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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize high performance for tasks such as 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming and don't mind a heavier, less portable laptop with a shorter battery life, the Acer Predator Helios 16 is a robust choice with a more powerful main processor and GPU. Alternatively, if you seek a more portable and affordable option suitable for everyday use and light media tasks, and enjoy a high-quality display with better screen colors, the ASUS Zenbook 14X is a compelling option. The Zenbook also has an OLED screen which is generally better for multimedia consumption but less ideal for fast-moving gaming visuals. 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 for engineering and design
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Good battery life
Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook 14X
- Very good portability
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
6.5
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
90Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the ASUS Zenbook 14X is only fair.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers a high-performance Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU and a high screen refresh rate, making it well-suited for gaming and 3D applications, whereas the ASUS Zenbook 14X comes with a less powerful Nvidia MX550 GPU and a lower screen refresh rate, which may not be as capable in those areas.
Engineering and Design
8.7
7.7
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for engineering and design, while the ASUS Zenbook 14X is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is superior for engineering and design thanks to its higher-performing CPU and GPU, which offer faster processing and better graphics handling, alongside a high-quality, high-refresh-rate screen. However, the ASUS Zenbook 14X, while having less powerful CPU and GPU, boasts a high-resolution OLED screen for crisp visuals and is significantly more portable and quieter, making it a practical choice for on-the-go professionals who still require decent performance.
Content Creation
8.2
7.6
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for content creation, while the ASUS Zenbook 14X is good.
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.
Screen Quality
8.8
8.3
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
90Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
339.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the ASUS Zenbook 14X for gaming and AI, software development, and content creation, while the ASUS Zenbook 14X has a better screen for engineering and design.
For general use, both the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the ASUS Zenbook 14X offer sharp, vivid displays with ample brightness and clarity, courtesy of their high resolution and quality panel types, making document reading and web browsing a pleasant experience. In engineering and design tasks that require color accuracy, both laptops deliver with wide color gamuts, ensuring that professionals can see true-to-life colors for precise work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates of these laptops may lead to less fluid motion and slower response times, which can detract from the immersive and competitive gaming experience.
Portability
Fair
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has very good portability, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,599
$777
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,599 and the ASUS Zenbook 14X costs $777.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.6
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
339.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for general use, while the ASUS Zenbook 14X is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is equipped with a high-end CPU and ample RAM, making it well-suited for demanding tasks, while its IPS screen offers quality visuals but comes at the cost of heavier weight and shorter battery life, affecting portability. The ASUS Zenbook 14X, on the other hand, offers a balance with a capable CPU and sufficient RAM for everyday tasks, alongside an OLED screen that provides excellent screen quality, all in a more portable and lighter package, though with less battery capacity compared to the Helios 16.
Software Development
7.9
7.4
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and ASUS Zenbook 14X are both good for software development.
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.
Battery
6.5 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The ASUS Zenbook 14X 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 Zenbook 14X 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 Zenbook 14X compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | ASUS Zenbook 14X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,599 | $777 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | April 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 12.3'' x 8.7'' x 0.67'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 12.25" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 8.71" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel i7-1260P | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 63 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | OLED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2880 x 1800 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 90Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 339 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 1 | |
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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Dig into reviews and images
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 Zenbook 14X
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sebastian Jentsch | April 2022
"With the Zenbook 14X, Asus has a 14-incher in its range that is - mostly - a joy to use. First, there is the colorful OLED panel with 3K resolution that displays the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. The Zenbook is also at the forefront in terms of workmanship, input devices and connections with 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports and a generous keyboard layout. A pleasure to use, the Zenbook 14X is a solid, very well-built subnotebook that sits well on the table. A runtime of five hours, however, is below average for a high-end subnotebook nowadays. The OLED screensaver causes increased power consumption when in idle mode."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the ASUS Zenbook 14X
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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