ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA

Updated on February 4, 2026

Note: This Chromebook’s Auto Update Expiration date was June 2023, meaning it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. However, the hardware remains available for purchase. For buyers who prioritize build quality over extended software support, the C302CA continues to offer compelling value as a secondary device.

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA represented ASUS’s most ambitious Chromebook when it launched in 2017. With its premium aluminum construction, Intel Core M processor, and 360-degree convertible hinge, the C302CA targeted users who wanted a MacBook-like experience in Chrome OS form. Multiple professional reviewers declared it the best Chromebook available at its release, praising its build quality, keyboard, and performance. The fanless design meant completely silent operation, while the 12.5-inch 1080p touchscreen struck a balance between portability and usability.

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ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA Comparison Chart

	ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA	ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA	ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA
Price	List Price: $649.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $499.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $999.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	C302CA-DH54	C302CA-DHM4	C302CA-DH75-G
Performance Rating	3.5	3.2	5.7
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.70 Ghz) Intel Core m5-6Y54 Processor	Dual-core 0.90 Ghz (max 2.20 Ghz) Intel Core m3-6Y30 Processor	Dual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.10 Ghz) Intel Core m7-6Y75 Processor
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	16 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC
Screen Size	12.5"	12.5"	12.5"
Screen Resolution	1920x1080	1920x1080	1920x1080
Screen Type	LED backlit with Gorilla Glass	LED backlit with Gorilla Glass	LED backlit with Gorilla Glass
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.9 x 8.3 x 0.59 inches (302.26 x 210.82 x 14.99 mm)	11.9 x 8.3 x 0.59 inches (302.26 x 210.82 x 14.99 mm)	11.9 x 8.3 x 0.59 inches (302.26 x 210.82 x 14.99 mm)
Weight	2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)	2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)	2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	Yes	Yes	Yes
Webcam	HD	HD	HD
WiFi	802.11 b/g/n/ac dual band 2x2	802.11 b/g/n/ac dual band 2x2	802.11 b/g/n/ac dual band 2x2
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	No	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB-C (with DisplayPort support)	2 USB-C (with DisplayPort support)	2 USB-C (with DisplayPort support)
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	2 cell, 39 WHrs, Li-ion Polymer	2 cell, 39 WHrs, Li-ion Polymer	2 cell, 39 WHrs, Li-ion Polymer
Battery Life	10.0 hours	10.0 hours	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2023	June, 2023	June, 2023

Hardware and Build Quality

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA immediately distinguishes itself through construction that reviewers consistently compared to Apple’s MacBook line. Ultrabookreview’s Andrei Girbea called it “one of the better-built laptops I’ve ever got my hands on,” noting the soft-touch aluminum chassis, rounded corners, and attention to detail throughout. At 2.65 pounds with a 0.59-inch profile, the C302CA achieved impressive portability for a 12.5-inch convertible. The 360-degree hinge enables laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, though reviewers noted the weight makes extended tablet use uncomfortable.

The Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor delivered a meaningful performance upgrade over budget Chromebooks. Chrome Unboxed’s Robby Payne found that “with the m3 and 4GB of RAM, this thing flies,” reporting consistent Octane 2.0 scores between 22,000 and 23,000 compared to 14,000-15,000 on Pentium-based alternatives. This translated to responsive multitasking with numerous Chrome tabs, smooth Google Docs editing, and capable Android app performance once Google Play Store access arrived. The fanless design meant zero noise during operation, though Ultrabookreview noted some units exhibited slight coil whine audible in completely silent rooms.

Display and Input Experience

The 12.5-inch IPS touchscreen offered 1920x1080 resolution with Gorilla Glass protection. Chrome Unboxed measured 300 nits brightness with “wide viewing angles and punchy colors.” However, the display received mixed assessments depending on expectations. Ultrabookreview found the panel “mediocre for its price class,” noting competitors like the Samsung Chromebook Pro offered sharper 2400x1600 displays at similar price points. The 16:9 aspect ratio, while fine for video consumption, made the C302CA “too wide in landscape and too narrow in portrait” for tablet use according to Chrome Unboxed.

