Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE represents the pinnacle of gaming-focused Chromebook design, combining a stunning 16-inch 2560x1600 120Hz display with hardware specifically tuned for cloud gaming. Powered by Intel’s Core 5 120U processor and equipped with an RGB gaming keyboard featuring anti-ghosting technology, this Chromebook Plus certified device delivers smooth gameplay through services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming. The inclusion of 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet alongside WiFi 6E ensures lag-free streaming, while Google’s Gemini AI integration brings powerful productivity features. At $649, it sits at the premium end of the Chromebook market but offers compelling value for gamers who want to play anywhere without lugging a heavy gaming laptop.
Pros and Cons of the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning 16-inch 2560x1600 120Hz display | Mushy keyboard with weak backlighting |
| Excellent cloud gaming performance via GeForce NOW | Audio quality disappointing despite DTS claims |
| RGB gaming keyboard with anti-ghosting | Pricey at $649 for a Chromebook |
| 2.5G Ethernet and WiFi 6E for lag-free gaming | Limited local gaming performance |
| Great battery life for general use (9-10 hours) | Fingerprint-prone black finish |
| Sleek, eye-catching design with premium feel | Only iterative upgrade from 2022 model |
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Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE Comparison Chart
 Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE | |
| Price | List Price: $649 Amazon Prices: Best Buy: Loading price... |
| Model number | CBG516-2H-59S4 |
| Perfomance Rating | 9.7 |
| Chromebook Plus | Yes |
| Processor | Deca-core 1.40 Ghz (max 5.00 Ghz) Intel Core 5 120U |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB NVMe SSD |
| Screen Size | 16" |
| Screen Resolution | 2560x1600 |
| Screen Type | IPS |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 14.04 x 9.83 x 0.84 inches (356.62 x 249.68 x 21.34 mm) |
| Weight | 3.81 lbs (1.73 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes |
| Webcam | 1080p 60fps |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Cellular Modem | No |
| HDMI | 2.1 |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Battery | 4 cell, 65Wh, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 10 hours |
| Fanless | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | Unknown |
Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE makes a strong first impression with its sleek obsidian black aluminum chassis and gaming-inspired aesthetics. At 14.04 x 9.83 x 0.84 inches and 3.81 pounds, it strikes a reasonable balance between portability and screen real estate, though the dark finish is prone to fingerprints and smudges. The build quality feels premium throughout, with Acer achieving MIL-STD 810G/H certification for military-grade durability while incorporating recycled materials in line with their Earthion sustainability initiative.
The 16-inch display is the star of the show, delivering a crisp 2560x1600 resolution with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate that makes everything from scrolling web pages to cloud gaming feel incredibly fluid. The 350-nit brightness and 100% sRGB coverage ensure vibrant colors and decent outdoor visibility, while the 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for productivity work. With a 9ms response time and 86.5% screen-to-body ratio, the display specifications rival many gaming laptops costing twice as much. The TwinAir cooling system with dual heat pipes keeps the system running cool during extended gaming sessions, though the fans can become audible under heavy load.
Connectivity options are generous and gaming-focused. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port is a standout feature rarely seen on Chromebooks, providing wired connection speeds that eliminate latency concerns for competitive cloud gaming. WiFi 6E with Intel AX211 delivers excellent wireless performance across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, while Bluetooth 5.2 handles wireless peripherals reliably. The port selection includes two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports with DisplayPort and power delivery, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, HDMI 2.1 for high-refresh-rate external displays, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack.
Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
Chrome Unboxed
Chrome Unboxed’s comprehensive comparison examines both the 2024 and 2022 models side by side. The reviewer notes that the 2024 refresh is “about as iterative of an update as you can get,” maintaining the same excellent display, port selection, and trackpad while upgrading to the Intel Core 5 120U processor. The new model features an all-black finish and brighter RGB keyboard backlight, though the black color tends to show fingerprints more readily than the original titanium gray. “If the original is still available and it’s wildly on sale at clearance, that is the one you need to buy. You’re going to be happier with your purchase,” the reviewer honestly concludes, praising both generations but suggesting budget-conscious buyers consider the older model if discounted.
XDA Developers
According to Sherri L. Smith’s XDA Developers review, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE earns a 9/10 rating and the title “The king of gaming Chromebooks.” The review praises the sleek design, powerful performance, and compelling AI features through Google Gemini Advanced. “I’d like to see a Windows PC version of this laptop. But as it stands, the Chromebook 516 GE is a strong contender for best Chromebooks,” Smith writes. The review notes battery life of 9-10 hours for general use, dropping to around 2 hours during intensive gaming. Criticisms center on the “mushy keyboard with weak backlighting” and the reality that local gaming performance remains limited compared to Windows laptops.
Android Authority
Andrew Grush’s Android Authority review awards the device 9/10 and Editor’s Choice status. “While gaming and Chrome OS might seem like odd bedfellows, the combo works better than you might think,” Grush explains. The review highlights successful testing with cloud gaming services, mobile games, and the beta Steam for ChromeOS support. Benchmark testing showed Geekbench 6 scores of 1,961 single-core and 7,211 multi-core, competitive for a Chromebook. The reviewer emphasizes this shouldn’t be purchased exclusively for gaming but excels as “a great everyday machine for basic productivity and business needs” with gaming as a compelling bonus.
