ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip
Updated on
The ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip attempted to carve out a niche in the cloud gaming Chromebook market when it launched in late 2022. With its 144Hz Full HD touchscreen display, Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, and gaming-oriented design elements like anti-ghosting keys and colored WASD keycaps, it promised a compelling package for gamers looking to stream titles through services like GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna. However, as reviews and market reception would reveal, the execution didn’t quite match the ambition.
Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available new from major retailers. The information below is provided for historical reference and to help owners make informed decisions about their devices.
Related Videos
ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip | ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip | ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip | |
| Price | List Price: $749.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $729.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $699.00 Amazon Prices: Best Buy: Loading price... |
| Model number | CX5501FEA-AS562T | CX5501FEA-DH566T | CX5501FEA-I5256 |
| Perfomance Rating | 7.9 | 7.9 | 7.1 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.40 Ghz (max 4.20 Ghz) Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Quad-core 2.40 Ghz (max 4.20 Ghz) Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Quad-core 2.40 Ghz (max 4.20 Ghz) Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD |
| Screen Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | 15.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Screen Type | LED Backlit, 250nits | LED Backlit, 250nits | LED Backlit, 250nits |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73 inches (357.63 x 240.79 x 18.54 mm) | 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73 inches (357.63 x 240.79 x 18.54 mm) | 14.08 x 9.48 x 0.73 inches (357.63 x 240.79 x 18.54 mm) |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Webcam | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| 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 | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 3 cell, 57 WHrs, Li-ion | 3 cell, 57 WHrs, Li-ion | 3 cell, 57 WHrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2031 | June, 2031 | June, 2031 |
Related Chromebooks
-
ASUS Chromebook CX9The ASUS Chromebook CX9 packs a punch with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB… -
ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 FlipTransform your gaming and productivity with the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip, featuring a 12th… -
Acer Chromebook Plus 515The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 delivers premium performance with a 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen, Intel… -
Acer Chromebook Spin 314 (2024)A 14-inch convertible Chromebook with a 16:10 WUXGA touch display, 360-degree hinge, and software… -
ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)A large 16-inch 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook Plus with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and a garaged… -
HP Chromebook Plus 15aThe HP Chromebook Plus 15a delivers a spacious 15.6-inch Full HD display, Intel Core i3-N305…
Detailed Insights into the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip
The CX55 Flip’s physical design draws heavily from ASUS’s established Chromebook lineup, specifically the 2021 CX5/CM5 chassis. The 360-degree ErgoLift hinge allows the device to transform between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, though at 4.30 pounds, tablet usage becomes impractical for extended periods. The ErgoLift mechanism does provide a practical benefit in laptop mode by tilting the keyboard to a more ergonomic angle while improving airflow beneath the device for better thermal management. The aluminum-clad chassis looks premium but attracts fingerprints readily, a consistent criticism across reviews.
ASUS positioned this as a gaming-focused device, and the 144Hz refresh rate on the 15.6-inch display was the headline specification meant to deliver smooth visuals for cloud gaming. However, testing revealed significant ghosting issues that undermined this advantage. The panel’s brightness tops out at around 250-296 nits depending on measurement, making outdoor use challenging. More concerning for gaming enthusiasts, Expert Reviews found the display covers only 61% of the sRGB color gamut and 43% of DCI-P3, resulting in muted colors compared to competing devices. The contrast ratio of 1,848:1 partially compensates with decent black levels, but overall display quality falls short of the gaming premium ASUS attempted to charge.
The keyboard features white backlighting (not RGB) with orange-accented WASD keys, a visual nod to gaming that stops short of the customizable lighting found on proper gaming laptops. The anti-ghosting capability ensures accurate key registration during intense gaming sessions, and the full-size layout includes a numeric keypad for productivity tasks. Paired with Harman Kardon-tuned speakers that reviewers consistently praised as among the best in the Chromebook category, the device delivers solid audio whether gaming or streaming media. The speaker quality was one area where ASUS genuinely differentiated from competitors, with deeper bass response and clearer mids than typical Chromebook speakers. These excellent speakers also make the CX55 Flip a strong candidate for music production on a Chromebook using browser-based DAWs like BandLab.
