Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) vs ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR)
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has the edge: it has more memory and has a smoother screen. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI still has USB-A and an SD card reader, so it's worth a look if that matters more to you.
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Key differences
- Memory ASUS ROG Strix G18 wins
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has 32 GB of memory against 16 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- Smoothness ASUS ROG Strix G18 wins
The ASUS ROG Strix G18's 300 Hz screen is smoother than the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI's 240 Hz one, which shows in fast games.
- Ports Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI wins
Only the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI has USB-A and an SD card reader.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI if…
- You plug things in: it has USB-A (for older USB accessories) and an SD card reader (for camera cards).
- You want a slim laptop that slips into a bag: it's 14.9 mm thick.
- You do demanding work: its Intel Core Ultra 9 HX is built for heavy creative work.
Choose the ASUS ROG Strix G18 if…
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room.
- You play fast games: its 300 Hz screen keeps motion smooth.
- You carry your laptop a lot: it's the lighter of the two at 3.2 kg.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe ASUS ROG Strix G18 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 ASUS ROG Strix G18 is ahead on performance.
It has more memory, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop |
| Graphics memory | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Graphics power (TGP) | 140 W | 140 W |
| AI engine (NPU) | 13 TOPS | 13 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-5600 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 64 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 ASUS ROG Strix G18 is ahead on the screen.
It has a smoother screen, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 18" | 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 | 300 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | Yes | Yes |
| Colour range | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | — | None |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is slimmer, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 is a little lighter.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 7 hours | — |
| Battery capacity | 90 Wh | 90 Wh |
| Charger | 330 W | 280 W |
| Charges via | — | Barrel (rectangle connector) + USB-C PD up to 100W |
| Fast charging | — | None |
| Weight | 3.3 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 401 x 307.9 x 14.9-28 mm | 399 x 298 x 23.5-32 mm |
| Colour | Black | Gray |
| Colours available | Black | — |
Ports and wireless
Each laptop has its strengths on ports and wireless.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI has USB-A and an SD card reader, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 has Wi-Fi 7.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 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 | 1x 3.5 mm combo audio jack, 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gbps), 2x Thunderbolt 5 (DisplayPort, power delivery charging, G-SYNC, up to 120Gbps), 1x 2.5G LAN (RJ45) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 5 |
| Card reader | microSD | None |
| Ethernet | 2.5 GbE RJ-45 | 2.5G LAN |
| 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 |
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 18 AI (PHN18-72) | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | — | 1080p + IR |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | RGB 4-zone backlight, PredatorSense key, Caps Lock indicator, microphone mute indicator | Backlit chiclet, per-key RGB, Num-key, Copilot key |
| Login | — | Face |
| Number pad | — | Yes |
| Touchpad | Microsoft Precision Touchpad | — |
| Speakers | 2 speakers | 2-speaker system, Smart Amp, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res certification (headphone) |
| Microphones | built-in microphone | Built-in array microphone, AI noise-canceling |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | Firmware TPM, Kensington lock | Firmware TPM, BIOS administrator and user password |
Software and model
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Update promise | — | None |
| Model number | NH.QVLEK.007 | G815LR-TT281W |
| Released | 2025 | 2026 |