Acer Refreshes Predator Helios Neo Gaming Laptops with Latest-Gen CPUs and GPUs for Desktop-Class Performance
TAIPEI (March 17, 2026) Acer today announced refreshed Predator Helios Neo series gaming laptops equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus series processors and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, bringing the latest performance capabilities to gaming enthusiasts across a range of form factors and display options.
The new Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus series processors power a new class of gaming laptops with significant performance gains over the previous generation. These devices are built for split-second responsiveness, rock-solid FPS, smart tuning, and battery life that keeps players locked in across an extensive selection of games and apps.
Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 and generate images at unprecedented speed.
Predator Helios Neo 16S AI
The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (PHN16S-I71) is the slim option in the lineup, designed to offer portability for gamers who need to compete on the go. Housed in a chassis starting at under 18.9 mm thin, the device offers up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. An OLED HDR display offers a blazing-fast 240 Hz refresh rate, WQXGA resolution, and a 1 ms response time for ultra-smooth visuals and instant reactions, backed by Calman Verified 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy. To supply maximum cooling, the device is equipped with a Predator AeroBlade 3D Fan and liquid metal thermal grease.
-special-angle-02.png)
Predator Helios Neo 16 AI
The Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-I71) brings desktop-class performance and feature-rich AI gaming to a 16-inch form factor. It is powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. Its standout feature is an OLED HDR display with a 1 ms response time, WQXGA resolution, and Calman Verified color accuracy with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, delivering blistering speeds and bringing gaming worlds to life in lucid detail. For optimized heat dissipation, the device features the Predator AeroBlade 3D Fan, liquid metal thermal grease, and vector heat pipes. For connectivity, Intel Killer Ethernet E3100 enables fast, stable, and intelligently prioritized network performance — ideal for gaming and streaming — while Thunderbolt 4 delivers ultra-fast data transfer.
-special-angle-03.jpg)
Predator Helios Neo 18 AI
The Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-I71) is the 18-inch counterpart, offering up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU. Along with a 240 Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 coverage, the device’s WQXGA display offers the new Ambient Contrast Ratio (ACR) film, which reduces glare and enhances contrast for vivid imagery and clear details — even in bright environments. To sustain top performance, the device is equipped with a Predator AeroBlade 3D Fan, liquid metal thermal grease, and vector heat pipes for efficient cooling power.
The three new Predator Helios Neo gaming laptops also offer several advanced AI features. In addition to real-time control over performance modes and fan speeds, PredatorSense enables gamers to personalize their device with a 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard and illuminated cover logo. For seamless co-op gaming and livestreaming, Acer PurifiedVoice and PurifiedView utilize AI to reduce background noise and improve video quality, while the smart hub of AI tools in Acer Intelligence Space[2] includes Game Assistant for aiming support in first-person shooter games and ProCam to auto-capture key gameplay moments.
Availability
The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (PHN16S-I71) will be available in North America from July 2026; in EMEA from June 2026; and in Australia from July 2026.
The Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-I71) will be available in North America from July 2026; in EMEA from June 2026; and in Australia from June 2026.
The Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-I71) will be available in North America from July 2026; in EMEA from June 2026; and in Australia from July 2026.
Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.
Specifications
| Name | Predator Helios Neo 16S AI |
| Model | PHN16S-I71 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270HX Plus |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB GDDR7 VRAM |
| Display | 16-inch 16:10 OLED HDR WQXGA 2560 x 1600, 240Hz, 1 ms response time, Calman Verified, DCI-P3 100%, NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus, NVIDIA® G-SYNC |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5 6400 MT/s |
| Storage | Up to 2 TB total: two PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD slots, each supporting up to 1 TB of connected M.2 NVMe storage |
| Cooling | 5th Gen Predator AeroBlade 3D Fan, plastic fan, liquid metal thermal grease |
| Dimensions and Weight | 356.78 (L) x 275.5 (D) x 12.0~18.9 (H) mm, 2.3 kg |
| Battery | 92 Wh |
| Wi-Fi and Connectivity | Intel Killer Ethernet E3100, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675i, supports Bluetooth 5.4 or above |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD™ card reader, 3.5 mm combo audio jack, RJ-45, DC-In, Kensington Lock |
| Audio | 2 speakers with DTS® X:Ultra |
| Camera | FHD 1920 x 1080 IR webcam with AI-powered PurifiedView |
| Features | PredatorSense, Acer Intelligence Space, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, Acer PurifiedVoice AI noise reduction |
| Name | Predator Helios Neo 16 AI |
| Model | PHN16-I71 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270HX Plus |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB GDDR7 VRAM |
| Display | 16-inch 16:10 OLED HDR, WQXGA 2560 x 1600, 165 Hz, 1 ms response time, Calman Verified, DCI-P3 100%, NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus, NVIDIA® G-SYNC |
| Memory | Up to 64 GB DDR5 6400 MT/s |
| Storage | Up to 2 TB total: two PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD slots, each supporting up to 1 TB of connected M.2 NVMe storage |
| Cooling | 5th Gen Predator AeroBlade 3D Fan, plastic fan, liquid metal thermal grease, vector heat pipe |
| Dimensions and Weight | 356.78 (L) x 275.5 (D) x 13.47 / 26.75 (H) mm, 2.7kg |
| Battery | 92 Wh |
| Wi-Fi and Connectivity | Intel Killer Ethernet E3100, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675i, supports Bluetooth 5.4 or above |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD™ card reader, 3.5 mm combo audio jack, RJ-45, DC-In, Kensington Lock |
| Audio | 2 speakers with DTS® X:Ultra |
| Camera | FHD 1920 x 1080 IR webcam with AI-powered PurifiedView |
| Features | PredatorSense, Acer Intelligence Space, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, Acer PurifiedVoice AI noise reduction |
| Name | Predator Helios Neo 18 AI |
| Model | PHN18-I71 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 290HX Plus Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270HX Plus |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB GDDR7 VRAM |
| Display | 18-inch up to WQXGA 2560 x 1600, 16:10, 240 Hz, DCI-P3 100%, NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus, NVIDIA® G-SYNC |
| Memory | Up to 64 GB DDR5 6400 MT/s |
| Storage | Up to 2 TB total: two PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD slots, each supporting up to 1 TB of connected M.2 NVMe storage |
| Cooling | 5th Gen Predator AeroBlade 3D Fan, plastic fan, liquid metal thermal grease, vector heat pipe |
| Dimensions and Weight | 400.96 (L) x 307.9 (D) x 14.9 / 28.0 (H) mm, 3.4 kg |
| Battery | 92 Wh |
| Wi-Fi and Connectivity | Intel Killer Ethernet E3100, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675i, supports Bluetooth 5.4 or above |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD™ card reader, 3.5 mm combo audio jack, RJ-45, DC-In, Kensington Lock |
| Audio | 2 speakers with DTS® X:Ultra |
| Camera | FHD 1920 x 1080 IR webcam with AI-powered PurifiedView |
| Features | Ambient Contrast Ratio film, PredatorSense, Acer Intelligence Space, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, Acer PurifiedVoice AI noise reduction |
© Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.
[i] Specifications may vary depending on model and region. All models subject to availability.
[ii] Features and availability of Acer Intelligence Space (AIS) vary by model and region. Some functions require an active internet connection, supported hardware (such as an NPU or specific GPU), and future software updates. Performance may vary depending on system configuration.