Keyboard quality emerged as a consistent strength across reviews. Chrome Unboxed declared it the “best keyboard we’ve reviewed so far,” praising the key travel, satisfying tactile feedback, and six-stage backlighting. Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham reported having “no qualms using this computer for hours on end every day.” The trackpad matched the keyboard’s quality, with Chrome Unboxed comparing it favorably to the Chromebook Pixel. Touch response on the screen remained accurate and responsive across all four usage modes.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery endurance proved respectable though not class-leading. Chrome Unboxed reported 8-10 hours depending on workload, while Engadget’s battery rundown test achieved 7 hours and 47 minutes, falling short of ASUS’s advertised runtime but still providing a full workday of use. Ultrabookreview observed 5-6 hours of demanding daily use and 7-8 hours of YouTube streaming. The 39Wh battery charged via either USB-C port, eliminating the need to orient the laptop for charging.

Connectivity represented the C302CA’s most significant limitation. Two USB-C ports with DisplayPort support provided the sole physical connections beyond a microSD card reader and headphone jack. No USB-A ports meant adapters for existing peripherals, and the absence of HDMI required USB-C dongles for presentations. This forward-looking approach enabled the thin design but frustrated users with legacy devices. The 802.11ac 2x2 WiFi delivered fast wireless performance, and Bluetooth 4.0 handled peripherals adequately.

Reviewer Insights

Professional reviews from 2017 painted a remarkably consistent picture of the C302CA as the premium Chromebook to beat.

Ultrabookreview

Andrei Girbea’s comprehensive technical review awarded the C302CA 4 out of 5 stars. His testing revealed Octane scores of 21,574, confirming strong JavaScript performance for Chrome OS tasks. Thermal testing showed the fanless design maintained temperatures in the “high 30s Celsius,” remaining comfortable during extended use. The review praised build quality extensively but cautioned that the display “doesn’t stand up well when compared to similarly priced ultrabooks” and noted coil whine as a potential quality control concern.

Chrome Unboxed

Robby Payne’s enthusiastic review after six months of following the C302CA’s development declared it “my favorite Chromebook on the market.” The review highlighted value at $499 for the Core m3/4GB/64GB configuration, excellent keyboard and trackpad quality, and performance that “exceeds every expectation.” The main criticisms focused on the 16:9 aspect ratio making tablet mode awkward and the lower resolution compared to Samsung’s 3:2 displays.

Engadget

Nathan Ingraham’s 86/100 review called the C302CA “probably the best Chromebook for most people” and declared it “very close to perfect.” At $470, the combination of build quality, performance, and features represented the best value in the Chromebook market. Criticisms included speakers that were “even worse than I would have expected” and the 2.65-pound weight making tablet use impractical. The review concluded that “at this point many people will be able to get by easily with just a Chromebook.”

Who Should Consider This Chromebook

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA remains relevant for buyers who prioritize build quality and typing experience over extended software support. The expired AUE status means no security updates, making it unsuitable for sensitive tasks like online banking. However, as a secondary device for writing, media consumption, or travel, the C302CA’s premium construction and capable performance continue to justify its existence. The limited connectivity requires adapters for most peripherals, so users heavily invested in USB-A devices should factor dongle costs into their decision.

For buyers seeking similar experiences with current software support, consider the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 or ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 which continue ASUS’s premium convertible tradition with modern processors and extended update timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA still worth buying in 2026?

A: For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize build quality and typing experience, the C302CA can still serve as a capable secondary device. However, its June 2023 Auto Update Expiration means it no longer receives Chrome OS security updates, making it unsuitable for sensitive activities like online banking or storing personal data.

Q: What is the difference between the C302CA-DH54 and C302CA-DHM4 models?

A: Both models feature identical specifications with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The DH54 model originally launched at $649 while the DHM4 represented a lower $499 price point, likely representing different retail channels or promotional configurations rather than hardware differences.

Q: Can I connect external monitors to the C302CA?

A: Yes, both USB-C ports support DisplayPort output for external monitors. However, you will need a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter since the C302CA lacks dedicated video outputs. Most USB-C hubs with HDMI will work with the C302CA.

Q: Does the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA support Android apps?

A: The C302CA received Google Play Store support in 2017, enabling Android app installation. However, with the expired AUE status, Play Store access and app compatibility may become unreliable as apps update to require newer Chrome OS versions.

Q: How does battery life compare to newer Chromebooks?

A: The C302CA delivers 7-10 hours depending on usage, which remains competitive with modern Chromebooks. The fanless Intel Core m3 processor proved efficient for its time. Newer Chromebook Plus models with Intel Core Ultra processors may achieve longer runtimes while offering better performance.

Q: Is the C302CA good for students?

A: The excellent keyboard and build quality made the C302CA popular for note-taking and writing. However, the expired security updates mean schools requiring secure browsing for testing or accessing student portals should consider newer options with active software support.