HP Chromebook Plus 15a (Intel Core i3) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

HP Chromebook Plus 15a (Intel Core i3)

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (3,200 owners)

ChromeOS, Core i3, 15.6" FHD, 8GB, Google AI, 10hr battery. Best-value Chromebook.

Full Review

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7)

9.0/10 Excellent

4.4★ (3,200 owners)

13" 2880×1920 120Hz touch, Core i7, Slim Pen 2, detachable keyboard, 15hr. Windows tablet-laptop hybrid.

Full Review

At a Glance

	HP Chromebook Plus 15a (Intel Core i3)	Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7)
247Verdict Score	8.8/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.4★ (3,200)	4.4★ (3,200)
Verdict	Great	Excellent
Battery	10 hours	15 hours

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) edges ahead with a 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10. 13" 2880×1920 120Hz touch, Core i7, Slim Pen 2, detachable keyboard, 15hr. Windows tablet-laptop hybrid. That said, the HP Chromebook Plus 15a (Intel Core i3) is worth considering if ChromeOS, Core i3, 15.6" FHD, 8GB, Google AI, 10hr battery. Best-value Chromebook. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

HP Chromebook Plus 15a (Intel Core i3)

ChromeOS is genuinely more secure than Windows — zero native malware in 15 years of ChromeOS existence
Google AI integration: Google Docs, Sheets and Drive with Gemini AI built natively
Under £400 for Core i3 8GB 15-inch — more computing power than equivalently priced Windows laptops at this tier
10-hour battery for a budget 15-inch is practical for full working days
Automatic ChromeOS updates for 10 years — security patching without user attention

ChromeOS — no native Windows or macOS software compatibility
Limited offline functionality — best with internet connection
Less suitable for professional applications (design, video editing, coding IDEs) vs Windows/Mac

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7)

2880×1920 3:2 display is the sharpest touchscreen laptop display available from Microsoft
120Hz variable refresh reduces battery drain in static UI while enabling smooth scrolling
Slim Pen 2 included — haptic feedback pen with tilt support for natural drawing and inking
Detachable keyboard converts between tablet and laptop instantly — true dual-mode use
Windows Hello face unlock + fingerprint covers all authentication scenarios

Keyboard cover and Slim Pen sold separately in some configurations — check bundle pricing
Performance trails MacBook Air M3 in battery efficiency
Core i7 throttles under sustained load in the fanless configuration

FAQ

Which is better, HP Chromebook Plus 15a or Microsoft Surface Pro 9?

Is the HP Chromebook Plus 15a worth the extra cost?

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 best suited to?

ChromeOS, Core i3, 15.6" FHD, 8GB, Google AI, 10hr battery. Best-value Chromebook.

Who is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 best suited to?

13" 2880×1920 120Hz touch, Core i7, Slim Pen 2, detachable keyboard, 15hr. Windows tablet-laptop hybrid.

What are the main downsides of each?

HP Chromebook Plus 15a (Intel Core i3): ChromeOS — no native Windows or macOS software compatibility; Limited offline functionality — best with internet connection. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7): Keyboard cover and Slim Pen sold separately in some configurations — check bundle pricing; Performance trails MacBook Air M3 in battery efficiency.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — HP Chromebook Plus 15a (Intel Core i3) sits at 4.4★ from 3,200 verified Amazon owners, and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) at 4.4★ from 3,200.

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