Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 with Intel 12th gen CPU available for $649

Just a few weeks ago, you couldn’t find a Chromebook with a 12th gen Intel processor for sale. And now there are four to choose from. The 2022 Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 with Intel 12th gen CPU is available for $649.

This is the 16-inch model, so don’t expect a lighter weight than the other new options out there.

These include the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, the Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Chromebook, and, most recently outed, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714. However, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 is lighter on your wallet as it’s the least expensive of the bunch.

Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 specifications

Looking at the hardware specifications, you’ll still find many similarities between the Asus and its three 12th gen rivals.

Asus opted to start with an Intel Core i3 though; the other available 12th gen choices use a Core i5. That also means you don’t get Intel Iris Xe graphics, so it’s unlikely you’ll be playing Steam games on this Chrome OS laptop.

CPU	Intel 12th gen Core i3-1215U Processor, up to 4.4 GHz, 6 cores / 8 threads
GPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Display	16-inch IPS 1920 x 1200 glossy display, 16:10 aspect ratio, 300 nits brightness, external monitor support at 4k at 60Hz, 45% NTSC color gamut
Memory	8 GB DDR4x memory
Storage	128 GB NVMe M.2 storage, microSD card reader
Connectivity	802.11ax (2×2) WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Input	Backlit keyboard, multitouch trackpad, USI stylus compatible, 1080p FHD RGB webcam, with privacy shutter, Dual-array microphones
Ports	2 USB Type-C 3.2 / Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 USB Type-A, HDMI output, headphone/microphone jack
Battery	57 WHr battery with expected run-time up to 10 hours
Weight	4.74 pounds
Software	Chrome OS automatic updates through June 2030

The 2022 Chromebook sweet spot?

Compared to its rivals, you’re getting less power under the hood in the Core i3 and UHD graphics.

However, this is a pretty good sweet spot for mainstream users looking for a taste of that premium Chromebook experience. Unless you’re a heavy-duty Linux or power user, this package is compelling for the price. With nearly a five-pound weight, it’s not a package I’d want to carry around often though.

And at $649, the price is in that range between mid-range and premium pricing. Well, at least if you consider the other three Intel 12th gen Chromebooks to be the premium shelf. I do. And to get them, along with any other features they improve upon from the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5, you’ll pay anywhere from $80 to $500. Unless you find a sale price in the future, that is.

Note that the official product page shows several other Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 configuration options with Core i5 and i7 choices, along with more memory and storage. So consider this the base model. I also see that the product page mentions a garaged stylus, which is what I thought when I saw the first images of this device. However, the Best Buy listing doesn’t mention or show this.

I’m hoping to get my hands on this device to see if I’m right about that “sweet spot”. In the meantime, I’m finishing up my review time with the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook; the most expensive of the lot.