Acer's Computation Transition Predator Helios Neo 16S AI to Panther Lake CPUs for 2026
Acer has officially unveiled the 2026 iteration of its Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop, model number PHN16S-I51. The new iteration of this notebook comes with Intel Panther Lake CPU options and an increased memory capacity while appearing to keep the chassis from the 2025 version.
Core Hardware Specifications
This model for 2026 comes within a metallic chassis that is 2.3 kg (5.07 lbs). The notable internal upgrades are as follows:
- CPU: Up to an Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra 9 386H processor.
- Memory: Increased to 64 GB from a maximum of 32 GB, all DDR5-6000 RAM.
- Storage: Max up to 2 TB of storage.
Graphics Configuration
The GPU configuration is the area where a major change has been made from last year's model. The 2026 Predator Helios Neo 16S AI now comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU on the top end, unlike the 2025 model whose top-end GPU option was an RTX 5070 Ti.
Display and Pertained Features
The 2026 model borrows many features from its predecessor version. This display is still a 16-inch WQXGA OLED, which is:
- Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600
- Refresh Rate: 165 Hz
- Color Gamut: 100% DCI-P3 coverage
- Response Time: 1 ms
The cooling system using 5th-gen AeroBlade fans and the port selection also appear to remain unchanged. The laptop consists of five ports, one Thunderbolt 4, three Type-A USB ports, and an RGB-backlit keyboard with four zones.
Availability and Pricing
Acer may have made these limited hardware updates, besides the CPU and RAM, as a cost-management strategy. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (PHN16S-I51) is likely to be launched in the second quarter of 2026. Official pricing has not been revealed yet.
