The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE aims to lead a new generation of ChromeOS devices focused on Google’s AI capabilities. With a powerful processor and a 120Hz display ideal for cloud gaming, it holds considerable promise. However, there’s a catch: it doesn’t outperform its predecessor.
Specifications and Features: Familiar Territory
The new Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE shares many similarities with its predecessor. While it features Intel’s Core 5 120U processor, this arguably represents a downgrade, trading two cores from the previous Intel Core i5-1240P for a higher Turbo Boost clock speed of 5 GHz (up from 4.4 GHz).
- CPU: Intel Core 5 120U
- Memory: 8GB LPDDR4x
- Graphics/GPU: Intel Integrated
- Display: 16-inch 2560 x 1600 120Hz LED, 350 nits
- Storage: 256GB
- Webcam: 1080p
- Connectivity: 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
- Biometrics: None
- Battery Capacity: 65 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 14.0 x 9.8 x 0.84 inches
- Weight: 3.81 pounds
- MSRP: $699.99 (often on sale for $649.99)
Otherwise, the specifications are comparable to the previous 516 GE and generally suitable for a Chromebook. The 8GB of memory is ample for Chrome OS, and the 256GB of storage feels generous. The 120Hz display is a highlight, offering a smooth experience, particularly for cloud gaming services supporting high refresh rates like Nvidia GeForce Now.
Acer also plans models with up to an Intel Core 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage, but pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.
Design and Build: Solid and Practical
alt text: The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE exhibits a robust, practical design.
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE, despite running Chrome OS, is not a thin-and-light device. Its 0.84-inch profile and 16-inch display give it a more traditional laptop feel. While not ultra-portable, its 3.81-pound weight makes it reasonably manageable.
This design approach has its advantages. The 516 GE feels robust and well-built, with minimal flex in the display and chassis. While not visually striking, the two-tone lid offers a subtle, professional aesthetic.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Comfortable Typing, Average Trackpad
alt text: The keyboard of the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is comfortable and well-spaced.
The 516 GE features a comfortable, spacious keyboard without a numpad. This omission keeps the keyboard centered and allows for upward-firing speakers on either side. The typing experience is surprisingly pleasant, with decent tactile feedback and key travel.
The trackpad, however, remains a weak point. While functional and supporting Chrome OS multitouch gestures, its size feels somewhat small for a 16-inch laptop, and its responsiveness could be improved.
Display and Audio: Vibrant Visuals, Lackluster Contrast
alt text: The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE has a large 16-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The 16-inch, 2560×1600 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature. The resolution provides sharp visuals, and the matte finish enhances visibility. The high refresh rate delivers smooth motion, especially noticeable in gaming and scrolling.
Color accuracy is generally good, but contrast is limited, particularly when compared to OLED displays. This is most apparent in darker scenes in movies and games.
The upward-firing speakers deliver decent sound at lower volumes, but higher volumes can introduce distortion. They are adequate for casual listening, but headphones or external speakers are recommended for a better audio experience.
Webcam, Microphone, and Biometrics: Disappointing Peripherals
The 1080p webcam, while promising on paper, produces grainy and soft images. It’s acceptable for video calls but falls short of expectations. The microphone also struggles with background noise, even picking up keyboard typing sounds.
Biometric login options, such as a fingerprint reader or facial recognition, are absent, which is not surprising for this price range.
Connectivity: A Comprehensive Selection
alt text: The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE offers a wide range of ports for connectivity.
The 516 GE offers a robust selection of ports, including two USB-C ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, a USB-A port, HDMI, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. This allows for connecting multiple peripherals simultaneously without adapters.
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. While Wi-Fi 7 would be preferable, Wi-Fi 6E is sufficient for most tasks, including cloud gaming.
Performance: A Step Backwards?
The Core 5 120U, with two fewer cores than its predecessor, delivers slightly lower performance in several benchmarks. While this is unlikely to significantly impact everyday web browsing, it’s a notable drawback considering the “Plus” branding. The lack of an NPU doesn’t seem to hinder AI features, however.
Cloud gaming performance is excellent, with the 516 GE easily handling streaming video. The primary performance limitation will be internet connection speed, not the laptop’s hardware.
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
The 65 watt-hour battery provides respectable battery life, lasting over 13 hours in the CrXPRT 2 benchmark. While slightly less than the previous model, it’s still more than sufficient for a full workday or a long flight. Real-world battery life, while slightly lower, still easily exceeds 10 hours for typical use.
Chromebook Plus… Now with AI!
The Chromebook Plus 516 GE includes Google’s new AI features, such as Google Gemini (availability may vary), AI enhancements for video calls and photo editing, and AI-generated wallpapers. While not all are groundbreaking, the inclusion of 12 months of Google One AI Premium (with Gemini Advanced and 2TB of storage) adds significant value.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice, but Not a Must-Have Upgrade
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a good option for those seeking a large-screen Chromebook with decent performance and ample storage. While the price is somewhat high for a Chromebook, the included Google One subscription sweetens the deal. It’s also a great platform for cloud gaming thanks to its 120Hz display.
However, the processor downgrade compared to the previous model makes it a less compelling upgrade. While still a solid Chromebook, the “Plus” moniker feels somewhat unearned.
