$549 Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 has the same CPU as the HP Elite Dragonfly for half the cost (Update: now $479!)

For the second time I can recall since its July launch, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 with 12th gen Intel processor is discounted. This Chromebook has the same CPU as the HP Elite Dragonfly but is half the price at its $549 current sale price. This sale runs through Sunday, so you have all week to get the deal, found here.

Update: Although the $549 sale price is advertised good through Sunday, Best Buy is running a larger discount right now. The same links below point you to a $479 sale price.

I’m pointing out the price difference between the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 and the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook mainly for the budget conscious. There’s no doubt you’re getting a more premium device if you choose the HP.

It uses a lightweight magnesium alloy for the chassis, for instance. It also has a backlit keyboard and fingerprint sensor, which the CX5 lacks. And the HP model weighs 2.8 pounds, which is far lighter than the CX5’s 4.77 pounds. But if performance for the price is your primary decision factor, you’re getting the rough equivalent without spending more than $1,149, which is HP’s MSRP for the Elite Dragonfly.

The internals of both devices are nearly identical. And that’s a good thing based on my review of the HP Elite Dragonfly: Even with “just” a 12th gen Intel Core i3, ChromeOS flies. Both devices also include 8 GB of memory, and a 128 GB SSD for fast, local storage.

Here are the full Asus Chromebook CX5 specs for the rest of the hardware story. The main differentiator is the much larger, 16-inch display which isn’t powered by Intel Xe graphics but instead the less capable Intel UHD 630. That’s the same GPU in the base HP model.

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	Non-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	4.77 pounds
Software	Chrome OS automatic updates through June 2030

While the lack of a fingerprint sensor and backlit keyboard might be sticking points for some, the CX5 is a lot of Chromebook for the money. It’s not something I’d want to carry back and forth to work or school, given the size and weight. So it might be better used as a desktop replacement around the house. At least that’s how I’d probably use it. I don’t get out much these days anyway!

Keep in mind that while the keyboard isn’t backlit, you do get a full-sized numeric keypad. That’s rare on a Chromebook with 12th gen Intel processor right now.

Folks who want the best of the best are more likely to consider the premium look and feel of the HP. I can totally understand that. Others who have used a more entry-level device and are ready for something better though?

The $549 sale price is a chance to get high-end performance for the cost of a mid-range upgrade. With the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 you’ll easily be able to plow through web activities on a few dozen tabs and run Android apps without breaking a sweat. Who knows, you might even use all of that newfound performance to run Linux apps!

Updated on 10/7 at 11:40am EDT to reflect an additional $70 off.