ASUS Chromebook C223NA
Updated on
Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. Its Auto Update Expiration date was June 2024, meaning it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The information below is kept for historical reference.
The ASUS Chromebook C223NA (also marketed as the Chromebook 12) arrived in late 2018 as a budget-friendly entry point into the Chromebook market. Priced at around $229-249, this compact 11.6-inch laptop targeted students and users who needed a basic, portable machine for web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption. ASUS made deliberate tradeoffs to hit this price point, using the 2016-era Intel Celeron N3350 processor and a basic TN display panel. The result was a Chromebook that excelled at portability and battery life but showed its limitations under any serious workload.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally lightweight at just 2.2 pounds | Poor TN display with terrible viewing angles |
| Completely silent fanless operation | Processor struggles with more than a handful of tabs |
| Solid 7-8 hours real-world battery life | Display exhibits ripple effect when moved |
| Stylish design available in red finish | No touchscreen or convertible functionality |
| 45W USB-C fast charging support | Mushy keyboard with noticeable deck flex |
| Strong WiFi 5 connectivity | Limited 32GB internal storage |
ASUS Chromebook C223NA Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook C223NA |  ASUS Chromebook C223NA | |
| Price | List Price: $249.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $249.00 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | C223NA-DH02 | C223NA-DH02 |
| Perfomance Rating | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3350 | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3350 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | LED-backlit anti-glare | LED-backlit anti-glare |
| Touch Screen | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.3 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches (287.02 x 198.12 x 17.78 mm) | 11.3 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches (287.02 x 198.12 x 17.78 mm) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1 kg) | 2.2 lbs (1 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No |
| Webcam | HD | HD |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C (USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 with display and power delivery) | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C (USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 with display and power delivery) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 38 Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 38 Whrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2024 | June, 2024 |
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Hardware and Performance
The ASUS Chromebook C223NA runs on the Intel Celeron N3350, a dual-core processor introduced in 2016 that was already showing its age by the time this laptop launched. Clocked at 1.1 GHz with burst speeds up to 2.4 GHz, the N3350 provided adequate performance for basic tasks but quickly became a bottleneck when users pushed beyond light web browsing. Android Police’s testing found the C223NA “quick to boot, and as long as you stick to only a handful of Chrome tabs, it’s not a bad experience,” but noted that performance degraded noticeably with additional workloads.
Beebom’s comprehensive review conducted benchmark testing using Speedometer 2.0, where the C223 scored 24.1 points. While this was adequate for Chrome OS, which is inherently lighter than Windows, the reviewer observed that “the Chromebook kept everything in memory, which is pretty impressive given it has only 4GB of RAM.” The fanless design meant completely silent operation, a genuine advantage for students working in quiet environments like libraries or classrooms.
The tradeoff for this processor efficiency was evident in demanding scenarios. Gaming was essentially off the table, with Beebom noting that titles like BGMI and Asphalt 9 were “unplayable.” Android app performance was inconsistent, and the occasional system freeze during intensive multitasking reminded users of the hardware’s limitations. However, for its intended purpose of basic web tasks and document editing, the N3350 delivered acceptable responsiveness.
Display and Design
The 11.6-inch TN display was consistently identified as the C223NA’s weakest component by reviewers. The 1366x768 resolution and LED-backlit anti-glare panel achieved 200 nits of brightness, which Install or Not called “super bright” and “suitable for outdoor use.” However, the viewing angles inherent to TN technology severely limited the experience. Android Police’s review was particularly critical, calling the display “easily the worst part about the C223” and noting a visible ripple effect when the laptop was moved.
Beebom observed an additional quirk: “The display has this slight bluish tinge that makes all the content on the screen look cooler.” This color shift, combined with the limited viewing angles, made the C223NA unsuitable for any color-sensitive work or comfortable sharing of on-screen content with others.
The rest of the design fared better. At just 2.2 pounds (approximately 1 kg) and measuring 11.3 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches, the C223NA achieved genuine ultraportability. The all-plastic chassis felt sturdy enough for the price point, and ASUS offered a distinctive red color option that helped the C223NA stand out from the sea of gray budget Chromebooks. However, the keyboard received mixed reviews. While Android Police noted the typing experience was adequate, both Beebom and Install or Not criticized the mushy key feel and noticeable deck flex during typing sessions.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The ASUS Chromebook C223NA included a thoughtful port selection for a budget device. Two USB-C ports (USB 3.1 Gen 1) handled both charging and display output, while a single USB Type-A 3.0 port accommodated legacy peripherals. The microSD card slot allowed storage expansion up to 2TB, partially compensating for the limited 32GB internal eMMC storage. The inclusion of 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 provided reliable wireless connectivity that exceeded expectations for the price segment. There is no built-in Ethernet port, but users who needed wired networking could connect a USB Ethernet adapter through the USB-A port.
