What is a Chromebook Plus?

Chromebooks are often seen as budget alternatives to Mac and Windows computers. Still, they have great features and the best integration with Android smartphones. To make Chromebooks with better specs stand out, Google announced the Chromebook Plus program in October 2023. This program highlights the best Chromebooks that meet certain spec requirements. When you want a performance Chromebook, look for the Chromebook Plus label. This guide takes a deep dive into the Chromebook Plus program and what it means.

Chromebook Plus hardware requirements

To support Chromebook Plus features, Chromebook manufacturers, such as Asus, Lenovo, and Samsung, need to meet the following minimum specs on their hardware:

• CPU: Intel Core i3 12th gen or above, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 or above
• RAM: 8GB or more
• Storage: 128GB or more
• Webcam: 1080p (full HD) or greater with Temporal Noise Reduction
• Display resolution: Full HD or higher
• Display hardware: IPS panel or better

These Chromebook Plus requirements are a great baseline to make sure users have a positive Chromebook experience. However, Google did not add requirements for minimum battery life or charging speed. It also could have required Chromebook Plus models to have touchscreens but opted not to. That may be because some users, especially those with dedicated gaming Chromebooks that don’t flip into a tablet, may not want a touchscreen.

For a Chromebook to be certified as Chromebook Plus, it needs to meet all these requirements, not some or most of them. This is similar to Intel’s Evo certification.

Chromebook Plus exclusive apps and features

Besides powerful specifications, Chromebook Plus devices have advanced apps and features for productivity and creativity. Google plans to continue adding new features to Chromebook Plus devices over time but rolled out significant AI features to Chromebook Plus models in May 2024. Google’s Gemini AI powers these features.

Superior video calling

Camera and video quality matter during job interviews, video calls, and when attending seminars online. With greater webcam requirements, Chromebook Plus devices have premium Google Meet features.

The 1080p camera improves the video quality, while the built-in AI enhances call clarity, adds background blur, fixes lighting, and prevents background noise with a single click. These add-ons aren’t limited to Google Meet. They’re available in other video conferencing services like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex. You can access these options from the Chromebook’s app shelf during a video call.

AI photo editing features

Chromebook Plus devices get useful image-editing features in the Google Photos app. Plus brings Google AI features found on the Google Photos phone app, such as the Magic Eraser tool, to remove distractions from your photo. You can also apply the HDR effect to level up brightness and contrast and add a background blur to your existing photos. To supercharge your photo editing experience, you can access Magic Editor in Google Photos on your Chromebook to modify and generate as much as you want.

Offline Google Workspace files

With File Sync on ChromeOS, you can use Google Workspace and access Google Drive files offline and on the go. This feature is similar to OneDrive files on-demand on Windows and is activated due to increased on-device storage. You don’t need an active internet connection to open and edit your Google app files.

Access creator tools

While Google Photos’ built-in editing tools are sufficient for most users, professionals prefer dedicated creative apps like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Express, and LumaFusion. While Chromebook Plus models support Photoshop for the web, it has a limited feature set. If you own an older Chromebook, LumaFusion is one of many excellent Chromebook Photoshop alternatives.

Google offers three months of free Adobe Photoshop web and Express with new Chromebook Plus models. You also get 25% off LumaFusion’s one-time cost of $30. These apps work on standard Chromebooks, but you’ll see a performance boost and a better experience with Chromebook Plus models. Adobe’s Firefly generative AI features are also possible with this.

Help me write

Whether you write an essay, a YouTube video description, or a post on a social media platform, you can right-click and use the AI editor to refine your text. You can even add wit and emojis to generate trendy short-form content.

AI wallpapers and backgrounds

Google introduced generative AI wallpapers on the Pixel 8 series. The search giant brought the same functionality to Chromebook Plus devices. You can be as creative as you want and create custom wallpapers for your device with text prompts. You can also generate a background for your video calls to look your best. Google includes suggested prompts to start, but feel free to let your creative juices flow.

Gemini on your home screen

In addition to these great integrated AI features, Google brought Gemini to your home screen. Tap the Gemini icon on your shelf to interact with Gemini. Google One AI Premium is included with all Chromebook Plus models for 12 months for free, so you can maximize Gemini’s usefulness.

Chromebook Plus OS update eligibility

Apart from newly launched Chromebooks, such as the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, several existing ChromeOS models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are eligible to receive Chromebook Plus features via a software update.

Go to Google’s support page to find laptops that are compatible with Chromebook Plus. The global OS update rolled out on October 17, 2023. Read our guide to check and install the latest ChromeOS updates if you have trouble updating.

Where to get Chromebook Plus devices

Chromebook Plus models are available at numerous retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon. You can also buy them from their manufacturers. Look for the Chromebook Plus label.

Get ready for a premium ChromeOS experience

Chromebooks without the Chromebook Plus moniker are still great devices for many people. However, if you want the best Chromebooks have to offer, pick up a Chromebook Plus device. Whether you have a Chromebook Plus model or not, check out these ChromeOS tips to bring your Chromebook experience to the next level.