Hands on: Acer Helios Neo 16: a gaming laptop with style and substance at an affordable price

The Acer Helios Neo 16 is an affordable laptop that doesn't skimp out on the features.

What is a hands on review?
black gaming laptop
(Image: © Future)

Early Verdict

The Acer Helios Neo 16 is a refresh that really invests in and builds upon the version from last year. Not only has the 16-inch QHD+ display been upgraded to a 240Hz refresh rate, but the other specs are solid, it has an incredible port selection, and its design is unique and downright cool. It's a well-balanced gaming laptop that's perfect for those looking for a great gaming machine that doesn't break the bank.

Pros

  • +

    Excellent specs

  • +

    Unique design

  • +

    Impressive QHD+ display

  • +

    Great pricing

  • +

    Amazing port selection

Cons

  • -

    OLED would have elevated its display even more

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Acer Helios Neo 16 is one of several gaming laptop offerings from Acer in 2024, and it's really worth paying attention to, from what I've experienced in my limited time. Though the chassis is mostly unchanged from last year's version, the specs and display have been upgraded in a way that makes a big difference.

From what I've seen of it so far, it's an impressive machine that features excellent components and port selection as well as a distinct design that instantly sets it apart from other affordable products in the gaming laptop market. It could easily be one of the best cheap gaming laptops or even the best gaming laptops in general.

Acer Helios Neo 16: Price and availability

The Acer Helios Neo 16 will be launching in the US in March 2024, with its price starting at $1,499.99 (around £1,180 / AU$2,250). While not completely a budget gaming laptop, it's a much more affordable option compared to most of its competition, as many gaming rigs tend to be priced in the thousands at least.

There hasn't been confirmation of availability in the UK or Australia as of yet, though it will almost be certainly released in other regions at some point. As we get closer to the release date, that information will be made available.

Acer Helios Neo 16: Design

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Acer Helios Neo 16 specs
ComponentSpec
Display16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 240Hz
CPUUp to Intel Core 9 14900HX
GraphicsUp to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
RAMUp to 32GB LPDDR5
StorageUp to 2TB PCIe 4 SSD in RAID 0
Port selection2x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C port, 1x Ethernet port, 1x power port, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, 3x USB Type-A, 1x microSD reader, 1x Kensington port
Weight2.8 kg (6.17 lbs)
Dimensions14.09 x 10.97 x 1.2 inches; 357.78 x 278.63 x 27.85 mm (WxDxH)

The Acer Helios Neo 16's design is similar to the 2023 Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, down to the text and decoration engraved on the back and the top of the chassis. The back of the laptop looks particularly striking with this clear plating over the metal engraved with Neo and other decorations around it.

There is one difference between the US version of the Helios Neo 16 and the models that will launch in other regions: the former won't have the cool lid design with engraved 'code'. However, the Helios Neo 18 model will have that in all regions it launches in. A bit disappointing, since it's such a unique feature, but the rest of the laptop is more than cool enough to compensate.

Though the Helios Neo 16 is a bit on the thicker and heavier side, thanks to its distinctive design it maintains an air of style and sleekness that few other cheaper options hit.

It has a great port selection that covers nearly any need and use you could have for this laptop. There's the USB Type-C and Type-A ports, an Ethernet port, HDMI, microSD, a combo jack, and more. The best part is that there are two USB ports for each type, a small but helpful feature that many other budget laptops lack.

The 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) display boasts an incredible 240Hz refresh rate and DCI-P3 100% color gamut, giving users options to expand the use of this gaming laptop to creative and editing work as well. OLED would have been a great addition, but it makes sense to omit it to keep costs down.

As a nice bonus, its RGB-lit keyboard is full-size, which is a boon for those like myself who prefer one with a number pad. The touchpad is solid and responsive, which is all I ask from it.

