{"id":2878,"date":"2025-07-02T06:29:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T06:29:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/?p=2878"},"modified":"2025-07-02T06:29:43","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T06:29:43","slug":"i-tested-the-acer-chromebook-plus-516-and-liked-its-large-display-and-fast-performance-but-it-doesnt-have-the-best-battery-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/archives\/2878","title":{"rendered":"I tested the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 and liked its large display and fast performance \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t have the best battery life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Large size, large performance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verdict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a large Chromebook with a vibrant and sharp display and great performance. Its ultra large size might be overkill for some, though, and limits its portability credentials \u2013 as too might the slightly disappointing battery life. Still, if you\u2019re looking for a high-performing Chromebook that\u2019ll stay put, the Chromebook Plus 516 is a solid choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>+Large and sharp display<\/li><li>+Versatile and satisfying keyboard<\/li><li>+Above-average Chromebook performance<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>-Might be too large for some<\/li><li>-Both USB-C ports on same side<\/li><li>-Middling battery life<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/acer-battery-AP18F4M-p1782749.htm\">Replacement battery for Acer Chromebook 715 CB715 CB714<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-acer-chromebook-plus-516-two-minute-review\">Acer Chromebook Plus 516: Two-minute review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TheAcerChromebook Plus 516 is a large device with a reasonably strong spec, making it ideal for various productivity and entertainment needs. It might not look terribly auspicious, and the color is a little dour, but it&#8217;s surprisingly thin for a Chromebook this size, which helps to make it more sleek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also a well-made machine, with materials that feel durable yet light. What\u2019s more, the lid hinges allow for easy opening and offer stability at any angle all the way up to 170 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also has one of thebest Chromebookkeyboards in terms of layout, with plenty of keys included, such as a number pad, without compromising spacing. This makes typing easy, and the snappy nature of the individual keys makes them satisfying, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The touchpad is equally capable, providing responsive inputs and plenty of accuracy, which, combined with its large size, makes for easy navigation. It also manages to keep out of the way while typing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QmLjmyiFJwedMn3XmxQchP.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of keyboard and touchpad on Acer Chromebook Plus 516, open on desk with pink background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Port selection on the Chromebook Plus 516 is quite good, and I was pleased to see the inclusion of two USB-C ports. However, it\u2019s a minor shame both are on the same side, which may limit your options when plugging into an outlet. Still, the two USB-A ports, HDMI port and audio jack are all welcome additions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of performance, the Chromebook Plus 516 handles most tasks well. It loads apps quickly and multitasks very well. Even mobile gaming on high settings is viable. It also takes Ultra HD content in its stride, streaming it without a hitch for the most part. Viewing such content is made all the more enjoyable thanks to that large, crisp, and vibrant display, which also does an admirable job of keeping reflections at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, the battery life of the Chromebook Plus 516 isn\u2019t particularly impressive relative to its rivals. During our movie playback test, it failed to break past eight hours, a threshold many modern Chromebooks can exceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a starting price of \u00a3399.99 (about $540 \/ AU$830), the Chromebook Plus 516 sits somewhere in the middle of the market. However, it&#8217;s good value when you consider its performance, display, and productivity credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/acer-battery-AP16L8J-p1782744.htm\">Replacement battery for Acer Chromebook Spin 311 CP311-3H-K2RJ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-acer-chromebook-plus-516-review-price-and-availability\">Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Price and availability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Starts from \u00a3399.99 (about $540 \/ AU$830)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Available from August in the UK<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Mid-market pricing<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chromebook Plus 516 starts from \u00a3399.99 (about $540 \/ AU$830) and is available in the UK from August in one colorway. Multiple storage, CPU, RAM and graphics options are configurable. A backlit keyboard can also be specified, as can a touch screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s about the same price as the equally capable but slightly smallerAcer Chromebook Plus 514. Like that model, the 516 sits somewhere in the middle of the market, but perhaps represents slightly better value owing to the larger screen size and extra keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if