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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers top-tier gaming performance with a powerful processor and graphics card, but this comes at a higher cost and with more weight. It has a larger storage, a higher refresh rate display, and stronger overall color and contrast performance. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, while still suitable for gaming and intensive tasks, is lighter and less expensive. It has a slightly less powerful processor and graphics card, resulting in lower storage capacity and refresh rate, but still maintains good performance for general and engineering use. Choose the Acer for the best gaming experience or the Lenovo for a balance of performance, portability, and price.. 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
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
- Good portability
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
7.4
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for gaming and 3D largely due to its more powerful GPU and a screen refresh rate that is double that of the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, enhancing visual fluidity and gaming performance. While the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is also suitable for these tasks with a capable GPU, its lower refresh rate makes it less optimal for the fastest-paced gaming scenarios.
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.1
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i are both very good for engineering and design, though the Acer Predator Helios 16 is somewhat better.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 stands out with better graphical performance due to a more powerful GPU, more storage capacity, and enhanced screen brightness, suited for demanding engineering and design tasks. Conversely, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i offers a more lightweight and slightly more portable solution with a higher quality keyboard, which may appeal to users who prioritize mobility and typing experience alongside decent performance capabilities for such tasks.
Screen Quality
8.8
7.8
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
409.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i have displays that offer clear images and bright visuals, making activities like web browsing and video streaming enjoyable. When it comes to engineering and design, the Acer provides wider color coverage which is crucial for tasks requiring color accuracy, though the Lenovo still performs well with good color representation. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rate on both laptops means less fluid motion and slower screen updates, which can hinder fast-paced visuals and gameplay.
Portability
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has good portability, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,236
$950
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,236 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i costs $950.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.7
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
409.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers a robust CPU and ample RAM for smooth multitasking, alongside a high-quality, bright IPS screen that should make general use enjoyable, but its heavier weight and shorter battery life might limit portability when compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, which also has a solid CPU, plenty of RAM, and a sharp IPS display, with the added advantages of being lighter and slightly better in managing heat, making it easier to carry around for general use.
Content Creation
8.2
7.7
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 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.
Software Development
7.9
7.7
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 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
6.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has 6 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
7.6
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,236 | $950 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 14'' x 9.9'' x 0.75'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 4.3 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 14.02" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 9.88" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel i7-13700H | |
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 | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 75 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 409 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
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 | 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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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."
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
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Tom's Hardware
Brandon Hill | January 2024
"Lenovo’s IdeaPad Pro 5i represents an impressive opening salvo for Meteor Lake in the ultraportable space against familiar foes from AMD and Apple. Not only does the Core Ultra 5 125H processor provide good performance across the board, but battery life remains a strong point against the Acer Swift Edge 16 with its AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor. It can’t quite match the endurance of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but the gap is shrinking."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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