Acer has announced its new Acer Predator Helios 16 AI and Acer Predator Helios 18 AI laptops. The computers are powered by new Intel Core Ultra processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 GPUs (graphics processing units). In addition, Acer announced the all-new slim Predator Helios Neo 16S AI laptop and the Predator XB323QX gaming monitor.
Predator Helios AI
Acer says that the Predator Helios 16 AI is a mid-sized laptop that delivers an exceptional combination of performance and portability for gamers and professionals. The Predator Helios 18 AI also offers desktop-level performance, a larger screen and immersive gaming experiences.
Intel Core Ultra 9 processors
Both Predator Helios AI laptops are powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX with NPU (neural processing unit) for AI-accelerated performance. Graphics performance is driven by up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and the latest Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technologies. In addition, the GPU enhances the laptops with more than 150 optimized AI apps that use NVIDIA GPUs and RTX Tensor Cores to accelerate AI.
Memory and storage
You can configure the Predator Helios 16 AI laptop with up to 64 GB of memory and 4 TB of PCIe Gen 5 storage. The Predator Helios 18 AI laptop supports up to a massive 192 GB of memory and 6 TB of PCIe Gen 5 storage. In addition, the laptops both feature advanced thermal technology with liquid metal thermal grease and vector heat pipes as well as the proprietary 6th Gen AeroBlade 3D metal fans. These are the world’s thinnest cooling fan blades at just 0.05 mm and boost airflow by 20% compared to plastic.
Displays
The Predator Helios 16 AI laptop features an OLED WQXGA (2560×1600) display with a fast 240 Hz refresh rate. However, the Predator Helios 18 AI laptop has a 4K Mini LED WQXGA display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and up to 1,000 nits brightness. It also incorporates a new dual-mode display feature that allows you to seamlessly switch to FHD resolution at 240 Hz via the PredatorSense app. In addition, both laptops support NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and a MUX Switch.
Other features
The Predator Helios AI laptops per-key RGB keyboards that feature Acer’s MagKey 4.0 swappable mechanical switches for the WASD and arrow keys. Both laptops also include DTS:X Ultra for high-quality and distortion-free audio. The Helios 16 AI has four speakers, while the Helios 18 AI includes six speakers. In addition, the Helios’s connections include the latest Ethernet E5000B, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 and via two Thunderbolt 5 ports. Using the PredatorSense utility app, you can control the laptops’ performance, fans and dynamic RGB lighting.
Acer Predator Helios Neo16S AI
The new Acer Predator Helios Neo16S AI laptop delivers a powerful performance but in a slimmer form factor. Its case is less that 0.78 inches (19.9 mm) deep. Despite the streamlined design, the Helios Neo 16S still supports up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX. It also features an integrated NPU for AI and gaming, along with the new Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU. In addition, the laptop supports up to 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage. The Helios Neo 16S OLED WQXGA display has a 240 Hz refresh rate and a wide color gamut offering 100% DCI-P3.
Acer Predator XB323QX monitor
The Acer Predator XB323QX gaming monitor features a 31.5-inch 5K IPS display with 144 Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms (GTG) response time. You can also switch to WQHD (2560×1440) resolution at 288 Hz with Dynamic Frequency and Resolution (DFR) technology, and Nvidia G-SYNC Pulsar. The monitor offers 10-bit color depth, enhanced by 95% DCI-P3 or 99% sRGB color gamut support. In addition, the Predator XB323QX has great connectivity with a DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. For audio, the monitor has integrated 2-watt speakers.
What we think
With fast Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and powerful GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs, the new Predator Helios AI laptops are great for video editing. They also support the larger capacities of RAM that you need for working with higher resolution video files. In addition, if you are looking for an external monitor for your new laptop, the new Predator XB323QX is a great match. The 10-bit color depth and 95% DCI-P3 support is ideal for editing and color grading. All of these features command a premium price, but the Predator Helios AI laptops could even be a replacement for a desktop-based video editing system.
Pricing and availability
The Predator Helios 16 AI laptop will be available in June, with prices starting from $2,299. You will also be able to pick up the Predator Helios 18 AI a month earlier in May, from $2,999. In addition, the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI will be launched in April, priced from $1,699.