Acer Helios Neo 16: Performance

black gaming laptop keys

(Image credit: Future)

Despite its affordable pricing, the Acer Helios Neo 16 sports some impressive specs. It features 14th-Gen CPUs and Nvidia RTX 4000-series GPUs, up to an Intel Core 9 14900HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070. There's also the choice to configure this laptop with up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe 4 SSD in RAID 0 storage.

While we haven't had the chance to benchmark this machine yet to find out the true scale of its gaming performance, its specs should translate into some serious power. Meanwhile, the ventilation system sounds impressive on paper, with a cooling fan system, liquid metal thermal grease, and vector heat pipes. But we have to see it in action to determine how effective it is in keeping the Helios Neo 16 properly cool.

Acer Helios Neo 16: Early verdict

black gaming laptop

(Image credit: Future)

The Acer Helios Neo 16 is one of my favorite gaming laptops to come out of CES 2024, because it sports excellent specs, a robust port selection, fantastic display, all packaged in one of the most eye-catching chassis designs around. The fact that it's a refresh of an existing product instead of a brand-new gaming laptop makes it even more surprising.

The price is easily the sweetest part of the Helios Neo 16, as affordably priced products in the gaming laptop market are unfortunately rare to come across, especially ones with current-gen specs.

Hopefully, its gaming and general performance will speak for itself once it comes time for more in-depth reviews.

TOPICS
Allisa James
Computing Staff Writer

Named by the CTA as a CES 2023 Media Trailblazer, Allisa is a Computing Staff Writer who covers breaking news and rumors in the computing industry, as well as reviews, hands-on previews, featured articles, and the latest deals and trends. In her spare time you can find her chatting it up on her two podcasts, Megaten Marathon and Combo Chain, as well as playing any JRPGs she can get her hands on.

What is a hands on review?

Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. For more information, see TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee.

Read more
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI gaming laptop.
Hands on: the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is a strong second step for Acer's Neo gaming laptop line
A Razer Blade 16 on a desk
The new Razer Blade 16 just might shake up the thin and light gaming laptop market in a big way
Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 on purple background with big savings text overlay
Portable and powerful, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 gaming laptop with an RTX 4070 is $600 off right now
A Razer Blade 14, the best gaming laptop in 2025, against a blue techradar background.
The best gaming laptop in 2025: top laptops to game on for every budget
Acer Aspire 14 AI Laptop powered on to the Windows 11 login screen
I tested the Acer Swift 14 AI for two weeks - if you need a new work laptop, this one is close to perfection
Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop on a table at CES 2025
Acer Aspire Vero 16 hands on: I tried the world's first oyster shell laptop
Latest in Gaming Laptops
Canva
It's just a concept for now, but this RTX 5090 liquid-cooled gaming laptop is possibly the craziest thing I've seen in a while
Nvidia geforce 4070
Don’t panic, gaming laptop buyers – Nvidia assures us that mobile RTX 5000 graphics cards won’t have the chip-level fault that hit desktop GPUs
Image of Asus TUF A16 deal
RTX 4070 gaming laptop clearance deals are heating up: get $500 off this Asus A16 at Amazon
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop in eclipse gray on magenta background with price cut sign
An RTX 4090, OLED display, and $500 off: Best Buy's clearance deal on the Asus Zephyrus G16 is tempting
Image of Alienware X16 R2 gaming laptop deal
Handheld gaming PCs will always be my favorite, but I can't ignore these Presidents' Day offers on Dell's Alienware X16 R2 gaming laptop
Asus Zephyrus G16 on blue background with big savings text overlay
RTX 4060, 4070, and 4080 gaming laptops are all tumbling in price for Presidents' Day
Latest in Reviews
Alienware 27 AW2725Q monitor on desk displaying a scene from Cyberpunk 2077
I played games with Alienware's new 27-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I don't want to see another LCD panel
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
Groov-e Boston DAB radio on a wooden table
I tested this affordable DAB radio and, sadly, its tinny output made me think of every car garage I've ever been to
An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on its retail packaging
I've reviewed three generations of 3D V-cache processors, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best there is