When Acer revealed the 2024 revisions to the ongoing Predator Helios Neo gaming laptop line, I knew I had to get my hands on one to see what was under the hood. With the first versions of Helios Neo launched in 2023, the 2024 revised version brings updates to power, efficiency, and introduces AI Copilot functionality to the equation. After spending weeks with the revised Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, I’m convinced it returned in a big way, and it looks good while doing it.
First things first, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 looks like it fell off of a spaceship that was passing the Milky Way galaxy. It is a high-tech device, and it looks as such with a sleek aluminum chassis completed by a handsome logo emblazoned on the front hood (it lights up!). This laptop is a hulking beast, measuring 1.28 x 14.1 x 11 inches (HxWxD), and it includes a 16:10 display ratio.
While the included display sports an impressive (1920×1200) display resolution and a fast 165 Hz refresh rate, the provided ratio elongates the laptop just enough to make it too big for a standard backpack or laptop bag. With a bulky ~6lbs of carry weight by itself and a charger that weighs 4lbs alone, consumers will have to return to grade school with the feeling of 4 textbooks at once weighing the user down with this anchor strapped to your back.
“First things first, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 looks like it fell off of a spaceship that was passing the Milky Way galaxy.”
It’s worth mentioning for the more visual consumer that the Predator Helios Neo 16 has further optionality to include a display resolution of (2560×1600) with an even faster 240 Hz refresh rate. Still, the included specs were more than enough for this user. When comparing how Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 looked when displayed from the Xbox Series X on a Lenovo LEGION monitor to the Predator Helios Neo 16 display, the colour vibrancy and saturation were easier on the eyes from the Helios Neo 16, with better display settings in tow as well.
The display isn’t the only upgrade Acer made to the Predator Helios Neo 16. The revised series comes equipped with the high-performance 14th Gen Intel Core HX processor, paired with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (the unit I tested featured the RTX 4060). While the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU isn’t the most powerful on the market, it is more than strong enough to deliver visuals for both display options available with the Predator Helios Neo 16.
Onboard memory is equally impressive, with a superfast upgraded 16 GB DDR5 running at 5600 MHz (compared to the 2023 version’s 4800 MHz). Specs also include a 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD, but Acer ultimately leaves storage decisions up to the user.
Flipping the laptop over, it’s apparent that Acer wants users to know what’s inside their new device. When removing the bottom cover, consumers have the option to replace the onboard memory and storage. This is a notable improvement over other mobile units that solder components in place to prevent tinkering. For users who prefer a hands-on approach, Acer has your back here.
The only drawback to this feature is that the bolts securing the cover aren’t common Phillips screws (as seen in the Aspire Vero laptop) but rather Torx screws. While this provides extra leverage when unfastening the unit’s back cover, a Torx screwdriver isn’t as widely available as a Phillips head driver. Acer built this Predator with gaming in mind, and it shows in the sheer number of ports that adorn nearly every edge of the Predator Helios Neo 16.
On the left, there’s an Ethernet jack, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a microSD card slot and a 3.5 mm audio jack (more commonly referred to as an AUX port). On the right, there are two more USB 3.2 ports (one of which functions as an offline laptop charger) and a Kensington lock slot to secure the machine. Lastly, the rear edge houses a charging port, an HDMI-out slot and two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB Type-C but faster). Acer has made the Predator Helios Neo 16 an ideal docking station for user devices, making it a perfect base of operations.
Beyond the extensive port selection, notable vents are located along the edges of the device for cooling purposes. The dual-fan system (dubbed AeroBlade 3D by Acer) provides excellent cooling, even under heavy workloads. While playing Path of Exile 2 in performance mode, the Predator Helios Neo 16 started making some noise, but it immediately quieted down once the fans kicked in. The ultra-thin fan blades and well-placed ventilation improve what Acer claims is a “10 percent increase in airflow performance” over its predecessors. I call it wizardry. The Predator Helios Neo 16 can cut down any prey without breaking a sweat, keeping the system cool and the user’s lap dry.
AI functionality and Microsoft CoPilot have been added to the Predator Helios Neo 16 (for better or worse). Having used the Asus Vivobook S 15, I can say that CoPilot still seems better in theory than in practice, and the same holds true for the Predator Helios Neo 16 rollout. The inclusion means Microsoft has opened the floodgates for other platforms (beyond the Snapdragon ARM-based CPU) to utilize CoPilot+.
