Chromebooks are no longer cheap, low-end imitations of work laptops. Take for instance, the Asus Chromebook C424, a 14-inch Chromebook that’s reasonably affordable but will get the job done better than a similarly priced Windows 11 laptop. Of course, Chrome OS comes with the usual limitations. Still, if you need something affordable, stylish, and with stellar battery life, the Chromebook C424 is easily one of the best value running.
The Chromebook comes in various iterations, our review unit is the Asus C424MA-AS48F, which features an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, and a 14-inch 1920×1080 display. These specs may not look like much on paper, but the Chromebook C424 is much more than just specs.
The Asus C424 is priced in the same range as most basic Chromebooks – but it looks and performs better than most Chromebooks in this category – and both of these things are rare in Windows machines at this price point.
About the Asus Chromebook C424
Here are the specs and features of the Asus C424 in this review:
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4020 (2.8Ghz, 2-core)
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 onboard, Memory Max Up to 4GB
- Display: 14.0-inch, non-touch screen, FHD (1920 x 1080), 250 nits, NTSC: 45%
- Battery: 42WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 0.71 x 8.98 inches
- Weight: 2.87 pounds
Chrome OS is much lighter than Windows or macOS so you can get by pretty easily with that Intel Celeron N4020 and 4GB of RAM – but if you want something for more complex tasks, I still recommend upgrading to a Chromebook or Windows laptop with 8GB of memory (i.e. the HP 15-ef2099nr or the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34), especially if you open loads of tabs. Even if you feel this 4GB is fine for now, the 8GB model will last you longer, since the RAM is not user-upgradeable.
What We Like
It has fantastic build quality
You’re buying the Chromebook C424 cheaply, but it feels more expensive than it is. While it doesn’t boast an aluminum construction like the Asus Chromebook Flip C434, its construction still feels solid and the silver exterior gives it an expensive charm. It’s also fanless, so you won’t struggle with dusty grilles or loud whirring noises while working. The 180-degree has a bit more resistance than I’d like, but it glides smoothly and doesn’t feel like it’ll give in or wear down like other less expensive laptops.
The display is bright and beautiful
At 1080p and 250nits, it’s not the brightest laptop around, but for the price, I have little to complain about here. Microsoft’s Surface line offers the best screens, it beats even Asus’ more expensive Chromebooks – but for the money you’re still getting a fine-looking screen, thanks to its large size and vivid colors.
The bezels are quite thin especially on the sides, meaning Asus was able to cram a 14” display in the body of a typical 13” laptop. It isn’t quite as portable as, say, the Dell XPS 13, but it won’t weigh you down on your daily commute. It’s portable enough, and very serviceable, especially with the inclusion of Android apps.
Battery life is just an overkill
When working on the go, battery life is one thing you need to consider over everything else. And the Asus C424MA-AS48F has one of the longest-lasting batteries on a laptop this cheap. That means you can cycle through popular websites like CNN and X, and the battery will still last just over 8 hours. You’ll have no problem making it through the workday or school day and then some, especially when on the inside can dim the brightness.
And beyond battery life, I love any laptop that charges over USB-C, since the same power adapter can charge my Android phone. This Asus 14 Chromebook has a power adapter that’s also quite small, making it easy to toss in your bag when you’re on the go.
The keyboard feels comfortable
As laptops get thinner and thinner over the years, the keyboard is one thing that continues to take a hit. But the C424 feels comfortable to type on, with a slight texture on the keys and a decently long 1.4mm key travel. Well, it feels a tad mushier than, say, a high-end Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard, but most people will find it more than sufficient to type on, especially now that keyboards are getting worse and worse.
You get a decent collection of ports
Also, while most thin laptops have gone all-in on USB-C (just look and Dell and Apple), Asus opted to keep two USB-A ports, so you can ease into the transition. And while you don’t quite experience the port selection you see on large or business-level laptops – there’s no HDMI port for example – you get the most important ones, and USB-C dongles will come in handy for connecting to an external display. There’s even a microSD slot, with enough room inside for the card to sit flush with the laptop’s body.
What We Don’t Like
Performance is merely “fine”
While the Asus C424MA-AS48F feels and looks more premium than Chromebooks that even cost more, its performance is still underwhelming especially if you run fairly complex tasks. The Intel Celeron N4020 processor is pretty basic at its best, and the 4GB RAM doesn’t offer much leverage either. If you’re buying it for basic office tasks, like reading emails, or for college use, it’s well worth its price.
However, if you’re looking to replace a bulky work laptop, this isn’t the best laptop for you. Also, the trackpad is imprecise, fairly jumpy, and a palm magnet at best. It just kills the experience, at least, until you get used to it.
Again, the configuration options are limited. While it’s standard for Windows machines to come with several CPU, RAM, and storage configurations, Chromebooks don’t readily offer the same flexibility.
Should you buy the Asus Chromebook C424?
Yes, it’s one of the best affordable Chromebooks out there.
While the Asus Chromebook C424 isn’t super-powerful, beyond that it’s hard to find too much fault with this device. Most of the issues highlighted can be sorted by spending more on a higher configuration, but the C424 remains a good value. It has a good build quality that rivals far more expensive Windows laptops, a beautiful display, and a fantastic keyboard that makes it a great buy.
Overall, the Asus C424MA-AS48F is a premium-feeling machine that delivers an enjoyable experience for less money than its Windows-based brethren, as long as you’re able to get by with Chrome OS. And again, that’s getting easier and easier to do. If you need a Windows laptop for around the same price, the Asus Vivobook 14 is a good alternative.
Recommended Configuration
ASUS C424MA-AS48F Chromebook C424, 14.0" 180 Degree FHD NanoEdge Display, Intel Dual Core Celeron Processor, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, 128GB Storage, Silver Color, C424MA-AS48F
13 used from $103.43
The Review
Asus Chromebook C424 (C424MA-AS48F)
The Asus Chromebook C424 (C424MA-AS48F) is a beautiful laptop with good battery life and nearly the best in class. It’s fantastic value.
PROS
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price point
- Beautiful display and keyboard
CONS
- Basic performance
Review Breakdown
-
ARS RATING
