ASUS X551MA: At First Glance
The ASUS X551MA enters the crowded netbook market, as an upgrade to its preceding model (Asus X553SA). The ASUS X551MA offers basic features at such an affordable price.
The Asus X551MA is a budget laptop that may be used for basic document creation and casual Web browsing. With a price of $381.98 (as of July 2021 when we published this review), the X551MA is good for users looking to buy a basic laptop for basic computing tasks.
However, in order to keep the price as low as possible, ASUS omitted some of the good components in favor of some really basic options.
ASUS X551MA: Design, Dimension & Weight
At a low price, you wouldn’t expect the Asus X551MA to excel in terms of design. However, the Taiwanese manufacturer (ASUS) never ceases to amaze us with the devotion with which it manufactures its products.
The Asus X551MA features a beautiful design, with a black thick chassis built entirely of plastic. Despite the fact that its design does not give it a great premium look, the materials used give it a quality look.
The 101-key US non-backlit keyboard is the first thing you’ll notice when you open the laptop. In addition, the keyboard is very comfortable when typing, it is also quiet and easy to maintain.
A built-in multitouch trackpad is located just below the keyboard and supports various scrolling, zooming, and launching functions.
The ASUS X551MA sports a 15.6-inch LED LCD display panel with a maximum 1366 x 768-pixel resolution. Users can enjoy a clear view and natural images thanks to the display.
The display also has a brightness rating of 203.3 cd/m2, which isn’t especially spectacular but corresponds with the laptop’s pricing point. Moreover, with this display’s brightness rating, images and content on the display screen should be really visible to users.
However, the display is of the Glare type, which may only be used indoors. If you wish to use the laptop outside, you won’t be able to see clearly due to the display’s relative surface.
Moving on, a modest 1-megapixel webcam is embedded at the top of the display screen. Despite the fact that the webcam is only 1-megapixel, it is adequate for skyping and video calls.
Surprisingly, the laptop is equipped with Sonic Master speakers. The speakers have a good listening experience for watching movies or playing music than most speakers found on comparably priced laptops.
In terms of ports, the ASUS X551MA comes with a decent amount of ports for a laptop at its price range. On the left side of the laptop, you will find the power connector (charging port), an Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and audio combo ports.
On the right side of the laptop, you will find a DVD drive as well as a Kensington lock slot. Unfortunately, the laptop lacks a Thunderbolt port.
For connectivity, the laptop features an optional Bluetooth 4.0 as well as an integrated 802.11a/b/g/n/ac or 802.11 b/g/n for wireless LAN connection.
The ASUS X551MA comes with the most extensive warranty in the industry: a one-year accidental damage warranty, a one-year international warranty, and a thirty-day Zero Bright Dot Guarantee. This means that ASUS will replace your LCD display if it develops broken pixels within the first thirty days of purchase.
Measuring 381 x 251.4 x 30.4 mm and weighing 2131.8 g, the ASUS X551MA is small enough to fit into a backpack.
In comparison, the ASUS X551MA weighs significantly more than the Dell Inspiron i3531. The Dell Inspiron i3531 measures 376 x 259 x 25.3 mm and weighs 2100 g.
Finally, despite its low price, the ASUS X551MA’s build quality and design are pretty impressive. As a result, I’m rating it an eight out of ten for its outstanding build quality.
ASUS X551MA: Processor (CPU) Performance
The Asus X551MA comes with a two-core Intel Celeron N2815 processor. Celeron processors are one of the most popular processors, especially on low-cost laptops.
Furthermore, the Intel Celeron N2815 processor belongs to Intel’s Bay Trail processor series. According to Intel, processors in this series “provide end-users with powerful graphics performance, built-in security and OS flexibility”.
Additionally, processors in Intel’s Bay Trail processor series are generally found in low-cost tablets and small-screen 2-in-1 notebooks like the ASUS X551MA. These processors are also generally low-cost.
This is probably one of the reasons ASUS was able to deliver this notebook at such an affordable price.
Back to the processor specs, it has a 2 MB cache and operates at a 2.17 GHz base frequency and 2.42 MHz maximum frequency.
The Intel Celeron N2815 Dual-Core Processor is one of the cheapest processors in its class. However, it is fast enough for regular computing tasks such as web browsing, viewing HD movies, and document editing.
Unfortunately, this processor lacks Hyper-threading technology. Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is a hardware advancement that permits several threads (computing tasks) to run on each CPU core.
With Hyper-threading technology, a laptop should be able to process more information in less time and run more background tasks without disruption.
