When you think of a Chromebook that blends style, speed, and flexibility, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 is one of the first names that come to mind in 2025. It’s not just another ChromeOS device, it’s part of Google’s new Chromebook Plus lineup, designed to offer upgraded specs, smarter AI tools, and better performance for everyday users, students, and professionals alike.
So, if you’re searching for a reliable 2-in-1 Chromebook that balances premium build quality with strong performance, this review is for you. Let’s dive deep into how the HP Chromebook Plus x360 performs in real world usage from display and performance to battery life, build, and overall value.
Pros – Cons & Verdict
Pros
- Premium convertible design with durable hinge
- Bright and responsive 14″ touchscreen
- Excellent all-day battery life
- Fast performance with 13th-Gen Intel CPUs
Cons
- Slightly reflective display outdoors
- No HDMI port
- Not ideal for heavy creative software
Verdict
If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish, and long-lasting Chromebook that can handle both work and play, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 should be at the top of your 2025 shopping list.
Key Features Table
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 14″ FHD IPS Touchscreen (1920×1080) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 / i5 (13th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 3 7320C |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Operating System | ChromeOS Plus |
| Weight | 1.45 kg |
| Ports | 2×USB-C, 1×USB-A, Audio Jack, microSD |
| Webcam | 1080p with AI noise reduction |
| Audio | Dual Bang & Olufsen speakers |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Design and Build Quality
HP has mastered the art of combining practicality with premium aesthetics, and the Chromebook Plus x360 continues that tradition. The moment you open the lid, you’ll feel the device’s sturdy aluminum top cover and clean, minimalist design. The chassis feels solid, with very little flex in the keyboard deck or hinges something rare in this price segment.
The highlight, of course, is the 360-degree hinge that allows the Chromebook to convert from a laptop into a tablet in seconds. The hinge feels firm and smooth, making transitions between modes effortless. You can prop it in tent mode for watching movies, tablet mode for browsing or sketching, and laptop mode for typing.
At around 1.45 kg (3.2 lbs), the HP Chromebook Plus x360 strikes a nice balance between portability and substance. It’s slim enough to slip into a backpack without feeling bulky, yet solid enough to give confidence during travel.
The keyboard offers excellent tactile feedback with comfortable key travel perfect for long typing sessions. The trackpad is large and responsive, supporting ChromeOS multi-touch gestures effortlessly. HP even includes a backlit keyboard on most trims, though some lower end versions might skip it.
Display and Visual Experience
Open the lid, and you’re greeted by a 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS touchscreen display, which immediately impresses with vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The glossy screen enhances contrast, making movies and YouTube videos pop with rich detail.
The touchscreen is responsive and supports stylus input, making it ideal for artists or students who love taking digital notes or sketching. Viewing angles are wide, thanks to the IPS panel, and brightness reaches around 250–300 nits, which is sufficient for indoor and shaded outdoor use.
While it may not be the brightest display in the category, the clarity and color balance make it perfect for streaming, web browsing, and light content creation. Watching Netflix or editing Google Slides feels fluid and visually appealing.
In short, HP delivers a solid, vivid display that makes the Chromebook Plus x360 shine for both work and play.
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Performance and Hardware
Performance is where the “Plus” in Chromebook Plus really begins to show. Under the hood, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 comes with Intel’s 13th-Gen Core i3 or i5 processors, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB or 256GB SSD storage.
In day-to-day use, the device feels snappy and smooth. ChromeOS boots up in seconds, multitasking between dozens of tabs or apps feels effortless, and there’s no lag while streaming HD video or using Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
The Chromebook Plus branding also means better optimization and higher minimum specs than regular Chromebooks. This ensures that you’ll experience fewer slowdowns over time and get consistent performance throughout the device’s lifespan.
During our tests, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 handled light photo editing, Android app use, and video calls simultaneously without a hitch. For gaming, it’s capable of running Android titles like Asphalt 9 or Call of Duty Mobile decently, though this isn’t a gaming machine by design.
The fan noise remains minimal even under pressure, and thermal management is excellent. HP also ensures that the laptop doesn’t overheat, even during extended usage, a huge plus for students and professionals working long hours.
Simply put, performance is more than adequate for everyday productivity, entertainment, and casual multitasking exactly what a Chromebook should deliver.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has always been one of the strongest aspects of ChromeOS devices, and HP continues that legacy here. The HP Chromebook Plus x360 packs a long-lasting battery that easily delivers 10 to 12 hours of mixed usage on a single charge.
In practical use, that means you can go through a full workday browsing, streaming, writing, and attending video meetings without ever reaching for the charger.
Charging is handled via USB-C Power Delivery, and the included fast charger tops up the battery from 0% to 50% in roughly 45 minutes. That’s incredibly convenient for students or professionals who are always on the go.
