Indeed, truly large gaming laptops are unlikely to be the top sellers overall. However, this niche exists and continues to thrive. Two years ago, the 17-inch standard stopped being the largest available option, as many manufacturers added an extra inch. This has made already barely portable laptops even larger. Such a solution has its strengths and weaknesses. In today's review, we'll take a closer look at these along with the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 gaming laptop.
Features of Acer Predator Helios Neo 18
| Model | Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 (PHN18-71 NH.QRZEU.002) |
| Display | IPS, 18”, resolution 2560×1600, aspect ratio 16:10, refresh rate 165Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-14900HX |
| RAM | 32 ГБ DDR5 |
| Storage | 1 ТБ |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 4070 (8 ГБ) |
| Ports | HDMI 2.1, 2×USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2×Thunderbolt 4, 3.5mm combo jack, microSD, RJ-45 |
| Wireless Modules | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Camera | 1080p |
| Audio | 2 speakers and a microphone |
| Keyboard | Island-style keys with RGB backlighting |
| Battery & Charging | 90 Wh, 330W power adapter |
| Dimensions | 404×312×27,15-29,15 mm |
| Weight | 3,5 kg |
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 comes with a minimalist package, including only the essential power adapter alongside the laptop. The budget has been focused on core components, avoiding unnecessary extras to keep the price down. Hence, the box containing the laptop is fairly thin.
What you might need to purchase is a backpack if you plan to carry the laptop occasionally. However, not every available option will be suitable, given the large size of both the laptop and its power adapter. It's likely that other accessories, such as a mouse, mousepad, controller, desk, and others, are already available for potential buyers. Alternatively, the manufacturer could also offer branded, stylized peripherals.
Design and Usability
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 doesn't bring a drastically new design. Similar models have been seen before, such as the Acer Predator Helios 16, which also had a larger variant. The design continues with only minor changes in accents on the chassis. However, what draws more attention in this specific model is something else entirely.
Compared to most standard or even gaming/productivity laptops, today's guest in our review is indeed quite large. The dimensions of the 18-inch model are 404×312×27.15-29.15 mm, with a weight of 3.5 kg. This makes the model almost like a desktop. However, let's be honest—this is not unique to this particular laptop or line; most similar laptops are inherently not very portable. Still, there are certain advantages to this size.
Due to the relatively tall chassis and large display, using (gaming on) such a laptop allows users to sit more upright compared to smaller options. This makes it easier to maintain a straighter posture and keep the back better aligned. It's a rather subtle "bonus" that becomes apparent once you're in such a situation.
Overall, the chassis of Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 avoids excessive RGB lighting or unconventional design elements. Made from a combination of metal (display lid) and plastic (rest of the body) in black, the laptop features a decorative transparent panel near the hinges, which previously had additional lighting. This year, that feature has been omitted, leaving only the Predator logo and a couple of stylized inscriptions with encrypted messages glowing at the back. It feels more refined, even if not as striking as the previous iteration.
The topcase features large ventilation holes on three sides and ample perforation on the bottom. Previously, the rear frames were interchangeable, but this solution didn’t prove to be popular. Therefore, it has become stationary. Additionally, the bottom panel includes four large rubber feet that, along with the overall weight of the laptop, effectively stabilize the position. It becomes harder to accidentally move the device during use compared to smaller and simpler models.
The design of the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 can be described as quite minimalist. The manufacturer continues to prioritize performance over excessive emphasis on aesthetics, which helps maintain a lower overall cost for the laptop. This approach is especially reasonable now, given that flagship gaming laptops can easily approach prices nearing hundreds of thousands of UAH.
Display
Currently, an 18-inch screen is the largest offering among serial laptops. While this size negatively impacts portability, working (or gaming) with such a display becomes significantly more convenient. However, it’s unlikely that such a display is used as a primary screen rather than as a “built-in addition” for a desktop setup. In any case, it offers a more comfortable experience, especially if the user does not intend to carry the laptop around frequently or take it on extensive travels.
When it comes to specifications, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 offers a fairly standard set of essential features. The resolution is 2560×1600 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:10. Cheaper versions may offer Full HD resolution. However, the response time remains at a solid 3 ms, and the refresh rate reaches 165 Hz.
The proprietary "software" may not provide extensive options for image customization, but the IPS panel is well-calibrated on its own. It offers coverage of the DCI-P3 color space with wide viewing angles. While the image may not be as contrasty and vibrant as OLED models, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience. Those who prefer a more natural image will likely find it suitable. Both gaming and everyday work with this display will feel comfortable, and I didn’t feel the need to adjust the image settings extensively.
In line with its gaming status, the display features a matte coating to reduce glare. The manufacturer claims up to 500 nits, but it seems the maximum brightness is slightly lower. However, considering this is a large "desktop" laptop, the available backlighting is sufficient for working (or gaming) indoors. The laptop does not support automatic brightness adjustment.
Ports
As is common with truly large models, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 features ports on three sides of the top case. On the left side, you’ll find RJ-45 (2.5G), USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, MicroSD card reader, and a combined audio port. On the right side, there are two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports and a Kensington lock. The rear side features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, and a charging port.
The set of ports is quite good and allows for connecting many accessories simultaneously. Perhaps the placement could be more convenient if Ethernet were located at the back instead of having a second USB-A port, but that is a subjective point. The main thing is that there are plenty of interfaces, and they mostly support truly fast connections.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Another advantage of the large chassis is the ability to accommodate a full-size keyboard, so the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 offers one with a NUM block. In our case, the classic right Ctrl key has been retained. Additionally, there are extra keys for accessing the Predator Sense utility and changing performance modes. This is convenient.