you still want great performance but at a lower price, the olderAcer Chromebook Plus 515remains a great pick, and its 15.6-inch measurement is still big enough to please those who prefer large displays; there\u2019s a reason we think it\u2019s one of thebest student Chromebooks, after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re after something cheaper still, we think theLenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebookis thebest student laptopfor those on a budget. Its performance is no match for the mightier Chromebook Plus 516, and it\u2019s also much smaller, but it has the advantage of being a 2-in-1 device, thanks to its 360-degree rotation and touchscreen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Value: 3.5 \/ 5<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&gt;&gt;&gt;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/acer-battery-AP19A8K-p1782570.htm\">Replacement battery for Acer Chromebook Spin 11 CP311-1HN-C2DV CP311-2H-C679<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-acer-chromebook-plus-516-review-specs\">Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Specs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These specs pertain to my review unit of the Acer Chromebook Plus 516:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"wp-block-table\"><tbody><tr><td>Price<\/td><td>\u00a3399.99 (about $540 \/ AU$830)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CPU<\/td><td>Intel Core 3 100U (8 threads, 4.7GHz)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Graphics<\/td><td>Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>RAM<\/td><td>8GB LPDDR5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Screen<\/td><td>16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 16:10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Storage<\/td><td>128GB UFS<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ports<\/td><td>2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wireless<\/td><td>Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Camera<\/td><td>HD 1080p<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight<\/td><td>3.75lbs (1.7kg)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dimensions<\/td><td>14.1 x 10 x 0.8 inches (359 x 253 x 19mm)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-acer-chromebook-plus-516-review-design\">Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWrYYfehGNLmV6wG47MMXT.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of left-side ports on Acer Chromebook Plus 516, open on desk with pink background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Smart and well made<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Plenty of keys<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Both USB-C ports on same side<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chromebook Plus 516 adopts the fairly typical Acer aesthetic, with a sleek but understated appearance. There\u2019s nothing particularly spectacular about its looks, but it\u2019s at least free from too many fussy details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite its large size, it\u2019s pleasingly thin and not quite as heavy as you\u2019d expect it to be. It\u2019s no match for smaller Chromebooks in terms of portability, but all sides are quite flat and smooth, which helps when sliding it into your bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The build quality is on par with the best Chromebooks. Certain materials look more premium than others, but all feel solid and durable. The keycaps are perhaps the least impressive visually, but they\u2019re tightly fitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hinge mechanism is similarly well-engineered. The lid is easy to open and move into any position, and its maximum recline angle of 170 degrees makes it versatile for various setups. What\u2019s more, it remains stable in any position; there\u2019s next to no wobble, which is all the more impressive given its thinness and lightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The keyboard features numerous shortcut keys on the F row, all of which are quite useful. Highlights include one for taking screenshots, one for dictation, and one for opening a menu containing various accessibility functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being a Chromebook Plus, you also get a Quick Insert key, used for accessing files, opening recent documents or creating new ones, inserting links, using AI tools, and other productivity-based functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The keyboard even includes a navigation cluster and number pad, both of which I welcome. More impressively, these don\u2019t compromise the layout spacing, thanks to the width of the device itself. The touchpad also manages to not get in the way while typing, despite its relatively large size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was pleased to see the Chromebook Plus 516 features two USB-C ports, although unfortunately they\u2019re both the same side, which somewhat limits versatility when plugging into an outlet. Still, it\u2019s nice to have more than one, and the further ports \u2013 two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headset jack \u2013 are all welcome additions. There\u2019s no SD card slot, though, which might be a problem for some users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Design score: 4 \/ 5<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-acer-chromebook-plus-516-review-performance\">Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WPi4fFydCfZmtnhVHbe82X.jpg\" alt=\"Acer Chromebook Plus 516 open wide on desk with pink background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benchmarks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Acer