ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA

Updated on February 4, 2026

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 The information below is kept for historical reference.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 Flip C213SA launched in mid-2017 as a rugged, education-focused convertible designed specifically for classroom environments. Priced between $320-399 depending on configuration, this 11.6-inch laptop targeted schools and institutions that needed durable devices capable of surviving rough treatment by students. The C213SA combined a 360-degree flip-back hinge for tablet-style use with military-grade durability certifications and a spill-resistant keyboard. Tested Technology’s review positioned it as “a modern successor to netbooks” that successfully revived the lightweight, cloud-focused laptop concept.

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ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA Comparison Chart

	ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA	ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA
Price	List Price: $399.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $349.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	C213SA-YS02-S	C213SA-YS02
Performance 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	LED backlit
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	Supported	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	7.8 x 12.1 x 0.8 inches (198.12 x 307.34 x 20.32 mm)	7.8 x 12.1 x 0.8 inches (198.12 x 307.34 x 20.32 mm)
Weight	2.7 lbs (1.23 kg)	2.7 lbs (1.23 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No
Webcam	HD	HD
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (Type C ports are USB3.0 [USB3.1 GEN1] and support display and power delivery)	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (Type C ports are USB3.0 [USB3.1 GEN1] and support display and power delivery)
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	microSD SDXC	microSD SDXC
Battery	4 cell, 46 Whrs, Polymer	4 cell, 46 Whrs, Polymer
Battery Life	12.0 hours	12.0 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2024	June, 2024

Hardware and Performance

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA runs on the Intel Celeron N3350, a dual-core Apollo Lake processor clocked at 1.1 GHz with burst speeds up to 2.4 GHz. This chip was already a year old when the C213SA launched, representing a deliberate choice to prioritize battery efficiency and fanless operation over raw performance. The completely silent thermal design made the C213SA well-suited for quiet classroom environments, though it came at the cost of processing headroom.

With 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage, the C213SA delivered adequate performance for Chrome OS’s lightweight requirements. Tested Technology noted that Chrome OS “works very well” on this hardware for basic tasks, with the N3350 handling web browsing, Google Docs, and video playback without issue. However, the limitations became apparent when users pushed beyond typical classroom workloads. Multiple browser tabs, Android apps running simultaneously, or any attempt at gaming quickly revealed the processor’s constraints.

The 32GB storage limitation was a common concern, though the microSD SDXC card slot allowed expansion for media files and offline documents. ASUS clearly expected users to rely primarily on cloud storage, a reasonable assumption for the education market where Google Workspace (then G Suite) dominated. The non-upgradeable RAM and storage meant schools needed to carefully assess their needs before purchasing, as no hardware improvements were possible after the fact.

Display and Design

The 11.6-inch touchscreen display featured a 1366x768 resolution with LED backlighting. While not the sharpest panel available, the screen served its educational purpose adequately. The touchscreen support enabled the convertible functionality, allowing students to flip the display around for tablet-style interaction during presentations or collaborative work. The display’s moderate brightness worked well indoors, though outdoor visibility in direct sunlight was challenging.

Where the C213SA truly distinguished itself was in build quality. ASUS engineered this Chromebook to survive classroom abuse, achieving MIL-STD-810G military-grade certification for durability. The rubber-edged chassis absorbed drops and bumps, while the spill-resistant keyboard could handle typical drink accidents that plague school laptops. Tested Technology praised the “slim but very rugged notebook” construction, noting the device’s ability to withstand daily handling by students.

At 2.7 pounds and measuring 12.1 x 7.8 x 0.8 inches, the C213SA balanced portability with durability. The weight was slightly higher than ultraportable consumer Chromebooks, reflecting the reinforced construction necessary for institutional use. The 360-degree hinge operated smoothly through four modes: laptop, tent, stand, and tablet. This versatility proved valuable in educational settings where teachers used the devices for everything from traditional typing to student presentations.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The port selection on the C213SA was thoughtfully designed for modern classroom needs. Two USB Type-C ports (USB 3.1 Gen 1) provided flexible options for charging, display output, and peripherals. Tested Technology highlighted how the dual USB-C configuration “enables docking station functionality,” allowing teachers to connect the Chromebook to external displays and accessories through a single cable. Two additional USB 3.0 Type-A ports accommodated legacy peripherals like mice and USB drives. Since there was no built-in Ethernet port, classrooms requiring wired network access could connect through a USB Ethernet adapter.

