N3350 Vs N4020 Is The Newer Celeron Chip Really Worth The Upgrade

When shopping for budget laptops, Chromebooks, or compact desktops, two processors often appear in the mix: the Intel Celeron N3350 and its successor, the N4020. Both belong to Intel’s low-power Gemini Lake family, targeting entry-level computing needs. But with only a few years between them, does the newer N4020 actually deliver meaningful improvements? For users deciding whether to upgrade or choose between devices, understanding the real differences in performance, power efficiency, and practical usability is essential.

Architecture and Core Specifications

The foundation of any CPU comparison lies in its architecture, clock speeds, and core design. The N3350, released in 2016, is built on a 14nm process and features two cores with two threads—no hyper-threading. Its base frequency starts at 1.1 GHz, boosting up to 2.4 GHz under load. Integrated graphics are handled by the Intel HD Graphics 500, which supports basic video playback and light graphical tasks.

In contrast, the N4020 arrived in 2019 as part of an incremental refresh. It retains the dual-core, dual-thread layout but introduces a slightly refined version of the same microarchitecture. Clock speeds are more aggressive: a base of 1.1 GHz with a maximum burst frequency of 2.8 GHz—400 MHz higher than the N3350. The integrated GPU is upgraded to Intel UHD Graphics 600, offering minor improvements in decode capabilities and display support.

Tip: Even small clock speed increases can improve responsiveness in lightweight applications like web browsing and document editing.

Performance Comparison: Real-World Benchmarks

To assess whether the N4020 justifies its newer status, we need to look beyond specs and into actual performance data. Synthetic benchmarks such as Geekbench and PassMark provide a consistent way to measure single- and multi-threaded performance across both chips.

Metric	Intel Celeron N3350	Intel Celeron N4020	Improvement
PassMark (Single Thread)	750	950	+26.7%
PassMark (Multi Thread)	1,350	1,680	+24.4%
Geekbench 5 (Single)	260	330	+26.9%
Geekbench 5 (Multi)	510	640	+25.5%
TDP (Thermal Design Power)	6W	6W	No change
GPU Model	HD Graphics 500	UHD Graphics 600	Minor enhancement

The numbers tell a clear story: the N4020 delivers roughly a 25% improvement in both single- and multi-core performance. This uplift comes primarily from higher sustained boost clocks and minor architectural tweaks—not a fundamental redesign. While not transformative, this level of gain can noticeably affect everyday experiences like opening browser tabs, switching between apps, or launching software faster.

“Even modest CPU gains matter in ultra-budget systems where every millisecond of lag affects perceived responsiveness.” — Dr. Alan Reeves, Embedded Systems Analyst

Graphics and Media Capabilities

For users relying on integrated graphics for video streaming, light photo editing, or casual gaming, GPU performance matters. The shift from HD Graphics 500 to UHD Graphics 600 brings limited but tangible upgrades.

• Video Decode: The N4020 adds hardware decoding support for H.265 (HEVC) and VP9 up to 4K resolution at 30fps, whereas the N3350 struggles with full hardware acceleration in these formats.
• Display Output: The N4020 supports one 4K@60Hz output or dual 1080p displays, compared to the N3350’s limitation of 1080p@60Hz on a single display.
• Gaming: Neither chip handles modern games well, but the UHD 600 performs about 10–15% better in very light titles like Minecraft at low settings.

If your use case includes regular 4K YouTube viewing, digital signage, or connecting to modern monitors, the N4020 holds a distinct edge. However, for standard HD video playback on a single screen, the difference may go unnoticed.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Behavior

Both processors share a 6W TDP, meaning they’re designed for fanless designs and long battery life in compact devices. However, real-world power management differs due to updated voltage regulation and better idle states in the N4020.

In practice, laptops equipped with the N4020 tend to show slightly longer battery endurance—about 10–15% more in typical usage scenarios involving web browsing and video playback. This is partly due to improved background task handling and quicker return to low-power idle states.

Additionally, the N4020 benefits from Intel’s enhanced thermal throttling algorithms, allowing it to sustain higher clock speeds for longer periods before heat buildup forces a reduction. This translates to more consistent performance during extended use, such as working through a series of online classes or editing documents over several hours.

Mini Case Study: Upgrading a Chromebook for Remote Learning

Samantha, a high school teacher, used a 2017 Chromebook powered by the N3350 for virtual classrooms. Over time, she noticed increasing delays when joining Google Meet calls, loading slides, and managing multiple browser tabs. Her students occasionally reported audio dropouts during her sessions, which she suspected were linked to device strain.

In 2023, she upgraded to a new budget Chromebook with the N4020. Though the RAM remained at 4GB, the difference was immediately noticeable. Google Classroom loaded 1.5 seconds faster on average, Meet calls connected more reliably, and tab switching became smoother. While still not a powerhouse, the N4020 provided enough headroom to handle modern web demands without constant lag.

This example illustrates that while neither processor is future-proof, the N4020 offers a more viable experience in today’s bandwidth-heavy, cloud-reliant environment.

Checklist: Is the N4020 Worth It for You?

Before deciding whether the upgrade makes sense, consider your specific needs. Use this checklist to evaluate:

1. Do you frequently stream 4K videos or use multiple monitors? → N4020 recommended
2. Are you running modern web applications (Google Workspace, Zoom, Canva)? → N4020 preferred
3. Is your current N3350 device struggling with basic multitasking? → Upgrade beneficial
4. Do you only use offline documents and occasional web browsing? → N3350 may suffice
5. Is cost a major factor and the price difference significant? → Weigh savings vs. longevity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the N4020 run Windows 11 smoothly?

Technically, yes—it meets the minimum CPU requirements. However, smooth operation depends heavily on having at least 4GB of RAM and an SSD. With these, the N4020 can handle basic Windows 11 tasks like email, browsing, and Office apps, though heavier workloads will feel sluggish.

Is there a significant difference in longevity between the two chips?

Yes. The N4020’s better media engine and slightly stronger CPU make it more resilient to software bloat over time. Devices with the N3350 are increasingly hitting performance ceilings with modern operating systems and web standards, shortening their usable lifespan by 1–2 years compared to N4020-based systems.

Does the N4020 support faster RAM?

Both CPUs support LPDDR4/x memory, but the N4020 officially supports speeds up to 2400 MT/s, compared to the N3350’s 1866 MT/s limit. In practice, this means better memory bandwidth and reduced bottlenecks when paired with faster RAM—another small but cumulative advantage.

Conclusion: A Measured Upgrade with Practical Benefits

The Intel Celeron N4020 isn’t a revolutionary leap over the N3350, but it represents a thoughtful refinement. With a 25% performance gain, improved graphics capabilities, better 4K video support, and more efficient power management, it delivers noticeable improvements in real-world usability.

For users clinging to aging N3350-powered devices, upgrading to an N4020 system extends functional relevance in today’s digital landscape. For buyers choosing between similarly priced models, the N4020 is the clear winner—provided other components like RAM and storage aren’t compromised.

💬 Have you made the switch from N3350 to N4020? Share your experience below and help others decide if the upgrade is worth it for their workflow!