ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)
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The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) brings the large-screen Chromebook experience to users who want desktop-like real estate in a portable 2-in-1 form factor. This 16-inch convertible earns the Chromebook Plus certification and comes equipped with 12th Gen Intel processors ranging from Core i3 to Core i7, making it one of the more powerful options in its class. The 360-degree hinge allows it to transform between laptop, tent, and tablet modes, while the included garaged stylus enables note-taking and creative work without worrying about losing a separate accessory. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity through both USB-C ports sets it apart from most Chromebooks, offering high-speed data transfer and external display support. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets, attending video calls, or sketching ideas, the CX5601 provides the hardware foundation for demanding ChromeOS workflows.
Pros and Cons of the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent quad-speaker audio with Harman Kardon tuning | Display is dim at 250 nits and has warm color temperature |
| Fast 12th Gen Intel performance rivals Core i5/i7 systems | 1920x1200 resolution looks pixelated on 16-inch screen |
| Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed connectivity | Trackpad click feels hollow and cheap |
| Garaged stylus charges in 15 seconds for 45 minutes of use | Heavy at nearly 5 pounds for a Chromebook |
| Sturdy aluminum construction with premium feel | Numeric keypad keys are cramped and small |
| Long software support until June 2032 | Aluminum body is a significant fingerprint magnet |
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ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) | ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) | ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) | |
| Price | List Price: $649 Amazon Prices: Best Buy: Loading price... | List Price: $699 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $899 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | CX5601FBA-I3128 | CX5601FBA-AS588 | CX5601FBA-AS782 |
| Perfomance Rating | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.4 |
| Chromebook Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Processor | Hexa-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1215U Processor | Hexa-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1215U Processor | Hexa-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1215U Processor |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB NVMe SSD | 128 GB NVMe SSD | 512 GB NVMe SSD |
| Screen Size | 16" | 16" | 16" |
| Screen Resolution | 1920x1200 | 1920x1200 | 1920x1200 |
| Screen Type | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 14.11 x 9.81 x 0.73 inches (358.39 x 249.17 x 18.54 mm) | 14.11 x 9.81 x 0.73 inches (358.39 x 249.17 x 18.54 mm) | 14.11 x 9.81 x 0.73 inches (358.39 x 249.17 x 18.54 mm) |
| Weight | 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg) | 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg) | 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 57Wh, Li-ion | 57Wh, Li-ion | 57Wh, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2032 | June, 2032 | June, 2032 |
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Detailed Insights into the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 measures 14.11 x 9.81 x 0.73 inches and weighs 4.63 pounds, making it a substantial machine that prioritizes screen size over portability. The build quality reflects ASUS’s premium positioning, with an aluminum lid that feels rigid and durable, though the plastic bottom chassis doesn’t quite match the same level of refinement. The 16:10 aspect ratio display provides additional vertical space compared to traditional 16:9 screens, which proves particularly useful for documents and web browsing. Port selection includes one USB-C Thunderbolt 4 on each side, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, full-size HDMI, a microSD card reader, and a combo audio jack. The 360-degree hinge enables tent and tablet modes, though reviewers note the clamping strength could be tighter to prevent wobble.
At the heart of this Chromebook lies the 12th Gen Intel processor lineup, with the base model featuring the Core i3-1215U with 6 cores and 8 threads. Performance testing by multiple reviewers found this machine to be remarkably fast for a Chromebook, with the i3 variant delivering speeds that rival many Core i5 devices. The hybrid architecture of Intel’s 12th Gen chips combines performance and efficiency cores for optimized battery life during light tasks while maintaining burst capability for demanding workloads. In real-world use, the CX5601 handles multitasking, Linux apps, and Android applications without noticeable slowdown. The NVMe SSD storage further contributes to snappy system responsiveness, with file operations feeling immediate and boot times remaining quick.
Connectivity options include WiFi 6E (802.11ax) wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 for modern peripheral support. The Thunderbolt 4 designation on both USB-C ports means you get up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds and can drive external displays at full resolution, a rare feature among Chromebooks. Storage expansion is limited to the microSD card slot since the internal NVMe storage is not user-upgradeable, so choosing the right configuration at purchase is important. The 57Wh battery provides approximately 10 hours of runtime, and charging occurs through either USB-C port.
Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)
Chrome Unboxed
Chrome Unboxed reviewed the ASUS Chromebook CX5601 and found it to be a mixed bag despite its premium positioning. They praised the build quality and audio system, calling the quad speakers “really nice rich low end, full mids and crispy highs to make spoken word music or even game audio sound really fantastic.” However, their primary criticism centered on the display, stating “my biggest and most critical gripe with this 16 inch Chromebook is by far the screen” and describing it as “one of the worst screens I’ve seen on a Chromebook in a long time.”
The review noted that at 250 nits, the display is noticeably dim, and the warm color temperature makes whites appear yellowish. Combined with the 1920x1200 resolution on such a large panel, text and UI elements can appear pixelated. Their overall assessment was critical due to the display shortcomings, concluding “in the end this Chromebook just feels like a side step, and in this price range there are simply better devices out there to buy.”
