Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI overview: An OLED steal

Greatest Costs As we speak: Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is a 16-inch gaming laptop computer with strong {hardware} for an affordable worth. However in the event you’re searching for a real “AI laptop computer,” this isn’t it. The neural processing unit (NPU) is simply too gradual to deal with Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC AI options neither is it able to run essentially the most present AI duties. Many patrons don’t notice that fashionable “AI laptops” typically fall wanting Microsoft’s marketed requirements.

Like different gaming laptops rebranded as AI laptops, this machine would excel at GPU-based AI duties, however not more than every other gaming laptop computer. With 12 GB of VRAM, the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti GPU right here isn’t superb for native AI fashions. (For instance, OpenAI’s new gpt-oss-20B mannequin is meant for GPUs with no less than 16 GB of VRAM.)

Transferring past the AI branding, it is a advantageous laptop computer — if we deal with it as a gaming laptop computer and never an AI laptop computer. And this OLED show at lower than $2,000 is extraordinarily spectacular. So, for the remainder of this overview, I’ll simply deal with it like a gaming laptop computer.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Specs

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S is a 16-inch gaming laptop computer with a blazing-fast 24-core Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX CPU, a current-generation Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. That’s the Greatest Purchase-exclusive configuration we reviewed, and it retails for $1,899. The RAM and storage are finish user-upgradable, too. All you need to do is take away the underside cowl.

• Mannequin quantity: PHN16S-71-98RF
• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX
• Reminiscence: 32 GB DDR5 6400 MHz RAM
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 12GB
• NPU: Intel AI Increase (as much as 13 TOPS)
• Show: 16-inch 2560×1600 OLED show with 240Hz refresh fee
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
• Webcam: 1080p webcam
• Connectivity: 2x USB Sort-C (1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps), 3x USB Sort-A (2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1), 1x HDMI 2.1 out, 1x Ethernet, 1x microSD card reader, 1x combo audio jack, 1x DC energy in
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: IR digital camera for facial recognition
• Battery capability: 76 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.06 x 10.9 x 1.01 inches
• Weight: 4.8 kilos
• MSRP: $1,899 as examined

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is a 16-inch gaming laptop computer that lands someplace between the thinnest gaming laptops and the chunkiest ones. At slightly below 5 kilos, it’s nonetheless lots transportable for a gaming laptop computer. It’s all black, apart from a reflective Predator emblem on the lid and a silver emblem on the keyboard tray. The excellent news is that there’s no “AI” emblem anyplace on this machine.

Whereas Acer doesn’t specify the supplies in its reviewer’s information, the lid seems to be manufactured from a black aluminum, with a lot of the remainder of the machine manufactured from a black plastic. It feels strong. The hinge additionally feels good and clean, and it’s straightforward to open with a single hand.

Whereas the keyboard lights up with multicolored LEDs in order for you it, the remainder of the machine in its “Obsidian Black” shade scheme is restrained, and it may move for extra of knowledgeable laptop computer than a gaming laptop computer. There are not any gentle bars or different results elsewhere on the laptop computer. That silver “Predator” emblem under the keyboard marks it as a gaming laptop computer, nevertheless.

It’s a strong laptop computer. It feels sturdy, and the plastic end doesn’t really feel low-cost. At an inch thick, it’s an affordable thickness for a gaming laptop computer. But it surely doesn’t really feel fairly as luxurious to the contact as an all-metal laptop computer chassis.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI has a full-size keyboard full with a quantity pad (there’s loads of room for it) and 4 zones of RGB LED backlighting. That customizable backlighting permits you to arrange colourful results with out the price of together with dearer per-key RGB backlighting.

With 1.5mm of key journey, it is a commonplace membrane-style chiclet keyboard on a gaming laptop computer of this dimension. There’s loads of room for sufficient key journey to make the keyboard really feel good with none further methods. It feels advantageous — not mushy — nevertheless it doesn’t really feel as unusually snappy as when producers go the additional mile to incorporate a mechanical keyboard or one with further actuation drive.

The trackpad is an efficient dimension, clean, and responsive. The floor isn’t as clean as a glass touchpad, and there’s maybe a little extra friction than on another trackpad finishes I’ve used not too long ago — plus the click-down motion lands with a bit extra of a “thunk” than a “click on” — nevertheless it’s advantageous. It’s a normal touchpad, however nothing that stands out towards its rivals. I sport with a mouse, anyway, and I’d be comfortable utilizing this whereas I wasn’t gaming.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Show and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI has a 16-inch 2560×1600 OLED show with a 240Hz refresh fee and as much as 400 nits of brightness (peaking a bit larger in HDR mode.) It helps HDR and Nvidia G-Sync, too.