Compared to rivals like the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 and Lenovo Flex 5i, the HP x360 holds up very well, offering nearly identical endurance with slightly faster charging.
If all-day battery life is a must-have for you, this Chromebook won’t disappoint.
ChromeOS Plus and Smart AI Features
With the new Chromebook Plus models, Google brings a series of AI-powered features and productivity enhancements that truly elevate the experience.
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 comes preloaded with the latest version of ChromeOS Plus, offering smart features like:
- AI-based video call tools, including background blur and lighting correction for Google Meet or Zoom.
- Magic Eraser in Google Photos, allowing you to remove unwanted objects from pictures in a few taps previously exclusive to Pixel phones.
- Offline File Sync, which automatically keeps your Google Drive documents available even without an internet connection.
- Enhanced multitasking, enabling split-screen layouts and virtual desktops more seamlessly than ever.
Additionally, Android app integration has improved dramatically. Apps like Canva, CapCut, and Microsoft Office run smoothly, thanks to the higher hardware standard.
ChromeOS updates are guaranteed for up to 8 years, ensuring your device remains secure and fast well into the 2030s. Add in Google’s AI security scanning and HP’s hardware protection, and you’ve got one of the safest computing environments available today.
Connectivity and Ports
HP hasn’t compromised on connectivity. You get a healthy mix of ports, including:
- 2× USB-C (Power + Display)
- 1× USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
- 1× microSD card reader
- 1× headphone/microphone combo jack
Wireless connectivity is top-tier, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, stable connections. The Chromebook connects instantly to Android phones via Phone Hub, allowing you to sync messages, notifications, and hotspot access in seconds.
The 1080p webcam also deserves praise. It offers AI-enhanced clarity and auto-lighting adjustments, a blessing for students and remote professionals attending video conferences.
Audio quality is tuned by Bang & Olufsen, producing clear vocals and balanced mids, though the bass isn’t particularly strong. It’s great for YouTube and Netflix, but don’t expect theater-level sound.
Everyday Usability and Experience
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 shines brightest in daily life. Boot times are near-instant within five seconds you’re up and running. The ChromeOS interface is minimalist, responsive, and user-friendly.
Whether you’re editing a Google Doc, joining a Zoom class, or watching a movie in tent mode, the transitions are seamless. The convertible design encourages versatility one moment it’s a traditional laptop, and the next it’s a touchscreen tablet.
The device integrates beautifully with Google’s ecosystem. If you own a Pixel phone, syncing between the two is effortless. You can even use your phone’s camera to unlock the Chromebook or share files instantly with Nearby Share.
For students, the simplicity of ChromeOS eliminates distractions and technical headaches. For professionals, it’s a reliable cloud-based companion that syncs effortlessly with Google Workspace tools.
Even creative users will appreciate the touchscreen responsiveness and stylus compatibility for sketching or annotating documents.
Pricing and Value for Money
Pricing for the HP Chromebook Plus x360 starts at around $499 for the Intel Core i3 variant and can reach up to $699 for the higher end i5 configuration with more storage.
While that puts it above entry-level Chromebooks, it’s worth every penny when you consider the build quality, AI-enhanced features, and 2-in-1 flexibility.
Compared to competitors like the Lenovo Flex 5i or Acer Chromebook Plus 514, HP’s version stands out with its more refined design and balanced hardware profile. You’re essentially paying a little extra for durability, better looks, and smoother all-around performance.
For students, hybrid workers, or even casual users seeking a premium yet affordable Chromebook, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 delivers exceptional value.
FAQs
Yes, it supports most USI-compatible styluses, allowing you to write or draw directly on the touchscreen.
Absolutely. ChromeOS Plus supports both Android apps from the Play Store and Linux apps for advanced users.
Google guarantees 8 years of software and security updates, keeping it safe and fast well into the 2030s.
Yes, the 1080p webcam and AI lighting tools make it great for Zoom, Meet, and online learning.
Yes, via USB-C PD it charges up to 50% in about 45 minutes.
Final Verdict
After spending time with the HP Chromebook Plus x360, it’s easy to see why this model is one of the best in the Chromebook Plus family. It strikes the perfect balance between design, performance, and practicality, offering a premium experience without a premium price tag.
The convertible design, excellent keyboard, long battery life, and responsive touchscreen make it a joy to use whether you’re typing, sketching, or watching content. Add ChromeOS Plus’s AI-powered enhancements and 8-year update promise, and you’ve got a laptop that’s both future proof and incredibly efficient.
Sure, it’s not meant for video editing or 3D rendering, but that’s not its purpose. This device is built for everyday computing, productivity, and smart simplicity and it absolutely excels in those areas.