Acer Chromebook 516 GE in the test: fast, playful, buying tip?

Acer Chromebook 516 GE im Test

editorial rating 8,4 reader rating

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Chromebook recommendation

With the 516 GE, Acer delivers a good Chromebook for everyone who appreciates fast performance and cloud gaming. In terms of price, it’s a rather more expensive Chromebook, but you get a lot.

We liked that

• Good workmanship
• RGB lighting
• Large touch pad
• Fast performance
• Frame rate of 120 hertz
• Lots of connections

We didn’t like that

• A bit heavy at 1.7 kilograms
• Sound quality could be better
• Cloud gaming focus not for pro gamers
• No direct access to Steam possible

Notebooks can cost a lot of money, 1,000 dollars are quickly gone and Google has even brought Chromebooks onto the market for price-conscious buyers. These devices are designed to be cheaper compared to other notebooks, to place a stronger focus on an always active Internet connection and of course to integrate Google services across the board, be it YouTube, Gmail, Google Chrome for surfing or Google Docs for working.

1. First impression and connections

2. Fast start and game experience

3. Picture great, sound not quite

4. Is cloud gaming right for you?

5. Conclusion
   

But cloud gaming is also part of the scope of a Chromebook. Google made a big attempt at cloud gaming with Google Stadia, but it failed and the service was discontinued. But that doesn’t mean a departure from cloud gaming per se.

In cooperation with various manufacturers, the company wants to promote cloud gaming on Chromebooks, for example with a strong integration of services such as GeForce Now and the integration of accessory apps.

One of the newer models is the Acer Chromebook 516 GE. The orientation for gamers is already visible on the “AWSD” keys, which PC gamers often use to move characters, for example in first-person shooters. There’s also RGB backlighting for the keyboard, which is common in gaming accessories right now.

First impression and connections

Overall, the workmanship of the 1.7 kilogram, 16-inch Chromebook makes a good impression. Opening it doesn’t make any creaking noises, the case leaves a robust impression.

Connections for headphones, USB 3.2, USB-C (2 pieces), HDMI 2.1 and Internet via cable (Ethernet 2.5 GbE) are installed. Wireless features are Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E.

Fast start and game experience

Once the device with the Intel i5 processor is switched on, all you need to do is log in using a Google account and you’re good to go. Apps such as Gmail, YouTube and GeForce Now are displayed on the lower task bar – again a clear signal to gamers.

Nvidia’s cloud gaming service is free to use, but you’ll need to have purchased most games from platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store in order to stream them. If this is the case and the titles are also supported by GeForce Now, then the gaming experience has started quickly.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Visually, the Chromebook makes a good impression, but see for yourself.

Whether strategy game or shooter: GeForce Now plays well on the Acer Chromebook and this concept works for a round in between. It can also be played without expensive high-bandwidth internet contracts. However, keep in mind that there is always a slight delay (“lag”) in cloud gaming and that ambitious gamers and pro gamers should not opt ​​for cloud gaming. The same goes for fans of responsive games.

You can use a button on the Chromebook to shrink the GeForce Now window directly, for example to quickly look something up on the Internet, and then switch back to the game in full-screen mode. Quickly connecting an Xbox controller or Bluetooth mouse also works great so you don’t have to wait long for your gaming session.

In any case, the Chromebook 516 GE is fast on the road. Surfing and changing applications is very fast thanks to the SSD. Those who value speed will be served here.

Picture great, sound not quite

The matte IPS screen (resolution: 2560×1660 pixels) always delivers a beautiful and smooth picture, and the refresh rate of 120 Hertz comes into its own here. The picture is bright enough for most needs, but could be a bit brighter for our tastes.

We would have wished for a slightly more powerful sound from the speakers, but we didn’t expect it and you can optionally connect good headphones. At a price of 800 dollars, this has to be said.

The keyboard also makes a positive impression. The pressure point of each key feels good, typing text on the device is a pleasure. Merely the arrow keys are a bit narrow.

The operation is good and with one battery charge we can get by without a charging cable in about seven hours – for a wide variety of applications such as couch surfing, video streaming and gaming. The manufacturer specifies a battery life of ten hours.

You want to stream yourself or hold video conferences? No problem. A webcam and a microphone are installed.

Is cloud gaming right for you?

But before you buy the device, you should really ask yourself whether game streaming is really something for you, because Steam cannot be installed directly like on other notebooks. In addition to the lag mentioned above, you have to accept the rather limited selection of games and various cloud services.

Even with the lush GeForce Now catalogue, we didn’t find many games in the test that we own, for example, on Steam. Although these could be supported at a later date, those who buy the Chromebook naturally don’t want to wait.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE

editorial rating 8,4 reader rating

No ratings yet

NETZWELT may receive a commission from the retailer for links on this site. More info.

Note on transparency: Acer has made a test sample available to Netzwelt.

Don’t you agree? Are you looking for suitable alternatives? We have an extensive list of Acer Chromebook 516 GE alternatives ready for you in our notebook overview.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE data sheet

Here you will find the technical data for the Acer Chromebook 516 GE. You can easily compare size, weight and other properties with other products.

classification	Chromebook
graphic card	Intel Iris Xe
processor	Intel i5
Weight	1.7 Kilograms
display size	16 inches
refresh rate	120 Hertz
random access memory	8 Gigabyte
mass storage	256 Gigabyte
connections	HDMI, USB-C x 2, USB-A, Headphones, Ethernet
Dimensions	249 x 356 x 21,3 mm
battery pack	Lithium-ion battery, 3 cells

Show all technical data❯