Intel Celeron 3867U
Intel Celeron 3867U: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks. Practical Review of 2025
Introduction
Even in 2025, the laptop market still demands ultra-budget solutions. The Intel Celeron 3867U processor, released back in 2019, continues to appear in new entry-level devices. Let's explore who this chip is suitable for, what tasks it can handle, and what compromises you'll have to make.
Architecture and Technology: An Outdated Foundation with Minimalism
Kaby Lake-R: Evolution Without Revolution
The codename Kaby Lake-R indicates its affiliation with the updated Intel 8th generation processors. However, the Celeron 3867U is a simplified version, lacking technologies like Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost.
- 2 cores, 2 threads: Basic multitasking, but without parallelism.
- Fixed frequency of 1.8 GHz: No dynamic acceleration under load.
- 14 nm technology process: An outdated platform, but inexpensive to manufacture.
Integrated Graphics
The integrated GPU is Intel UHD Graphics 610 with a base frequency of 300 MHz. This solution is aimed at displaying images on the screen and handling simple graphics:
- Supports 4K via HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort.
- No hardware acceleration for modern AV1 codecs.
- Only 2D projects or old games like Half-Life 2 at minimal settings are suitable for gaming.
Power Consumption and TDP: Cool and Quiet
With a TDP of 5W, the Celeron 3867U is ideal for devices with passive cooling. This means:
- No fans → complete silence.
- Minimal heating → the laptop doesn't overheat even on your lap.
- Compatibility with compact cases (e.g., mini-PCs or ultra-thin laptops).
However, the low TDP limits performance: the chip isn’t designed for sustained workloads.
Performance: Realistic Expectations
Office Work and Multimedia
- Google Docs, Microsoft Office: Comfortable operation with text and spreadsheets.
- Web Browsing: Up to 10 tabs in Chrome, but with lag when playing 4K video.
- Video: Plays Full HD without issues; 4K only with hardware decoding (H.265).
Gaming
- Minecraft (Low settings): 20-25 FPS.
- Stardew Valley, Terraria: 30-60 FPS.
- Modern games (2025) will either not run or will operate at less than 10 FPS.
Turbo Mode? There Isn't One
Due to the fixed frequency, performance does not change even under load. This avoids “drops,” but also does not allow for any acceleration.
Use Cases: Who Is the Celeron 3867U For?
1. Students for note-taking and online courses.
2. Seniors — simplicity and long battery life.
3. Office workers with basic tasks (email, documents).
4. Home media centers — streaming video and light applications.
Not Suitable For:
- Freelancers (Photoshop, Figma tend to lag).
- Gamers.
- Engineers and developers.
Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours Without Plugging In
Thanks to a TDP of 5W and power-saving technologies (Intel SpeedStep, C-States), laptops with the Celeron 3867U demonstrate impressive battery life:
- With a battery capacity of 42 Wh — 10-12 hours of operation in reading/video viewing mode.
- In active use (Zoom + browser) — 6-8 hours.
Tip: Choose models with IPS screens and 250 nits brightness — this will reduce overall power consumption.
Comparison with Competitors: Who's Ahead?
AMD Athlon Silver 3050e (2023)
- 2 cores, 4 threads → better multitasking.
- Radeon Graphics (3 cores) → 30% faster in gaming.
- TDP of 6W → slightly lower battery life.
- Laptop prices: starting from $250 (compared to $220 for Celeron).
Apple M1 (2020)
- Not a direct competitor, but in 2025, the MacBook Air M1 can be found for $500.
- Performance is 4-5 times higher.
- Battery life up to 18 hours.
Conclusion: The Celeron 3867U is relevant only in the “up to $250” segment.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Laptop prices starting from $200.
- Completely silent operation.
- Compatibility with Windows 11 and Linux.
Weaknesses:
- No support for Wi-Fi 6E.
- Slow SSDs (often eMMC storage).
- Challenges with OS updates after 2027.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of device:
- Ultrabooks (Acer Swift 1, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3).
- Chromebooks (ASUS Chromebook Flip C214).
2. What to look for:
- Screen: Full HD is preferable over HD (1366x768).
- Storage: SSD 128 GB (avoid eMMC).
- Ports: USB-C for future compatibility.
3. Avoid:
- Gaming laptops with this CPU — it's a marketing gimmick.
- Models without a warranty (often sold under “noname” brands).
Final Conclusion: Who Should Buy It?
The Intel Celeron 3867U in 2025 is a choice for:
- Users with minimal needs.
- Those who value battery life more than performance.
- Purchasing a second laptop as a backup.
Key benefits:
- Cost from $200.
- All-day operation without recharging.
- Capable of handling basic tasks without lag.
If your budget allows for $300-400, consider laptops with AMD Ryzen 3 7320U or Intel Core i3-N305 — they will last longer and not disappoint in performance.