ASUS Chromebook CX22NA
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Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and no longer receives Chrome OS updates. Its Auto Update Expiration date was June 2024. The information below is kept for historical reference.
The ASUS Chromebook CX22NA was a budget-focused 11.6-inch laptop from the ASUS C223/CX22 product family. This variant shipped with 16GB of eMMC storage, positioning it as an even more affordable option than the 32GB C223NA model. Built around the Intel Celeron N3350 processor, the CX22NA targeted students and casual users who needed basic web browsing, document editing, and video streaming without demanding performance from their hardware. Its fanless design meant completely silent operation, while the 2.2-pound weight made it genuinely portable for all-day use.
| 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 | Only 16GB storage fills up quickly |
| Dual USB-C ports with charging support | No touchscreen or convertible functionality |
| 45W USB-C fast charging capability | Mushy keyboard with noticeable deck flex |
| Strong WiFi 5 connectivity | Past its Auto Update Expiration date |
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ASUS Chromebook CX22NA Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook CX22NA | |
| Price | List Price: $189.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | CX22NA-BCLN4 |
| Perfomance Rating | 2.8 |
| Chromebook Plus | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3350 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | LED-backlit anti-glare |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Stylus / Pen | 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) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No |
| Webcam | HD |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2x2) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ethernet | No |
| Cellular Modem | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 with display and power delivery |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 38 Whrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2024 |
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Hardware and Performance
The ASUS Chromebook CX22NA runs on the Intel Celeron N3350, a dual-core processor introduced in 2016. With a base clock of 1.1 GHz and burst speeds reaching 2.4 GHz, the N3350 was designed for power efficiency rather than raw performance. Android Police’s testing found the C223 series “quick to boot, and as long as you stick to only a handful of Chrome tabs, it’s not a bad experience.” However, pushing beyond five or six tabs caused noticeable slowdowns.
Beebom’s comprehensive review conducted Speedometer 2.0 benchmarks, recording a score of 24.1 points. While modest by laptop standards, this was acceptable for Chrome OS, which manages resources efficiently compared to Windows. The reviewer noted that “the Chromebook kept everything in memory, which is pretty impressive given it has only 4GB of RAM.” The fanless thermal design allowed the N3350 to run completely silent, making it well-suited for quiet study environments.
Gaming and demanding Android apps were clearly beyond the CX22NA’s capabilities. Beebom noted that titles like Asphalt 9 were “unplayable” on this hardware. Even simpler tasks occasionally caused the system to freeze during intensive multitasking. For its intended purpose of web browsing, Google Docs, and light media consumption, the N3350 provided adequate responsiveness, but expectations needed to remain realistic.
Display and Design
The 11.6-inch TN display was consistently identified as the CX22NA’s weakest component. The 1366x768 resolution and LED-backlit anti-glare panel achieved approximately 200 nits of brightness, which worked adequately for indoor use and even some outdoor visibility. However, TN panel technology inherently suffers from poor viewing angles. Android Police’s review described the display as “easily the worst part about the C223” and noted that colors shifted dramatically when viewing from even modest angles.
Beebom observed an additional color characteristic: “The display has this slight bluish tinge that makes all the content on the screen look cooler.” This color shift, combined with limited viewing angles, made the CX22NA unsuitable for any color-sensitive work or comfortable sharing of on-screen content with others sitting nearby.
The chassis design fared better than the display. At 2.2 pounds and measuring 11.3 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches, the CX22NA achieved genuine ultraportability. The plastic construction felt sturdy enough for the price point, and ASUS marketed the device as capable of surviving 4-foot drops. However, Android Police noted a visible ripple effect on the display when the laptop was moved, indicating some flex in the chassis. The keyboard received mixed reviews, with multiple reviewers noting mushy key feel and some deck flex during typing sessions.
Storage Limitations
The 16GB eMMC storage was this variant’s defining constraint. Chrome OS itself consumes several gigabytes, leaving limited space for downloaded files, Android apps, and offline content. Users who needed more storage capacity were better served by the 32GB C223NA model or could expand via the microSD card slot, which supported cards up to 2TB. The eMMC storage was soldered to the motherboard and not user-upgradeable, so choosing the right storage capacity at purchase time was important.
