The Acer Chromebook 516 GE might not exhibit extensive characteristics that classify it as a “gaming” Chromebook, but it stands out as an attractively-priced and impressive laptop. We strongly recommend this well-constructed, potent, and budget-friendly Chromebook, regardless of whether you intend to use it for cloud gaming.
Regarding gaming attributes, Acer’s Chromebook 516 GE incorporates anti-ghosting technology and RGB lighting. Furthermore, it offers a high refresh rate display, a feature typically found solely in conventional gaming laptops. Remarkably, this Chromebook’s complete package provides you with more functionalities at the same or even lower price compared to many of Acer’s productivity laptops based on Windows, such as the Swift 3.
Undoubtedly, cloud gaming can be conducted on various devices. The particular device, like the 516 GE or any gaming Chromebook, takes a backseat to the significance of having a stable and swift Internet connection. (Even with the commendable Wi-Fi 6E adapter on this device, it can’t perform miracles.)
Incorporating an Ethernet port into this device, Acer allows for a wired Internet connection, which proves notably stable for cloud gaming. Regrettably, a substantial portion of the gaming experience is influenced by factors like Wi-Fi speeds that are beyond the control of the device itself. Nevertheless, it ranks among the swiftest Chromebooks we’ve assessed, particularly considering its price point.
Specifications
- Processor:Â Intel Core i5-1240P
- Graphics:Â Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM:Â 8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage:Â 256GB SSD
- Display:Â 16-inch (2560 x 1600) 120 Hz LED
- Ports:Â 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, Headphone jack
- Network connectivity:Â 2.5Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Camera:Â 1080p webcam
- Battery:Â 3-cell Lithium Ion
- Weight:Â 3.75 pounds
- Size:Â 9.8 x 14.0 x 0.84 inches
- Warranty:Â 1-year limited warranty
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is currently only available in the configuration above, but Acer says it expects to release a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 model with 16GB of RAM.
Decent battery life
The 516 GE managed to surpass the seven-hour mark on our battery assessment, a duration that might not seem notably lengthy when compared to the battery life often provided by other Chromebooks. It’s important to consider that many of these Chromebooks are equipped with less potent hardware and screens boasting only half the refresh rate. Consequently, they draw less power from the battery.
Engaging in resource-intensive gaming will naturally diminish overall battery life. However, considering that several gaming laptops struggle to extend gameplay for more than four or five hours, this outcome should not be unexpected. It’s worth noting that our test doesn’t exactly go easy on the battery, so you might be able to achieve longer usage times, provided you’re not pushing the hardware to its limits.
The bundled charger appears somewhat bulkier in contrast to the otherwise sleek appearance of the overall package. Nevertheless, it efficiently recharges the battery from completely empty within approximately an hour and twenty minutes.
Another laptop with a better battery life is the Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)