Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) vs HP OMEN MAX 16
The HP OMEN MAX 16 is the better laptop on paper: it is better for gaming, has more memory and has Copilot+ AI features. Pick the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI only if it matters to you that it has more accurate colour and has an SD card reader.
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Key differences
- Gaming HP OMEN MAX 16 wins
The HP OMEN MAX 16 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.
- Memory HP OMEN MAX 16 wins
The HP OMEN MAX 16 has 32 GB of memory against 16 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- Colour Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI wins
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI's screen shows a wider range of colour (100% DCI-P3 against 100% sRGB), so photos and films look richer and truer.
- Ports Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI wins
Only the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI has an SD card reader.
- Extras HP OMEN MAX 16 wins
Only the HP OMEN MAX 16 has Copilot+ AI features.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI if…
- You edit photos or care about colour: its screen covers 100% DCI-P3.
- You plug things in: it has an SD card reader (for camera cards).
- You're often away from a plug: it has the bigger battery (90 Wh).
Choose the HP OMEN MAX 16 if…
- You play games: its RTX 5070 Ti plays the latest games at very high settings.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room.
- You want Copilot+ AI features, handy for Windows' newest AI tools.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI leads on the screen and battery and weight, while the HP OMEN MAX 16 leads on performance. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The HP OMEN MAX 16 is ahead on performance.
It is better for gaming and has more memory, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | HP OMEN MAX 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Graphics power (TGP) | 115 W | — |
| AI engine (NPU) | 13 TOPS | — |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-5600 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | — | Upgradeable (slots) |
| Storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 |
| Storage slots | — | 2 |
Screen
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is ahead on the screen.
It has more accurate colour, and the HP OMEN MAX 16 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | HP OMEN MAX 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 16" | 16" |
| 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 |
| Brightness | — | 500 nits |
| Colour range | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% sRGB |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is ahead on battery and weight.
It has a bigger battery and is slimmer, and the HP OMEN MAX 16 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | HP OMEN MAX 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 8 hours | — |
| Battery capacity | 90 Wh | 83 Wh |
| Charger | 230 W | 330 W |
| Charges via | — | AC smart pin (barrel) |
| Fast charging | — | approximately 50% in 30 minutes |
| Weight | 2.7 kg | 2.71 kg |
| Dimensions | 356.8 x 275.5 x 13.47-23.90 mm | 356.5 x 269 x 22.9-24.8 mm |
| Materials | — | Sandblasted cover, paint finish base and keyboard frame; recycled metal in cover, base and hinge caps |
| Colour | Black | Shadow black |
| Colours available | — | Shadow black |
Ports and wireless
Each laptop has its strengths on ports and wireless.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI has an SD card reader, while the HP OMEN MAX 16 has Wi-Fi 7.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | HP OMEN MAX 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 USB-A 10Gbps, 2x USB-C 40Gbps (USB Power Delivery 3.1 charging, DisplayPort 2.1, Sleep and Charge), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45 (2.5 GbE), 1x 3.5 mm headphone/mic combo, 1x AC smart pin (power) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt | USB4 40Gbps |
| Card reader | microSD | None |
| Ethernet | 5 GbE RJ-45 | 2.5 GbE RJ-45 (10/100/1000/2500) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wi-Fi card | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i | MediaTek MT7925 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 or above | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The HP OMEN MAX 16 is ahead on extras.
It has Copilot+ AI features, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | HP OMEN MAX 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | — | 1080p + IR |
| Webcam privacy | — | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | RGB 4-zone backlight, PredatorSense key, Caps Lock and microphone mute indicators | Full-size, per-key RGB backlit, numeric keypad, NKRO anti-ghosting |
| Number pad | — | Yes |
| Touchpad | — | HP Imagepad |
| Speakers | 2 speakers | Dual speakers, HP Audio Boost, HyperX, DTS:X Ultra |
| Microphones | Built-in microphone | dual-array digital |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | Kensington lock, Firmware TPM | Camera privacy shutter, TPM (firmware TPM) |
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) | HP OMEN MAX 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | NH.QX3EK.002 | BV3G1EA#ABU |
| Released | 2025 | 2025 |