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amazon Asus Chromebook Flip C436 reviews
Now, the next generation of Chromebooks has begun to appear, and they have set their sights on mid-range Windows laptops. The $800 Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is the first of this new class, and it doesn’t mess around.
Before you erase spending $800 on a Chromebook, consider what it gives you. Core i3-1011U CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD (SSD) and 1080p display. That’s as sanely specific as you’ll find on a Chromebook. Does that make the Flip C436 the best Chromebook you can buy?
Quality design and finish
Many early Chromebooks were budget options with quality finishes to match. That has changed over the years, with an increasing number of high-end Chromebooks matching the best available on other platforms. The Chromebook Flip C436 is one such laptop, enjoying an all-aluminum chassis that feels solid in hand. Do not bend or twist here. That is a solid build like you’d find on any Windows 10 laptop, some costing hundreds of dollars more.
Unlike the Chromebook Clip C434 that preceded it, the C436’s hinge opens smoothly with one hand. It doesn’t wobble, though. The screen does not vibrate in clamshell, presentation, tent, or tablet modes.
It’s also relatively modern in terms of its aesthetic. The bezel is quite small except for a large chin at the bottom of the screen, a screen-to-body ratio of 85%. That doesn’t match Asus’ ZenBook line up to 97%, but it’s much better than the Google Pixelbook Go and many other Chromebooks, which have been slow to follow the trend.
The silver is conservative but attractive, with very few colors except for the chrome hinge and the Asus logo on the lid. If you want extra bewilderment, Asus also sells an Airgel White option with a rainbow effect on the lid.
If you cover the Chrome label, you’ll never know it’s a Chromebook. That’s also true of other recent Chromebooks, proving that Chrome OS laptops have evolved – they’re as beautiful and well-built as all the highest-end Windows 10 laptops and MacBooks.
The Chromebook Flip C436 is about 2.5 pounds light, and again thanks to its small bezel, it fits in a reasonably petite chassis for a 14-inch laptop that’s also 0.54-inch thin. The Google Pixelbook Go is smaller, slightly lighter, and slightly thinner at 0.5 inches, but the difference isn’t as dramatic.
Keyboard and port selection
Connectivity is an area where Chromebooks have tended to be limited in the past. For the first time, Chromebooks start to feature the latest standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. That goes a long way toward making the Flip C436 a legitimate Windows alternative.
In terms of ports, things are still a bit limited. USB-C 3.1 has become ubiquitous in laptops, and the Flip C436 has two. However, faster and more powerful technologies like Thunderbolt 3 are still not supported by Chrome OS. At $800 is about Thunderbolt 3 is starting to appear in Windows laptops.
There are no USB-A or HDMI ports to be found, meaning you’ll rely solely on the dongle, and connectivity will be limited to just two unless you take advantage of the USB port. Even so, the Flip C436 has a MicroSD card reader and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The keyboard uses the standard Chromebook layout, but the typing experience itself stands out. The Flip C436 features oversized keycaps and 1.2mm of travel, with a neat feel and soft bottom action for comfortable typing.
Next, the wide-format touchpad is responsive and fully supports Chrome OS’s multi-touch gestures. It’s glass where the previous version was plastic, giving it a smoother feel. A touchscreen is also great for scrolling through long web pages with your thumb and tapping on pop-up buttons.
In the end, I didn’t get a chance to test the active pen available for the Chromebook Flip C436 – it’s an add-on option that didn’t come to my review unit. However, the availability of an active pen is a must for the 2-in-1, and it’s nice that Asus at least offers it as an option.
Screen
Display quality is another key performance factor, and the Chromebook Flip C436 is responsive. I couldn’t use my colorimeter to test a display that lacked Chrome OS support, but I found it bright enough for indoor use. It will struggle in direct sunlight, but most displays will max out at around 300 nits.
Contrast seems to be enough, with black text and white background making my writing a breeze. It’s a Full HD display and is only sharp enough on a 14-inch panel, but it’s not as good as the screens on some other recent Chromebooks. For example, the screen on the Google Pixelbook Go is much nicer.
Of course, Flip C436’s advantage is 2 in 1. Flip it to media mode and watch Netflix is a pleasure. The speakers won’t blow you away, but they’re loud enough for a medium-sized room and don’t distort at maximum volume. Bass is almost completely lacking, of course, as with many laptops.
where can you get a Asus Chromebook Flip C436 online
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop, 14″ Touchscreen FHD 4-Way NanoEdge, Intel Core i3-10110U, 128GB PCIe SSD, Fingerprint, Backlit KB, Wi-Fi 6, Chrome OS, C436FA-DS388T, Magnesium-Alloy, Silver: Buy it now
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop, 14″ Touchscreen FHD NanoEdge, Intel Core i5-10210U, 512GB PCIe SSD, Fingerprint, Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6, White, Chrome OS, C436FA-DS599T-W (Renewed): Buy it now
Performance
Chrome OS is a very efficient operating system, and it doesn’t put as much pressure on the processor as Windows 10 and macOS. Only a very anemic, low-power CPU like the old Intel Celeron can slow it down.
