The Acer Predator Helios 18 is an exceptional gaming laptop, boasting a stunning display, outstanding performance, and a robust yet aesthetically pleasing design. The Acer Predator Helios 18 exudes an imposing presence.

Size may not matter to everyone, but every time I see the Helios 18 on my desk, I am struck by its massive size. 18-inch laptops are ideal for stationary gaming setups because they are cumbersome to transport, and this one is no different. The Helios 18 isn’t a good choice if you’re looking for a portable gaming laptop, especially given its average battery life.

If you’re looking for a robust 18-inch beast to meet your high-end gaming demands, this hardware is an excellent choice. It features a powerful RTX 4080 graphics card and a 14th Gen i9 processor. Its display is vibrant and vivid, complemented by a high-quality keyboard, attractive design, and durable aluminum chassis. Continue reading to determine if the Acer Predator Helios 18 suits your needs.

Acer Predator Helios 18: Specs

Acer Predator Helios 18: Design

The Helios 18 is equipped with a durable aluminum chassis finished in black. Acer has designed its distinctive thermal shelf with a thin layer of glass, separating a broad, reflective silver band that bears the inscription “Helios.”

When the RGB lights are on, the Predator logo on the lid and the glass thermal shelf come alive with a beautiful display of vibrant colors. Thanks to the shiny material on the thermal shelf, it creates the illusion that the lights are shimmering into an endless, neon-colored pool.

Pressing along the deck shows a durable construction that resists deformation under pressure. However, the hinges might need reinforcement, as the lid tends to collapse when set at a 10-degree angle. 

The display also wobbles whenever you move the lid back and forth.

Acer Predator Helios 18: Ports

Acer recognizes the importance of specific ports for gaming purposes, and the inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the Helios 18 is commendable, particularly for users requiring a docking station. Given that this is an 18-inch laptop, it is unlikely to be transported frequently; therefore, having extensive connectivity options is highly advantageous.

On the left side, it has a USB Type-A port, Ethernet, a microSD slot, and an audio jack. The right side contains two more USB Type-A ports and a Kensington Lock. At the back, you’ll find Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a power input.

Acer Predator Helios 18: Display

Equipped with an 18-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 display at 240Hz, the Helios 18 boasts a bright and vibrant panel. For gamers dedicated to optimal conditions, a screen that accurately and vividly displays colors is essential — and the Helios 18 excels in this area. The sole drawback is its sizable bezels, which contribute to the laptop’s overall larger appearance.

I viewed the trailer for Disney’s animated feature, ‘Inside Out 2,’ and was thoroughly impressed by its vibrancy and color palette. While Riley’s personified emotions contend with their individual challenges, the variation in hues among their designs — ranging from the vivid redness of Anger to the luminous pink of Embarrassment — was truly exquisite.

I played Helldivers 2 and landed on the planet Estanu. While exploring its rocky terrain, which is dotted with patches of ice and snow along with sparse red and orange foliage, I was amazed by the vividness and beauty of its colors. The sun, nearly blinding, seemed to shine directly on me at its full intensity.

The Helios 18 demonstrated exceptional performance in our color assessments, reproducing 116 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This achievement significantly exceeds the average of 90 percent for premium gaming laptops. Additionally, it surpasses its competitors, including the Vector 16 (108 percent), Alienware x16 (79 percent), and Omen 16 (78 percent).

It also secured first place in our brightness tests, reaching a peak of 520 nits, which is slightly higher than the average of 443 nits for gaming laptops. The Vector 16, with 495 nits, is close, but the Alienware x16 (334 nits) and Omen 16 (305 nits) fall significantly short.

Acer Predator Helios 18: Keyboard and Touchpad

When I opened the Helios 18, its per-key RGB keyboard immediately lit up with a spectrum of colors, showcasing its large keys, number pad, and roomy layout. I love how the keys are raised above the level of a standard keyboard, providing a more tactile typing experience. Additionally, the WASD keys utilize Acer’s MagKey 3.0 technology, making them interchangeable and equipped with a unique mechanical switch and short travel distance for fast responses.

I completed the 10fastfingers typing test with a speed of 119 words per minute and 99% accuracy, reflecting my confidence in my typing skills. The 18-inch laptop screen greatly benefits the keyboard, making each key, including the number pad, full-sized. Additionally, every keystroke offers a satisfying depth and click, enhancing the typing experience.

The 5.9 by 3.5-inch trackpad is sizable; however, it may be advisable to enhance its sensitivity for more efficient navigation of the extensive display. The trackpad operates sluggishly and requires considerable force for activation; however, this should not pose significant difficulties if a mouse or controller is used during gaming sessions.

Acer Predator Helios 18: Graphics

Equipped with an RTX 4080 graphics card featuring 12GB of vRAM, the Helios 18 is expected to be a high-performance machine that outperforms its competitors in gaming tests. Nonetheless, when compared to other RTX 4080 cards, it lagged slightly behind, though it still delivered strong performance.

I initiated the launch of Helldivers 2 and observed a consistent frame rate of approximately 80 frames per second while navigating the central hub area. Upon landing on the planet Estanu, the frame rate decreased to approximately 60 to 65 frames per second (fps) during the exploration of the mountainous terrain. During an encounter where I assaulted an enemy nest as they commenced to swarm, the frame rate fluctuated between 50 and 55 fps.