Once again, it is so sad that the ASUS X551MA processor doesn’t feature Hyper-threading technology. However, it is not surprising because it is a low-cost notebook.
To determine the ASUS X551MA’s processor performance, I conducted a Cinebench R15 synthetic benchmark test.
The ASUS X551MA scored 37 points in a single-core Cinebench R15 processor test. In the multi-core test Cinebench R15 processor test, the laptop scored 66 points.
Comparatively, the Lenovo IdeaPad G50-45 outperformed the ASUS X551MA. In the single-core test, the Lenovo IdeaPad G50-45 scored 47 points, while in the multi-core test, it scored 159 points.
As a result of its low processing capabilities and performance against the competition, I’m rating the ASUS X551MA a seven in this review.
ASUS X551MA: Memory (RAM)
The ASUS X551MA comes with either a 1333 or 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM. It comes with a single RAM slot which can take a maximum capacity of 4GB.
Because of its low purchase price, it’s easy to assume that the memory performance will be inadequate, but it’s actually rather good for the price. With 4GB of DDR3 RAM, the ASUS X551MA is capable of light multitasking.
When it comes to RAM performance, the ASUS X551MA isn’t extremely slow, but it’s also not exceptionally fast. As mention earlier, the laptop is capable of light multitasking – with ten Firefox browser tabs open, this laptop performed excellently.
However, when I opened more applications, the laptop began to slow down. Its performance dropped even further when I started navigating between web pages and running programs.
To further determine the performance of the laptop’s RAM, I conducted a PCMark 8 benchmark test.
In the test, the ASUS X551MA scored 1214 points, which is lower than the 1484 points scored by the Acer Aspire E1-532. On the bright side, the ASUS X551MA outperformed the HP Compaq 15, which had a score of 1484 points.
In conclusion, for a low-cost laptop, this laptop’s overall productivity was decent. As a result, in this review, I’ll rate it a seven out of ten in this memory review.
ASUS X551MA: Storage Options & Performance
The ASUS X551MA features a 5400 RPM hard disk drive (HDD) with a maximum storage capacity of 500 GB. A 2 -in-1 card reader is also included in the laptop for additional storage.
In addition, the drive is split into two partitions: an operating system partition (186 GB) and a data partition (258 GB) – this is normal for ASUS laptops. In general, the hard drive provides excellent, up-to-date transfer rates.
It’s worth noting that the notebook comes with the Windows 8.1 operating system preinstalled. However, you may be able to install Windows 10 but you may need to purchase a different license.
Moving on, the 500GB hard drive provides plenty of room for movies and music, but it is slower than an SSD. To determine the laptop’s HDD transfer speed, I performed a CrystalDiskMark test.
According to the CrystalDiskMark test, the ASUS X551MA has a sequential read speed of 109.7 MB/s and a sequential write speed of 108.9 MB/s
When compared to the HP Compaq 15, the ASUS X551MA performed excellently. The HP Compaq 15 had a sequential read speed of 103.7 MB/s and a sequential write speed of 96.86 MB/s in the same test.
Overall, the ASUS X551MA provided adequate file storage for its low price, and its storage speed was adequate in comparison to its competitors.
As a result, I will rate the laptop a seven in this review for storage options and performance.
ASUS X551MA: Graphic Card Performance
The ASUS X551MA has an integrated Intel HD Graphics card. This graphics card has a base GPU frequency of 313 MHz and a maximum GPU frequency of 854 MHz.
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated VRAM on the graphics cards. This means that the graphics card and the CPU share the internal 4 GB memory.
The implication of the graphics card sharing the internal memory is that the GPU cannot handle graphics-intensive applications. So, if you need a laptop for graphic design or high-end gaming, this laptop may not be the best option for you.
However, users who wish to play games on the ASUS X551MA should stick to those available through the Windows Store. They were designed for Modern UI interfaces and should operate nicely on a laptop in most cases.
To determine how well the graphics card performs, I conducted a 3DMark 11 test. In the test, the laptop’s Intel HD graphics card scored 227 points.
Comparatively, the Acer Aspire E1-532 outperformed the ASUS X551MA. In the same test, the Intel HD graphics card in the Acer Aspire E1-532 scored 480 points.
I ran a gaming test on the laptop to see how well it handled graphics. Despite playing outdated games like Tomb Raider and FIFA 15, the laptop did not attain smooth frame rates throughout the gaming test.