The Chromebook Flip C436 is nothing like it. Its dual-core, 10th-gen Core i3-10110U won’t be the fastest for Windows or Mac, but it does provide plenty of power for a Chromebook. Use 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB PCIe SSD – no slower eMMC storage here – and you have a Chromebook that, in theory, can at least keep up.
For an extra $200, you can even add a quad-core processor to the mix.
The Chromebook Flip C436 keeps up with whatever you want to throw at it. I opened tabs in Google Chrome and couldn’t slow it down, no matter how many apps I loaded in the background. I’m sure I can find a combination that might cause some hesitation but just put, you won’t be taxing the system easily.
That is the fastest Chromebook we’ve seen at 97 in the Speedometer 2.0 benchmark. Imagine – for $200 or more, you can score a quad-core i5-10210U, and you can configure up to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Yes, this very fast Chromebook can be even faster if you want to throw a little extra cash at it.
However, that investment may not be worth it unless you need tons of storage. You’ll have to open a ton of apps and tabs to get past the 8GB of RAM, and the quad-core Core i5 might be overkill for everyone but programmers and developers.
Speaking of which, you can run modern Android games on the Chromebook Flip C436. The Intel UHD graphics can keep up, and the ones I tried – like Asphalt 9 – were smooth and enjoyable. Switch to tablet mode and use the touchscreen, and although it’s a bit heavy, you can play games just like you would on an Android tablet.
Battery life
Battery life is a pretty big downside of this Chromebook. The Flip C436 can only withstand the inclusion of 42 watts of battery life – down from 48-watt hours in the C434. In addition, it runs very fast and thus burns the battery at an unfortunate rate.
Chromebooks generally have great battery life, but Asus falls behind. It only managed an hour and 44 minutes on our demanding Basemark web benchmark test, where other Chromebooks scored twice or more. For example, the Google Pixelbook Go ran for more than four hours.
The processor was pegged to full speed in our battery tests, with the fans working consistently.
In our web browsing test, the Chromebook Flip C436 again fell behind the pack at 7 hours 19 minutes. The Pixelbook Go ran for about 13.5 hours, and the Chromebook Flip C434 managed over 11.5 hours.
The reason for the mediocre battery life seems to be that the Core i3 was pegged to full speed in our tests, with the fans running fairly consistently.
Connectivity
The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 offers a good range of connectivity options, considering its slim profile. On the left side, you will find a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, and a microSD card reader. On the right side, there is another USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and a power button.
The inclusion of two USB Type-C ports is a welcome addition, providing versatility for charging, data transfer, and connecting external displays. Both Type-C ports support Power Delivery and DisplayPort, allowing users to charge the laptop and connect it to external monitors simultaneously.
Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0. The Wi-Fi 6 support ensures fast and reliable wireless performance, with improved speed and lower latency compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable and efficient wireless connections for peripherals and audio devices.
Software
The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 runs on Chrome OS, a lightweight and efficient operating system developed by Google. Chrome OS is designed to provide a fast, secure, and easy-to-use experience, with seamless integration with Google services and the Google Play Store.
One of the key advantages of Chrome OS is its simplicity. The operating system is designed to be intuitive, with a minimalistic interface and easy access to applications and settings. Users can quickly access their Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google services, making it an excellent choice for users who rely on these services for their daily tasks.
The Google Play Store provides access to a vast library of Android apps, allowing users to install and use their favorite mobile applications on the Chromebook. This expands the functionality of the Chromebook Flip C436, enabling users to run productivity apps, games, and other software that may not be available on traditional laptops.
Chrome OS also provides regular updates and security patches, ensuring that the system remains secure and up-to-date. The operating system is optimized for speed and efficiency, with fast boot times and smooth performance.
User Experience and Real-World Performance
In real-world use, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience. The combination of the Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and fast NVMe SSD ensures quick and responsive performance, even with multiple tabs and applications open.
Web browsing is fast and smooth, with pages loading quickly and no noticeable lag. Streaming video content from platforms like YouTube and Netflix is a breeze, with the Full HD display providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The 360-degree hinge allows users to switch to tablet mode for a more immersive viewing experience.
Productivity tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet management, and email are handled with ease. The backlit keyboard and responsive touchpad enhance the overall productivity experience, making it comfortable to work for extended periods.
The lightweight and portable design of the Chromebook Flip C436 makes it an excellent travel companion. Whether you’re working from a coffee shop, attending meetings, or traveling, the laptop’s portability and long battery life ensure that you can stay productive on the go.
Detailed Performance Analysis
To give you a more comprehensive understanding of the Asus Chromebook Flip C436, let’s dive deeper into its performance across various tasks and use cases.
Productivity Tasks
For productivity tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 excels. The combination of the Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM ensures that applications like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides run smoothly without any lag. Switching between multiple tabs and applications is seamless, thanks to the ample RAM and efficient Chrome OS optimizations.
