ASUS Chromebook C201
Updated on
Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. Its Auto Update Expiration date was June 2020, meaning it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The information below is kept for historical reference.
The ASUS Chromebook C201 represented an important experiment in the Chromebook market: could an ARM-based processor deliver a competitive Chrome OS experience at an aggressive price point? Released in 2015, this 11.6-inch laptop was built around the Rockchip RK3288C quad-core ARM processor, making it one of the few non-Intel Chromebooks of its era. Starting at just $169.99, the C201 targeted budget-conscious buyers and educational markets where the promise of 13-hour battery life and silent, fanless operation outweighed concerns about raw processing power.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional 13-hour battery life | Limited 802.11 b/g/n WiFi (no AC support) |
| Ultra-lightweight at 2.1 pounds | Poor display with washed-out colors |
| Completely silent fanless operation | Only USB 2.0 ports (no USB 3.0) |
| Quick boot times measured in seconds | Micro HDMI requires adapter |
| Durable build survives drops | Non-upgradeable 2-4GB RAM |
| Competitive benchmark scores for price | ARM architecture limited app compatibility |
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ASUS Chromebook C201 Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook C201 | ASUS Chromebook C201 | ASUS Chromebook C201 | ASUS Chromebook C201 | |
| Price | List Price: $179.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $199.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $169.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $179.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | C201PA-DS02-PW | C201PA-DS02-LG | C201PA-DS01 | C201PA-DS02 |
| Perfomance Rating | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 2.5 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.80 Ghz Rockchip RK3288C | Quad-core 1.80 Ghz Rockchip RK3288C | Quad-core 1.80 Ghz Rockchip RK3288C | Quad-core 1.80 Ghz Rockchip RK3288C |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | LED Backlit TN | LED Backlit TN | LED Backlit TN | LED Backlit TN |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.2 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches (284.48 x 193.04 x 17.78 mm) | 11.2 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches (284.48 x 193.04 x 17.78 mm) | 11.2 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches (284.48 x 193.04 x 17.78 mm) | 11.2 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches (284.48 x 193.04 x 17.78 mm) |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) | 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) | 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) | 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No | No |
| Webcam | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Micro HDMI | Micro HDMI | Micro HDMI | Micro HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0 | 2 USB 2.0 | 2 USB 2.0 | 2 USB 2.0 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 38 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 2 cell, 38 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 2 cell, 38 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 2 cell, 38 Whrs, Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | 13.0 hours | 13.0 hours | 13.0 hours | 13.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2020 | June, 2020 | June, 2020 | June, 2020 |
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Hardware and Performance
The ASUS Chromebook C201 runs on the Rockchip RK3288C, a quad-core ARM processor clocked at 1.8GHz paired with an ARM Mali-T764 GPU. This represented a significant departure from the Intel-dominated Chromebook market, and early benchmark testing revealed surprising results. OMG Chrome’s testing found that the Rockchip processor’s Octane score of approximately 7,000 points “roughly matched previous-generation Nvidia Tegra K1 Chromebooks and approached Intel Bay Trail equivalents.” Additional benchmarks showed Kraken results around 4,984ms and SunSpider at 657ms.
Real-world performance testing painted a nuanced picture. Trusted Reviews reported that “applications opened instantly and the Chromebook never once chugged” during routine web browsing and productivity tasks. Their Kraken benchmark result of 5,438.8ms aligned closely with OMG Chrome’s findings. The reviewer noted that Chrome OS’s cloud-centric architecture helped mask the processor’s limitations: “as long as you have an active internet connection Chromebooks should offer significantly faster performance than their components would suggest.”
The fanless ARM design enabled the C201’s headline feature: exceptional battery endurance. The 38Wh battery consistently delivered 11-13 hours of real-world usage. Trusted Reviews measured only 10-15% battery discharge per hour during video streaming, with charging completing in approximately 45 minutes. This made the C201 genuinely capable of lasting through a full school or work day without needing a charge.
Display and Design
The 11.6-inch display was the C201’s most criticized component. The 1366x768 TN panel suffered from poor color reproduction, with Trusted Reviews noting that “reds were washed out” and “whites were murky” indicating “poor calibration.” Viewing angles were limited, a common TN panel characteristic that made screen sharing difficult. Despite its low resolution, the display proved adequate for the text-heavy web browsing and document editing that defined typical Chromebook workflows.