Mike Hammontree
Mike Hammontree tested the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5601 and was impressed by its raw performance capabilities. He noted that “it turns out this is one of the fastest Chromebooks that I’ve ever used,” with benchmark scores rivaling more expensive Core i5 and i7 configurations. The keyboard received particular praise, described as “just fantastic” with excellent tactile feedback.
However, Mike’s review also highlighted significant drawbacks in the trackpad and display departments. He described the trackpad click mechanism as “really Hollow and cheap feeling as in like sub 300 Chromebook cheap feeling,” which contrasts poorly with the otherwise premium build. On the display, he agreed that “if any screen out there screams for a Quad HD resolution it is this one,” expressing frustration that such a large screen was paired with a relatively low resolution panel.
Chromebase
Chromebase provided a comprehensive hands-on evaluation focusing on the 2-in-1 functionality and stylus experience. The garaged stylus earned high marks, with the reviewer noting that “15 seconds [of charging] should provide about less 45 minutes of writing which is absolutely fantastic.” Thermal testing revealed the machine stays remarkably cool, measuring a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius on the palm rest during normal use.
The review also appreciated the quiet operation, with fan noise measuring just 36 decibels under load. The quad-speaker system was praised for its clarity in voice calls and media consumption. However, the reviewer pointed out issues with ChromeOS Play Store apps feeling unpolished compared to native applications, though this is more of a platform limitation than a hardware fault.
Across multiple reviews, the consensus points to strong performance, excellent audio, and premium build quality as the primary strengths, while the dim, low-resolution display and cheap-feeling trackpad appear consistently as areas for improvement. Most reviewers agreed that the CX5601 represents a missed opportunity to deliver a truly premium large-screen Chromebook experience.
Customer Reviews of the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)
Best Buy customers have rated the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 321 reviews. The most praised aspects include the large screen size, fast performance, and long battery life. Buyers particularly appreciate the Chromebook Plus features and the versatility of the 2-in-1 design for both productivity and entertainment.
However, some customers note the weight makes it less portable than smaller Chromebooks, and a few mention concerns about the screen brightness in well-lit environments. The numeric keypad layout receives mixed feedback, with some appreciating its inclusion while others find the smaller keys awkward to use.
Overall, the customer sentiment is positive, with most buyers finding the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 well-suited for home office work, students needing a larger display, and anyone who wants a premium ChromeOS experience with pen input capability.
Conclusion
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) stands out as a productivity-focused Chromebook Plus for users who prioritize screen real estate and performance over ultimate portability. Its combination of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and 12th Gen Intel processors makes it well-suited for power users who need to connect external displays, transfer large files quickly, or run demanding Linux applications. The garaged stylus and 360-degree hinge add versatility for note-taking and presentations.
That said, users who work primarily outdoors or in bright environments may struggle with the 250-nit display brightness, and those sensitive to display quality might want to look at alternatives with higher resolution panels. The nearly 5-pound weight also makes it better suited as a desktop replacement than a travel companion. For buyers who can work around the display limitations, the CX5601 delivers genuine value with its capable hardware, extensive connectivity, and software support extending through June 2032.
For those comparing options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor options are available for the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5?
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) is available with three 12th Gen Intel processor options: the Core i3-1215U with 6 cores and 8 threads, the Core i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads, or the Core i7-1255U with 10 cores and 12 threads. All variants deliver strong ChromeOS performance, with even the base i3 model providing speed that rivals many Core i5 Chromebooks.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage in the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5?
No, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 uses soldered memory and NVMe storage that cannot be upgraded after purchase. The i3 and i5 models come with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the i7 model includes 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Choose the configuration that meets your needs at purchase time, as you cannot expand it later.
What ports does the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 have?
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 includes two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports (one on each side) with DisplayPort output and Power Delivery charging support, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, a full-size HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The Thunderbolt 4 ports support up to 40Gbps data transfer and can drive external displays at high resolutions.
Does the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 include a stylus?
Yes, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 includes a garaged USI stylus that stores inside the chassis when not in use. The stylus features rapid charging technology, with just 15 seconds of charging providing approximately 45 minutes of writing time. This makes it convenient for quick note-taking sessions without worrying about battery life.
How long will the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 receive updates?
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601) will receive ChromeOS updates and security patches until June 2032. This Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date means you can expect over six years of software support from the current date, making it a solid long-term investment.
Is the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 a Chromebook Plus?
Yes, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 carries the Chromebook Plus certification, which means it meets Google’s enhanced hardware requirements for AI-powered features and premium ChromeOS experiences. This includes access to features like Magic Eraser in Google Photos, enhanced video calls with improved lighting and background effects, and offline grammar and writing tools.
How heavy is the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5?
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 weighs approximately 4.63 to 4.9 pounds depending on configuration, making it one of the heavier Chromebooks on the market. The weight is a trade-off for the large 16-inch display and sturdy aluminum construction. It’s better suited as a desktop replacement than a travel companion for users who prioritize light weight.