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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Acer Predator Helios 16 generally costs less and offers a larger, higher-resolution display with a taller aspect ratio, which may enhance productivity and media consumption. Its newer graphics card could provide a slight edge in gaming and creative tasks. On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15, while typically more expensive, boasts a higher-end central processor that might make it faster in CPU-intensive tasks. It also has a higher refresh rate screen, advantageous for fast-paced gaming. Both laptops are gaming-oriented with similar memory, storage, and battery capacities, but you should consider the specifics of your priorities concerning performance, screen attributes, and budget. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Acer Predator Helios 16
- Very good for general use
- Very good overall display quality
- Good battery life
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Software Development
7.9
7.4
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 are both good for software development, though the Acer Predator Helios 16 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
8.8
7.9
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
300Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
283.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize a clear and vivid display for everyday tasks or detailed work in engineering and design, the Acer Predator Helios 16 offers superior screen clarity, resolution, and brightness that enhance these experiences. The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 provides a well-rounded screen suitable for general use and design tasks, but the color range might be less extensive compared to the Acer. For gaming and 3D applications, however, both laptops fall short as they do not offer the high refresh rates required for smooth movement and responses in fast-paced environments.
Portability
Fair
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.0 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 and Acer Predator Helios 16 both have only fair portability, though the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,526
$2,000
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,526 and the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 costs $2,000.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.8
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
283.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.9/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for general use, while the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is good.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
8.5
8.3
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
300Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 are both very good for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.5
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is favored for engineering and design due to its high-end CPU, ample RAM, powerful GPU for 3D tasks, and superior screen quality with high resolution, brightness, and color coverage, ensuring detailed and vivid visuals. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15, with a comparable CPU and GPU but a lower screen resolution and color coverage, still offers a quality package for engineering alongside features like a better keyboard and less weight, enhancing portability for users on the move.
Content Creation
8.2
8.0
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 are both very good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Battery
6.5 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
7.4
7.8
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 and Acer Predator Helios 16 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,526 | $2,000 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | February 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 13.9'' x 10.2'' x 0.98'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 5.07 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 13.94" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 10.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel i9-12900H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 90 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 300Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 283 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | No Webcam | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Acer Predator Helios 16
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IGN
Samuel Horti | June 2023
"The Predator Helios 16 stacks up well against its closest competition in benchmark comparisons. The Acer Predator Helios 16 isn't perfect. It's bulky, its lid feels flimsy and some of its keys are just too damned small – but none of its problems are fatal, and it shines where it counts. The powerful graphics and processor combo are spot on for this price point, the fans stop it getting hot under pressure, and the display is as good as you’ll find under $2,500. It's simply one of the best laptops to play demanding games on."
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
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NotebookCheck
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam | May 2022
"Asus continues to refine the ROG Strix Scar lineup with new upgrades. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 offers almost everything you would expect from a gaming laptop at this price. The build quality is great, connectivity options are decent, and there is enough scope for internal upgrades as well. Asus reverts to membrane switches for the keyboard — though not as "clickety" as the opto-mechanical ones we saw with last year's model, they still make for a decent typing and gaming experience. The lack of biometrics in any form is a downer."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
About Acer
Acer is a prominent Taiwanese electronics brand which makes a wide range of laptops, with multiple product lines catering to personal use, gaming, and business use. They are renowned for having exceptional value for money, as they frequently offer good specifications at a lower price than other manufacturers.
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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