The mechanisms are not very loud and are quite pleasant for typing or gaming. Of course, there is 4-zone backlighting with various modes of operation and adjustable brightness. Typing without looking at the keyboard is also not an issue. The only thing that could be slightly more convenient is if the navigation block were slightly offset from the other keys, but that is a subjective preference.
Under the keyboard, there is a large touchpad measuring approximately 150×90 mm. It is positioned slightly left of center, but during gaming, it does not interfere. If accidental activations occur, there is a hotkey to disable it. Overall, it performs well, accurately moving the cursor and predictably recognizing gestures.
The touch mechanism could benefit from a more "confident" press. Even with a light touch, there is a slight wobble accompanied by an audible sound. For users primarily using a mouse, this likely won't be an issue. However, when working quietly with the touchpad, this sound might become noticeable.
Camera and Sound
The standard 2-megapixel webcam provides adequate image quality for basic video conferencing needs. It may struggle with white balance accuracy, but it is unlikely to become a critical issue for users.
Alongside the camera, there are microphones. By default, they are highly sensitive to all sounds. However, Acer's proprietary software, Acer Purified Voice with AI, helps eliminate all unnecessary noise except for the user's voice. Additionally, there are several operating modes that work quite well. The quality, of course, may fall short compared to modern external microphones, but it should be sufficient for everyday communication or work-related calls.
The pair of built-in speakers, unfortunately, won't impress with maximum volume or sound quality. They are quite average. However, the sound is still noticeable through the cooling system's operation. Under conditions like watching a series, the quality and volume are sufficient to accompany the visuals effectively.
It complements them with DTS:X Ultra software, offering several presets and the ability to manually adjust the equalizer. While it won't be a game-changer for sound quality, it does enhance the audio experience to some extent.
Performance and Software
Traditionally, the manufacturer offers a variety of configurations for the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18. Processors start from Intel Core i5-14450HX, and the graphics card starts from NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050. The minimum RAM starts at 16 GB, with two SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 64 GB. Additionally, there are two M.2 slots for storage, with one occupied by the included 1TB drive in all configurations.
The test configuration offers a top-tier 24-core Intel Core i9-14900HX processor (8 powerful cores up to 5.8 GHz, 16 energy-efficient cores up to 4.1 GHz, 32 threads, 36 MB cache, up to 65 W), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU (8 GB GDDR6, up to 2080 MHz, up to 140 W), 32 GB DDR5-5600 RAM, and a one-terabyte SSD. The price for this version is 91,099 UAH. Additionally, all models are equipped with Wi-Fi 6E support, 2.5-gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.3.
As always, Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 is managed through Predator Sense, which offers four power modes when connected to power, and two exclusively when on battery. Switching between integrated and discrete graphics accelerators can be done automatically, or users can choose to keep only the NVIDIA GPU active. This is a fairly standard setup for most gaming models, so it avoids extravagant solutions.
Synthetic benchmarks of maximum performance showed the expected results for this configuration. With this laptop, users will have ample power for demanding tasks and modern games. While upcoming updates for processors and GPUs are anticipated, prices and availability will likely change. Therefore, as a solution for "here and now," this configuration remains effective.
When switching to maximum power-saving mode and without being connected to a power source, the system noticeably reduces its performance. However, this will be sufficient for basic tasks, web browsing, media consumption, etc. Although, it's doubtful that such a laptop will often be left without a nearby outlet.
| Network | Battery |
|---|---|
| 3DMark (Steel Nomad) | 2,822 |
| 3DMark (CPU Profile, max threads) | 12,666 |
| CineBench R24 (single/multi core) | 127 / 1,577 |
| PCMark 10 | 11,219 |
Gaming performance is also impressive. Although the flagship model did not receive a more powerful GPU than the RTX 4070, it is still sufficient for comfortable FPS rates at high graphics settings and native display resolution. For users planning to use the laptop as a desktop replacement, it's important to note that an additional monitor may slightly impact gaming performance. However, this depends on individual circumstances.
The advantage of large laptops is the space available for good cooling. Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 features a significant number of ventilation openings. Thermal management is handled by two large fifth-generation AeroBlade 3D fans, updated heat pipes, and liquid metal.
The fans are noticeably audible under load, especially due to the large number of ventilation openings, and warm air can be felt nearby. However, this is the expected trade-off for overall performance. Additionally, it's not as if competitors don't have similar "side effects."
The stability of Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 is commendable. The AIDA test showed no decrease in performance under prolonged load, and 3DMark benchmarks were completed without issues. Temperatures barely exceeded 85°C, which did not affect the working surface. In real use, during extended gaming sessions, there were no sudden drops in FPS or other cooling-related issues.
The only drawback is the noise level from the system, which may be noticeable to those nearby without headphones—an ongoing downside of gaming laptops.
Among all the proprietary additions from Acer, the Predator Sense utility stands out as the most useful. Within it, users can select operating modes and create custom scenarios for performance settings (for everyday tasks, gaming, etc.). Additionally, it provides options to adjust lighting, sound, battery charging modes, system monitoring, and more.
The design and layout of the settings sections have remained unchanged, maintaining a familiar and accessible user interface for users.
Battery Life
The battery life of gaming models remains quite limited compared to simpler laptops. With a 90 Wh battery, the office-focused PCMark test lasted over 3.5 hours, while the gaming test lasted a standard hour. As an example, watching a two-hour movie with comfortable brightness and sound settings drained the battery by a little more than 50%. Therefore, it's not realistic to expect extended periods of use without power, although short-term power outages can be managed (though not with demanding tasks).
The 330 W power adapter easily meets the system's demands and fully charges the battery in just 1 hour and 12 minutes, which is quite fast. However, it's advisable to always have the adapter on hand for full functionality, adding an extra kilogram of weight to the already 3.5 kg laptop, which further reduces portability. But, again, considering its purpose as a "desktop replacement," frequent travel is unlikely.