ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505) vs Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)
Both are good choices with different strengths. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 gets updates for longer, while the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has a faster SSD and has a bigger battery.
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Key differences
- Updates ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 wins
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 gets Chromebook updates until June 2035, about 2 years longer than the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (June 2033).
- Storage type Acer Chromebook Plus 516 wins
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 uses a proper SSD, while the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 has slower eMMC-style flash storage, so apps open and update more slowly.
- Battery life Acer Chromebook Plus 516 wins
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has the bigger battery: 53 Wh against 42 Wh.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 if…
- You'll keep it for years: Google updates it until June 2035.
- You carry your laptop a lot: it's the lighter of the two at 1.59 kg.
- You mostly browse, stream and write: its Intel Core 3 N355 copes well with everyday tasks.
Choose the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 if…
- You want apps and updates to feel quick: it has a proper SSD.
- You're often away from a plug: it has the bigger battery (53 Wh).
- You want a little more room on screen: it's 16 inches.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 leads on software and updates, while the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 leads on performance. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is ahead on performance.
It has a faster SSD, and the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505) | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 3 N355 | Intel Core i3-1315U |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR5 | LPDDR5 |
| Maximum memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Storage type | eMMC | SSD |
| Storage interface | eMMC | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD |
Screen
On the screen, it comes down to what you need.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has a slightly bigger screen: 16" against 15.6". The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has a slightly bigger screen, and the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505) | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 15.6" | 16" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Panel | LCD | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | — |
| Brightness | 300 nits | — |
| Colour range | 45% NTSC | 45% NTSC |
| HDR | None | — |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 is a little lighter, while the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has a bigger battery.
| Spec | ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505) | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | — | Up to 15.5 hours |
| Battery capacity | 42 Wh | 53 Wh |
| Charger | 45 W | 65 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 1.59 kg | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 359.5 x 232.2 x 20.1 mm | 358.9 x 253.1 x 19.25 mm |
| Materials | Plastic | — |
| Durability | US MIL-STD-810H | — |
| Colour | Rock Grey | Iron |
| Colours available | Rock Grey | Iron |
Ports and wireless
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has Wi-Fi 6E, and the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505) | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (DisplayPort, charging), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5 mm audio | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI (version not published) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | — |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Mobile data | None | — |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505) | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| Webcam privacy | physical shutter | physical camera shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | Backlit chiclet keyboard, 1.35 mm travel, spill-resistant | white backlight, Chrome Super Insert key |
| Number pad | Yes | Yes |
| Touchpad | — | OceanGlass touchpad |
| Speakers | built-in speaker | 2 speakers |
| Microphones | built-in microphone | built-in microphone (count not published) |
| Pen | No | — |
| Security | Titan C security chip, Kensington Nano Security Slot | Discrete H1 TPM for Chromebook, Kensington lock (Nano-type), Camera shutter |
Software and model
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 is ahead on software and updates.
It gets updates for longer, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | ASUS Chromebook Plus CX15 (CX1505) | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | ChromeOS Plus | ChromeOS Plus |
| Updates until | June 2035 | June 2033 |
| Model number | 90NX0925-M00530 | NX.JCLEK.008 |
| Released | 2025 | 2025 |