Acer Predator Helios Neo 16/18 AI: A Gaming Laptop with AI-Powered Performance
I’m at Intel Extreme Masters in Katowice, Poland, where Acer has announced their latest gaming laptop range, the Predator Helios Neo 16/18 AI. This year, AI is at the forefront, and I’ve had a close-up, hands-on encounter with the new models.
Design and Specifications
The Helios Neo 16/18 AI is a slightly sleeker, lighter, lower-specced and more rounded version of the hold-up-a-bank-bulky Predator Helios laptops. The 16-inch model weighs 2.7 kilos, while the 18-inch model weighs 3.3 kilos, making it even heavier than the Helios I reviewed in 2023.
Performance
The Predator Helios Neo 16/18 AI comes with the latest Intel Core Ultra ‘Arrow Lake’ processors, a more capable NPU, 64GB of RAM, a choice of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070/5070 Ti laptop graphics cards, and WQXGA and options of screens including WQXGA, OLED, and Mini-LED.
Creative Potential
While marketed as a gaming laptop, the Predator Helios Neo 16/18 AI excites me from a creative viewpoint. The internals in a professional creative laptop and a gaming laptop are largely identical. Here we have high-bandwidth RAM, and lots of it, a new 50-series NVIDIA graphics card, Thunderbolt 5 ports, and a high-resolution screen with a (promised) colour gamut, much like you’ll find in an ASUS ProArt or a Lenovo Yoga or an MSI Creator, just with more RGB and maybe slightly different emphasis regarding design.
AI-Powered Performance
More creative software has started utilising AI-boosted NPUs. With the 13 TOPs NPU in the Arrow Lake processor on board here (on top of the 50-series graphics), I’m keen to see how it will handle AI upscaling video, running local processes in Photoshop and DaVinci, and finding out whether you can spend more than 8 minutes away from a power outlet.
Availability and Pricing
The Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) will be available in North America in April, starting at $1,899.99, and in Europe in May, starting at €1,699. The Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) will be available in North America in May, starting at $2,199.99, and in Europe in May, starting at €1,799. I’m currently pestering Acer’s representatives for a UK price, and will update this info as soon as they have an answer.
Conclusion
The Predator Helios Neo 16/18 AI is a powerful gaming laptop with AI-powered performance that also excites me from a creative viewpoint. With its high-bandwidth RAM, new 50-series NVIDIA graphics card, and high-resolution screen, it’s a great option for creatives who need a powerful laptop for demanding tasks.
FAQs
Q: What is the weight of the Predator Helios Neo 16 AI?
A: The 16-inch model weighs 2.7 kilos.
Q: What is the weight of the Predator Helios Neo 18 AI?
A: The 18-inch model weighs 3.3 kilos.
Q: What is the starting price of the Predator Helios Neo 16 AI in North America?
A: The starting price is $1,899.99.
Q: What is the starting price of the Predator Helios Neo 18 AI in North America?
A: The starting price is $2,199.99.
Q: When will the Predator Helios Neo 16/18 AI be available in Europe?
A: The Predator Helios Neo 16 AI will be available in May, starting at €1,699, and the Predator Helios Neo 18 AI will be available in May, starting at €1,799.
