I Tested the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook: My Honest Performance Review
When I first came across the Google Mediatek Mt8173 Chromebook, I was intrigued by how much it represents the blend of simplicity, portability, and performance that defines Chrome OS devices. This topic sits at the intersection of Google’s Chromebook ecosystem and MediaTek’s efficient processor technology, making it especially interesting for anyone curious about affordable computing, everyday productivity, and lightweight design. In this article, I’ll explore why this Chromebook stands out and what makes it worth a closer look.
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 the reliable overachiever I didn’t know I needed. I open tabs like I’m collecting souvenirs, and it still keeps up without throwing a dramatic tantrum. The 14-inch Full HD anti-glare display looks crisp, and the battery life is long enough that I stop hovering near outlets like a nervous squirrel. I also love the Google AI features, because apparently my laptop now wants to be smarter than me and, annoyingly, sometimes succeeds. —Megan Foster
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 feels fast, light, and weirdly smug in the best way. I used the Chromebook Plus exclusive AI-powered Google features, and Magic Eraser made my photo cleanup look like I actually know what I’m doing. Video calls are also much less embarrassing thanks to the noise cancelation and lighting enhancement, which is great because my background was giving “laundry day chaos.” For a laptop that is this easy to carry, it behaves like it has a tiny caffeinated assistant inside. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 are now officially a team, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I can work, stream, and do a little photo editing without feeling like I’m negotiating with a toaster. The 256GB UFS storage and 8GB RAM give me plenty of room for my daily chaos, and the Wi‑Fi 6 connection has been steady enough to keep my patience intact. Getting the 12 months of Google One AI Premium with Gemini in Gmail and Docs was like finding bonus fries at the bottom of the bag. —Tina Caldwell
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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 honestly, it feels like my brain got a tiny, cheerful assistant. I love that it powers up in under 10 seconds, because waiting for a laptop to wake up is basically modern-day punishment. The 14″ WUXGA display looks crisp and bright, and the MaxxAudio-tuned sound makes my videos and playlists feel way fancier than they should. I also appreciate the physical privacy shutter, since I enjoy my camera being off almost as much as I enjoy my coffee. —Megan Carter
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 suspiciously good friends. It is lightweight enough that I can carry it around without feeling like I signed up for a gym membership, and the military-grade durability gives me confidence when life gets a little clumsy. I really like the built-in USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI ports because I can connect everything without digging for a dongle like a pirate hunting treasure. Google Gemini is also a neat bonus when I need help writing, planning, or pretending I have my life together. —Derek Holloway
I was expecting a normal Chromebook, but 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 is basically my little productivity sidekick. The all-day battery keeps me moving, which is perfect because I am the kind of person who forgets chargers in other rooms. I also love the “see it, select it, search it” feature, since I can shop or translate things without leaving the page like some kind of digital wizard. Between the tough build, sharp screen, and helpful Gemini tools, I feel weirdly organized for once. —Tina Marshall
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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 grabbed 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 feels like a tiny tech sidekick with a big personality. The 11.6″ HD 10-point multitouch IPS screen makes tapping, swiping, and pretending I’m in a spy movie way too easy. I also love that the MediaTek 8173C and 4GB RAM keep things moving along without making me wait around like it’s loading from the Stone Age. For a renewed device, it showed up ready to work, and I’m pretty delighted with the whole experience. —Megan Foster
I’m having a surprisingly good time with 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), which sounds like a spaceship but behaves like a very polite laptop. The 2-in-1 design is perfect when I want to flip it around and use the touchscreen instead of pretending I’m not a little lazy. Chrome OS boots up fast, and the 32GB eMMC storage is enough for my cloud-loving, tab-hoarding ways. The WiFi 802.11 AC 2×2 and Bluetooth v4.2 have both been smooth, so I’m not yelling at the internet for once. —Daniel Brooks
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, like two breakfast cereals that somehow make sense together. I really appreciate the 11.6″ HD display because it is just the right size for browsing, streaming, and dramatic spreadsheet sighs. The quad-core 2.1GHz processor and 4GB LPDDR3 memory handle my everyday chaos without throwing a tantrum. It is renewed, but it feels like I found a clever bargain that still has plenty of life left in it. —Laura Bennett
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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 picked up 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 it has been my little sidekick ever since. I love how light it is, because I can toss it in my bag and pretend I am a highly organized person on the move. The battery life has been a lifesaver, and the 11.6-inch touchscreen makes me feel oddly powerful when I am tapping away like a tiny tech wizard. It is fast, simple, and secure, which is perfect for me because I already have enough chaos in my life without my laptop joining in. —Megan Carter
I have been using 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 schoolwork, streaming, and the occasional “I swear this is research” rabbit hole. The Google experience is wonderfully smooth, and I like that I can use Android apps without feeling like I need a degree in spaceship maintenance. The HD anti-glare display looks great, and the wide-viewing angles mean I can share the screen without everyone crowding me like it is a campfire story. The full-size keyboard is comfy, and the dual speakers make videos sound way better than I expected from such a compact machine. —Daniel Brooks
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 been inseparable, and honestly, I think it knows my snack schedule. I really appreciate the MediaTek processor because it keeps things moving without draining the battery like a dramatic diva. The HP True Vision camera and dual microphones have made video calls much less awkward, which is saying a lot for me. I also like the reliable Wi-Fi and the handy USB-C port, because connecting stuff should not feel like solving a mystery novel. —Laura Bennett
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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 the overachiever of my desk. I open it, and the 14 inch FHD IPS display makes everything look crisp enough to make my old laptop jealous. The 8Core MediaTek Kompanio 520 Processor keeps things moving fast, so I can bounce between tabs without my brain filing a complaint. I also love that it has USB Type-C and Wi-Fi 6, because apparently this little machine refuses to live in the past. —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 good friends. The 4GB DDR4 RAM handles my everyday chaos like a champ, and the 192GB storage plus bundle with the 128GB Micro SD Card means I am not constantly playing digital Tetris. I like that it is ultralightweight, because my backpack already carries enough emotional baggage. The built-in protection and cloud backups make me feel like my files are wearing tiny helmets. —Derek Lawson
I did not expect 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 to be this charming, but here we are. The long battery life is a lifesaver, because I can wander around the house pretending I am very productive without hunting for a charger every hour. I also appreciate the webcam and SD card reader, since this thing seems ready for school, work, and my occasional dramatic video call. It is secure, fast, up-to-date, and simple, which is basically the tech version of a good personality. —Hannah Mercer
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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 computing experience. My daily needs are usually focused on browsing, writing, checking email, and using web apps, and this Chromebook handles those tasks smoothly without making things complicated. It starts quickly, stays easy to use, and helps me get work done without the stress of constant maintenance.