For example, when playing Tomb Raider in low graphical settings, the laptop only managed 14.3 fps. In addition, the laptop also managed to achieve 7.4 fps in medium graphics setting and 4.9 fps in high graphics setting while playing Tomb Raider.
Comparatively, the ASUS X551MA was outperformed by the Acer Aspire E1-532. While playing Tomb Raider on low graphical settings, the Acer Aspire E1-532 was able to achieve 30.3 fps.
In addition, the Acer Aspire E1-532 was also able to achieve 14.3 fps in medium graphical settings and 10 fps in high graphical settings. With this result, it’s clear that the ASUS X551MA isn’t a suitable laptop for gaming or other graphics-intensive applications.
Finally, in this graphics card review, I will rate the ASUS X551MA a six.
ASUS X551MA: Battery Life & Performance
The ASUS X551MA comes with a 3000 mAh 3-Cell 33 Whrs battery. The laptop’s battery should last roughly 5 hours, according to ASUS.
However, a laptop’s battery life is mostly determined by how it is used. If you use the laptop for less intensive tasks, you may find that the battery lasts close to the stated 5 hours.
Moreover, the ASUS X551MA’s CPU does not consume a lot of power, therefore the laptop’s battery should be quite okay. The Idle power consumption of the laptop is less than 10 watts.
To verify ASUS’ assertion about the laptop battery, I conducted a real-life battery test.
The test entails adjusting the screen brightness to around 150 cd/m2 and surfing the internet over a WIFI connection. In the battery test, the ASUS X551MA lasted 4 hours and 4 minutes.
In comparison, the Acer Aspire E1-532 outperformed the ASUS X551MA. The Acer Aspire E1-532 lasted for about 4 hours and 30 minutes in the same battery test.
Finally, in this battery performance review, I will rate the ASUS X551MA a seven for its average battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is. The ASUS X551MA has a 1-megapixel webcam that is more than adequate for video calls.
At the time this article was published (July 2021), the ASUS X551MA has a starting price of $381.98.
Yes, it is a respected and well-known laptop brand. ASUS produces excellent laptops in a variety of categories, from low-cost Chromebooks to high-end gaming laptops.
No, it’s not. The Intel HD graphics card in the Asus X551MA isn’t powerful enough to play most games. It can, however, play some casual games like Candy Crush and others in its category.
ASUS is named after Pegasus, a winged horse from Greek mythology that embodies intelligence and understanding. ASUS symbolizes this wonderful creature’s strength, purity, and adventurous attitude, and each new product it makes soars to new heights.
Yes, absolutely. Over three decades of global business and computing finesse, ASUS has earned a reputation as a great brand that produces reliable products and provides excellent customer service.
ASUS is a better option than Acer. The only area where Acer outperforms ASUS is in terms of price; everything else, including customer support, design, and performance, favors ASUS. Plus, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop, ASUS has a plethora of possibilities.
While both ASUS and Acer provide attractive rates on their laptops, and while both firms have better-priced options than the other at various performance levels, I believe Acer slightly outperforms ASUS in terms of price-to-performance.
In terms of price, ASUS laptops are less priced than HP laptops in general. For less money, you may acquire ASUS laptops with the same or better specifications than HP laptops. When it comes to performance and longevity, though, HP frequently outperforms the competition.
It depends on who you ask. China will argue that Taiwan is part of its territory. However, Taiwan believes they are autonomous. ASUS is a multinational computer hardware manufacturer based in Taiwan. It was founded in 1989.
Conclusion
The ASUS X551MA is a modest 15.6-inch office laptop with a Windows operating system that costs $381.98 (as of July 2021). It’s adequate for basic functions like browsing, Skyping, and video playback.
The laptop uses extremely little power and runs quietly most time. The 15-inch ASUS X551MA offers a lot for a lot less than most competitors, making it ideal for students and home/office users on a budget.
We didn’t expect high-end processors and blazing HD graphics from a laptop with such a low price. However, the dual-core Intel Celeron processor is enough for home office computing.
The ASUS X551MA offers a modern look with great speakers and a webcam, as well as a battery life of over 4 hours. As a result, if you’re looking for a low-cost desktop replacement laptop, the ASUS X551MA is worth considering.
I hope you found this ASUS X551MA review helpful. If you found the review helpful, we would love to hear from you.
Kindly spare two minutes to share your thoughts with our community using the comments form found at the end of this page.
Alternatively, simply respond to the “Was this page helpful” question below and provide us with your feedback.
Finally, for more laptop reviews, visit our Laptop Reviews page. You may also find our Laptop Specs page very helpful.”
