Tn terms of Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 Review, Acer introduces the ‘Neo’ variant in its Predator gaming lineup, providing an excellent laptop at a reasonable price point with solid performance. Additionally, it boasts an outstanding 16:10 display and efficient thermal performance. However, it’s essential to note that the fans may become noisy during gaming.
Pros:
- Excellent 16:10 display
- Solid performance for the price
- Abundance of ports
- Sensible starting price
Cons:
- Mediocre speaker quality
- Potentially loud fans
- Poor battery life, even for a gaming laptop
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: A Quick Review
Acer’s Predator laptop lineup, spanning from desktops like the Acer Orion 7000 to high-end options like the Acer Helios 300, is well-known. Today, we explore the budget-friendly Acer Predator Helios Neo 16.
In an era where top-tier gaming laptops often carry hefty price tags, the Helios Neo 16 offers a refreshing alternative. While premium options like the Razer Blade 14 demand over two thousand dollars, the Helios Neo 16 provides an accessible gaming solution.
In the current economic climate, value is paramount. The Helios Neo 16, a revamped version of Acer’s Helios laptop series, maintains quality while lowering the cost.
Now, it’s crucial to clarify that the Helios Neo 16 doesn’t qualify as a budget laptop. However, it delivers significant value, featuring 13th-gen Intel processors and RTX 4000 GPUs in various configurations.
Despite its affordability, the Helios Neo 16 doesn’t compromise on build quality. It boasts an RGB keyboard, a robust chassis, and a spacious display. My review unit flaunts a QHD+ screen, elevating visual appeal. The hinge is sturdy, with minimal wobbling even when moving the laptop.
Can this Helios variant compete with the best laptops? How does it fare against competitors in its price range? Let’s delve deeper.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Specs
Here’s the breakdown of Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 specs:
| Component | Base Model | Review Unit | Top Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.99 / £1,399 / AU$1,998 | $1,549.99 / £1,399 / around AU$2,400 | £1,799 / AU$3,999 (about $2,230) |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-13500HX | Intel Core i7-13700HX | Intel Core i5-13500HX |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB DDR5 | 32GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD | 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD | 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Screen | 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 16:10, 165 Hz | 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 16:10, 165 Hz | 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 16:10, 165 Hz |
| Ports | 3x USB-A, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack | 3x USB-A, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack | 3x USB-A, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Camera | 1080p webcam | 1080p webcam | 1080p webcam |
| Weight | 2.80 kg (6.17 lb) | 2.80 kg (6.17 lb) | 2.80 kg (6.17 lb) |
| Dimensions | 36.1 x 27.9 x 2.8 cm | 36.1 x 27.9 x 2.8 cm | 36.1 x 27.9 x 2.8 cm |
Note: The top-tier model may not be available in the US at the moment.(9/26/2023)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Price & Availability
- Price: Starting at $1,199.99 / £1,399 / AU$1,998
- Availability: Now in the US, UK, and Australia
Pricing Details
- The base model in the US (with RTX 4050 GPU) isn’t available in the UK and Australia.
- The starting prices are for RTX 4060 models.
- The top-tier model with RTX 4070 and i7-13700HX costs £1,799 / AU$3,999 (about $2,230) but may not be available in the US.
- The highest-spec US model, featuring an RTX 4060, is priced at $1,549.99 / £1,399 (around AU$2,400).
Value Perspective
While not budget-priced, the Helios Neo 16 offers great value in today’s gaming laptop landscape. Affordable gaming laptops have evolved, and this product stands out.
- The entry-level RTX 4050 model is currently on sale at Best Buy for just $999.99, an excellent deal in today’s market.