However, Acer has improved AI functionality by integrating what it calls Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 technology—built-in AI noise reduction. This tool uses AI to reduce background noise during conference calls or gaming sessions. While voice-chatting with Xbox users during a Black Ops 6 multiplayer match, even a slammed door in the background was muffled enough to avoid alarming teammates. A gaming laptop with genuinely useful AI functionality is a welcome addition.
“Acer built this Predator with gaming in mind, and it shows in the sheer number of ports that adorn nearly every edge of the Predator Helios Neo 16.”
Acer has also retooled its existing PredatorSense software, now updated to version 5.0. The onboard system gives users full control over their device, allowing adjustments to RGB lighting and Pulsar Lighting to match their preferred theme (including the illuminated Predator logo on the front hood and the built-in keyboard). It also manages overclocking settings and increases AeroBlade fan speeds to their maximum. For less tech-savvy users, PredatorSense offers preset options that let the system optimize settings for specific tasks. For the 2024 edition of the Helios Neo 16, Acer has even included a designated button on the number pad to launch the app instantly.
PredatorSense 5.0 has also included a function called “Check-up.” This allows users to diagnose why their PC might be running slower than normal and is a godsend. PredatorSense helped me realize my open Chrome browser windows were affecting the PC’s performance in the background (even without seeding or downloading anything) and got me back on track. PredatorSense reminds the user to “close their extra tabs,” and it’s a reminder this user sorely needs.
For those who prefer to streamline performance for specific tasks, PredatorSense 5.0 lets the user choose between four notable presets. Quiet is self-explanatory, allowing users to operate with minimal functionality without the PC making much noise. Balanced is the option for extra functions (the mode I used most) while maintaining efficiency. Performance boosts CPU and GPU performance while limiting AeroBlade fan speed. Lastly, Turbo removes restrictions and lets the Predator Helios Neo 16 run at maximum firepower for gaming performance. After juggling the presets and adjusting settings, the Predator Helios Neo 16 remained incredibly quiet throughout—an impressive achievement even during the most taxing assignments.
Benchmark data for the Predator Helios Neo 16 also performed above average when compared to the median test data provided by Geekbench 6. On the Performance setting in PredatorSense, Geekbench 6 gave the Predator Helios Neo 16’s NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU a score of 100,377 (higher is better) as opposed to the posted average of 89,017. The sum of the Predator Helios Neo 16’s components may be better than the median running performance posted on Geekbench 6. The CPU benchmarks tell a similar story, giving the Predator a 2,697 single-core score and a 15,810 multi-core score, both higher than Geekbench 6’s average scores for similar peripherals.
“The main gripe I have regarding the Predator Helios Neo 16 is its abysmal battery life.”
While running games on the device, Path of Exile 2 looks and performs flawlessly at 60 fps, a better result than the OMEN Transcend 14 gaming laptop, which ran a similar scenario at 50 fps. I deployed a Zeus-like mercenary character that uses lightning strike abilities, polluting the screen with flashes and noise constantly slamming into the landscape. The Predator Helios Neo 16 marched through maps with ease—and I wasn’t too bad either.
The main gripe I have regarding the Predator Helios Neo 16 is its abysmal battery life. While Acer wholeheartedly allows the user to replace memory and storage units by simply popping the hood, no courtesy was given to battery life, further tethering the laptop to the wall like the Kensington lock slot. I was able to watch two episodes of Squid Game Season 2 while unplugged, and the Predator Helios Neo 16 barely made it through on a full charge. This was after dimming the backlight to 50 percent, which I then dropped to 40 percent, with similar results.
While the Predator Helios Neo 16 handles basic tasks and functions like a well-oiled machine, once unplugged, battery checks will need to be frequent to ensure it doesn’t die mid-use. The performance also takes a notable hit when unplugged, with the GPU benchmark lowering closer to the 89,017 median score (the Helios Neo 16 scored 96,016 when unplugged) without active power. The poor battery life and 16:10 ratio screen make this laptop more of a desktop replacement than advertised.
The Predator Helios Neo 16 is a remarkable device. While it expands on everything that made the 2023 Predator Helios Neo series great, it also takes notable steps forward with PredatorSense upgrades and interior infrastructure optimization. By improving the interior cooling architecture, the overall functionality of the Predator Helios Neo 16 is superb, and it will run quietly for most tasks as long as the PC is set to Balanced mode. Shortcomings like miserable battery life and a heavy frame make hauling this Predator around cumbersome. The wider frame also makes it difficult to recommend for frequent travellers who need a reliable sidekick for business trips. However, as a home companion, the Predator Helios Neo 16 has your back.
