Is Intel Celeron N4020 Good for Daily Use and Gaming?

If you’re considering purchasing a budget laptop with an Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, a common question might cross your mind: Is Intel Celeron N4020 good?

As an entry-level processor, it’s easy to assume that it might be slow and take significant time to load applications.

But is that really the case? Is the Intel Celeron N4020 as sluggish as it seems? Let’s uncover the truth and find out everything about Intel Celeron N4020.

How fast is the Intel Celeron N4020?

Before understanding how fast the Celeron N4020 is, it’s important to know what this CPU offers.

Note that the data provided here is for the mobile (laptop) version of the Celeron N4020. The desktop version of this CPU delivers better performance than the mobile version.

The specifications of the Intel Celeron N4020 CPU are entry-level, and so is its performance.

Should you expect faster speed from this CPU? To be frank, you shouldn’t, especially if you’ve already used a laptop with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor.

A laptop with a Celeron N4020 CPU paired with an SSD typically takes about 20-25 seconds to boot, with an additional 10 seconds for the sign-in process. Boot times may vary depending on the speed of your SSD.

Regarding app loading times, opening system apps like Paint, Notepad, or MS Word takes about 4-5 seconds, while launching browsers like Chrome or Firefox may take 10-15 seconds.

However, the laptop’s performance deteriorates significantly when running multiple apps or browser tabs simultaneously, often causing it to hang.

This limitation is noticeable on Windows laptops powered by the N4020 CPU. However, the situation improves when this processor is used in Chromebook laptops.

Chrome OS, being lightweight, allows the N4020 CPU to handle tasks more efficiently. While it doesn’t deliver exceptional performance, it operates more smoothly on Chromebooks than on Windows laptops.

Now, you have a better understanding of the speed and limitations of the Celeron N4020 CPU.

Is Intel Celeron N4020 Slow?

The performance of the Intel Celeron N4020 CPU largely depends on the tasks you perform. For users accustomed to faster laptops with more powerful processors, the Celeron N4020 will undoubtedly feel slow.

That said, as mentioned earlier, system apps like Notepad or Paint load relatively quickly. If your usage is limited to such lightweight applications, the Celeron N4020 might suffice.

However, as soon as you run heavier apps, the CPU struggles to keep up, leading to noticeable slowdowns.

In contrast, when this processor powers a Chromebook, it performs better due to Chrome OS’s lightweight design. While it doesn’t feel particularly fast even in this context, it is more usable compared to running on Windows laptops.

Overall, the Intel Celeron N4020 feels underpowered by today’s standards, especially for anything beyond basic tasks.

Is Intel Celeron N4020 Good?

Let’s make it simple for you to decide. For most users, the Intel Celeron N4020 is not a good choice.

Why?

This CPU is slow and suitable only for basic tasks. If you’ve previously used laptops with Intel Core i3/i5 or Ryzen 3/5 processors, the performance of the N4020 will feel like a significant downgrade.

So, who should consider a laptop with the Celeron N4020 CPU?

A specific group of users might find this processor adequate:

• Beginners: If you’re just getting started with a laptop and want to familiarize yourself with the Windows OS.
• Light users: People who primarily use their laptop for watching videos or completing simple online tasks like filling forms.
• Students: Those who need a laptop exclusively for attending online classes or performing basic work.

If you fall into one of these categories, a laptop with the Intel Celeron N4020 will meet your needs. Otherwise, it’s better to explore options with a more capable processor.

Is Intel Celeron N4020 Good for Students?

Yes, laptops with the Intel Celeron N4020 are suitable for students up to 12th grade, provided they don’t require the laptop for demanding tasks.

The same applies to college students, except for those pursuing IT or other technical fields. For basic learning activities or attending online classes, this CPU can adequately meet a student’s needs.

Is Intel Celeron N4020 Good for Coding?

The Intel Celeron N4020 CPU can handle basic HTML and CSS coding to some extent. However, it starts to struggle when you repeatedly test code in a web browser, leading to noticeable slowdowns.

As for more demanding software like Android Studio, running it smoothly on a laptop with such an entry-level CPU is virtually impossible.

So overall, we do not recommend purchasing a laptop with the Celeron N4020 CPU for coding purposes. You can take it into account for basic coding.

Is Intel Celeron N4020 Good for Gaming?

No, the Intel Celeron N4020 is not suitable for gaming. It simply cannot handle modern games.

While some light 2D games might run to a certain extent, the overall experience will be far from enjoyable.

If gaming is a priority, it’s better to increase your budget and invest in a laptop with a more capable processor and dedicated graphics.

Also Read: Do You Need a Powerful Laptop for Programming?

Is Intel Celeron N4020 Good for Video Editing?

If your video editing needs are limited to very basic HD or FHD edits on software like Filmora, the Intel Celeron N4020 can handle it to a certain extent.

However, for anything beyond that, this CPU will struggle significantly. Running professional video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro is out of the question, making professional-level editing impossible on this processor.

We do not recommend this CPU for video editing. However, if you’re a beginner looking to perform only basic edits, it could be a viable option. Keep in mind that rendering times will be noticeably long, even for simple projects.

Also Read: Does Virtual RAM Really Work?

How Much Should You Spend on the Intel Celeron N4020 Laptop?

A laptop with an Intel Celeron N4020, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and an HD or FHD display typically costs between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000. Keep in mind that the brand also plays a role, so laptops from reputable brands will fall within this price range.

If you find a laptop with these specifications priced above Rs 25,000, we strongly recommend spending a little extra to opt for a laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor instead.

So, the maximum you should spend on a laptop with the Intel Celeron N4020 is Rs 25,000.

Final Verdict

In an era where apps are becoming increasingly resource-intensive, there are still some that perform basic tasks without demanding much power.

For these types of apps, the N4020 is a suitable CPU. If you set realistic expectations, it can provide a decent experience.

This CPU is capable of handling the fundamental needs of getting started with a laptop.

We hope this gives you a clearer understanding of this entry-level CPU. If you still have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section.

Do you agree or disagree with the points mentioned? We’d love to hear your thoughts!