Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE review: A bit weird, but still great

After a few years of modest Chromebook updates, Google is reviving the ChromeOS platform with a new generation that leans on Google’s AI. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE stands out as a potential leader in this field, as it boasts both a powerful processor and a 120Hz display that’s perfect for cloud gaming. There’s just one problem: it’s not better than its predecessor. 

Looking for more options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best Chromebooks available right now.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Specs and features

The new Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is very similar to the older Acer Chromebook 516 GE. It updates to Intel’s Core 5 120U, but this is arguably a downgrade, as the new processor has two fewer cores than the Intel Core i5-1240P that was found in the prior model. However, the Core 5 120U bumps up the Turbo Boost clock speed from 4.4 to 5 GHz. 

• CPU: Intel Core 5 120U
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR4x 
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Integrated
• Display: 16-inch 2,560 x 1,600 120Hz LED, 350 nits
• Storage: 256GB 
• Webcam: 1080p
• Connectivity: 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and 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 .84 inches
• Weight: 3.81 pounds
• MSRP: $699.99 (typically $649.99 on sale)

The specifications are otherwise similar to the previous 516 GE, but capable for a Chromebook. 8GB of memory should be plenty for Chrome and 256GB of local storage feels roomy when the largest locally installed apps are just a few hundred megabytes. The 120Hz display is excellent, too, and gives the laptop an edge if you’d plan to play games on a cloud gaming service that supports high refresh rates like Nvidia’s GeForce Now.

Acer says upgraded models will be available with up to an Intel Core 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage. Pricing remains to be announced, however, and these models weren’t available online at the time of this review.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Design and build quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

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    </div></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG / Matthew Smith</p></div>

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE might be running Chrome OS but it’s definitely not a thin and light system. In fact, it feels rather old school with a thick profile that measures up to 0.84 inches and a large 16-inch display. It’s fairly light at 3.81 pounds, however.

None of this is necessarily bad, but it defines the laptop’s character. This isn’t an ultra-portable system that you pick up to throw in a small bag for quick journeys, but instead a straight-up alternative to full-sized Windows laptops.

There are perks to this design. The 516 GE looks and feels solid, and though it isn’t going to turn heads at your local coffee shop, the display lid has a handsome two-tone look. It’s a rigid laptop, as well, with surprisingly little flex in the display lid and lower chassis even when handled roughly.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

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    </div></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG / Matthew Smith</p></div>

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE has a comfortable and spacious keyboard that lacks a numpad. There’s enough space to add a numpad, but ditching it keeps the keyboard aligned with the center of the laptop and above the touchpad. It also provides space on each side of the keyboard for upward-firing speakers. I think ditching the numpad was the right choice (though at least one Google Sheets aficionado is shaking their fist at this paragraph, I’m sure).

I found the 516 GE’s keyboard enjoyable, which surprised me, as I wasn’t a fan of the keyboard on the previous model. It looks identical to its predecessor, so I’m not sure if Acer made a change or if I’m simply in a more charitable mood. But compared to what I wrote about the prior model, this keyboard has a better tactile feel and more audible feedback. It’s not amazing, but I did find it pleasing to use for hours at a stretch.

The touchpad, on the other hand, is still mediocre. It measures about 5 inches wide and 3 inches deep and provides enough room to use Chrome OS multitouch gestures. However, it’s not a large touchpad for a modern 16-inch laptop, and I found it a tad too responsive at its default sensitivity. 

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

            <div class="lightbox-image-container foundry-lightbox"><div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large enlarged-image"><img decoding="async" data-wp-bind--src="selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc" data-wp-style--object-fit="selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit" src="" alt="Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE" class="wp-image-2348681" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy" /></figure><p class="imageCredit">IDG / Matthew Smith</p></div>