MSI Raider 16 HX (B2W) vs Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73)
The MSI Raider 16 HX is the better laptop on paper: it is better for gaming, is lighter and has Wi-Fi 7. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI doesn't beat it on any spec that matters.
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Key differences
- Gaming MSI Raider 16 HX wins
The MSI Raider 16 HX 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.
- Weight MSI Raider 16 HX wins
The MSI Raider 16 HX is 0.3 kg lighter: 2.45 kg against 2.7 kg.
- Wi-Fi MSI Raider 16 HX wins
The MSI Raider 16 HX has newer Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 against Wi-Fi 6E.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the MSI Raider 16 HX if…
- You play games: its RTX 5070 Ti plays the latest games at very high settings.
- You'll move it around the house or office: it's 0.3 kg lighter.
- You have fast broadband: its Wi-Fi 7 gets more out of a modern router.
Choose the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI if…
- You want a slim laptop that slips into a bag: it's 13.5 mm thick.
- You do demanding work: its Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX is built for heavy creative work.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: it has 16 GB of memory.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe MSI Raider 16 HX leads on performance and battery and weight; 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 MSI Raider 16 HX 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 | MSI Raider 16 HX (B2W) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop |
| Graphics memory | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Graphics power (TGP) | 140 W | 115 W |
| AI engine (NPU) | — | 13 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-6400 |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | — |
| Storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 |
| Storage slots | 2 | — |
Screen
Both screens are closely matched.
Size, sharpness and smoothness are near enough the same, so neither has a real edge to look at.
| Spec | MSI Raider 16 HX (B2W) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Colour range | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | None | — |
| Finish | — | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The MSI Raider 16 HX is lighter, while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is slimmer.
| Spec | MSI Raider 16 HX (B2W) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | — | Up to 8 hours |
| Battery capacity | 91.8 Wh | 90 Wh |
| Charger | 280 W | 230 W |
| Charges via | barrel | — |
| Weight | 2.45 kg | 2.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 363 x 269.7 x 21.95-25.85 mm | 356.8 x 275.5 x 13.47-23.90 mm |
| Colour | Core Black | Black |
| Colours available | Core Black | — |
Ports and wireless
The MSI Raider 16 HX is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has Wi-Fi 7, and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | MSI Raider 16 HX (B2W) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery 3.1), 1x HDMI 2.1 (8K 60Hz / 4K 120Hz), 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x 2.5GbE RJ-45, 1x SD Express | 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 |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt |
| Card reader | SD Express | microSD |
| Ethernet | 2.5 GbE RJ-45 | 5 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Wi-Fi card | Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 or above |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | MSI Raider 16 HX (B2W) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p IR, HDR, 3D noise reduction | — |
| Webcam privacy | webcam shutter | — |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | 24-zone RGB gaming keyboard with Copilot key, 99 keys | RGB 4-zone backlight, PredatorSense key, Caps Lock and microphone mute indicators |
| Login | Face | — |
| Number pad | Yes | — |
| Speakers | 2x 2W speakers + 2x 2W woofers, Dynaudio | 2 speakers |
| Microphones | array microphone | Built-in microphone |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | firmware TPM 2.0, Kensington lock, webcam shutter | Kensington lock, Firmware TPM |
Software and model
The MSI Raider 16 HX 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 | MSI Raider 16 HX (B2W) | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | 9S7-265122-239 | NH.QX3EK.002 |
| Released | 2026 | 2025 |