Our verdict
The HP Chromebook 15a runs ChromeOS, Google's operating system built around the Chrome browser, web apps and Android apps. Its 15.6-inch screen gives more space for documents than a 14-inch laptop, and the wider body fits a full keyboard with number pad. Notebookcheck reviewed a closely related 4GB/128GB version with an Intel Celeron N4500, a basic two-core chip. It found the basic 1366 x 768 TN screen reached 260 nits (a measure of brightness), dim and washed out from an angle. Its 4GB of memory (RAM) handles light multitasking only. ChromeOS cannot run every Windows desktop program. The exact 4 GB memory · 128 GB phone storage version was listed at £199 in the UK when checked on 1 August 2026.
Buy it if
- You want the biggest screen for the money for browsing and online documents
- You type a lot of numbers and would use the number pad
- The laptop will mostly stay on a desk or kitchen table
Skip it if
- You watch many films or work near a bright window, where the dim screen will show
- You need Windows programs or keep dozens of tabs open
- You carry your laptop every day and want something lighter
How it would fit your home
Home admin and browsing
The large screen and number pad make online banking, forms and simple spreadsheets comfortable.
Online study
Web-based coursework and video lessons suit ChromeOS, as long as you keep a sensible number of tabs open.
Wrong fit
For films, photo editing or bright rooms, the dim TN screen is the weak point; a laptop with an IPS screen will look better.
The details, in plain English
Work, study and everyday use
ChromeOS centres on the Chrome browser, so web-based work, email and online documents run as expected. Notebookcheck's tested version used an Intel Celeron N4500, a basic two-core chip, with 4GB of RAM, the working space for open apps and tabs. It found single-core speed decent for browsing but limited when you do several things at once. Simplicity is the plan here, not an accidental limitation.
Screen
The 15.6-inch screen is large for the price. Notebookcheck measured its 1366 x 768 TN panel at 260 nits, which is dim, with only 57.5% of the sRGB colour range, so colours look muted. TN is an older panel type that looks washed out if you are not straight in front of it. For documents it is fine; for films and photos it is the weakest part.
Keyboard, ports and storage
The wider body leaves room for a full keyboard with number pad. On the version Notebookcheck tested, there are two USB-C ports that also charge the laptop and connect a monitor, one USB-A port for older accessories, a microSD card reader and a headphone socket, plus Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. This version has 128GB of storage for offline files.
What may frustrate you
ChromeOS cannot run every Windows desktop program, so check what software you need first. The listed memory leaves little room for demanding multitasking. Local storage is limited, so cloud storage or an external drive may be needed. Notebookcheck weighed its version at 1.69kg, heavier than most 14-inch Chromebooks, so it suits a desk more than a daily bag.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- 15.6-inch screen: more room for documents and video than a 14-inch laptop
- Full-size keyboard with number pad, handy for spreadsheets
- 128GB of storage for offline files and downloads
- Two USB-C ports, one USB-A and a microSD reader on the version Notebookcheck tested
What to watch out for
- Notebookcheck found the TN screen dim at 260 nits, with poor colour and very narrow viewing angles
- 4GB of RAM and a two-core Celeron chip struggle with demanding multitasking
- ChromeOS cannot run every Windows desktop program
- At 1.69kg (Notebookcheck's figure) it is heavier to carry than smaller Chromebooks
The HP Chromebook 15a-nb0504sa is compared with memory, storage, screen and operating system kept visible; a cheaper low-memory model is not treated as the same machine. Its main draw over 14-inch rivals is screen size, while laptops with brighter IPS screens and 8GB of RAM cost more.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 HP Chromebook 15a-nb0504sa (this one) | A roomy, low-cost laptop for browsing and online study, but this 4GB version falls below our preferred 16GB/512GB long-term laptop standard. | £1994 GB memory · 128 GB phone storage, Price recorded 1 Aug 2026 | Check price |
 Acer Chromebook 314 14 | A sensible low-cost laptop for web-based study and home use, but this 4GB/128GB version falls below our preferred 16GB/512GB long-term laptop standard. | £1794 GB memory · 128 GB eMMC, Price recorded 1 Aug 2026 | Check price |
 Samsung Chromebook Go 14 | A cheap, simple laptop for web-based work, email and homework, as long as you accept ChromeOS, 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage. | £1794 GB memory · 64 GB eMMC, Price recorded 1 Aug 2026 | Check price |
 ASUS CM14 Flip Chromebook | A good pick if you want a Chromebook that doubles as a tablet for light use, but this 4GB/128GB version falls below our preferred 16GB/512GB long-term laptop standard. | £2494 GB memory · 128 GB eMMC, Price recorded 1 Aug 2026 | Check price |
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Where our findings come from
Research-based review: we have not tested this laptop ourselves. We checked the exact product against the independent and official sources listed below. Measurements quoted here come from Notebookcheck's review of the closely related 15a-n0008TU, not our own tests.