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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for high-performance gaming and are okay with a higher price and less portability, the Acer Predator Helios 16 is a robust choice with a more powerful GPU and a display with a higher refresh rate. The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i, conversely, offers slightly less graphical performance, but is more portable and budget-friendly while still suitable for gaming and demanding tasks. 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
Advantages of the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
8.0
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo Legion Slim 5i are both very good for gaming and AI, though the Acer Predator Helios 16 is somewhat better.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 stands out for gaming and 3D due to its more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, enabling smoother visuals and better performance in graphics-intensive tasks. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i offers a slightly less powerful GPU and lower refresh rate but still supports demanding gaming and 3D applications effectively.
Screen Quality
8.8
8.0
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
343.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 boasts a screen that offers sharp details and vivid colors due to its high resolution and brightness, serving well for tasks like browsing and video streaming which are common in general use. For engineering and design work where color accuracy is crucial, this laptop's wide color gamut ensures that professionals can see their work with the precision needed for fine-tuned edits. However, gamers who prioritize fast-paced action might find its lower refresh rate less suitable for smooth gameplay, which can be critical for fast reaction times in gaming and 3D applications.
Cost
$1,526
$990
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,526 and the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i costs $990.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.9
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
343.0 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 Lenovo Legion Slim 5i is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers strong performance with a high-end CPU and powerful GPU, vibrant screen, and has a robust build, which justifies its heavier weight and a shorter battery life, making it a solid choice for general use with a lean towards performance-oriented tasks. The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i provides a balance with a slightly less powerful GPU but better portability due to its lighter weight and longer battery life, along with a high-quality keyboard, making it ideal for general use where mobility and extended use are important.
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.4
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo Legion Slim 5i are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is equipped with a high-performance CPU and GPU combination, substantial RAM, and a high-quality, bright screen that excels in color coverage, making it ideal for engineering and design tasks that require precision and visual clarity. The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i, while similarly equipped in terms of CPU, RAM, and screen quality, offers a slightly more portable design and quieter operating noise, but with a less powerful GPU, which may affect performance in the most intensive engineering and graphical applications.
Content Creation
8.2
8.0
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
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo Legion Slim 5i 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
7.8
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
8.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo Legion Slim 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
7.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i 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
16.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i and Acer Predator Helios 16 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
7.4
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Lenovo Legion Slim 5i 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 Legion Slim 5i compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | Lenovo Legion Slim 5i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,526 | $990 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 14.2'' x 10.3'' x 0.99'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 5.29 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 14.16" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 10.25" | |
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 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 80 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 | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 343 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
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 Legion Slim 5i
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Mark Knapp | August 2023
"The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 acknowledges that a gaming laptop doesn’t have to be as thick as possible and can still ensure adequate cooling when the muscles need flexing. To this end, in the Slim 5 Gen 8, it finds a neat balance of refined, trimmed-down design that still lets its internals cruise (even above their max power ratings). Lenovo then added in some high-end build quality with an altogether excellent keyboard that’s useful for both work and play."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the Lenovo Legion Slim 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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