Why you should skip Acer’s new Chromebook Plus 516 and get the 516 GE instead

Acer recently expanded its Chromebook Plus lineup, introducing a new Chromebook Plus 516. Like its gaming-focused sibling – the Chromebook Plus 516 GE – this new model features a large 16-inch, 16:10 display, hitting a popular sweet spot for productivity and multitasking. And while this new addition – priced at $479 – seems like a reasonable entry into the large-screen Chromebook Plus category, a quick look at the current market reveals a far more compelling option.

That option is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE. We’ve spent considerable time with both the original non-Plus 516 GE and its Chromebook Plus successor, and frankly, it remains one of my favorite large-format Chromebooks. The “GE” or Gaming Edition designation brings a handful of real-world benefits that enhance the user experience, even if you never plan on launching a game.

Most notably, the 516 GE boasts a fantastic 120Hz QHD display. This makes everything from simple scrolling through web pages to watching video content feel significantly smoother and more fluid compared to standard 60Hz panels.

It also includes an RGB keyboard – which can easily be set to a standard white backlight if you prefer – and often comes configured with slightly higher-tier specs compared to its non-GE counterpart.

Finally, the speakers on the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE are far better than what you get on the new 516 – no question about it. These aren’t just minor perks; they contribute to a more premium overall feel.

Normally, these upgrades command a higher price. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE typically sits around the $649 mark. However, it sees frequent and aggressive discounts, and right now is one of the best we’ve seen. Best Buy currently has the 516 GE marked down by a whopping $200, bringing its price down to just $449.

This is where the decision becomes incredibly straightforward. The brand-new, standard Acer Chromebook Plus 516 costs $479. That means you can currently purchase the objectively superior, higher-spec 516 GE – with its smoother 120Hz screen and other premium features – for $30 less than the standard model.

Let’s be clear: the new Chromebook Plus 516 is likely a perfectly adequate device. It carries the Chromebook Plus enhancements and offers that desirable large screen. But value is context-dependent. When you can get a demonstrably better version of essentially the same device, with significant upgrades like the 120Hz display, for less money, the choice is obvious.

For anyone in the market for a 16-inch Chromebook Plus right now, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE at its current $449 sale price isn’t just a good option; it’s arguably the option to beat. Getting a significantly better user experience for less cash is a rare alignment, and one worth jumping on if you’re considering a purchase.