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Updated January 12, 2024·
If you're focused on gaming or graphic-intense tasks and don't mind a heavier and bulkier laptop, the Acer Predator Helios 16 might suit you despite its higher price and typically shorter battery life. On the other hand, if you prefer a more lightweight and portable laptop for general use and mobility is a priority, the MSI Stealth 14 Studio would be better, although it may not handle demanding tasks as well as the Predator. Remember, more portability often means some sacrifice in performance and cooling capabilities, which are crucial for gaming or heavy computational 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
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
- Good portability
- Best in class speakers
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
7.8
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
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 is very good for gaming and AI, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 excels in gaming and 3D due to its more powerful graphics processor and a higher refresh rate screen, enhancing responsiveness and visual fluidity, important for fast-paced games and smooth 3D rendering. In comparison, the MSI Stealth 14 Studio, while also good for these tasks, offers a less powerful graphics processor and a lower screen refresh rate, which may not match the Helios in graphics-intensive scenarios but makes it lighter and more portable.
Software Development
7.9
7.4
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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
7.6
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth 14 Studio for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize crisp text and vibrant images for everyday tasks, the Acer Predator Helios 16 stands out with its higher resolution and brightness, making it excellent for general use. For those involved in engineering and design, this laptop also offers wider color gamuts, ensuring your work is displayed with accurate colors. However, for gaming and 3D applications, its lower refresh rate may not deliver as smooth an experience as dedicated gaming laptops, which can be a drawback for fast-paced visuals.
Battery
6.5 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has 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.
Portability
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has good portability, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.8
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Predator Helios 16 to be very good for general use, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio is good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers strong performance and a high-quality display, making it a good fit for general use, but it is heavier and has a shorter battery life than the MSI Stealth 14 Studio, which is more portable and has a longer battery life, though it has a slightly less powerful CPU and lower screen resolution, which might matter for tasks requiring detailed visuals.
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.5
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and MSI Stealth 14 Studio are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is well-suited for engineering and design due to its higher-end GPU and superior screen resolution, which enhance visual performance, an essential aspect for these tasks. On the other hand, the MSI Stealth 14 Studio, while more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight, still offers a solid CPU and good screen quality, making it a strong contender for engineering and design professionals who prioritize mobility.
Content Creation
8.2
7.9
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
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 MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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.
Build Quality
7.4
7.6
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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
$1,526
$1,525
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,526 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio costs $1,525.
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How the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | MSI Stealth 14 Studio |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,526 | $1,525 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | February 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 12.4'' x 9.7'' x 0.75'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 3.75 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 12.4" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 9.69" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel i7-13620H | |
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 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 72 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 300 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
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 | 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."
MSI Stealth 14 Studio
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Francisco Lahoz | June 2023
"You'll find a versatility in the MSI Stealth 14 Studio that isn’t matched by many content-creator laptops we've tested of late. The small frame allows you to (potentially) work from anywhere with an outlet and, if noise isn’t a concern, run your most demanding of programs, thanks to some powerful hardware inside. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is an attractive and powerful option if you want a portable laptop to be the center of your content work setup."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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