The physical design prioritized portability above all else. At just 2.1 pounds (0.98kg) and measuring 11.2 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches, the C201 was among the lightest Chromebooks available. Build quality impressed reviewers given the price point. Trusted Reviews reported the unit “survived several accidental drops onto hardwood flooring” without damage, suggesting durability appropriate for educational environments. The keyboard delivered reactive, snappy typing, while the trackpad handled multi-finger gestures reliably for 2015 standards.
Connectivity was notably limited compared to Intel-based competitors. The C201 included two USB 2.0 ports (no USB 3.0), micro HDMI (requiring an adapter for standard monitors), microSD card reader, combo audio jack, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi with Bluetooth 4.1. The absence of 802.11ac WiFi was a meaningful omission, particularly since ASUS’s own Chromebook C200 included it at a similar price point. Users needing wired networking had to rely on a USB Ethernet adapter connected through one of the USB 2.0 ports.
Reviewer Insights
Professional reviews from 2015 consistently praised the C201’s battery life and value proposition while acknowledging its display limitations.
OMG Chrome
Joey-Elijah Sneddon’s benchmark-focused review provided the most detailed performance analysis available. Testing revealed that the Rockchip RK3288C delivered “surprisingly competitive” JavaScript performance, with tester Chris Elkendier reporting being “pleasantly surprised by the device” despite its budget positioning. The review positioned the C201 as proof that ARM processors could compete with Intel’s budget offerings in the Chrome OS space.
Trusted Reviews
Alastair Stevenson’s comprehensive review awarded the C201 four out of five stars and a “Recommended” badge, calling it “a competent laptop that will meet most buyers’ productivity and web browsing needs.” The multi-page review included hands-on testing that validated both the battery life claims and the display criticisms. Despite the screen quality issues, Stevenson concluded the C201 delivered excellent value at its £200 UK price point.
TechGearoid
Andrew White’s retrospective analysis evaluated the C201 nearly a decade after release, confirming the device’s long-term reliability. Testing verified that boot speeds remain “measured in seconds” and web browsing continues “smooth performance without freezing.” The review noted the C201 supports 1080p YouTube playback despite its 768p screen resolution, and recommended it for “students, children, and adults prioritizing portability and web browsing” when found at used market prices below $200.
Historical Significance
The ASUS Chromebook C201 holds an important place in Chromebook history as one of the few successful ARM-based Chrome OS devices. The Rockchip partnership demonstrated that non-Intel processors could deliver acceptable Chromebook performance, though ARM’s limited software ecosystem ultimately constrained the device. When Android apps came to Chrome OS, the C201’s ARM architecture created compatibility challenges that Intel-based Chromebooks avoided.
The C201 followed ASUS’s inaugural Chromebook C200 and preceded the education-focused Chromebook C202SA. Its aggressive pricing influenced the broader market, helping establish sub-$200 Chromebooks as a viable category for education and budget-conscious consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still use the ASUS Chromebook C201 in 2026?
A: While the C201 can still physically function, it stopped receiving Chrome OS updates in June 2020. This means no security patches, no new features, and potentially incompatible websites as web standards evolve. Using it for any sensitive activities like online banking is not recommended.
Q: What processor does the ASUS Chromebook C201 use?
A: The C201 uses the Rockchip RK3288C, a quad-core ARM processor clocked at 1.8GHz with an ARM Mali-T764 GPU. This was one of the few non-Intel processors used in Chromebooks during 2015.
Q: How long does the ASUS Chromebook C201 battery last?
A: The C201’s 38Wh battery delivered 11-13 hours of real-world usage in testing. Trusted Reviews measured only 10-15% discharge per hour during video streaming, and charging completed in approximately 45 minutes.
Q: Could Android apps run on the ASUS Chromebook C201?
A: The C201 received limited Android app support, but its ARM architecture created compatibility issues. Many Android apps optimized for Intel-based Chromebooks did not run properly on the Rockchip processor, limiting the device’s app ecosystem.
Q: What are the main differences between the ASUS Chromebook C200 and C201?
A: The C200 used an Intel Celeron N2830 (Bay Trail) processor while the C201 used an ARM Rockchip RK3288C. The C201 was lighter (2.1 vs 2.5 pounds), had longer battery life (13 vs 11 hours), but lacked 802.11ac WiFi and USB 3.0 ports that the C200 included.