Chromebook Plus 516:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TechRadar Battery Life Test:<\/strong>7 hours and 35 minutes<br><strong>Jetstream2 Benchmark:<\/strong>295.772<br><strong>Kraken Benchmark:<\/strong>398.5ms<br><strong>Speedometer 3.0:<\/strong>18.8 (\u00b11.0)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chromebook Plus 516 is quite a capable performer. Creating and editing documents and spreadsheets is no problem for it, while switching between apps and multiple tabs is taken in its stride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gaming performance is also admirable. I managed to play<em>Asphalt Legends Unite<\/em>on high graphics settings without issue, running smoothly with little stutter. This was especially impressive given that the game recommended I play on lower settings based on the specs, but you\u2019ll still want one of thebest gaming laptopsif you plan on playing more intensive games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can stream ultra HD content with relative ease as well. During my testing, I encountered little in the way of buffering or stuttering, making for seamless viewing in the main.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TKuoffWDtQ5cQv7MnXUsfa.jpg\" alt=\"Back of Acer Chromebook Plus 516 open on desk with pink background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience is made even better thanks to the surprisingly vibrant display, which also avoids the washed-out appearance that afflicts some Chromebooks. Reflections do reveal themselves somewhat in darker scenes and unfavorable lighting conditions, but generally they\u2019re kept at bay quite well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, the 1920 x 1200 resolution is suitably sharp for its large size, which makes the UI very clear, while the thin bezels ensure that the most is made of the allotted real estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typing on the Chromebook Plus 516 is also a pleasure. Despite the inauspicious looking keys, they perform well, with their light actuation and just enough dampening to make them tactile. Despite the inclusion of a number pad and other extra keys, I didn\u2019t find the layout cramped, which made for an accurate and comfortable typing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trackpad is brilliantly smooth and very precise, tracking perfectly with my finger movements and gestures. As with the keys, it only requires a light touch, which makes it easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Performance score: 4.5 \/ 5<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-acer-chromebook-plus-516-review-battery-life\">Acer Chromebook Plus 516 review: Battery life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WvhgZVbzbLy7o3mR7wjr6g.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of camera on Acer Chromebook Plus 516 with pink background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chromebook Plus 516 doesn&#8217;t have a terribly impressive battery life, posting a below-average score during our test. We ran a movie on a continuous loop, and it gave up the ghost after seven hours and 35 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 we tested fared better, managing to last almost an hour longer. The much smaller Chromebook Spin 312 also eclipsed it, running all the way past 11 hours before total depletion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Chromebook Plus 516 still did better than the older Chromebook Plus 515, which only managed five hours. However, if you\u2019re after a device that can really go all day, theLenovoIdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is perhaps your best choice, as this lasted over 16 hours in our movie playback test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Battery life: 2.5 \/ 5<\/strong>Buy it if&#8230;<strong>You want a large display<\/strong><br>At 16 inches, the Chromebook Plus 516 is one of the larger Chromebooks on the market, and the resolution is sharp enough to match.\n<strong>You want fast performance<\/strong><br>The Chromebook Plus 516 can handle most productivity tasks and even light gaming, thanks to its relatively strong spec.\nDon&#8217;t buy it if&#8230;<strong>You want a convertible device<\/strong><br>The Chromebook Plus 516 isn\u2019t a 2-in-1 device, so it can\u2019t be used like thebest tablets.\n<strong>You want the best battery life<\/strong><br>Seven and a half hours is all you\u2019ll get with continuous movie playback, which ranks in the lower half of the Chromebook league.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Large size, large performance? Verdict The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is a large Chromebook with a vibrant and sharp display and great performance. Its ultra large size might be overkill for some, though, and limits its portability credentials \u2013 as too might the slightly disappointing battery life. Still, if you\u2019re looking for a high-performing Chromebook &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/archives\/2878\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;I tested the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 and liked its large display and fast performance \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t have the best battery life&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2878","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-acer-battery"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2878"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2879,"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878\/revisions\/2879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oriccabattery.co.uk\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}