Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
· How we review
Finding a decent laptop for under £200 feels increasingly impossible these days, especially when you want something with a proper 15-inch screen. The ASUS Chromebook 15 CX1505CTA pitches itself as the answer, combining a Full HD display with Chrome OS and that crucial sub-£200 price point at £191.37.
I've spent considerable time researching this machine, diving into the specs and studying Amazon customer feedback patterns. The question isn't whether this Chromebook can compete with £500 Windows laptops — it can't. The real question is whether it delivers enough functionality for basic computing tasks without feeling painfully slow or cheap.
Chrome OS remains the secret weapon here. Whilst Windows 11 would crawl on 4GB RAM, Chrome OS feels snappy enough for everyday browsing, Google Workspace, and streaming. The system boots in under 10 seconds, and I found through customer reviews that it handles multiple browser tabs reasonably well — up to a point.
The integration with Google's ecosystem works seamlessly. Sign in once and you're immediately connected to Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Sheets. For Microsoft 365 users, the web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint function adequately through the browser, though you'll miss some advanced features.
The Full HD screen is this Chromebook's strongest selling point. At 1920x1080, text appears crisp and web pages don't feel cramped. Customer feedback consistently highlights the screen size as a major advantage over smaller, cheaper Chromebooks. It's not the brightest display — outdoor use requires finding shade — but for indoor work, it's perfectly usable.
The larger form factor also means a full-sized keyboard with a proper number pad. Touch typists will appreciate the key spacing, though the keys themselves feel slightly hollow under pressure.
The Intel Celeron N50 processor and 4GB RAM combination sets realistic expectations. This isn't a machine for video editing or running demanding applications. What it does well is handle basic productivity tasks, video streaming, and light multitasking.
The 64GB eMMC storage feels tight by modern standards. After the operating system and pre-installed apps, you're left with roughly 40GB of usable space. Google Drive integration helps, but if you're planning to store large files locally, this becomes limiting quickly.
Battery life sits around 8-10 hours for typical web browsing, based on user reports. That's respectable for the price point and makes this genuinely portable for a full day's work.
The plastic construction feels adequate rather than premium. There's some flex in the lid and keyboard deck, but nothing that screams 'fragile'. The hinges seem robust enough for daily opening and closing, though I wouldn't expect them to last as long as those on more expensive machines.
Port selection covers the basics: USB-C, USB-A, microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. The lack of HDMI feels like a missed opportunity, especially on a machine this size where space shouldn't be at such a premium.
The ASUS Chromebook 15 CX1505CTA succeeds as an affordable large-screen laptop for basic computing needs. If your work revolves around web browsing, Google Workspace, and streaming, it delivers solid value. Skip it if you need Windows software, substantial local storage, or premium build quality.
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