Acer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18: New high-end gaming notebooks

In addition to the new Nitro and Swift laptops, Acer is also stocking up its high-end Predator Helios gaming laptop series just in time for CES 2023, presenting two new laptops, the Acer Predator Helios 16 and Acer Predator Helios 18, which feature new 13th-generation Intel Core mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs. The manufacturer has also announced two new gaming monitors.

Acer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18 in detail

The CES is also always a trade show where numerous new notebooks are presented. This was the case for all manufacturers and naturally also applies to Acer, which has two new high-end models up its sleeve with the Acer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18.

They are the manufacturer’s most powerful gaming notebooks to date and come in a completely revised design. They are equipped with the latest HX processors from Intel’s 13th generation, either the Core i9 or Core i7, as well as a graphics card up to NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX. 4080 notebook GPU (MGP up to 165W).

This should definitely ensure an absolute top performance in the latest games. In addition, there is up to 32 GB of DDR5-4800 RAM and up to 2 TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD storage space.

Strong displays with up to 240 Hz

When it comes to the display, you have several options to choose from. The Predator Helios 16 offers a 40.64-cm (16-inch) (16:10) WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) display at 165 Hz or 240 Hz, while the Predator Helios 18 has a 45.72-cm (18-inch) display (16:10).

Here you can choose between WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) with 165 Hz and WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) with 165 Hz or 240 Hz. Optionally, both gaming notebooks are also available with a mini LED panel that realizes a refresh rate of 250 Hz.

The Mini LED panel supports over 1,000 nits of peak brightness with a high contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space for rich, vivid colors. At the same time, the mini LED display features over 1,000 local dimming zones to enhance the contrast ratio and image.

To keep the powerful new components cool, the new Predator notebooks feature enhanced thermal solutions with two specially designed 5th generation AeroBlade 3D metal fans and vector heatpipes in the shape of rectangles for improved heat transfer. In addition, the advanced thermal performance is topped off with better heat conduction from liquid metal thermal paste.

New design and connectors

Visually, the Acer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18 gaming notebooks rely on an all-new design, featuring a modern matte black chassis with clean edges and narrow bezels.

On the back, in addition to a few ports, there is an RGB light bar that runs above the rear vents. The new design is complemented by a mini LED backlit keyboard with 1.8 mm key travel and anti-ghosting N-Key rollover. The per-key RGB backlighting has been redesigned to provide bright, even colors smooth, dynamic lighting effects.

Using the mode button, you can quickly switch to gaming mode to access maximum power. The PredatorSense button lets you access the corresponding app for things like customizing the RGB lighting and more.

The Predator notebooks are equipped with the Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet controller and support the Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 frequency band. This is joined by a wide range of ports with USB 3.2 Gen2, HDMI 2.1, USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 twice and a Micro SD card reader.

Predator X45 & X27U gaming monitors

For external imaging, the manufacturer offers the two new Predator X45 & X27U gaming monitors. They both rely on an OLED panel, with the X45 boasting a UWQHD resolution (3,440 x 1,440 pixels) and 800R curvature.

It also supports 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color gamut for realistic images. Equipped with DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, it is also TÜV Rheinland EyeSafe certified. HDR10 is also supported, and the maximum brightness is 1,000 nits.

Both the Predator X45 and Predator X27U feature a refresh rate of 240 Hz and a pixel response time of up to 0.01 ms combined with AMD FreeSync Premium technology.

They also feature KVM switching, which allows you to quickly switch between desktop and notebook and easily continue using your mouse and keyboard. Furthermore, both Predator monitors are equipped with a USB Type-C port, which can be used to charge notebooks with up to 90W, for example.

More from Acer:

• Acer Swift Go: Compact and ultralight notebooks with OLED display
• Acer Halo Swing: Smart speaker with display and RGB lighting

Prices and Availability

The Acer Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) gaming notebook kicks things off and is expected to be available in February 2023 at an MSRP starting at 2,399 euros. One month later, in March 2023, the Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) will follow starting at 2,499 Euros.

The Acer Predator X45 gaming monitor is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2023 at an MSRP starting at 1,799 euros, while the X27U will start at 1,099 euros.