Review: Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 – a gaming laptop that prioritizes speed

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 offers a high level of performance and a decent display, along with plenty of ports for connectivity. However, it is heavy, has whiny fans, and a relatively low battery life. The gaming laptop aims to provide strong value for its price, with a modest design that prioritizes components over elegance. The base model starts at $1,449 and features a 1920×1200 display with a 165Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-14650HX, 16GB of memory, an RTX 4060, and 1TB of storage. There is also a configuration for the same price that upgrades the CPU to an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, offering 32GB of memory, 2TB of storage, an RTX 4070, and a 2560×1600 display. The tested configuration costs $1,699 and includes an Intel Core i7-14700HX, 32GB of memory, an RTX 4070, and a 2560×1600, 240Hz panel. The laptop features a sturdy plastic build, with rubber feet adding thickness and a 90Wh battery to support the high-performance components. The keyboard offers a solid typing experience, but the layout may be inconvenient for some users. The trackpad is spacious and responsive, although mouse movement can lag slightly. The display on the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is impressive, with a sharp 2560×1600 resolution, fast 240Hz refresh rate, and accurate color reproduction. The speakers, however, are not as impressive, with a lackluster sound quality at maximum volume. Overall, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 offers strong performance and a good display, but its weight, fan noise, and battery life may not make it the ideal choice for users seeking portability.