The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 delivers a solid upgrade from its 2023 predecessor, boasting a faster processor and a responsive touchscreen display. While a few minor drawbacks exist, they barely impact the overall performance, making this Chromebook a compelling option.
A Refreshed Design with Internal Improvements
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 retains the sleek, modern aesthetic of its predecessor, featuring a stylish white chassis. While the build quality is acceptable for its price point, the lid exhibits some flex, suggesting potential wear and tear over time. Conversely, the keyboard deck feels robust, and the 180-degree hinge offers smooth, secure movement.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 design
Enhanced Performance with the Latest Intel Processor
Asus has upgraded the processor to an Intel Core i5-1335U, a significant improvement over the previous generation’s Intel Core i3-1215U. This upgrade translates to noticeably faster performance, especially in multitasking scenarios. Benchmark results further solidify this improvement, with a 26% increase in Jetstream 2 scores compared to the 2023 model.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Comfortable and Responsive
The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, though the absence of backlighting is a curious omission. The spacious touchpad, measuring approximately five inches wide, provides smooth and responsive navigation, supporting multi-touch gestures seamlessly.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 keyboard
Display, Webcam, and Speakers: Functional but Not Exceptional
The 1080p touchscreen display, a welcome addition from the previous model, is adequate for everyday tasks. However, the 16:9 aspect ratio might feel slightly cramped for some users. The 1080p webcam is suitable for video conferencing, while the speakers deliver average sound quality.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 webcam
Comprehensive Connectivity Options
The Chromebook Plus CX34 offers a generous selection of ports, including two USB Type-A, two USB Type-C with DisplayPort support, an HDMI output, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. This wide array of connectivity options provides flexibility for connecting various peripherals.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 ports
Battery Life: Respectable but Not Leading
In our battery test, the Chromebook Plus CX34 lasted a little over 13 hours with low brightness. Real-world usage with higher brightness will likely result in around seven to eight hours of battery life.
Performance Benchmarks: A Clear Improvement
- CrXPRT 2: 170
- Speedometer: 344
- Basemark Web 3.0: 1,320
- Kraken: 397.4ms
- Jetstream 2: 316.606
Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Upgrade
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 presents a compelling upgrade with its enhanced processor, touchscreen display, and comprehensive connectivity. Despite minor shortcomings like the lack of keyboard backlighting and a standard aspect ratio, it remains a solid Chromebook choice for users seeking a balance of performance, features, and value.
