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While Google’s transition of ChromeOS to the Android kernel was in progress, manufacturers unveiled a lineup of new devices.
Three things run through the ASUS, HP, and Lenovo announcements: WiFi 7 reaching ASUS’s detachable while HP and Lenovo stay on WiFi 6E, Chromebook Plus as a meaningful tier, and lineups carrying both Intel chips and ARM-based MediaTek processors.
The ASUS Chromebook CM32 Detachable Is Bright and Ruggedized
The biggest surprise of the show came from ASUS, which unveiled the Chromebook CM32 Detachable. The display is a 12.1-inch 2.5K (2560×1600) touchscreen running at 120Hz with 600 nits of brightness. That’s bright for any laptop, let alone a detachable. It is also the affordable bookend to Lenovo’s Sapphire tablet, a more ambitious detachable in the pipeline. For context, most budget Chromebooks hover around 250-300 nits, making outdoor use a squinting exercise. At 600 nits, the CM32 should remain usable even in bright sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate means smooth scrolling and responsive stylus input, which matters when you’re using the optional USI 2.0 stylus that magnetically attaches and wirelessly charges on the back of the device.
ASUS equipped the CM32 with the MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, an octa-core ARM chip designed specifically for Chromebooks. MediaTek positions this chip as delivering 35% longer battery life compared to previous generation education chips while enabling fanless operation. We dug into the wave of Kompanio 540 student Chromebooks and what the chip means for budget buyers. ASUS claims up to 13 hours of battery life, which would make this an all-day device for students or mobile workers. The device ships with up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of storage.
ASUS tested the CM32 to US MIL-STD 810H standards, the same military specification used for ruggedized equipment. They also offer an optional “Impact Shield” kickstand designed to absorb drops and impacts, a smart move given that detachables spend a lot of time getting picked up, flipped around, and occasionally dropped. The display itself uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with anti-fingerprint coating, providing four times the scratch resistance of standard glass.
Connectivity includes WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. WiFi 7 offers faster speeds and lower latency compared to WiFi 6E, though you’ll need a WiFi 7 router to take full advantage.
ASUS expects the CM32 to hit shelves in Q2 2026, though they haven’t announced pricing. Given the premium specs (that bright 120Hz display, WiFi 7, military-grade durability), I’d expect this to land somewhere in the $450-550 range.
ASUS Chromebooks CM14 and CM15 Reuse the Kompanio 540
ASUS also refreshed the CM14 and CM15 traditional laptop models with FHD displays and a tool-free battery system that makes upgrades and maintenance easier. These feel like safe, sensible updates for education and business buyers.
HP Refreshes Its 14-Inch Chromebooks in Standard and Plus Trims
HP’s CES 2026 announcement offers buyers a choice between basic functionality and Google’s AI-enhanced tier without completely redesigning the product line.
The flagship HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 targets the Chromebook Plus specification, which means it qualifies for Google’s AI features and enhanced performance guarantees. HP equipped this model with an Intel Core 3 N355 processor, 8GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 128GB UFS to 512GB NVMe SSDs. The 14-inch 2K IPS display uses a 16:10 aspect ratio (1920×1200), which provides noticeably more vertical space compared to the 16:9 panels that dominated previous generations.
The 360-degree hinge allows the device to function as a laptop, tablet, tent, or stand depending on your needs. HP includes a 1080p camera with a mechanical privacy shutter and dual-array digital microphones, which should deliver better video call quality than the 720p webcams still common on budget Chromebooks. Connectivity includes WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, two USB-C ports with Power Delivery, one USB-A port, and a headphone jack. Battery life is rated at up to 8 hours, which feels conservative given recent improvements in efficiency from both Intel’s newer chips and ChromeOS optimizations.
HP also announced a clamshell HP Chromebook Plus 14 with the same 2K display and specs for buyers who don’t need the convertible hinge, plus standard (non-Plus) versions of both models with Intel N250 or N150 processors and 4GB of RAM for tighter budgets.
HP hasn’t disclosed pricing or exact release dates beyond “February 2026 availability on HP.com.” Based on previous Plus models, expect the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14 to start around $499-549, with the standard models beginning closer to $349-399.
HP didn’t take risks here; they refined existing products with better displays and updated internals. That’s fine.
Lenovo Adds a 15.3-Inch Chromebook Plus for Desk Work
The Chromebook Plus i (15″, 10) features a 15.3-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, more screen than the 14-inch models dominating the market. Lenovo went after people who want a larger Chromebook for productivity and entertainment without stepping up to a Windows laptop, a segment that feels underserved.
If you’re doing spreadsheet work, managing multiple documents, or want a bigger display for streaming video, the extra screen space matters more than portability. Lenovo emphasized productivity with a full numeric keypad and a larger touchpad. Optional display upgrades include a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB color accuracy for creative work, and touchscreen capability. The base configuration offers 400 nits of brightness.
Lenovo equipped the device with an Intel Core 3 N355 processor (the same chip HP uses in their Plus models), 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of UFS storage. Battery capacity is 65Wh, which Lenovo claims delivers up to 11 hours of use. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on brightness settings and workload.
Connectivity is thorough:
- WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
- Two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports and one USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port
- HDMI 1.4b for external displays
- A microSD card slot for storage expansion
A 5MP webcam with a physical privacy shutter handles video calls, paired with dual microphones. Lenovo also tested the device to MIL-STD-810H standards.
