ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400)
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The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) represents what many consider ASUS’s return to form in the premium Chromebook market. Launched in 2021 with 11th-generation Intel Tiger Lake processors, this 14-inch convertible combines an all-aluminum chassis with a fanless design that has earned it a devoted following among Chrome OS enthusiasts. With support lasting until June 2031, it remains a compelling option for those seeking a premium 2-in-1 experience without the bulk of larger devices. The included USI stylus that stows inside the chassis and recharges automatically addresses one of the most common complaints about stylus-compatible devices: never having the pen when you need it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium all-aluminum construction with exceptional rigidity | 16:9 aspect ratio limits vertical screen space for productivity |
| Completely silent fanless operation for distraction-free work | Speaker quality trails behind top competitors like the Pixelbook Go |
| USI stylus included and stowed inside chassis for charging | Some users report trackpad accuracy issues out of the box |
| 330-nit display with excellent color accuracy for content consumption | Higher-spec variants may run warm under sustained load |
| Physical webcam privacy shutter for security-conscious users | microSD card protrudes slightly from the slot |
| Chrome OS updates guaranteed through June 2031 | Premium pricing may be hard to justify for casual users |
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ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) Comparison Chart
![]() ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) | ![]() ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) | |
| Price | List Price: $1049.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $699.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | CX5400FMA-DN762T-S | CX5400FMA-DN388T-S |
| Perfomance Rating | 6.4 | 5.5 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 2.50 Ghz (max 3.90 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1110G4 Processor | Dual-core 2.50 Ghz (max 3.90 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1110G4 Processor |
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB SSD | 128 GB SSD |
| Screen Size | 14" | 14" |
| Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Screen Type | IPS | IPS |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | Supported | Supported |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 12.63 x 8.13 x 0.92 inches (320.8 x 206.5 x 23.37 mm) | 12.63 x 8.13 x 0.92 inches (320.8 x 206.5 x 23.37 mm) |
| Weight | 3.09 lbs (1.4 kg) | 3.09 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Webcam | 720p HD | 720p HD |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No |
| HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C Thunderbold 4 with DisplayPort support | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C Thunderbold 4 with DisplayPort support |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 3 cell, 48 WHrs, Li-ion | 3 cell, 48 WHrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2031 | June, 2031 |
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Detailed Insights into the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400)
The design philosophy behind the CX5400 prioritizes build quality above all else, and it shows immediately upon picking up the device. The all-aluminum unibody construction eliminates the flex and creaking that plague many mid-range Chromebooks, delivering what reviewers consistently describe as “Pixelbook Go-level firmness.” ASUS chose beveled edges and a distinctive angular aesthetic that sets it apart from the rounded designs common in the category, weighing in at just over 3 pounds while maintaining structural integrity across all four convertible modes.
The 14-inch Full HD IPS display delivers approximately 330 nits of brightness with excellent viewing angles, making it suitable for both indoor productivity and casual outdoor use. While it falls short of the 400+ nit panels found on some premium competitors, the color accuracy and consistency across the panel satisfy most users. The NanoEdge bezels achieve an 85% screen-to-body ratio, keeping the overall footprint compact despite the generous screen real estate. The touchscreen supports both finger input and the included USI stylus, with the pen garage located on the left side of the chassis where it magnetically snaps into place and automatically charges.
Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports positioned on opposite sides of the device, ensuring convenient access regardless of your workstation setup. The single USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port accommodates legacy peripherals, while the microSD card slot enables storage expansion for those needing more than the base 128GB NVMe drive. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 provide modern wireless connectivity, and the physical camera privacy shutter offers a hardware-level solution for those concerned about webcam security. The 48Wh battery delivers approximately 10 hours of real-world usage, though heavy stylus use or video streaming can reduce this figure.
Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400)
Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective
Chrome Unboxed’s Robby Payne has been particularly effusive in his praise for the CX5400, declaring it his “everyday carry” device and consistently ranking it among his favorite Chromebooks. In his initial unboxing, he noted that “this is actually the real successor, I feel like, to things like the Flip C302, the C434, and the C436,” emphasizing how the CX5400 corrects the shortcomings of previous ASUS convertibles. The build quality earned his highest compliments, with comparisons to the Pixelbook Go’s legendary rigidity: “This thing feels awesome… This is like Pixelbook Go kind of firmness here.”
