ASUS Chromebook C523

Updated on January 26, 2026

The ASUS Chromebook C523 represents ASUS’s first foray into the 15.6-inch Chromebook market, delivering a large-screen budget computing experience for users who prioritize display real estate over raw performance. Launched in late 2018, this Chromebook targets students, casual users, and anyone seeking a big-screen device for web browsing, document editing, and light productivity tasks. With its Intel Celeron N3350 processor, 4GB of RAM, and options for either 32GB or 64GB of eMMC storage, the C523 positions itself firmly in the budget category while offering features typically found on more expensive devices, including an aluminum lid and USB-C connectivity on both sides. With Chrome OS updates guaranteed through June 2027, the C523 remains a viable option for buyers looking for an affordable entry into the Chromebook ecosystem.

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ASUS Chromebook C523 Comparison Chart

	ASUS Chromebook C523	ASUS Chromebook C523	ASUS Chromebook C523
Price	List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $289.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $289.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	C523NA-DH02	C523NA-BCLN6	C523NA-IH44F
Perfomance Rating	2.8	2.8	2.8
Chromebook Plus	No	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	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3350
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC	64 GB eMMC
Screen Size	15.6"	15.6"	15.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768	1366x768	1366x768
Screen Type	Anti-Glare Panel	Anti-Glare Panel	Anti-Glare Panel
Touch Screen	No	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	14.1 x 9.9 x 0.6 inches (358.14 x 251.46 x 15.24 mm)	14.1 x 9.9 x 0.6 inches (358.14 x 251.46 x 15.24 mm)	14.1 x 9.9 x 0.6 inches (358.14 x 251.46 x 15.24 mm)
Weight	3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)	3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)	3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No	No
Webcam	HD Webcam	HD Webcam	HD Webcam
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
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 3, 2 USB-C (with display and power delivery support)	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (with display and power delivery support)	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (with display and power delivery support)
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No
Card Reader	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery	2 cell, 38 WHr, Lithium-ion	2 cell, 38 WHr, Lithium-ion	2 cell, 38 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours	10.0 hours	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2027	June, 2027	June, 2027

Detailed Insights into the ASUS Chromebook C523

The ASUS Chromebook C523’s design language prioritizes practical functionality over flashy aesthetics. The aluminum lid gives the device a more premium feel than its price point suggests, and Laptop Mag noted “minimal lid flex when pressure is applied,” which is reassuring for a budget device. The 180-degree hinge allows the screen to lay completely flat, making it easy to share content with others across a table. At 14.1 x 9.9 x 0.6 inches and 3.1 pounds, the C523 is portable despite its large screen, though users should note this is heavier than many 14-inch alternatives. The fanless design ensures completely silent operation, which proves particularly valuable in quiet environments like libraries or classrooms.

Performance on the C523 is best described as adequate for basic tasks. The Intel Celeron N3350 dual-core processor paired with 4GB of RAM handles web browsing, email, and document editing without major issues, but users should set realistic expectations. Ryan Moore from Android Coliseum noted the device is “not snappy” during multitasking, and multiple reviewers observed lag when opening numerous Chrome tabs. The processor runs at a base clock of 1.10 GHz with turbo up to 2.40 GHz, which provides sufficient headroom for occasional bursts of activity. For users who primarily stick to one or two tasks at a time, the performance proves satisfactory, but power users or those who keep dozens of tabs open will likely feel the limitations.

The connectivity options on the C523 deserve particular praise for a budget device. Two USB-C ports with Power Delivery support mean you can charge from either side of the laptop, eliminating the frustration of cables stretching across your workspace. The inclusion of two traditional USB-A 3.1 ports provides compatibility with legacy peripherals without requiring adapters. An SD card reader rounds out the port selection, useful for photographers or anyone needing to expand storage temporarily. The notable omission is HDMI, which means users wanting to connect to an external monitor or projector will need a USB-C adapter. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0 handle wireless connectivity, providing stable connections for streaming and peripheral pairing. Those needing a wired connection can use a USB Ethernet adapter with one of the USB-A ports.

Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebook C523

Laptop Mag’s Assessment

Phillip Tracy’s comprehensive review for Laptop Mag awarded the C523 a 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its value proposition while noting some important compromises. The review highlighted that “with its sleek design and big 1080p touch screen, the 15.6-inch Asus Chromebook C523 is an unusual bargain.” Tracy was particularly impressed by the aluminum construction, noting it was “somewhat unusual for an aluminum laptop in this price range.” However, the review expressed disappointment with the display quality, measuring only 76% sRGB color coverage against a category average of 81%. Battery life also fell short of ASUS’s 10-hour claim in Laptop Mag’s testing, though specific runtime wasn’t disclosed.

Ryan Moore’s Take

Ryan Moore from Android Coliseum offered a practical perspective on who the C523 is really for. He described the device as ideal “for someone like my son…or my parents who need it to check flights and message grandkids on Facebook Messenger.” His video review emphasized that users should view this as an “economy model” that prioritizes screen size over performance. Moore noted the battery life was “more than adequate,” reporting 7-8 hours of actual usage, and praised the keyboard as comfortable for extended typing sessions. He was candid about the display’s limitations, mentioning viewing angle issues and some glare problems, but concluded the device delivers solid value for basic computing needs.

Tech Synth’s Perspective

Tech Synth’s review, which garnered 46,000 views on YouTube, provided detailed hands-on impressions of the C523’s daily usability. The reviewer praised the build quality and 10-hour battery claim while highlighting the keyboard quality and convenient dual USB-C port placement. However, the review was critical of the base 720p screen, strongly recommending buyers opt for the FHD upgrade if budget allows. The reviewer positioned the C523 as excellent for students and casual computing but cautioned against expecting performance suitable for demanding applications or heavy multitasking.

Customer Reviews of the ASUS Chromebook C523

Amazon customer reviews paint a picture of satisfied budget-conscious buyers who understand what they’re getting. The primary listing (B07HS2RCKG) carries a 4.1-star rating from over 1,700 reviews, while the 64GB variant (B081217DYL) earns 4.3 stars from 756 reviews. Customers consistently praise the large screen size as the standout feature, with many commenting that the 15.6-inch display makes productivity tasks and media consumption noticeably more comfortable than smaller Chromebooks. The lightweight design despite the large screen receives frequent positive mentions, as does the silent fanless operation.

Common complaints center on the expected performance limitations. Multiple reviewers note occasional sluggishness when running multiple applications or keeping many browser tabs open simultaneously. Some customers expressed disappointment with the base HD resolution display, echoing professional reviewers’ recommendations to spring for the FHD variant if possible. Battery life opinions vary, with some users reporting the full 10 hours for light usage while others see closer to 6-7 hours with more intensive browsing. Overall, the customer consensus suggests the C523 delivers excellent value for basic computing needs but requires setting appropriate expectations for the budget hardware.

Conclusion

The ASUS Chromebook C523 succeeds at what it sets out to do: provide a large-screen Chromebook experience at a budget-friendly price. For students working on assignments, parents browsing the web, or anyone who values screen real estate over cutting-edge performance, the C523 represents a sensible purchase. The aluminum build quality, dual USB-C charging ports, and silent fanless operation demonstrate that budget doesn’t have to mean cheap. However, buyers should recognize the trade-offs inherent in its price point, including 4GB RAM that limits multitasking, display quality that falls short of premium standards, and battery life that may not quite reach the advertised 10 hours. With Chrome OS updates guaranteed through June 2027, the C523 still offers several years of secure, supported use for buyers who need an affordable, capable Chromebook for everyday tasks.

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