Gaming usually isn’t linked with Chromebooks, but Google and its partners have worked to change that by launching a few cloud gaming laptops in recent years. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is one of the popular choices.
The 2024 version now includes a new processor but retains the earlier model’s features. The changes are small, but it remains among the best Chromebooks available.
Let’s address this: If you own the older 516 GE model, upgrading to the 2024 Plus version isn’t worth it. Other than minor design tweaks, it’s almost identical.
The new processor is an Intel Core i5-120U, replacing the previous Core i5-1240P. However, the performance difference is barely noticeable.
Even so, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE performs excellently. Its battery consistently lasted for eight-hour workdays. With 8 GB of RAM, multitasking is seamless.
It handled fast app switching and over a dozen tabs during tests effortlessly. The dual fans also stayed quiet and didn’t cause distractions.
Unlike Windows gaming laptops, the UTheChromebook Plus 516 GE focuses on cloud gaming.
It works well for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now streaming, and ChromeOS supports both smoothly.
The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet port kept connections stable, even for competitive games. No significant issues appeared during gameplay.
Steam’s beta version on ChromeOS was less consistent. Lightweight games like Vampire Survivors ran flawlessly on the Chromebook’s hardware.
However, more demanding games struggled due to integrated graphics and the less powerful processor. For instance, Dead by Daylight couldn’t load beyond the initial screen on Steam.
The laptop’s cloud gaming capabilities would be pointless if the display didn’t deliver, but that’s not an issue.
The 16-inch screen looks fantastic and is a standout feature of the 516 GE. Its vibrant colors and sharp 2,560 x 1,600 resolution make it impressive, even with the large size.
The 16:10 aspect ratio works well for productivity. It gives extra vertical space for tasks such as working on documents or spreadsheets.
The 120-Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness for games and everyday use.
You can reduce the refresh rate to save battery when gaming is not the main focus, similar to how external monitors work.
The laptop works well for both gaming and work tasks. The keyboard is suitable for extended typing and feels comfortable.
The trackpad is spacious and simple to operate. It includes a backlight with adjustable brightness. Acer also added RGB lighting, letting you customize key colors in four zones.
The keyboard has two large speaker grilles on either side, covering upward-facing speakers.
Unfortunately, the speakers are the weakest part of the 516 GE. The sound quality felt disappointing, with the music and game audio slightly muffled.
While the speakers are usable, I recommend good headphones for a better gaming experience.
The 1080p webcam on the 516 GE performs well. It produces relatively straightforward video and works fine in bright and low-light settings.
However, some devices offer better video call quality. The laptop includes a full-size HDMI port, two USB-C ports, and a USB-A port, making it easy to connect to external monitors and webcams at home.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is an excellent choice for Chromebook fans who want gaming features.
It cannot match the power of Windows gaming laptops for native gaming. Still, improvements in game streaming make budget-friendly devices like the 516 GE a viable option with reliable internet access.
One downside is that the previous model offers the same features and costs $200 less (at least for now).
The modest processor upgrade may not justify the $650 price while the older version is still available.
However, Chromebooks often go on sale, so the 516 GE might get better discounts soon.