The show seems nice — I’m a sucker for a great OLED. I’m excited to see an OLED with such a excessive refresh fee, too. For years, it felt such as you needed to choose between OLED or a excessive refresh fee on a gaming laptop computer. You will get shows which can be brighter and even larger decision on a gaming laptop computer, however this one seems good with the deep blacks you’ll discover on an OLED.

Whereas that is very good OLED, it’s not the perfect one I’ve seen. Whereas taking part in Doom: The Darkish Ages, the blacks on this OLED show seemed good and deep, however these aren’t the vivid colours and excessive brightness I usually see on an OLED-powered laptop computer. In lots of methods, it jogs my memory extra of a great IPS show. That’s not a shock because of that 400 nits brightness.

The blacks are good and deep, however the colours aren’t as vivid as I see on brighter OLEDs. As an OLED, it’s somewhat shiny and susceptible to reflections, and that may be a problem in a shiny room, extra brightness normally helps overpower these reflections.

I check the audio system on each laptop computer I overview by taking part in Steely Dan’s Aja and Daft Punk’s Get Fortunate. The Helios Neo 16S AI’s two stereo audio system delivered loads of quantity. They did a greater job in Get Fortunate than in Aja with its exact instrument separation.

However the higher midrange was somewhat harsh, particularly at larger quantity settings — one thing that basically comes by way of in sounds just like the singing in Get Fortunate‘s refrain. I discovered the higher midranges fatiguing after just some minutes in Doom: The Darkish Ages, too. I don’t like the best way the audio system sound, and I might actually need to use headphones whereas gaming.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI has a 1080p webcam that appears advantageous for a gaming laptop computer. In reality, I’d say it’s on the higher aspect for a gaming laptop computer, although the colour and normal picture high quality aren’t up there with enterprise laptops optimized for video conferencing.

Since Acer is pushing AI options for the webcam and microphone, it’s value noting that the “PurifiedView” button within the PredatorSense app’s “Expertise Zone” simply opens Home windows Studio Results webcam settings — you’ll get these specific results (computerized framing, eye contact, and background blur) on principally any laptop computer with this NPU. And also you’ll get extra on a Copilot+ PC that delivers further options.

The microphone setup was on the quiet aspect and never notably high-quality. That’s regular for gaming laptops, however Acer markets this as a three-microphone setup for crystal-clear voice high quality. You’ll most likely be utilizing an exterior microphone, anyway. This machine has Acer Purified Voice options you possibly can tweak within the PredatorSense’s “Expertise Zone,” they usually’re an enchancment over no results. Nevertheless, stronger microphone {hardware} would ship a greater voice enter expertise than these fashionable AI results do.

You don’t want an “AI laptop computer” for background noise removing, anyway.

This machine has an IR digital camera for facial recognition with Home windows Hiya, so you possibly can sign up together with your face. As common on fashionable laptops, it really works nicely.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI has a great assortment of ports which can be positioned nicely. But it surely additionally has one of many huge issues I are likely to see on laptops like these — USB port confusion.

On the left aspect, the machine presents an Ethernet jack, a USB Sort-A port, a microSD card reader, and combo audio jack. On the proper aspect, it’s bought two extra USB Sort-A ports.

On the again, you’ll discover a DC energy in jack, HDMI 2.1 out, and two USB Sort-C ports (one is Thunderbolt 4 and one is USB 3.2). That’s a fantastic location and means cables like energy in and video out are popping out the again of your laptop computer and aren’t in the best way of your mouse and different issues in your desk.

The annoyance is the same old USB port confusion. On the again, one of many USB Sort-C ports is a Thunderbolt 4 port whereas the opposite operates at USB 3.2 speeds. You’ll must keep watch over which is which in case you have Thunderbolt 4 units otherwise you’ll discover them working at decreased speeds.

This laptop computer options Killer Wi-Fi 6E {hardware} and Bluetooth 5.4 help, and it fortunately has that 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for wired networking. It’s disappointing that Acer skipped Wi-Fi 7 right here. It’s not a giant deal, however Wi-Fi 7 help would make it extra futureproof.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Efficiency

I put the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI to the check in Doom: The Darkish Ages, and it carried out nicely — because it ought to with this CPU and GPU!

Underneath load, the followers aren’t unusually loud for a gaming laptop computer. They blow scorching air out of each the again and sides. I’d desire in the event that they solely blew it out the again. The keyboard can even get somewhat toasty, particularly within the center.