The 802.11ac WiFi with 2x2 MIMO antenna configuration delivered strong wireless performance, important for classrooms where many devices compete for bandwidth. Bluetooth 4.0 handled wireless peripherals, and the combination audio jack supported headphones for individual work without disturbing classmates.

Battery life was a standout feature. ASUS claimed up to 12 hours of use from the 46Wh four-cell polymer battery, and real-world usage typically delivered 8-10 hours of mixed classroom activities. This all-day battery life meant students could use the Chromebook from first period through after-school activities without needing to charge, a significant advantage in schools where outlet access was limited. The USB-C charging also meant faster top-ups during breaks compared to older barrel-plug chargers.

Reviewer Insights

Professional reviews from 2017 consistently praised the C213SA’s rugged construction while acknowledging the performance limitations inherent in its education-focused design.

Tested Technology

Chris Bidmead’s comprehensive October 2017 review evaluated the C213SA as a successful modern interpretation of the netbook concept. The reviewer noted that at “approximately £320-350, the C213 offers ‘pretty good’ value for users committed to the Chrome OS ecosystem.” The detailed hands-on testing revealed practical insights: the keyboard offered “decent 2mm travel” despite lacking backlighting, while the system-wide voice dictation provided useful accessibility features even though it “struggles with punctuation and formatting.”

Bidmead praised the long-term software support commitment, noting the guaranteed five years of Chrome OS updates (which ultimately extended to June 2024). The review concluded that the C213SA best suited “those seeking a durable machine with guaranteed five-year software support,” positioning it clearly as an institutional rather than consumer device.

Education Market Reception

The C213SA gained traction primarily in the education sector, where its combination of durability, manageability, and reasonable pricing aligned with school IT department requirements. The ruggedized design addressed the primary concern of institutional buyers: devices that could survive daily use by students of varying ages and care levels. IT admins managing fleets of these devices may have also encountered the Chromebook magnet trick, a popular student prank that uses magnets to trigger the lid sensor. While consumer reviewers sometimes criticized the older processor and basic display, education administrators appreciated the practical tradeoffs that kept costs manageable while delivering reliable functionality.

Historical Context

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA arrived during the rapid growth of Chromebooks in education. By 2017, Google’s platform had captured significant market share in schools, and manufacturers were developing devices specifically for this demanding environment. The C213SA represented ASUS’s answer to rugged education Chromebooks from competitors like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer.

The decision to use the Celeron N3350 processor reflected the education market’s priorities: battery life, reliability, and cost control mattered more than benchmark performance. Most classroom tasks—Google Docs, educational websites, video viewing—ran perfectly well on the N3350. The convertible form factor proved prescient, as tablets became increasingly common in education and the ability to use a Chromebook in multiple configurations added versatility.

The C213SA’s legacy lives on in ASUS’s continued education Chromebook lineup. Later models like the Chromebook Flip CR1 and other rugged devices built upon the durability foundation the C213SA established. For schools that purchased the C213SA in 2017, the devices served their five-year update lifecycle reliably, exactly as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still use the ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA in 2026?

A: While the C213SA 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 made the ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA ‘rugged’?

A: The C213SA achieved MIL-STD-810G military-grade certification through reinforced construction, rubber-edged chassis for drop protection, and a spill-resistant keyboard. These features made it durable enough to survive typical classroom accidents and rough handling by students.

Q: Could you use the ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA as a tablet?

A: Yes, the 360-degree hinge allowed the C213SA to fold completely flat and be used as a tablet. The touchscreen supported both touch gestures and stylus input (stylus sold separately). The device also supported tent and stand modes for presentations and video viewing.

Q: Why did the ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA use an older processor?

A: ASUS chose the Intel Celeron N3350 to prioritize battery life (12 hours claimed), fanless silent operation, and cost control for the education market. While newer processors were available, the N3350 provided adequate performance for typical classroom tasks while keeping the device affordable for school bulk purchases.

Q: Could you upgrade the RAM or storage in the ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA?

A: No, both the 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage were soldered to the motherboard and not user-upgradeable. However, the microSD SDXC card slot allowed storage expansion for files and media, partially compensating for the limited internal storage.

Q: What was the difference between C213SA-YS02 and C213SA-YS02-S?

A: The C213SA-YS02-S was typically the spill-resistant model variant with rubberized construction, often sold to schools at a slightly higher price ($399 vs $349). Both shared the same core specifications: Celeron N3350, 4GB RAM, and 32GB storage.