Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook vs Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has the edge: it has a bigger screen, has a faster SSD and is newer. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook still is more compact, so it's worth a look if that matters more to you.
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Key differences
- Screen size Depends on you
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has the bigger screen (16" against 14"), while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is more compact.
- Storage type Acer Chromebook Plus 516 wins
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 uses a proper SSD, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook has slower eMMC-style flash storage, so apps open and update more slowly.
- Age Acer Chromebook Plus 516 wins
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is the newer model (2025 against 2023).
- Extras Acer Chromebook Plus 516 wins
Only the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has a number pad.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook if…
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 14-inch screen.
- You carry your laptop a lot: it's the lighter of the two at 1.5 kg.
- You want a Chromebook that stays supported: Google updates it until June 2033.
Choose the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 if…
- You want more room to work: its 16-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
- You want apps and updates to feel quick: it has a proper SSD.
- You want a more recent design: it came out in 2025.
- You want a number pad, handy for spreadsheets and numbers.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Acer Chromebook Plus 516 leads on performance; elsewhere the two are closely matched. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-N305 | Intel Core i3-1315U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR5-4800 | 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 5.1 | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Storage slots | 0 | — |
Screen
On the screen, it comes down to what you need.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has the bigger screen (16" against 14"), while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is more compact. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is more compact, while the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 has a bigger screen.
| Spec | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 16" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | 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
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook is ahead on battery and weight.
It is a little lighter, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 15.5 hours |
| Battery capacity | 57 Wh | 53 Wh |
| Charger | 45 W | 65 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | — |
| Weight | 1.5 kg | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 324.4 x 216.2 x 19.3 mm | 358.9 x 253.1 x 19.25 mm |
| Materials | aluminium top, PC-ABS bottom | — |
| Colour | Storm Grey | Iron |
| Colours available | Storm Grey | Iron |
Ports and wireless
Both have much the same ports and wireless.
You can plug in the same things on either.
| Spec | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (charging, data, DisplayPort), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI (version not published) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | — |
| External displays (max) | 2 | — |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Wi-Fi card | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Mobile data | None | — |
Features
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is ahead on extras.
It has a number pad, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| Webcam privacy | physical shutter | physical camera shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | 6-row spill-resistant Chrome keyboard with anti-pick keycaps | white backlight, Chrome Super Insert key |
| Number pad | No | Yes |
| Touchpad | buttonless Mylar Precision TouchPad, 60.5 x 104 mm | OceanGlass touchpad |
| Speakers | 2x 2 W stereo, Waves MaxxAudio | 2 speakers |
| Microphones | dual-array | built-in microphone (count not published) |
| Pen | No | — |
| Security | Google Security Chip H1, Kensington Nano Security Slot, camera privacy shutter | Discrete H1 TPM for Chromebook, Kensington lock (Nano-type), Camera shutter |
Software and model
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook | Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | ChromeOS Plus | ChromeOS Plus |
| Updates until | June 2033 | June 2033 |
| Model number | 83BN001EUK | NX.JCLEK.008 |
| Released | 2023 | 2025 |