Keeping up with the intricacies of Acer’s Predator Helios gaming laptop line isn’t easy. The long-running series (dating back to 2017) now commands 12 different models, distinguished by screen size, the inclusion of AI acceleration (models with an “AI” suffix), and general affordability (denoted by the “Neo” suffix)—in every possible combination.
Today, I’m reviewing the Predator Helios 16S AI, which boasts high-end specs and performance—especially in graphics-intensive tasks—but manages to keep the price at a reasonable level.
Gamer Rig
Photograph: Chris Null
The unabashed centerpiece of the 16S AI is the inclusion of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, released earlier this year as part of the family of the most state-of-the-art mobile graphics processors on the market. Backing this up is an Intel Core 9 275HX CPU, a 1-terabyte SSD, and, oddly, just 16 GB of RAM. The 16-inch OLED screen is a dazzler that packs 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, though it lacks touchscreen features.
Most of these specs are technically upgradable, though this specific system is a preconfigured Best Buy exclusive, so it can’t be upgraded to order by the buyer. A higher-end configuration is available from Best Buy for an extra $300.
There’s no point beating around the bush any further: The Helios 16S may include “AI” in the name, but this is a gamer’s rig through and through. That starts with the design, which is focused on being (relatively) thin and light but tips the scales at a hefty 4.7 pounds and measures 24 millimeters in thickness. Clad in black aluminum with a plastic interior, the design features large vents on either side of the chassis and the rear, and a screen that is set forward from the back of the laptop by roughly an inch. This leaves a shelf-like area that looks a bit awkward but probably adds some stability when the screen is open. The Predator logo on the lid shifts through the color wheel while the machine idles, a nice distraction from the significant tendency for the lid to attract fingerprints.