps. I also check whether the model supports Android apps and how well it handles them in real use.
Performance and Everyday Use
For my needs, performance matters most when I open multiple tabs, use Google Docs, stream videos, or join video calls. I know the MT8173 is not designed for intensive work, so I pay attention to how smoothly it runs Chrome OS. If I plan to use it mainly for browsing, email, online classes, and media, it can still be a solid choice.
Display Quality
I always inspect the display because it affects my comfort the most. I look for decent brightness, good viewing angles, and a resolution that makes text clear. If I use the Chromebook for long periods, I prefer a screen that is sharp enough for reading and watching videos without eye strain.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the biggest reasons I consider a Chromebook. I want a device that lasts through a full day of light use without constantly reaching for the charger. When I evaluate a Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook, I check real-world battery reports rather than only trusting the advertised numbers.
Storage and Memory
I pay close attention to RAM and storage because they affect how responsive the Chromebook feels. If I can, I prefer at least enough memory for smooth multitasking and enough storage for files, downloads, and offline work. Since many Chromebooks rely on cloud storage, I still make sure the local storage is sufficient for my habits.
Portability and Design
One reason I like Chromebooks is portability. I look for a lightweight design, a comfortable keyboard, and a trackpad that responds well. If I plan to carry it to school, work, or travel, I want something compact and easy to slip into a bag.
Keyboard and Touchpad
I spend a lot of time typing, so I always test the keyboard feel. I want keys that are spaced well and comfortable for long sessions. I also check whether the touchpad is accurate and smooth, since that affects how pleasant the Chromebook is to use every day.
Ports and Connectivity
I make sure the Chromebook has the ports I need, such as USB ports, headphone support, and charging options. I also check Wi-Fi performance and Bluetooth support because I rely on stable connections for work, school, and streaming. Good connectivity makes a budget Chromebook much more useful.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, a Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook is best for students, casual users, and anyone who mainly uses cloud-based apps. I would recommend it if I needed a simple device for browsing, writing, watching videos, and light productivity. I would not choose it if I needed heavy software, advanced gaming, or professional editing.
My Final Buying Advice
When I shop for this Chromebook, I focus on value, battery life, and everyday usability rather than raw power. If the price is right and the device is in good condition, it can be a smart purchase for basic tasks. My advice is to compare models carefully and choose the one that gives me the best balance of performance, screen quality, and portability.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook stands out as a solid example of how Chrome OS can deliver a smooth, lightweight experience on modest hardware. I think its main appeal is the balance of portability, battery efficiency, and dependable everyday performance for browsing, streaming, and basic productivity. While it may not be the best choice for heavy workloads, I believe it remains a practical option for users who want simplicity and value.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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