In his follow-up review after extended use, Payne doubled down on his enthusiasm, stating “The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5400 has become my everyday carry.” He particularly praised the input devices, describing the glass trackpad as “absolute butter” and appreciating the visible gray keycaps that maintain legibility even with backlighting active. His one substantive criticism concerned the speakers, which he noted are “not the best in class” compared to the Pixelbook Go, though he found them superior to most other Chromebooks in the category.
Written Review Consensus
Chrome Unboxed’s written review crystallized the overall sentiment: “This thing just oozes quality.” The review emphasized that beyond the impressive specifications, the CX5400 excels through superior integration of its components, creating what the reviewer called “that undefined quality that just makes you truly enjoy using something.” The stowed stylus received particular mention, with the observation that “the best pen is always the one you actually have with you.”
Android Police’s Will Sattelberg offered a more measured perspective in his 7/10 review, praising the “distinctive angular aluminum design with beveled edges” and “responsive, backlit keyboard” while criticizing the 16:9 aspect ratio that “reduces vertical workspace” and questioning whether Chrome OS limitations justify the premium pricing. His review noted trackpad accuracy concerns that some early adopters experienced, though many users report these resolved with software updates.
Customer Reviews of the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400)
Amazon customers have rated the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) 4.1 out of 5 stars based on approximately 90 reviews, reflecting generally positive but not universal satisfaction. The most consistent praise centers on the build quality and fanless operation, with multiple reviewers noting the premium feel compared to similarly-priced Chromebooks and appreciating the completely silent operation during quiet environments like libraries or late-night work sessions.
Several customers highlight the included stylus as a key differentiator, particularly for note-taking and light sketching. The automatic charging when stowed eliminates the frustration of dead stylus batteries at critical moments. However, some reviewers note the stylus experience trails dedicated drawing tablets and may not satisfy serious digital artists. The long Chrome OS support timeline through 2031 appears in multiple positive reviews as a significant value consideration, especially for those planning to use the device for several years.
Criticism typically focuses on three areas: the base model’s 8GB RAM limitation for heavy multitaskers, occasional reports of wake-from-sleep issues that ASUS has addressed through firmware updates, and the premium pricing that some find difficult to justify for Chrome OS. A minority of reviews mention the device running warm during extended use, though the fanless design means this heat dissipation is expected behavior rather than a defect.
Conclusion
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) succeeds as a premium convertible Chromebook by focusing on the details that matter for daily use: exceptional build quality, silent operation, convenient stylus integration, and reliable performance from its 11th-generation Intel processor. While the 16:9 aspect ratio and merely-good speakers represent compromises, the overall package justifies the premium positioning for users who prioritize craftsmanship and longevity over raw specifications. With Chrome OS support extending to June 2031, purchasers today can expect years of productive use from this thoughtfully designed device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) receive Chrome OS updates?
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) will receive Chrome OS updates and security patches until June 2031, according to Google’s official Auto Update Expiration schedule. This means over 5 more years of software support from the current date.
Does the CX5400 include a stylus, and where is it stored?
Yes, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) includes a USI stylus that stores inside a dedicated garage on the left side of the chassis. The stylus charges automatically when stowed, eliminating the need for separate charging. Reviewers consistently praise this design as solving the common problem of never having your stylus when you need it.
Is the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) completely fanless?
Yes, the CX5400 features a completely fanless design, which means it operates in complete silence. This makes it ideal for quiet environments like libraries, meetings, or late-night work sessions. The trade-off is that the aluminum chassis can become warm during extended heavy use, which is normal thermal behavior for passively-cooled devices.
What ports does the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) have?
The CX5400 includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports (one on each side) that support both charging and display output, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port for legacy peripherals, a microSD card reader for storage expansion, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports are particularly notable for a Chromebook at this price point.
Can the RAM or storage be upgraded in the CX5400?
No, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5400) uses soldered RAM and storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase. If you need more than 8GB RAM or 128GB storage, you should purchase the higher-specification model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage from the outset. The microSD card slot can provide additional storage for files but cannot replace the internal NVMe drive.
How does the CX5400 compare to the larger CX5500 model?
The CX5400 is a 14-inch model while the CX5500 is 15.6 inches with a different port layout including an HDMI port. The CX5400 is fanless with a smaller, lighter chassis, while the CX5500 includes active cooling that allows for sustained higher performance. Choose the CX5400 for portability and silent operation, or the CX5500 if you need the larger display and HDMI connectivity.
