Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
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The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is built around cloud gaming. It pairs a 16-inch 2560x1600 120Hz display with an RGB keyboard (anti-ghosting), an Intel Core 5 120U, and the connectivity that matters for streaming games: 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet alongside Wi-Fi 6E to keep latency down on GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass. As a Chromebook Plus device it also gets Google’s Gemini AI features and handles everyday productivity well. At $649 it is a premium Chromebook, aimed at people who want to play their cloud libraries anywhere without carrying a heavy gaming laptop.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 16-inch 2560x1600 panel at 120Hz | Mushy keyboard with weak backlighting |
| Cloud gaming works well on GeForce NOW | Tinny audio despite the DTS branding |
| RGB gaming keyboard with anti-ghosting | Pricey for a Chromebook at its $699.99 launch price |
| 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E for low-latency streaming | Limited local gaming performance |
| 9-10 hours of battery for general use | Fingerprint-prone black finish |
| Aluminum chassis rated to MIL-STD 810G/H | 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: $699.99 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | CBG516-2H-59S4 |
| Performance Rating | 8.1 |
| 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 | Full-Size HDMI |
| 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 | June, 2032 |
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A 120Hz QHD panel and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
The chassis is obsidian-black aluminum with gaming-inspired styling. At 14.04 x 9.83 x 0.84 inches and 3.81 pounds it balances portability against a large screen, though the dark finish shows fingerprints. Acer certifies the shell to MIL-STD 810G/H and builds part of it from recycled materials through its Earthion sustainability program.
The 16-inch panel runs 2560x1600 at a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and cloud gaming look smooth, and a refresh rate that high is rare on Chromebooks. It rates 350 nits and 100% sRGB coverage for color and usable indoor brightness, and the 16:10 aspect ratio adds vertical space for documents. TwinAir cooling with dual heat pipes holds temperatures down during long sessions, though the fans can get audible under heavy load.
The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port is rare on Chromebooks and gives a low-latency wired connection for competitive cloud gaming, and Wi-Fi 6E (Intel AX211) adds the 6GHz band on top of 2.4 and 5GHz, with Bluetooth 5.2 for peripherals. The port set includes two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (DisplayPort and power delivery), one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, HDMI 2.1 for high-refresh external displays, and a 3.5mm combo jack.
Reviewer Insights
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 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 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 on local gaming performance, which 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,” and documents benchmark scores including 93,523 on Chromium Octane and 302 on Jetstream. James criticizes 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. With Steam support ending on Chromebooks, cloud gaming through GeForce NOW has become the primary gaming path for this device.
Strong for streamed games, capable enough for the workday
The 2.5G Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6E keep streaming latency low, the 120Hz QHD panel shows the extra frames a cloud service can deliver, and the Core 5 120U covers the Chromebook Plus workday in between sessions.
It fits people who stream from GeForce NOW, Xbox Game Pass, or Amazon Luna, students and professionals who want a productivity machine with gaming as a bonus, and creative users working in cloud-based DAWs for music production. Buyers who need local gaming performance, or who care about speaker quality, should look at something else.
Starry Hope’s Chromebook Comparison Chart lines this model up against the rest of the catalog on specs and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play PC games on the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE?
Cloud gaming is the main path. NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and Amazon Luna all run well here, helped by the 120Hz display and 2.5G Ethernet. Steam for ChromeOS (beta) runs some titles locally, though performance varies by title because of 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. It has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet and rare on Chromebooks, which gives a stable wired connection 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 through that date.
Is the keyboard RGB customizable?
The RGB keyboard has customizable zone lighting with a choice of colors and effects, plus anti-ghosting for accurate input during fast-paced gaming. Reviewers note the backlighting could be brighter in ambient light.
What refresh rate is the display?
120Hz, double the 60Hz standard on most Chromebooks. Scrolling, animations, and cloud-streamed games at high frame rates all look smoother for it.
Does the Chromebook Plus 516 GE support external monitors?
Yes. The HDMI 2.1 port supports high-refresh-rate monitors and both USB-C ports carry DisplayPort output, so you can run a multi-monitor setup or a single larger gaming monitor.
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 use Google’s AI capabilities.