Acer Unveils 16-Inch Gaming Laptops with Intel Arrow Lake-HX CPUs

Key Takeaways

1. Intel launched new Arrow Lake Plus processors, prompting Acer to update its Predator Helios Neo 16 and 16S AI gaming laptops.
2. The Helios Neo 16S AI features up to a Core Ultra 9 386H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, replacing older models and priced at $1,459.
3. Upgrades include Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processors, with configurations supporting up to a GeForce RTX 5080 and 64 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM.
4. The Helios Neo 16 AI has a 165 Hz display while the 16S AI offers a 240 Hz display, both with OLED screens and high resolutions.
5. Availability in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East starts in June 2026, with Australia seeing the Helios Neo 16 AI, while North America will have both models in July.

Earlier today, Intel unveiled a new line of Plus-branded Arrow Lake processors. In reaction to this, Acer has updated its Predator Helios Neo 16 AI and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptops. Interestingly, the same updates apply to the larger Predator Helios Neo 18 AI, which we have discussed in a different article.

Processor and Availability

To give some background, the Helios Neo 16S AI was first introduced at CES 2026 in January, featuring options up to a Core Ultra 9 386H processor along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU. This model replaces the previous Arrow Lake HX versions (currently priced at $1,459 on Amazon) and was expected to be available between April and June 2026. Meanwhile, Acer has included Arrow Lake-HX Plus options for both the Helios Neo 16S AI and the larger Helios Neo 16 AI.

Upgrades and Features

Acer has specifically enhanced these laptops with the Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processors. Both models can also be configured with up to a GeForce RTX 5080, which is an improvement over the Panther Lake-powered Helios Neo 16S AI. Additionally, Acer has outfitted its new 16-inch gaming laptops with 92 Wh batteries and can support up to 64 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM.

Display and Release Dates

However, the Helios Neo 16 AI comes with a 165 Hz display, while the Helios Neo 16S AI boasts a 240 Hz variant. Both laptops feature OLED screens that provide 2,560 x 1,600-pixel resolutions and cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, as well as include Nvidia Advanced Optimus and Nvidia G-Sync technology. Acer has announced that the Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-I71) and Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (PHN16S-I71) will be available in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East starting in June. Australia will also get the Helios Neo 16 AI that month, while the 16S AI is set to arrive in July. However, neither laptop will be available in North America until July.

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