ASUS Chromebook Plus 15 CX1505 Review UK 2024

The ASUS Chromebook Plus 15 CX1505 arrives in a crowded budget laptop market with promises of all-day productivity and ChromeOS simplicity. After weeks of testing this 15-inch Chromebook as my daily driver, I’ve learned exactly where it excels and where it disappoints. If you’re considering ditching Windows for Google’s ecosystem or need an affordable secondary machine, this review will tell you everything you need to know.

The 8GB of RAM is non-upgradeable but sufficient for typical Chromebook workloads. I regularly had 20+ Chrome tabs open alongside Google Docs and Spotify without noticeable slowdowns. The 256GB eMMC storage is where things get interesting. eMMC is significantly slower than proper SSD storage, but for a Chromebook that stores most files in the cloud, it’s rarely the bottleneck. Still, if you’re planning to store large files locally, you’ll feel the difference.

If you’re coming from a Windows laptop like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, the ChromeOS learning curve is minimal. Everything happens in the browser, which is both liberating and limiting depending on your workflow.

Colour accuracy sits at around 62% sRGB coverage, which is typical for budget Chromebooks but disappointing compared to premium laptops like the MacBook Air M4. Photos look slightly washed out, and video content lacks the punch you’d get from better panels. For Google Docs, spreadsheets, and web browsing, it’s perfectly adequate. For photo editing or colour-critical work, look elsewhere.

The bezels are chunky by 2024 standards, giving the laptop a dated appearance. ASUS has at least managed to squeeze a webcam into the top bezel without resorting to a nosecam placement, which is appreciated. Viewing angles are acceptable for an IPS panel, with minimal colour shift when viewed from the side.

I ran Speedometer 2.0 browser benchmarks and scored 142 runs per minute, which puts this squarely in the middle of the Chromebook pack. For context, that’s about 60% of what you’d get from a proper Intel Core i5, but in real-world use, you’d struggle to notice the difference when working in Google Workspace.

The eMMC storage is the weakest link. Sequential read speeds topped out at 285MB/s, which is roughly five times slower than a budget SATA SSD. You’ll notice this when copying large files or installing Android apps from the Play Store. For cloud-based workflows, it’s rarely an issue.

Gaming is obviously not this laptop’s forte. Android games from the Play Store run acceptably, though graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact are a stuttery mess even at low settings. Casual games like Alto’s Odyssey and Monument Valley work perfectly fine. If gaming is a priority, you need a proper Windows machine like the HP Ryzen 3 laptop.

Thermal management is excellent. The laptop gets warm around the keyboard area during extended use, but never uncomfortably hot. Fan noise is minimal, usually inaudible during light tasks and only becoming noticeable during intensive operations like video calls with multiple participants.

For pure video playback at 50% brightness, I managed 13 hours before the low battery warning appeared. That’s a full day of lectures for students or multiple transatlantic flights for travellers. Web browsing at 75% brightness with a dozen tabs open lasted just over 11 hours.

The included 45W USB-C charger is reasonably compact and supports fast charging. You’ll get to 60% in about 45 minutes, which is genuinely useful when you’ve forgotten to charge overnight. A full charge from empty takes around 2 hours.

Compared to Windows laptops at this price point, the battery advantage is substantial. A similarly priced Windows machine would struggle to deliver 6-7 hours of real-world use. This is ChromeOS’s killer feature for mobile workers.

The hinge is actually one of the better aspects of the build. It’s firm enough to prevent wobbling but smooth enough to open without excessive force. You’ll need two hands to open the lid, which is typical for budget laptops. The hinge allows the screen to recline to about 150 degrees, which is adequate for most use cases.

Port selection is decent: two USB-C ports (one on each side), two USB-A 3.2 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The USB-C ports support charging and DisplayPort output, which is handy for connecting external monitors. I would have appreciated a full-size SD card reader, but that’s a minor quibble.

ChromeOS-specific function keys replace the traditional F-row, offering shortcuts for brightness, volume, window management, and more. These are genuinely useful once you learn them. The lack of keyboard backlighting is disappointing but understandable at this price point. If you frequently work in dim environments, this will frustrate you.

The trackpad is adequate but uninspiring. At 105mm wide, it’s smaller than I’d like on a 15-inch laptop. The plastic surface works fine but lacks the premium glide of glass trackpads. ChromeOS gestures (two-finger scroll, three-finger swipe, pinch-to-zoom) work reliably, though the plastic surface can feel slightly sticky after extended use.

Palm rejection works well, and I rarely experienced accidental cursor movements while typing. The click mechanism has a slightly hollow sound but provides adequate feedback. It’s a perfectly functional trackpad that won’t wow you but won’t frustrate you either.

Low light performance is less impressive. The image becomes noticeably grainy and soft in dim environments, though it’s still usable. The physical privacy shutter is a thoughtful inclusion that slides smoothly over the lens when you want guaranteed privacy.

The dual microphones do a reasonable job of capturing voice while reducing background noise. ChromeOS includes noise cancellation features that work surprisingly well, though they can occasionally make your voice sound slightly processed.

Music playback is serviceable but unimpressive. The midrange is reasonably clear, but the complete absence of bass makes everything sound hollow. Highs can become slightly harsh at higher volumes. These are functional speakers for YouTube videos and Google Meet calls, nothing more.

The 3.5mm headphone jack provides clean audio output with no noticeable hiss or interference. I’d recommend investing in decent headphones if you plan to consume much media on this laptop.

The elephant in the room is software compatibility. ChromeOS runs web apps, Android apps from the Play Store, and increasingly, Linux applications. For many users, this covers 90% of their needs. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides work brilliantly. Microsoft 365 web apps are functional, though you’ll need a subscription and an internet connection.

Where ChromeOS falls short is professional software. There’s no Adobe Creative Suite, no proper video editing software, no CAD applications. If your workflow depends on Windows or Mac-specific software, a Chromebook is a non-starter. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook2 360 faces the same limitations despite its premium hardware.

Android app support is hit-or-miss. Some apps work perfectly, others are clearly designed for touchscreens and feel awkward with a trackpad. Gaming through Android is possible but limited to casual titles.

The ASUS Chromebook Plus designation means this model meets Google’s enhanced specifications for Chromebooks, including the Intel Core 3 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and 1080p webcam. These machines also get additional Google AI features as they roll out.

For those considering a premium Chromebook experience, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 offers superior build quality and display, though at more than double the price. The question is whether ChromeOS limitations justify that investment.

According to ASUS official specifications, this model is designed specifically for students and mobile workers who prioritise battery life and portability over raw performance. Independent testing from Notebookcheck confirms the excellent battery endurance in real-world scenarios.