Intel Celeron N4020
Intel Celeron N4020: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks – Complete Overview
(Relevant as of April 2025)
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Modest Specs for Minimalism
Gemini Lake Refresh Code: Evolution without Revolution
The Intel Celeron N4020, released in 2019, belongs to the Gemini Lake Refresh line. It is an updated version of the Gemini Lake architecture but without radical changes. The manufacturing process remains the same at 14 nm, which, in 2025, appears outdated compared to AMD's 7-nm chips or the 5-nm Apple M-series. However, this is justified for budget devices: production costs are lower, and heat dissipation is manageable.
Cores and Threads: Minimalism in Action
- 2 cores, 2 threads — a basic configuration for the simplest tasks.
- Base frequency — 1.1 GHz, with turbo mode boosting a single core to 2.8 GHz (for short-term loads).
- Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 with 12 execution units and a frequency of up to 650 MHz.
Architecture Features
- Supports DDR4/LPDDR4 memory (up to 8 GB, 2400 MHz).
- No Hyper-Threading technology: each core processes only one thread.
- L2 cache — 4 MB.
For Your Reference: The iGPU can handle 4K H.265 video decoding, but don't expect to play anything heavier than Minecraft on low settings.
2. Power Consumption and TDP: 5 W as the Basis for Portability
TDP 5 W — Ideal for Passive Cooling
Low heat output allows the Celeron N4020 to be used in ultra-thin laptops and tablets without fans. This reduces noise, increases reliability (no dust in the cooler), and saves space inside the chassis.
How Does This Work in Practice?
- In idle mode, the processor consumes less than 1 W.
- Under peak loads (for example, opening a browser with 10 tabs) — up to 6-7 W, but only briefly.
- For comparison: competitors like the AMD Athlon Silver 3050e have a TDP of 6 W, slightly reducing battery life.
3. Performance: Realistic Expectations
Geekbench 6: Modest Numbers
- Single-core test: 368 points — roughly on par with the Intel Core i5-4300U (2013).
- Multi-core test: 582 points — half of the Core i3-1115G4 (2020).
Real Usage Scenarios
- Office Work: Google Docs, Microsoft Office — comfortable, but with limitations:
- Opening 20 tabs in Chrome simultaneously will cause stuttering.
- It is recommended to use lightweight browsers (Edge, Firefox) and no more than 5-7 tabs.
- Multimedia:
- Playing 4K video through YouTube or local files — no problems (thanks to hardware decoding).
- Editing photos in Photoshop Elements — possible, but with lag.
- Gaming:
- Minecraft (720p, low settings) — 25-30 FPS.
- CS:GO (720p, minimum settings) — 15-20 FPS (almost unacceptable).
Turbo Mode: A Brief Boost
When a single core is under load, the frequency rises to 2.8 GHz, but due to the limited TDP, this lasts for a short period (10-15 seconds). There is hardly any gain in multi-threaded tasks.
4. Use Cases: Who Is the Celeron N4020 Suitable For?
Target Audience
- Students: for text work, presentations, online courses.
- Senior Users: simplicity, long battery life, no cooling complications.
- Secondary Devices: a compact laptop for travel or cafe work.
Not Suitable For
- Gamers (except for the most undemanding 2D games).
- Designers, programmers, video editors.
Examples of Devices in 2025
- Acer Aspire 1 (A115-32): 14-inch screen, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD — $279.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: 15.6", 4 GB RAM, 128 GB eMMC — $229.
5. Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours Without a Power Source
How Does TDP 5 W Impact Battery Life?
Laptops with the Celeron N4020 often come equipped with batteries of 35-42 Wh. In use:
- Web Surfing: 10-12 hours.
- Video (local): 8-9 hours.
- Max Load: 3-4 hours.
Energy-saving Technologies
- Intel SpeedStep: dynamic frequency scaling.
- C-states: turning off unused cores.
- Task batching: minimizing active working time.
Tip: Disable background applications and use the "Battery Saver" mode in Windows to extend battery life by 15-20%.
6. Comparison with Competitors: Who Is Better in 2025?
AMD Athlon Silver 3050e
- 2 cores / 4 threads, TDP 6 W.
- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: ~700 points.
- Price of devices: starting at $300.
Apple M1 (in base MacBook Airs)
- 8 cores, TDP 10 W.
- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: ~7500 points.
- Price: starting at $999 — a different price segment.
Intel Pentium Silver N6000
- 4 cores / 4 threads, TDP 6 W.
- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: ~1100 points.
- Devices: starting at $350.
Conclusion: The Celeron N4020 falls short even compared to budget AMD and Pentium processors, but it wins on price.
7. Pros and Cons: Balancing Capabilities
Strengths
- Laptop prices starting from $200.
- Passive cooling (quiet and reliable).
- Supports 4K video.
Weaknesses
- Slow multitasking.
- 4 GB RAM in base models (better to look for 8 GB).
- eMMC storage instead of SSD in cheaper versions.
8. Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
What to Look For?
1. RAM: at least 8 GB — 4 GB in 2025 is insufficient even for Chrome.
2. Storage: only SSD (256 GB and more). Avoid eMMC.
3. Screen: IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920×1080.
4. Battery: from 40 Wh.
Types of Devices
- Ultrabooks: HP 14-dk1000, ASUS VivoBook L203NA.
- Transformers: Lenovo Flex 3i (11-inch screen, touch input).
Caution!
Avoid models with HDD — they will lag even in simple tasks.
9. Final Conclusion: A Niche Solution for Undemanding Users
The Celeron N4020 is a processor for those who value battery life and low cost over performance. It is ideal as:
- A first laptop for a child.
- A travel device.
- An electronic typewriter.
Key Benefits:
- Affordability: prices starting at $200.
- Quiet operation: no fan noise.
- 10+ hours of use without recharging.
If your budget allows adding $100-150 — consider Pentium Silver or AMD Athlon Silver. But for basic tasks, the Celeron N4020 remains a workhorse for 2025.