Gaming laptops are evolving rapidly with the integration of AI capabilities and cutting-edge display technologies. Acer's latest announcement brings two powerful additions to their gaming lineup, showcasing the next generation of mobile gaming hardware.
New Predator Series Unveiling
Acer has chosen the Counter-Strike tournament in Katowice, Poland, as the stage to introduce their latest gaming powerhouses: the Predator Helios Neo 16 AI and Predator Helios Neo 18 AI. These new models represent a significant step forward in mobile gaming technology, featuring NVIDIA's latest RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti mobile GPUs paired with Intel's Arrow Lake-HX processors.
Key Specifications:
- CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- GPU: Up to NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti
- RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5 (6,400 MHz)
- Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 (2x SSD slots)
- Battery: 90Wh
Advanced Display Options
The display offerings are particularly impressive, with both models providing multiple high-end options. The Helios Neo 16 AI stands out with its 16-inch OLED variant, delivering a crisp 2560 x 1600 resolution and a swift 240Hz refresh rate with 1ms response time. Meanwhile, the larger Helios Neo 18 AI introduces a premium Mini LED option running at 250Hz, marking a significant advancement in gaming laptop display technology.
Display Options:
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Predator Helios Neo 16 AI:
- 16" 2560x1600 OLED @ 240Hz (1ms)
- 16" 2560x1600 LED @ 240Hz/180Hz (3ms)
- 16" 1920x1200 LED @ 180Hz (3ms)
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Predator Helios Neo 18 AI:
- 18" 2560x1600 Mini LED @ 250Hz (3ms)
- 18" 2560x1600 LED @ 240Hz/165Hz (3ms)
- 18" 1920x1200 LED @ 165Hz (3ms)
Performance and Specifications
Both laptops come equipped with substantial hardware capabilities, supporting up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM running at 6,400 MHz and offering dual SSD slots that can accommodate up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 storage. The thermal management system includes 5th generation AeroBlade 3D fans and vector heat pipes, complemented by liquid metal thermal grease for optimal heat dissipation.
Connectivity and Features
The connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, multiple USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and ethernet connectivity. Both models are equipped with 90Wh batteries, Wi-Fi 6E support, and FHD IR cameras, making them suitable for both gaming and content creation.
Pricing and Availability
The Predator Helios Neo 16 AI will launch first in North America this April with a starting price of USD $1,900, followed by a European release in May at EUR €1,699. The larger Helios Neo 18 AI will arrive in May in North America, starting at USD $2,200, with European availability following in June at EUR €1,799. These competitive price points position them as strong contenders in the premium gaming laptop segment.