Lenovo priced the Chromebook Plus i at $469.99 with availability in Q2 2026, offered in Cosmic Blue and Luna Grey. That’s competitive for a 15-inch Chromebook Plus device with these specs.
Demand for 15-inch Chromebooks is unproven. Chromebooks have historically sold best in the 11-14 inch range where portability and price intersect. But as ChromeOS matures and remote work normalizes, a segment of buyers may prioritize screen size over ultra-portability. Lenovo is betting that market exists, and the pricing suggests they’re serious about competing for it.
Manufacturers Are Waiting on the Android Kernel Move
Google didn’t hold a major ChromeOS keynote or reveal details about the Android kernel transition. Instead, we got solid, evolutionary updates to existing product lines.
Google confirmed in late 2025 that ChromeOS will transition from the Linux kernel to the Android kernel while maintaining the familiar desktop experience. The goal is to accelerate feature development, improve phone-laptop integration, and bring Android app compatibility to a new level. But that transition takes time, and manufacturers are waiting to see how it plays out before committing to major hardware changes.
WiFi 7, MediaTek, and Chromebook Plus Set the New Baseline
The ASUS CM32 has WiFi 7, and while HP and Lenovo stuck with WiFi 6E for their mainstream models, WiFi 7 will likely become standard across most new Chromebooks within 12-18 months. A WiFi 7 radio also still matches the home network a buyer upgrades to later.
The Kompanio 540 processor powers all three ASUS Chromebook announcements, positioning MediaTek as an alternative to Intel in the education and mainstream segments. The promise of better battery life and fanless operation without sacrificing too much performance could make ARM-based Chromebooks more attractive, especially as the Android kernel transition improves app compatibility.
Google launched the Chromebook Plus tier in 2023 to establish a baseline for AI features and better performance, and manufacturers are responding by making Plus models their primary focus. 8GB RAM, better displays, and capable processors are becoming the baseline for mid-range Chromebooks.
Manufacturers are playing it safe. Nothing here departs from the clamshell, convertible, and detachable shapes that already dominate the market. That’s partly because the platform is in transition, but it also reflects a maturing market where incremental improvements and competitive pricing matter more than novelty.
Intel also introduced Wildcat Lake at CES 2026, part of the Core Ultra 300 series designed for budget laptops, Chromebooks, mini PCs, and embedded devices. This entry-level SoC replaces the older Alder Lake-N lineup and should appear in Chromebooks throughout 2026, giving manufacturers another option alongside MediaTek’s ARM offerings.
Which CES 2026 Chromebook to Buy, and When to Wait
Wait for the ASUS CM32 If You Want a Detachable
The combination of that bright 120Hz display, WiFi 7, military-grade durability, and a claimed 13 hours of battery makes it the most compelling detachable Chromebook announced at CES 2026. The only question is pricing; if ASUS can keep it under $500, it becomes an easy choice for students and artists. If it creeps above $550, the value gets murkier compared to traditional laptops at that price.
HP’s Chromebook Plus x360 14 Is the Safe Choice
The 2K display with 16:10 aspect ratio is a meaningful upgrade, and qualifying for Google’s AI features means the device should age well as ChromeOS evolves. Just know you’re paying for HP’s brand and distribution rather than the latest specs.
Lenovo’s 15-Inch Plus Makes Sense for Specific Buyers
If you work primarily at a desk or couch and want maximum screen space without buying a Windows laptop, the Chromebook Plus i is a lot of screen for $469.99. The full numeric keypad, large trackpad, and optional 120Hz display make this a productivity-focused device that happens to run ChromeOS. But if portability matters to you at all, you’ll find that 15-inch form factor limiting.
Consider Waiting Until Q3 2026
The Android kernel transition is happening this year, and while Google promises continuity, we don’t yet know how it will affect app compatibility, performance, or feature availability. If you don’t need a new Chromebook immediately, waiting until later in 2026 means buying a device designed for the new platform rather than one released during the transition.
These aren’t the last Chromebooks. They’re the bridge to whatever comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chromebooks being phased out?
No. Google confirmed in late 2025 that ChromeOS will move from the Linux kernel to the Android kernel while keeping the familiar desktop experience. ASUS, HP, and Lenovo all brought new models to CES 2026, and Chromebook Plus is where manufacturers are putting their focus.
When do the CES 2026 Chromebooks go on sale?
ASUS expects the Chromebook CM32 Detachable to reach shelves in Q2 2026. HP has pointed to February 2026 availability on HP.com for its refreshed 14-inch models. Lenovo lists the 15.3-inch Chromebook Plus i for Q2 2026 in Cosmic Blue and Luna Grey.
How much do the CES 2026 Chromebooks cost?
Lenovo priced the 15.3-inch Chromebook Plus i at $469.99. ASUS and HP have not announced pricing. Based on previous models, I expect the ASUS CM32 to land in the $450-550 range, HP’s Chromebook Plus x360 14 to start around $499-549, and HP’s standard models to begin closer to $349-399.
What is the best Chromebook to buy in 2026?
Among the models announced at CES 2026, it depends on the shape you want. The ASUS CM32 Detachable is the most compelling detachable, with a 120Hz 600-nit display, WiFi 7, and a claimed 13 hours of battery. HP’s Chromebook Plus x360 14 is the safe convertible pick. Lenovo’s 15.3-inch Chromebook Plus i is the one to get for desk work at $469.99.
