Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) vs Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72)
Both are good choices with different strengths. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is more compact and is lighter, while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is better for gaming and has a bigger screen.
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Key differences
- Gaming Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI wins
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is the one for gaming: its RTX 5070 Ti plays the latest games at very high settings, while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI with its RTX 5070 plays modern games at high settings.
- Screen size Depends on you
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI has the bigger screen (18" against 16"), while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is more compact.
- Weight Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI wins
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is 0.6 kg lighter: 2.7 kg against 3.3 kg.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI if…
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 16-inch screen.
- You'll move it around the house or office: it's 0.6 kg lighter.
- You do demanding work: its Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is built for heavy creative work.
Choose the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI if…
- You play games: its RTX 5070 Ti plays the latest games at very high settings.
- You want more room to work: its 18-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
- You do demanding work: its Intel Core Ultra 9 HX is built for heavy creative work.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI leads on battery and weight, while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI leads on performance. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is ahead on performance.
It is better for gaming, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Graphics power (TGP) | 115 W | 140 W |
| AI engine (NPU) | 13 TOPS | 13 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 |
Screen
On the screen, it comes down to what you need.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI has the bigger screen (18" against 16"), while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is more compact. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is more compact, while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI has a bigger screen.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 16" | 18" |
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 240 Hz | 240 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Colour range | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% DCI-P3 |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is ahead on battery and weight.
It is lighter, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 8 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Battery capacity | 90 Wh | 90 Wh |
| Charger | 230 W | 330 W |
| Weight | 2.7 kg | 3.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 356.8 x 275.5 x 13.47-23.90 mm | 401 x 307.9 x 14.9-28 mm |
| Colour | Black | Black |
| Colours available | — | Black |
Ports and wireless
Both have much the same ports and wireless.
You can plug in the same things on either.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (1 of them Thunderbolt), 1x HDMI, 1x 5 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45, 1x microSD | 2x Thunderbolt (USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45 (2.5 GbE), 1x microSD |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt |
| Card reader | microSD | microSD |
| Ethernet | 5 GbE RJ-45 | 2.5 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Wi-Fi card | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 or above | Bluetooth 5.4 or above |
| Mobile data | None | — |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) |
|---|---|---|
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | RGB 4-zone backlight, PredatorSense key, Caps Lock and microphone mute indicators | RGB 4-zone backlight, PredatorSense key, Caps Lock indicator, microphone mute indicator |
| Touchpad | — | Microsoft Precision Touchpad |
| Speakers | 2 speakers | 2 speakers |
| Microphones | Built-in microphone | built-in microphone |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | Kensington lock, Firmware TPM | Firmware TPM, Kensington lock |
Software and model
Both run Windows.
So the same apps work on both, and they get the same kind of updates.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | NH.QX3EK.002 | NH.QVLEK.007 |
| Released | 2025 | 2025 |