For users who primarily worked with cloud-based applications and streamed media rather than downloading large files, the 16GB configuration could be manageable. Google Docs, Gmail, YouTube, and similar web apps consumed minimal local storage. However, anyone planning to use Android apps extensively or download media for offline viewing would quickly exhaust the available space.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The port selection was thoughtful for a budget device. Two USB-C ports (USB 3.1 Gen 1) handled both 45W charging and display output, while a single USB Type-A 3.0 port accommodated legacy peripherals like mice, flash drives, or a USB ethernet adapter. The microSD card slot provided essential storage expansion given the 16GB internal capacity. The 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 provided reliable wireless connectivity.
Battery life emerged as one of the CX22NA’s genuine strengths. The 38Wh two-cell lithium-ion battery delivered 7-8 hours of mixed real-world usage according to multiple reviewers. Android Police’s testing achieved 8-9 hours depending on screen brightness and workload. Beebom confirmed consistent all-day performance and praised the fast charging capability. This battery endurance, combined with the fanless design’s silent operation, made the CX22NA well-suited for extended classroom or library sessions.
Reviewer Insights
Professional reviews from 2018-2021 consistently positioned the C223/CX22 series as a compromise-heavy budget device with a specific target audience.
Android Police
Corbin Davenport’s review titled “A step backwards” captured the fundamental tension in ASUS’s product strategy. While previous ASUS Chromebooks had earned strong reputations, the C223 series made too many compromises to hit its price point. The TN display drew particular criticism as “easily the worst part” of the device. However, the reviewer acknowledged that for users with modest requirements who stuck to “only a handful of Chrome tabs,” the experience was acceptable. Battery life of 8-9 hours was praised as a genuine strength.
Beebom
Arjun Sha’s 2021 review provided perspective on the C223 as a budget option for students attending online classes. The comprehensive testing revealed excellent memory management despite only 4GB of RAM, but also highlighted the aging processor. The reviewer recommended it over budget Windows laptops for beginners, praising the simplicity of Chrome OS and the device’s overall value. However, the review cautioned that heavy multitasking and gaming were clearly beyond the hardware’s capabilities.
Historical Context
The ASUS Chromebook CX22NA represented ASUS’s most aggressive push into the budget Chromebook market. By using the already-dated Celeron N3350 processor and offering a 16GB storage option, ASUS could undercut competitors on price while maintaining acceptable margins. This strategy worked for its target audience of price-conscious students and casual users who only needed basic web functionality.
With its June 2024 Auto Update Expiration date now passed, the CX22NA is no longer recommended for active use. Modern Chromebooks like the ASUS CX1 series and Chromebook CX14 offer significantly better performance, larger storage options, and years of remaining software support at competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the ASUS Chromebook CX22NA still usable in 2026?
A: While the CX22NA can still power on and run basic tasks, 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 is the difference between the CX22NA and C223NA?
A: The CX22NA and C223NA are variants of the same product line with identical hardware designs. The primary difference is storage: the CX22NA ships with 16GB eMMC storage, while the C223NA offers 32GB. The naming difference largely reflects regional marketing variations.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage in the ASUS Chromebook CX22NA?
A: The 16GB eMMC storage is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. However, you can expand storage using a microSD card (up to 2TB supported) for files, media, and some Android apps.
Q: How long does the ASUS Chromebook CX22NA battery last?
A: Real-world battery life is 7-9 hours depending on usage and screen brightness. ASUS rated the battery at up to 10 hours under ideal conditions. The 38Wh battery supports 45W USB-C fast charging.
Q: Why is the ASUS Chromebook CX22NA display criticized in reviews?
A: The CX22NA uses a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel rather than an IPS display. TN panels have poor viewing angles, meaning colors and contrast shift when viewed from the side. Reviewers also noted a bluish color tinge and visible ripple effect when the laptop was moved.
Q: Was the ASUS Chromebook CX22NA good for students?
A: For basic tasks like Google Docs, web research, and video calls, the CX22NA was adequate during its supported lifespan. Its light weight (2.2 pounds), long battery life, and silent fanless operation made it suitable for classroom use. However, the 16GB storage limited Android app installation and offline content storage.