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Updated March 22, 2024·
If you're looking for a laptop primarily for gaming and don't mind a bit of extra weight and reduced battery life for the sake of saving money, the Acer Predator Helios could serve you well. However, if your work involves professional-grade 3D rendering, machine learning, or other engineering tasks and you require superior performance with a sleeker design for easier portability, the MSI Stealth would be a better fit despite its higher cost. Keep in mind that the MSI might also offer a more robust build and potentially better display quality, which can be important for creative professionals. 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
- The Acer Predator Helios 16 has no clear advantages over the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio.
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.8
8.4
16.0in
SIZE
18.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio both have high-resolution, bright displays with good panel types, making them excellent for general use like browsing and video streaming. Their screens cover a wide range of colors, particularly important for engineering and design applications that require color accuracy for tasks like photo editing and CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D where smooth motion is key, these laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, which are crucial for fast-paced visuals and a more immersive experience.
Build Quality
7.4
8.0
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has very good build quality, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,236
$2,900
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,236 and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio costs $2,900.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
8.4
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.0/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio and Acer Predator Helios 16 are both very good for general use.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers powerful processing and ample memory, along with a high-quality screen, which are very important for a smooth and visually pleasing experience in general use; however, it is less portable and has a shorter battery life, which could limit mobility for users on the go. Conversely, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio also provides strong CPU performance and a superior display, it is higher in price and size, making it less convenient to carry around, but it compensates with better battery life, allowing for longer use without needing a recharge.
Gaming and AI
8.5
8.9
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio and Acer Predator Helios 16 are both very good for gaming and AI.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a strong GPU and high screen refresh rate, making it suitable for smooth gaming and 3D rendering, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio boasts an even more powerful GPU and a similar or better refresh rate, which caters exceptionally well to high-end gaming and demanding 3D tasks. Although both have capable CPUs and good screen quality, the superior graphics performance of the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio sets it apart for those seeking top-tier gaming and 3D experiences.
Engineering and Design
8.7
9.1
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio to be excellent for engineering and design, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good.
The Acer Predator Helios 16, with high-quality CPU, ample RAM, and powerful GPU, supports demanding engineering programs and provides clear visuals on its exceptional screen, but compared to the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, which offers even more advanced CPU and GPU performance for smoother engineering simulations and better screen quality for detailed work, it falls a bit short. However, the Predator is more portable and quieter when running, which might suit users on-the-go better than the bulkier Stealth with its louder operating noise.
Content Creation
8.2
8.5
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio and Acer Predator Helios 16 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
8.2
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio to be very good for software development, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 is good.
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 MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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.
Portability
Fair
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
18.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
6.1 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,236 | $2,900 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 15.8'' x 11.4'' x 0.94'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 6.15 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 15.75" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 11.4" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 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 | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 18" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 305 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 6/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
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 | 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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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."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 16 or the MSI Stealth 18 AI 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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