TechRadar
TechRadar’s review by Allisa James rates the device 4.5/5 stars, calling it “a solid refresh with strong gaming performance and AI tools.” The review documents benchmark scores including 93,523 on Chromium Octane and 302 on Jetstream, demonstrating strong ChromeOS performance. However, James offers pointed criticism of the audio quality: “Google boasts that the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE features ‘cinematic sounds with DTS audio’ but there’s a tinny, almost muddiness to the sound.” The 1080p 60fps webcam receives praise for video conferencing quality, and the Game Dashboard feature is highlighted as a useful tool for screen capture and control mapping.
Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
Amazon and Best Buy customers generally respond positively to the Chromebook Plus 516 GE, with particularly strong praise for the stunning display and cloud gaming capabilities. Many reviewers emphasize how impressed they were with the smoothness of the 120Hz panel and the vibrancy of colors during both productivity work and gaming. The 2.5G Ethernet port receives consistent appreciation from customers who want reliable, low-latency connections for competitive cloud gaming.
Customer feedback confirms that the device handles cloud gaming through GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass remarkably well, with many noting they can play AAA titles they never expected to enjoy on a Chromebook. The battery life claims hold up in real-world testing, with most users reporting 9-10 hours of productivity use and around 2 hours of continuous gaming. The RGB keyboard adds visual appeal, though several customers echo professional reviewers in noting the keys feel somewhat mushy and the backlighting could be brighter.
Common complaints focus on the $649 price point, which some feel is steep for a Chromebook regardless of gaming features. The sound quality receives mixed reception, with some customers satisfied while others expected more given the DTS Audio branding. A few users express disappointment that Steam gaming remains in beta with compatibility limitations, though most understand cloud gaming is the primary use case.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE delivers on its promise as the premier gaming Chromebook, offering a gorgeous 120Hz display, robust connectivity for cloud gaming, and the productivity chops of a Chromebook Plus certified device. The combination of the Intel Core 5 120U processor, RGB gaming keyboard, 2.5G Ethernet, and WiFi 6E creates a compelling package for gamers who want to access their game libraries anywhere without the bulk and battery drain of a traditional gaming laptop.
This Chromebook is ideal for cloud gaming enthusiasts who primarily use GeForce NOW, Xbox Game Pass, or Amazon Luna, students and professionals who want a capable productivity machine with gaming as a bonus feature, and early adopters interested in exploring Steam for ChromeOS as it matures. Those seeking serious local gaming performance, audiophiles who prioritize speaker quality, or budget-conscious buyers may want to explore alternatives.
For those comparing options, Starry Hope’s Chromebook Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for finding the perfect match for your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play PC games on the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE?
Yes, primarily through cloud gaming services. NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and Amazon Luna all work excellently on this Chromebook thanks to the 120Hz display and 2.5G Ethernet. Steam for ChromeOS (beta) is also supported, allowing some games to run locally, though performance varies by title due to the integrated graphics.
What is the difference between the 2022 and 2024 Chromebook Plus 516 GE?
The 2024 model (CBG516-2H) features the newer Intel Core 5 120U processor compared to the 2022 model’s (CBG516-1H) Intel Core i5-1240P. The 2024 version also has an all-black finish, slightly brighter RGB keyboard backlighting, and an improved camera. The display, ports, and overall design remain essentially unchanged between generations.
Does the Chromebook Plus 516 GE have Ethernet?
Yes, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE includes a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, which is faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet and rare on Chromebooks. This provides a stable, low-latency wired connection ideal for competitive cloud gaming where every millisecond matters.
How long will the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE receive updates?
Google has set the Auto Update Expiration date for June 2032, meaning this Chromebook will receive ChromeOS updates, security patches, and new features for approximately 6.5 more years. This extended support period makes it a solid long-term investment.
Is the keyboard RGB customizable?
Yes, the RGB gaming keyboard features customizable zone lighting with different colors and effects. The keyboard also includes anti-ghosting technology to ensure accurate input during fast-paced gaming. Note that reviewers mention the backlighting could be brighter in ambient light conditions.
What refresh rate is the display?
The Chromebook Plus 516 GE features a 120Hz display, which is double the standard 60Hz found on most Chromebooks. This higher refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming performance, particularly beneficial when playing games at high frame rates through cloud gaming services.
Does the Chromebook Plus 516 GE support external monitors?
Yes, you have multiple options for connecting external displays. The HDMI 2.1 port supports high-refresh-rate monitors, and both USB-C ports offer DisplayPort output. This allows for multi-monitor setups or connecting to a gaming monitor when you want a larger screen experience.
What is Google Gemini on this Chromebook?
As a Chromebook Plus device, the 516 GE includes access to Google Gemini AI features. These include AI-powered tools in Google Photos like Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects, Help Me Write for AI-assisted text composition, and enhanced productivity features throughout ChromeOS that leverage Google’s AI capabilities.