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Updated January 10, 2024·
When choosing between the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the Gigabyte Aero 5, consider these factors: if you need superior graphics for intensive gaming or 3D work, the Predator Helios with its higher-end GPU will offer better performance. For multimedia enthusiasts who prioritize display quality, the Aero's OLED screen with higher resolution will provide richer colors and deeper contrasts. The Predator has a high refresh rate and is built more for gaming, whereas the Aero boasts a bit longer battery life, making it slightly more suitable for on-the-go use. Both have ample storage and memory for general use and are relatively portable, with a slight edge to the Aero for its lower weight. If portability and screen quality are your top priorities, the Aero might be your preferred option, but if you aim for the best gaming or engineering performance, the Predator stands out. 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 gaming and AI
- Good speakers
Advantages of the Gigabyte Aero 5
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
7.9
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Gigabyte Aero 5 is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers a higher screen refresh rate, making it excellent for gaming that benefits from smoother motion, while its newer GPU provides robust performance for 3D tasks. In comparison, the Gigabyte Aero 5 includes a slightly older yet potent GPU and features an OLED screen which delivers superior screen quality, but its lower refresh rate is less optimal for fast-paced games.
Screen Quality
8.8
8.6
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
446.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the Gigabyte Aero 5 for gaming and AI, while the Gigabyte Aero 5 has a better screen for general use, and engineering and design.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 provides clear and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday tasks and detail-oriented work in engineering thanks to its high resolution and bright display, along with a wide color range that brings precision for design applications. The Gigabyte Aero 5 ups the ante with a display that enhances color accuracy and brightness, making it an excellent choice for professionals seeking the utmost fidelity for designs and detailed projects. However, both laptops fall short for gaming and 3D applications due to their lower refresh rates, which means they won't deliver as smooth of an experience for fast-paced visuals as screens with higher refresh rates would.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.9
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
446.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for general use, while the Gigabyte Aero 5 is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers a balance between performance, with a strong CPU and ample RAM for everyday tasks, and display quality, showcased by a high refresh rate IPS screen for smooth visuals, yet it's a bit heavier and has lower battery life compared to some other options.
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.7
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Gigabyte Aero 5 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is well-regarded for engineering and design primarily due to its high-performance CPU and GPU, substantial RAM, and quality display, which are crucial for demanding tasks and detailed visual work. Similarly, the Gigabyte Aero 5 is praised in the same category because it also boasts a powerful CPU and GPU, ample RAM, and an excellent screen, along with slightly better portability and lower operating noise, making it another strong contender for engineering and design professionals.
Content Creation
8.2
8.2
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Gigabyte Aero 5 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.
Software Development
7.9
7.9
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Gigabyte Aero 5 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
7.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte Aero 5 has 7 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.
Portability
Fair
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.0 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Gigabyte Aero 5 and Acer Predator Helios 16 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
7.8
The Gigabyte Aero 5 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.
Cost
$1,236
$1,250
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
$2,000
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,236 and the Gigabyte Aero 5 costs $1,250.
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How the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the Gigabyte Aero 5 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | Gigabyte Aero 5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,236 | $1,250 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 14'' x 10'' x 1.08'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 5.07 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 14" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 10" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 99 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | OLED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3840 x 2160 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 446 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 6.7/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
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."
Gigabyte Aero 5
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The Tech Revolutionist
Zhi Cheng | May 2022
"It is unfortunate that the Gigabyte AERO notebook series have seem to lost its charm, as it’s not exactly any much different from the AORUS series now. Regardless, content creators and designers will certainly still appreciate the features on the AERO 5 XE4, which are fundamental to their work. This largely revolved around the notebook’s display, which is colour calibrated and validated, high resolution (4K) and with great AMOLED colour representation. Now that the AERO 5 XE4 has improved its performance with the latest CPU and GPU, the professionals can also appreciate the improved productivity from the notebook."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the Gigabyte Aero 5
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 Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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