Battery life emerged as one of the C223NA’s genuine strengths. The 38Wh two-cell lithium-ion battery delivered 7-8 hours of mixed real-world usage according to multiple reviewers, with ASUS claiming up to 10 hours under ideal conditions. Beebom’s testing achieved consistent all-day performance, noting that the 45W USB-C fast charging could quickly restore battery levels during brief breaks. This battery endurance, combined with the fanless design’s zero noise output, made the C223NA well-suited for extended classroom or library sessions.
Reviewer Insights
Professional reviews from 2018-2021 painted a consistent picture of the C223NA as a compromise-heavy budget device with a clear target audience.
Android Police
Corbin Davenport’s launch review titled “A step backwards” captured the fundamental tension in ASUS’s product strategy. The reviewer noted that while previous ASUS Chromebooks had earned strong reputations, the C223NA made too many compromises. The TN display drew particular criticism, with Davenport stating it was “easily the worst part about the C223.” However, the review acknowledged that for users with modest requirements, “as long as you stick to only a handful of Chrome tabs, it’s not a bad experience.”
Beebom
Arjun Sha’s 2021 review offered perspective on the C223 as a budget option for Indian students attending online classes. The comprehensive testing revealed both strengths and limitations: excellent memory management despite only 4GB RAM, but an aging processor that hadn’t been updated since 2018. The reviewer praised the value proposition at Rs. 17,999 but cautioned that “Chrome OS works very well… similar to the i5 Windows laptop” only for basic tasks. Heavy multitasking and any gaming were clearly beyond the hardware’s capabilities.
Install or Not
Parth Suthar’s review positioned the C223 as “the budget laptop for everyone” while honestly acknowledging its compromises. The review highlighted the sturdy build quality and exceptional portability as key selling points, while noting the display’s poor viewing angles and mediocre 74% screen-to-body ratio as drawbacks. For users prioritizing battery life and basic functionality over performance, the review concluded the C223 represented good value.
Historical Context
The ASUS Chromebook C223NA launched during a transitional period for budget Chromebooks. In 2018, manufacturers were still figuring out the right balance between price and performance, and the C223NA represented ASUS’s attempt to hit the absolute lowest viable price point. The decision to use the aging Celeron N3350 processor, which had already powered Chromebooks for two years, allowed ASUS to maintain tight margins but also meant the device felt outdated at launch.
The C223NA’s legacy is mixed. It sold well to price-conscious consumers and schools, but it also demonstrated the limits of cost-cutting in the Chromebook market. Later ASUS Chromebooks like the CX1 series and CX14 learned from this experience, offering updated processors and improved displays while maintaining competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still use the ASUS Chromebook C223NA in 2026?
A: While the C223NA can still physically function, it stopped receiving Chrome OS updates in June 2024. This means no security patches, no new features, and potentially incompatible websites as web standards evolve. Using it for sensitive activities like online banking is not recommended.
Q: What was the difference between the C223NA and C223?
A: The C223NA was primarily marketed in North America, while the C223 designation was used in other markets like India. The specifications were essentially identical across regions, with only minor regional variations in available configurations.
Q: Why did reviewers criticize the ASUS Chromebook C223NA display?
A: The C223NA used a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel rather than an IPS display. TN panels have inherently poor viewing angles, meaning colors and contrast shift dramatically when viewed from the side. Reviewers also noted a bluish color tinge and a visible ripple effect when the laptop was moved.
Q: Could you upgrade the RAM or storage in the ASUS Chromebook C223NA?
A: No, both the 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage were soldered to the motherboard and not user-upgradeable. However, the microSD card slot allowed storage expansion up to 2TB for files and media.
Q: Was the ASUS Chromebook C223NA good for students?
A: For basic tasks like Google Docs, web research, and video calls, the C223NA was adequate. Its light weight (2.2 pounds), long battery life (7-8 hours), and silent fanless operation made it well-suited for classroom use. However, students who needed to run multiple applications simultaneously or use Android apps extensively would have found it limiting.
Q: How did the ASUS Chromebook C223NA compare to other budget Chromebooks of its era?
A: The C223NA competed with devices like the Acer Chromebook 11 and Lenovo Chromebook S330. Its main advantages were the stylish design options and excellent portability, while its weaknesses included the older processor and poor TN display. Competitors with IPS displays generally offered a better viewing experience, even at similar price points.