Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) vs Lenovo Legion 7a (Gen 11)
The Lenovo Legion 7a is the better laptop on paper: it has more memory, has an OLED screen and is lighter. Pick the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI only if it matters to you that it has Ethernet.
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Key differences
- Memory Lenovo Legion 7a wins
The Lenovo Legion 7a has 32 GB of memory against 16 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- OLED screen Lenovo Legion 7a wins
The Lenovo Legion 7a has an OLED screen, with true blacks and richer colour than the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI's LCD.
- Weight Lenovo Legion 7a wins
The Lenovo Legion 7a is 0.9 kg lighter: 1.8 kg against 2.7 kg.
- Ports Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI wins
Only the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI has Ethernet.
- Extras Lenovo Legion 7a wins
Only the Lenovo Legion 7a has Copilot+ AI features.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI if…
- You plug things in: it has Ethernet (for wired internet).
- You're often away from a plug: it has the bigger battery (90 Wh).
- You do demanding work: its Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is built for heavy creative work.
Choose the Lenovo Legion 7a if…
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room.
- You watch a lot of films and video, or edit photos: its OLED screen has true blacks and rich colour.
- You'll move it around the house or office: it's 0.9 kg lighter.
- You want Copilot+ AI features, handy for Windows' newest AI tools.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Lenovo Legion 7a leads on performance and the screen; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Lenovo Legion 7a is ahead on performance.
It 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) | Lenovo Legion 7a (Gen 11) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Graphics power (TGP) | 115 W | 115 W |
| AI engine (NPU) | 13 TOPS | 55 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 | LPDDR5X-8533 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | — | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2242 |
| Storage slots | — | 2 |
Screen
The Lenovo Legion 7a is ahead on the screen.
It has an OLED screen, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Lenovo Legion 7a (Gen 11) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 16" | 16" |
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 240 Hz | 240 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Brightness | — | 500 nits |
| Colour range | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | — | DisplayHDR True Black 1000 |
| Finish | Matte | Glossy |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI has a bigger battery, while the Lenovo Legion 7a is lighter.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Lenovo Legion 7a (Gen 11) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 8 hours | — |
| Battery capacity | 90 Wh | 84 Wh |
| Charger | 230 W | 245 W |
| Charges via | — | USB-C (PD 65-140W) and slim-tip barrel |
| Weight | 2.7 kg | 1.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 356.8 x 275.5 x 13.47-23.90 mm | 361.35 x 254.16 x 15.5-16.9 mm |
| Materials | — | Aluminium (top), aluminium (bottom) |
| Colour | Black | Glacier White |
| Colours available | — | Glacier White |
Ports and wireless
Each laptop has its strengths on ports and wireless.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI has Ethernet, while the Lenovo Legion 7a has Wi-Fi 7.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Lenovo Legion 7a (Gen 11) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (USB 5Gbps, one always on), 1x USB-C USB4 40Gbps (charging up to 140W PD, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x USB-C USB4 40Gbps (charging up to 100W PD, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 8K/60Hz), 1x 3.5 mm headphone/mic combo, 1x SD card reader, 1x slim-tip power connector |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt | USB4 40Gbps |
| Card reader | microSD | SD |
| Ethernet | 5 GbE RJ-45 | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wi-Fi card | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 or above | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The Lenovo Legion 7a 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) | Lenovo Legion 7a (Gen 11) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | — | 5MP + IR |
| Webcam privacy | — | E-shutter (electronic privacy shutter) |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | RGB 4-zone backlight, PredatorSense key, Caps Lock and microphone mute indicators | 24-zone RGB backlit, UK English, Copilot key |
| Login | — | Face |
| Number pad | — | Yes |
| Touchpad | — | Buttonless glass multi-touch touchpad, 80 x 135 mm, Precision |
| Speakers | 2 speakers | 4 stereo speakers, 2W x2 woofers + 2W x2 tweeters, HARMAN, Nahimic Audio, Smart Amp |
| Microphones | Built-in microphone | 2x array |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | Kensington lock, Firmware TPM | Microsoft Pluton TPM 2.0, E-shutter camera privacy |
Software and model
The Lenovo Legion 7a is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) | Lenovo Legion 7a (Gen 11) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | NH.QX3EK.002 | 83Q80008UK |
| Released | 2025 | 2026 |