Price Score: 4.5 / 5
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Design
- Stylish exterior with unique lid design
- Impressive 16:10 display, 1600p resolution, vibrant colors
- Bright IPS screen at 500 nits, anti-glare coating
- Smooth 165Hz refresh rate for gaming
- Comfortable membrane keyboard
- Slightly off-centered touchpad
- Sturdy plastic build
- Quality 1080p webcam
- Abundance of physical ports: 3 USB-A, 2 USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI, RJ-45, headphone jack, microSD slot
Design score: 4 / 5
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Performance
- Decent gaming performance
- RTX 4060 handles 1080p gaming smoothly, most games at QHD+
- Fans are loud, but the system stays cool
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16: Benchmarks
Here are the benchmark results for the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16:
| Benchmark | Results |
|---|---|
| 3DMark Night Raid | 65,825 |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | 24,487 |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 11,146 |
| GeekBench 6 (Single-core) | 2,490 |
| GeekBench 6 (Multi-core) | 14,658 |
| Total War: Warhammer III | 1080p Ultra: 83.6, 1080p Low: 223.8 |
| Dirt 5 | 1080p Ultra: 97.2, 1080p Low: 164.6 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p Ultra RT: 61.1, 1080p Low: 152.0 |
| PCMark 10 Battery Life | 1hr 41m |
| Movie Battery Life | 2hr 55m |
Considering the price, the RTX 4060-equipped Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 performed well, delivering smooth gaming experiences at 1080p resolution. Even demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 ran at nearly 60fps on the Ultra preset. CPU performance was strong, handling multitasking with ease. The fan noise can be quite loud, but the system maintains cool temperatures.
Performance score: 4 / 5
READ ALSO: MSI Prestige 13 Evo Review: Compact Powerhouse || Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 Review: Stylish Upgrade! || Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 6 Review: Power-Packed Laptop
ACER PREDATOR HELIOS NEO 16: BATTERY LIFE
- Unimpressive battery life.
- Bulky AC adapter.
Gaming laptops aren’t known for long battery life, but finding one that lasts longer is a bonus. Sadly, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 falls short, lasting less than two hours in battery tests. Even in practical gaming, it manages just over 90 minutes with the balanced power setting.
The Neo charges quickly, but its hefty AC adapter hampers portability. Most users will use it as a desktop replacement, so this is common in gaming laptops.
Battery score: 3 / 5
SHOULD YOU BUY THE ACER PREDATOR HELIOS NEO 16?
- Price: Competitive starting price in a world of expensive gaming laptops (4.5 / 5).
- Design: Functional with ample ports (4 / 5).
- Performance: Strong gaming performance with RTX 4060 (4 / 5).
- Battery: Average for a gaming laptop (3 / 5).
- Overall: A solid effort from Acer for a more accessible, high-performance laptop (4 / 5).
Buy it if:
- You want value for money.
- You need a versatile work/play laptop.
Don’t buy it if:
- You prioritize portability.
- You seek top-notch gaming performance.
ACER PREDATOR HELIOS NEO 16: ALSO CONSIDER
| Laptop Model | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 | Lenovo Legion Pro 5i | Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,549.99 / £1,399 / AU$2,400 | $1,449.99 / £1,840 / AU$3,599 | $3,499.99 / £3,299.99 / AU$5,218 |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-13700HX | Intel Core i7-13700HX | Intel Core i9-13900H |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB DDR5 | 32GB DDR5 |
| Display | 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 16:10, 165 Hz | 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600), IPS, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch, 100% sRGB, 300 nits, 165Hz, LED Backlight | 16-inch QHD+ 16:10 (2560 x 1600, WQXGA) Mini-LED, 1,100 nits brightness, HDR, DCI-P3: 100%, Refresh Rate 240Hz |
| Storage | 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD | 512GB SSD | 2TB SSD |
| Ports | 3x USB-A, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack | 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4), 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack, 1x Power connector | 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack, 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x Thunderbolt 4, microSD reader, Kensington Lock |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6E 2×2 AX, Bluetooth 5.1 or above | Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Triple band) 2 x 2 + Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Camera | 1080p webcam | 1080p webcam with E-shutter | 1080p IR webcam |
| Weight | 2.80 kg | 2.5 kg | 2.30kg |
| Dimensions | 36.1 x 27.9 x 2.8 cm | 36.3 x 26.0 x 2.23 cm | 35.5 x 24.6 x 2.11 ~ 2.29 cm |