Acer Chromebook 516 GE review
The Acer Acer Chromebook 516 GE ranks as the #436 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #259-ranked connectivity among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel or Acer Nitro 14, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a powerhouse that exceeds expectations. With its 16-inch Quad HD display, 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor, and 8GB RAM, this Chromebook delivers lightning-fast performance. It's perfect for cloud gaming, with NVIDIA's support for 120Hz streaming via the Chrome browser making it a smooth experience. The speakers are full and loud, while the keyboard is responsive and features anti-ghosting capabilities. While not flawless, this device justifies its $649 price tag. With regular OS updates until 2030, this Chromebook is worth every penny. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a larger screen Chromebook with unique features that enhance content consumption and gaming experiences.
Build
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE boasts an impressive build that belies its size. The mostly aluminum chassis is rigid yet lightweight, making it surprisingly easy to carry around at 3.75 pounds. Despite being a large 16-inch device, the slim bezels and overall design make it feel more compact than expected. The large ocean glass trackpad and fantastic RGB backlit keyboard are notable features that add to its premium feel. The attention to detail in the build quality makes this Chromebook a standout option in its price category. You may find Acer Swift Go 16 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE boasts an impressive 16-inch Quad HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen's brightness hits 350 nits, but our testing revealed it to be even higher. Colors and details are stunning, making everything look fantastic. The high refresh rate delivers smooth animations and great response times, taking the viewing experience to the next level. Whether gaming or browsing, the display is a standout feature of this Chromebook. Its size and brightness make it perfect for productivity on-the-go, and its performance is equally impressive. If you’re after a better display, Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE delivers exceptional performance, making it perfect for cloud gaming and everyday tasks. Powered by a 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB NVMe storage, this Chromebook is lightning fast and responsive. The 120Hz Quad HD display provides silky smooth animations and great response times, while the speakers are full and loud, making it ideal for gaming and video calls. Even demanding applications like Fortnite and Apex Legends run smoothly, thanks to Nvidia's GPU. Overall, the performance of the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is impressive, making it a great value at $649. Acer Predator Helios 300 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE boasts impressive battery life, lasting around 7-8 hours with moderate use. While not a multi-day champ, this is a respectable showing considering the device's power-hungry features. The 12th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and 120Hz screen are well-suited for demanding tasks, but don't expect a full day without needing to recharge. A refresh rate adjustment for the internal display would be welcome, but overall, battery life is satisfactory.
Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE boasts an impressive array of connectivity options. It features USB Type-C ports on both sides, a single USB Type-A port, full-size HDMI, and a headphone/microphone jack. Additionally, it has a Kensington lock, 2.5G Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring seamless connections for work and play. You might want to check out Acer Swift Go 16, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE boasts impressive features, including a 16-inch Quad HD screen with 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and productivity. It's powered by a 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB NVMe storage, providing lightning-fast performance. Other notable features include upward-facing speakers, an RGB backlit keyboard, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Take a look at Acer Swift Go 16 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a reliable device that gets regular OS updates until 2030. This ensures timely support and maintenance, reducing the likelihood of compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities. The manufacturer's commitment to ongoing support makes this device a solid investment for those seeking a hassle-free computing experience over an extended period.
Pros
1. This Chromebook gets so much right and it's such an absolute Delight to use that even if you've not been into bigger Chromebooks before or you don't consider yourself a gamer, this device still has a whole lot to offer.
2. The internal display held up pretty well getting me through a full day of work with around seven to eight hours of screen on use
3. It's no surprise that I've not had any issues from a performance standpoint in this processor and GPU should fare quite well when Steam games do show up in the next few months as well
4. I'm satisfied with the battery life and can confidently get these numbers even with the brightness of the screen pushed up to like 65-70 percent now
5. This isn't just another Chromebook and to see it arrive at this sort of price point is a little crazy, I'm sure there are going to be sales on it down the road or whatever but I don't need to see it reduced one bit to recommend it right now
Cons
1. For one, I'd love to see one more USB type A port as a gaming focused device
2. I really like having touch input on the screen and the lack of it has been a little bit of a bummer
3. The backlighting on the keyboard is a bit too dim for my liking
4. I'd really like to see a fingerprint scanner on this Chromebook once we get over 600 bucks I think this should be just a standard option
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