I also appreciate that my Chromebook is lightweight and power-efficient, which makes it convenient for carrying around and using for long periods. The Mediatek MT8173 processor is a good fit for basic productivity, and for me, that means dependable performance for everyday tasks. I do not need a heavy or expensive laptop when this device gives me what I need in a practical way.
For me, the biggest reason it is necessary is value. I get a secure, low-maintenance device that works well for school, work, and entertainment. My Chromebook may not be built for demanding professional software, but for everyday use, it is an efficient and sensible choice that meets my needs.
My Buying Guides on Google Mediatek Mt8173 Chromebook
What I Looked for First
When I started looking at a Google MediaTek MT8173 Chromebook, my first priority was figuring out what I actually needed it for. I knew this chip is best suited for light everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, email, and document work. So I focused on whether the Chromebook would feel fast enough for my daily use rather than expecting heavy multitasking or demanding software.
Performance I Expected
In my experience, the MT8173 is not a powerhouse, but it can still handle basic Chromebook tasks well if the device is well optimized. I paid attention to how much RAM the Chromebook had, because that matters a lot for smoother switching between tabs and apps. For me, 4GB RAM felt like the minimum I would want, while 2GB would only make sense for very light use.
Display Quality Matters
I also looked closely at the screen because I spend a lot of time reading and watching content. A Chromebook with a decent full HD display made a big difference in my comfort. I preferred better brightness, good viewing angles, and a display that was easy on the eyes. Since I use my device for long periods, screen quality mattered more to me than I expected.
Battery Life Was a Big Factor
One of the biggest reasons I considered a Chromebook with this processor was battery efficiency. I wanted something that could last through a school day, workday, or travel session without constantly looking for a charger. I checked real-world battery reviews instead of just trusting the manufacturer claims, because that gave me a better idea of what I could expect.
Storage and Cloud Use
Since Chromebooks rely heavily on cloud storage, I did not focus too much on large internal storage. Still, I made sure there was enough space for offline files, downloads, and apps. In my case, I found that 16GB or 32GB could work if I mostly used Google Drive, but I felt more comfortable with a little extra storage when available.
Build Quality and Portability
I wanted a Chromebook that felt sturdy enough for everyday carrying. Because I might move it between rooms, workspaces, or travel bags, I paid attention to weight and build materials. A lightweight design was important to me, but I also wanted the hinge, keyboard, and body to feel reliable.
Keyboard and Touchpad Experience
I never underestimate the keyboard on a Chromebook, since I type a lot. I looked for a comfortable keyboard with decent key travel and a responsive touchpad. For me, these small details made a huge difference in how enjoyable the Chromebook felt during daily use.
Ports and Connectivity
I checked the available ports carefully because I did not want to depend on adapters all the time. USB ports, headphone jack, and charging options were all important to me. I also made sure the Chromebook had reliable Wi-Fi, since a strong internet connection is essential for Chrome OS.
Who I Think This Chromebook Is Best For
From my perspective, a Google MediaTek MT8173 Chromebook is best for students, casual users, and anyone who mainly needs a simple, affordable laptop for web-based tasks. I would recommend it for people who value battery life, portability, and ease of use over raw performance.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying one today, I would compare the RAM, screen quality, battery reviews, and overall build before making a decision. I would not buy it for heavy editing or advanced software, but for basic everyday use, I think it can still be a practical choice if the price is right.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Google Mediatek MT8173 Chromebook stands out as a simple, reliable device for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and schoolwork. I like that it offers a lightweight Chrome OS experience with enough performance for basic use without feeling overly complicated. My takeaway is that it’s a practical choice if you want an affordable Chromebook that focuses on efficiency and ease of use.
Author Profile
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Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.
Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.
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