Connectivity matches the 2022 Chromebook standard: two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.0 for external displays, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The USB-C ports support both charging and display output, providing flexibility for docking setups. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) ensures fast wireless connectivity with reduced latency for cloud gaming, while Bluetooth 5.0 handles peripherals like gaming controllers and wireless headphones. Despite the HDMI port, there is no Ethernet jack, so users needing a wired connection can add one with a USB Ethernet adapter.
Performance from the Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor proved adequate for Chrome OS workloads and cloud gaming streams, though it was already a generation behind competitors at launch. The processor handles multitasking smoothly with 16GB of RAM in the higher-tier models, running multiple browser tabs, video streaming, and cloud gaming sessions simultaneously without significant slowdown. Storage options range from 256GB to 512GB of SSD, sufficient for Chrome OS but without the expansion options some users prefer. Battery life ranges from approximately 9 hours during video playback to 6-7 hours under heavier cloud gaming loads, reasonable for a 15.6-inch device but short of ASUS’s optimistic 10-hour claim under real-world gaming conditions.
Reviewer Insights on the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip
TechCrackedWeekly’s Perspective
TechCrackedWeekly provided an extensive hands-on review, rating the CX55 Flip 8/10 while acknowledging its compromises. The reviewer highlighted the ErgoLift hinge as a standout feature, noting how it creates better typing ergonomics while improving thermal performance. However, they criticized the stiff hinge that prevents one-handed opening and makes tablet mode awkward. “The chassis is definitely a fingerprint magnet,” they observed, recommending keeping a microfiber cloth handy. They found the 250-nit display inadequate for outdoor use but acceptable for indoor gaming sessions, ultimately concluding it offers solid value if purchased on sale.
Expert Reviews’ Analysis
Expert Reviews awarded the device 4/5 stars while describing it as “a decent mid-range Chromebook that’s been given a gaming facelift.” Stuart Andrews highlighted the adaptable 360-degree design and nearly 9-hour battery life during video playback as genuine strengths. However, the review was critical of the aging 11th-generation Intel processor when competitors had moved to 12th-gen chips, calling the color handling “barely mediocre.” The conclusion was measured: the CX55 Flip looks more expensive than it is, but falls short of justifying its premium gaming positioning.
Chrome Unboxed’s Critical Assessment
Chrome Unboxed delivered the harshest verdict, describing the device as a “half-hearted attempt” that reuses the same chassis from 2021 models. Robby Payne was particularly critical of the display, noting that despite the 144Hz specification, the panel’s ghosting issues meant it didn’t feel as smooth as competitors’ 120Hz displays. “Slapping a sad 144Hz screen on it and calling it a ‘gaming Chromebook’ feels a bit disingenuous at best,” they wrote. The one bright spot: the speakers, described as “some of the best ever put in a Chromebook.” At the original $699 price point, they recommended the Acer Chromebook 516 GE at $549 instead.
SmartBuy Reviews’ Gaming Focus
SmartBuy Reviews took a quick-hit approach, highlighting three key gaming features: the 144Hz display for smooth cloud gaming visuals, the anti-ghosting keyboard for responsive input during competitive play, and WiFi 6 connectivity for reduced streaming latency. While less detailed than other reviews, it emphasized the device’s gaming DNA and suitability for cloud gaming services specifically.
Customer Reviews of the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip
Amazon customer feedback for the 16GB/512GB model (B0BSP4ZMGB) settled at 3.9/5 stars across 94 reviews, reflecting the mixed professional reception. Satisfied customers praised the build quality, describing the aluminum construction as feeling substantial and premium compared to plastic competitors. The keyboard received consistent praise for its comfortable typing experience, adequate key travel, and the satisfying backlighting for late-night use. Several reviewers specifically mentioned cloud gaming performance, with positive reports about GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming running smoothly through the device’s WiFi 6 connection.
The touchscreen drew appreciation from users who employed it in tent or tablet mode for casual browsing and media consumption, though many noted they rarely used touch input while gaming. Students and remote workers highlighted the 2-in-1 versatility for switching between note-taking (with an optional stylus) and traditional laptop work. The Harman Kardon speakers earned repeat mentions as surprisingly good for a Chromebook, suitable for streaming video and music without reaching for headphones.