Using cloud-based applications is a breeze, and the laptop’s integration with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) enhances productivity for users who rely on these tools for their work. The keyboard’s comfortable typing experience and backlighting make it easy to work in any lighting condition, further boosting productivity.
Web Browsing
The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is a web browsing powerhouse. With its powerful hardware and fast NVMe SSD, browsing the internet is quick and responsive. Websites load almost instantly, and scrolling through content is smooth. Even with multiple tabs open, the laptop maintains its performance, making it ideal for users who need to research or multitask online.
The high-resolution display provides crisp and clear visuals, enhancing the browsing experience. Text is sharp, and images are vibrant, making it enjoyable to read articles, watch videos, or view photos online.
Media Consumption
When it comes to media consumption, the Chromebook Flip C436 shines. The Full HD touchscreen display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making it perfect for watching movies and TV shows. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube run flawlessly, providing an immersive viewing experience.
The Harman Kardon-certified speakers deliver clear and loud audio, although audiophiles might still prefer using external speakers or headphones for a more dynamic sound experience. The 360-degree hinge allows users to switch to tent or tablet mode, making it convenient to watch content in various settings, whether it’s on a desk or in bed.
Gaming
While the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 isn’t designed as a gaming laptop, it can handle casual gaming quite well. Android games from the Google Play Store run smoothly, and the touchscreen interface enhances gameplay for many titles. Games like “Asphalt 9: Legends,” “PUBG Mobile,” and “Minecraft” perform adequately, providing a good gaming experience for casual gamers.
However, for more demanding and graphics-intensive games, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics may not be sufficient. Serious gamers might want to look elsewhere, but for casual gaming and Android apps, the Chromebook Flip C436 performs admirably.
Creative Tasks
For users involved in creative tasks like photo editing and light video editing, the Chromebook Flip C436 offers decent performance. Applications like Adobe Lightroom and other Android-based photo editing apps run smoothly, thanks to the powerful processor and ample RAM. The high-resolution display provides accurate color representation, which is crucial for photo editing.
Video editing on the Chromebook Flip C436 is possible with Android apps like KineMaster or using online tools, but it’s not ideal for heavy-duty editing tasks. The integrated graphics and mid-range processor might struggle with rendering large video files or complex edits. For light editing and quick adjustments, however, it’s more than capable.
Comparison with Competitors
To provide a well-rounded review, it’s essential to compare the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 with its competitors in the premium Chromebook market. Here are a few notable alternatives:
Google Pixelbook Go
The Google Pixelbook Go is another premium Chromebook that offers excellent build quality and performance. It features a magnesium-alloy body, a comfortable keyboard, and a vibrant display. However, the Pixelbook Go does not have a convertible design, which might be a drawback for users who want the flexibility of a 2-in-1 device. The Pixelbook Go also tends to be priced higher than the Chromebook Flip C436 for similar specifications.
HP Chromebook x360 14c
The HP Chromebook x360 14c is a direct competitor to the Asus Chromebook Flip C436, offering a similar convertible design and premium features. It comes with a sleek design, a Full HD display, and powerful performance. The Chromebook x360 14c is often priced competitively, making it a strong alternative. However, the Chromebook Flip C436’s lighter weight and slimmer profile give it an edge in portability.
Dell Inspiron Chromebook 14 2-in-1
The Dell Inspiron Chromebook 14 2-in-1 is another option in the premium Chromebook market. It offers a robust build quality, a Full HD touchscreen, and good performance. However, it is slightly bulkier and heavier than the Chromebook Flip C436, which might be a consideration for users prioritizing portability. The Dell Chromebook also comes with an integrated stylus, which could be a deciding factor for users who frequently use a pen for note-taking or drawing.
Conclusion
The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is an impressive device that sets a high standard for premium Chromebooks. Its sleek design, powerful performance, high-quality display, and versatile features make it a compelling choice for a wide range of users. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the Chromebook Flip C436 offers a top-tier experience that justifies its price.
Pros:
- Sleek and lightweight design: The magnesium-alloy chassis and slim profile make it highly portable and stylish.
- High-refresh-rate display: The 144Hz Full HD touchscreen provides smooth and vibrant visuals.
- Strong performance: The 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM ensure fast and responsive performance.
- Versatile connectivity options: Includes USB Type-C, USB Type-A, microSD card reader, and Wi-Fi 6.
- Excellent battery life: Up to 12 hours of usage on a single charge.
- Chrome OS ecosystem: Seamless integration with Google services, Android apps, and Linux support.
Cons:
- Reflective display: The glossy finish may cause reflections in brightly lit environments.
- Average gaming performance: Integrated graphics may struggle with more demanding games.
- Higher price: Positioned in the premium segment, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
In summary, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is a versatile and powerful Chromebook that excels in design, performance, and usability. It’s an excellent investment for users who need a reliable and high-performing laptop for work, study, and entertainment. The combination of premium build quality, long battery life, and the robust Chrome OS ecosystem makes the Chromebook Flip C436 a standout choice in the crowded Chromebook market.