The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 looks unremarkable, but at $399.99, it offers more than its plain exterior suggests. The 16-inch display and Intel Core i3 processor distinguish it in a category where most devices feel cramped and slow.
The screen stands out in a crowded field
The laptop’s 16-inch, 1920×1200 IPS display uses a 16:10 aspect ratio, a rare size for Chromebooks. Most competitors use 14-inch screens, which can feel tight for multitasking. The extra space here simplifies splitting windows or working with multiple tabs.
Brightness is a weak point. The display could be brighter and lacks contrast—blacks resemble dark gray. For indoor use, it works, though glare becomes an issue near windows.
Audio is another compromise. The built-in speakers sound clear but lack depth, and their maximum volume is too low for anything beyond casual listening. Headphones perform better.
A keyboard that exceeds expectations
The keyboard includes a numeric keypad, a feature typically found on business laptops. Most keys are large and well-spaced, though a few—like Tab, Caps Lock, and Control—are unusually small. The numpad keys are also cramped, which may frustrate users who rely on them.
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Key travel feels solid, with a firm bottoming action that makes typing responsive. The keyboard flexes slightly under heavy pressure, but this isn’t a major issue at this price. The biggest omission is a backlight, which isn’t available even as an option.
The touchpad works but isn’t impressive. It’s large enough for ChromeOS gestures but feels small for a 16-inch laptop. Accuracy is decent, though it lacks the smooth precision of higher-end models.
Performance handles daily tasks well
The Chromebook Plus 516 uses an Intel Core i3-1315U, a six-core chip with two performance cores and four efficiency cores. It comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage—modest specs, but sufficient for ChromeOS, which demands fewer resources than Windows or macOS.
In everyday use, the device manages web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption without lag. It outperforms Chromebooks with Intel’s N-series chips or entry-level MediaTek processors. For heavier tasks, like photo editing or running multiple Android apps, it still performs better than most budget Chromebooks.
Ports and connectivity meet essential needs
The Chromebook Plus 516 includes two USB-C ports (both with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support), two USB-A ports, HDMI 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The USB-C ports support 10Gbps data transfer, faster than the 5Gbps standard on many budget laptops.
Wireless connectivity is adequate. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which are recent enough to avoid feeling outdated. There’s no biometric login, though that’s typical for Chromebooks in this price range.
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Design blends into the background
The Chromebook Plus 516’s plastic chassis is sturdy but uninspired. The dark silver finish has a faint metallic sheen, with only a small chrome Acer logo for branding. The hinge is tight, requiring two hands to open, but it allows the screen to lay flat at 180 degrees—a useful feature for presentations or collaborative work.
At 14.13 x 9.96 x 0.76 inches, it isn’t the thinnest or lightest 16-inch laptop, but it remains portable enough for occasional travel. The 53-watt-hour battery adds some bulk, though not enough to make it cumbersome.
Pricing makes the flaws easier to accept. The Chromebook Plus 516 lists for $399.99, but discounts are common. Best Buy offers it for $329.99, and refurbished models appear on Amazon for as low as $269.99. Some third-party sellers have tried to inflate prices above MSRP, but those deals aren’t worth considering.
For the cost, the laptop competes well against smaller Chromebooks with weaker processors. The 16-inch display and Core i3 chip justify the expense, even if storage is limited and the design is forgettable.
Most Chromebooks prioritize affordability over features, but this model strikes a balance. It doesn’t excel in any single area, but it avoids the usual trade-offs. For users needing more screen space without sacrificing performance, it’s a rare choice in a market full of compromises.