Common criticisms centered on value relative to alternatives. Multiple reviewers noted they purchased at a discount (around $499-549) and felt satisfied at that price point, but cautioned against paying full retail of $699-749. The display drew mixed reactions: some appreciated the 144Hz smoothness for gaming while others noticed the ghosting issues and washed-out colors that professional reviewers highlighted. Several users wished for better outdoor visibility, confirming that the 250-nit brightness struggles in well-lit environments.
Battery life generally met or slightly fell short of ASUS’s 10-hour claim depending on workload, with cloud gaming naturally consuming more power than productivity tasks. Users reported 6-7 hours of actual gaming usage, which aligns with Expert Reviews’ testing. A few reviewers mentioned the 4.30-pound weight as a consideration for users expecting ultraportable convenience, though this felt appropriate for the 15.6-inch screen size. Fan noise was occasionally mentioned under heavy load but was generally considered acceptable.
Conclusion
The ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip represents an interesting but ultimately flawed attempt to create a gaming-focused Chromebook. The hardware foundations are solid: decent 11th-gen Intel performance, excellent Harman Kardon speakers that remain best-in-class for Chromebooks, a versatile 2-in-1 design with the clever ErgoLift hinge, and a gaming-oriented keyboard with anti-ghosting support. However, the display quality undermines the gaming positioning, and the recycled chassis design from 2021 made it feel dated upon release in late 2022.
For existing owners, the news is reasonably good. With an Auto Update Expiration date of June 2031, you have years of Chrome OS updates and security patches ahead. The device remains fully capable for cloud gaming through GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna, and performance for general productivity tasks is more than adequate with the Core i5-1135G7 and available RAM configurations. If you bought one at the discounted $499-549 price point that many reviewers recommended, you likely got fair value for a capable 15.6-inch 2-in-1 Chromebook with premium speakers.
For those currently shopping, the CX55 Flip should not be on your list. Even if you find remaining stock at a discount, newer options offer significantly better value. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 delivers modern 12th-generation Intel performance in a more portable package, while alternatives from Acer and Lenovo include higher-resolution displays with better color accuracy. The gaming Chromebook category has matured considerably since late 2022, leaving the CX55 Flip as an interesting historical footnote rather than a current recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip good for cloud gaming?
The CX55 Flip was designed specifically for cloud gaming with its 144Hz display and anti-ghosting keyboard. It works well with GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna. However, the display suffers from ghosting issues that partially negate the high refresh rate advantage, and reviewers generally found competing devices like the Acer Chromebook 516 GE delivered better gaming experiences.
How long will the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip receive updates?
Google’s Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date for the CX55 Flip is June 2031. This means the device will continue receiving Chrome OS updates, security patches, and new features until that date, providing several more years of supported use for existing owners.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage in the CX55 Flip?
No, both the RAM and SSD storage are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded after purchase. You’ll need to choose the right configuration at purchase time: 8GB/256GB, 16GB/256GB, or 16GB/512GB. The microSD card slot can provide additional storage expansion for files and media.
How does the CX55 Flip compare to the Acer Chromebook 516 GE?
Most reviewers preferred the Acer Chromebook 516 GE over the CX55 Flip. The Acer offered a 12th-gen Intel processor versus ASUS’s 11th-gen, RGB keyboard lighting, a higher resolution 2560x1600 display at 120Hz with better color accuracy, and a lower launch price of $549 versus $699. The ASUS advantages were limited to higher refresh rate (144Hz vs 120Hz) and the Harman Kardon speakers.
Is the CX55 Flip too heavy for regular use?
At 4.30 pounds (1.95 kg), the CX55 Flip is heavier than most Chromebooks due to its 15.6-inch display and aluminum construction. It’s manageable for commuting and works fine on a desk, but extended tablet-mode use becomes tiring. If portability is a priority, consider a 14-inch model like the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 at 3.31 pounds instead.
Does the CX55 Flip have good speakers?
Yes, the Harman Kardon-tuned speakers were consistently praised as the CX55 Flip’s standout feature. Chrome Unboxed called them “some of the best ever put in a Chromebook,” noting deeper sound with more body than competing models. For gaming and media consumption without headphones, the audio quality genuinely impressed reviewers.