As at all times, we ran the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI by way of our commonplace benchmarks to see the way it performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of general system efficiency. That is an general system benchmark, however the CPU is a big issue right here. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI delivered a strong rating of 8,320 because of its speedy Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX CPU.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run Cinebench R20. This can be a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on general CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling beneath prolonged workloads isn’t an element. However, because it’s closely multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores have an enormous benefit.

With a median multithreaded Cinebench R20 rating of 13,072, this laptop computer was a bit behind some rivals with the identical CPU, probably suggesting cooling could also be an element.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. That is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, nevertheless it runs over an prolonged interval. This calls for the laptop computer’s cooling kick in, and plenty of laptops will throttle and decelerate beneath load.

The Helios Neo 16S accomplished the encode course of in a median of 562 seconds. That’s over 9 minutes. Once more, we see it slipping behind comparable laptops that presumably have higher cooling methods and want much less throttling beneath load.

If I have been approaching this as an AI laptop computer and saying you could be trying to do CPU inference, I’d level out it is a actual challenge — you’d need a laptop computer with higher cooling to run heavy CPU-crunching duties for prolonged durations of time. (However, since we’ve left the concept of this being an AI workstation behind, it’s advantageous and certain received’t have an enormous impact on gaming efficiency.)

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run a graphical benchmark. First, we run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency. The Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti GPU right here produced a Time Spy rating of 13,528. A benchmark like this one is all concerning the GPU.

What’s attention-grabbing right here is the RTX 5070 Ti on this machine doesn’t pull very far forward of the RTX 5070 within the Alienware 16X Aurora. It’s forward, however solely by somewhat bit. Evaluating on-paper GPU speeds, it needs to be forward by quite a bit! The trigger is probably going the TDP. On this machine, the RTX 5070 Ti is proscribed to 115 W max, so it could’t take full benefit of the 5070 Ti’s theoretically larger efficiency within the superb world. (The Alienware 16X Aurora additionally runs its 5070 at a 115 W TDP.)

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Then, we benchmark some video games. We begin with Shadow of the Tomb Raider, an older sport, however a good way to match efficiency throughout {hardware}. With a median FPS of 160 in our commonplace benchmark right here, this machine is according to different comparable laptops and even ones with quicker RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Lastly, we benchmark a demanding sport. We run the Excessive benchmark in Metro Exodus. With a median FPS of 56 on this benchmark, this is available in roughly the place we’d count on to see it — behind RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 laptops.

Once more, that is solely a hair quicker than the RTX 5070 within the Alienware 16X Aurora. Whereas the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S does have a quicker GPU, the benefits are marginal at this TDP stage.

General, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI carried out advantageous. But it surely doesn’t take full benefit of its {hardware}. The Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX doesn’t ship the sort of sustained efficiency it could on competing PCs (possible because of the cooling {hardware}), for instance.

Extra importantly, whereas the selection of a quicker RTX 5070 Ti GPU seems like a giant on-paper win that can ship quicker efficiency than an RTX 5070, the TDP right here implies that the GPU on this machine performs equally to machines with RTX 5070 GPUs operating on the excessive finish of what they will handle.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Battery life

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI has a 76 Watt-hour battery, which is center of the highway for a gaming laptop computer. Nonetheless, it helps hold weight down and also you aren’t going to sport on battery energy anyway.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Metal on repeat on Home windows 11 with airplane mode enabled till the laptop computer suspends itself. We set the display to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks. This can be a best-case state of affairs for any laptop computer since native video playback is so environment friendly, and actual battery life in day-to-day use is at all times going to be lower than this.

Additionally, since this laptop computer has an OLED display that doesn’t have to make use of further energy to show the black bars across the video, that provides it a little bit of an edge towards competing laptops with IPS shows on this check.

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI lasted for a median of 371 minutes in our benchmark — that’s simply over six hours. You’ll get much less in the actual world, so this laptop computer received’t make it by way of a workday (possibly not also have a workday) earlier than you should plug it in. That’s commonplace for gaming laptops with power-hungry Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX processors.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI: Conclusion

If you would like a 16-inch OLED with 240Hz refresh fee for beneath $2,000, you must significantly take into account this machine. Asus’s ROG Zephyrus G16 is one other 16-inch laptop computer with an RTX 5070 Ti, a slower Intel Core Extremely 9 285H CPU, and a 240Hz refresh fee, and Asus’s on-line retailer has it at $2,799 as I’m wrapping up this overview.

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI tries a number of different gimmicks. The “AI” branding isn’t a purpose to purchase this PC over one other gaming laptop computer. And the RTX 5070 Ti GPU — a win on paper — is held again and doesn’t ship the theoretical high-end efficiency it’d.

If you happen to aren’t excited by this OLED at this worth, I like to recommend you take into account different choices. This show at this worth is that this machine’s standout function, not AI.