It managed an average of 115 frames per second when playing Far Cry 6 at 1080p on maximum graphics settings, which is better than the category average of 105 fps. While the Vector 16 (111 fps) is in the same ballpark, the Alienware x16 (88 fps) and Omen 16 (98 fps) couldn’t quite compete.

The performance on our Borderlands 3 test at 1080p with maximum graphics settings was somewhat below expectations, with an average of 124 frames per second, which is inferior to the category average of 136 fps. The Vector 16 (136 fps) and Alienware x16 (139 fps) demonstrate superior performance, whereas the Omen 16 (110 fps) is the only model it exceeds.

During the Cyberpunk 2077 test at 1080p on max settings, the Helios 18 delivered an average of 45 frames per second, which is a bit behind the pack. The category average is 54 fps, with the Vector 16 at 54 fps and the Alienware x16 at 52 fps performing notably better. It only just outperformed the Omen 16, which scored 41 fps.

During the Red Dead Redemption 2 test at 1080p on medium graphics, the Helios 18 averaged 94 fps, just below the category average of 97 fps. The only model outperforming it was the Vector 16 with 104 fps, while the Alienware x16 (90 fps) and Omen 16 (85 fps) scored lower. 

Acer Predator Helios 18: Performance

Acer equipped the Helios 18 with an Intel Core i9-14900HX, 1TB SSD, and 32GB RAM. If you’re concerned about productivity, there’s no need to worry given this powerful processor; it also features a notably fast SSD.

On Geekbench 6.3, the Helios 18’s multi-core score of 17,631 is impressive, far surpassing the category average of 10,978. The Vector 16 (Intel i9-14900HX, 18,055) scored slightly higher, but it outperformed Alienware x16 (Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, 13,874) and Omen 16 (Intel Core i7-13700HX, 14,515).

The Helios 18 copied 25GB of multimedia files in 14 seconds at 1,950MBps, near the 1,976MBps average. It outperformed the Vector 16 (1,353MBps) and Alienware x16 (1,776MBps), with the Omen 16 (1,990MBps) slightly faster.

Acer Predator Helios 18: Battery Life

If you’re looking for an 18-inch gaming laptop, longevity probably isn’t a major concern. This laptop weighs over 7 pounds, so fitting it in your bag and carrying it around might not be practical. However, for those with large backpacks and who don’t mind the weight, it could be relevant—though simply lifting the Helios 18 can be tiring.

While the Helios 18 isn’t the worst when it comes to battery life, it’s not exactly a standout either. During the Laptop Mag battery test, where we browse continuously over Wi-Fi at a comfortable 150 nits, it lasted just under 5 hours—specifically, 4 hours and 53 minutes. Although this is slightly above the average of 4 hours and 39 minutes, it might not be quite enough to impress most users.

Typically, a minimum of six hours of battery life is regarded as indicative of durability in a gaming laptop, a standard achieved by competitors such as The Vector 16 (6:13) and Alienware x16 (6:32). The Omen 16 (4:08), however, is the only model with inferior battery longevity.

Acer Predator Helios 18: Verdict

Some gamers seek the most powerful and biggest machines—and the Acer Predator Helios 18 delivers that. While its RTX 4080 performance was somewhat inconsistent, it remains a dependable high-end GPU paired with the impressive speeds of a 14th-generation Intel i9. Its vibrant, bright display, responsive keyboard, and robust chassis further affirm its excellence.

You might find its battery life and audio quality underwhelming, but using it as a stationary device and getting headphones could prevent issues. For a smaller laptop with better gaming performance and longer battery life, the MSI Vector 16 HX A14VHG is an excellent choice. Alternatively, the Helios 18 remains a superb option.

The Razer Blade 18 is an 18-inch gaming laptop, succeeding the Razer Blade 18 (2023) model. This version features the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 4080, or 4090 GPU. It supports up to 64GB of RAM, and storage can be expanded up to 4TB. Users can choose between a 300Hz QHD+ (2560 x 1600) Mini LED display and a 200Hz 4K+ (3840 x 2400) panel. 

The Razer Blade 18 is a powerful laptop with massive gaming capabilities. Its 18-inch display appeals to many gamers who can afford a premium gaming laptop. There are plenty of ports, including a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, to ensure a high-speed internet connection during online gaming. Due to its high performance, it occasionally gets hotter, and its cooling fans can be pretty loud.

Blade 18: Cheatsheet

What is it? This is the Razer Blade 18, a high-end gaming machine.

Whose is it for? The Blade 18 is designed for those who require a powerful machine for gaming and other tasks, and can afford its price. It is also suitable for anyone who needs a replacement for their desktop with a more portable machine. 

What does it cost? The prices start at $3,099 and range up to $4,799.

What do we like? The Blade 18 boasts a magnificent display and formidable specifications, designed explicitly for gaming. Its speakers are impressive, and it also includes a wide array of ports.  

What don’t we like? The primary issue for many users is its high price. It gets a little warm during long gaming sessions, and its cooling fans produce a noticeable amount of noise.

Blade 18: Specification

These specifications distinguish Razer from its competitors. Razer provides only one processor, the 14th-generation Intel Core i9-14900HX, which runs at 2.4 GHz. It features 24 cores and can boost up to 5.8 GHz. This processor is one of the fastest from Intel and is suited for a laptop of this calibre.  

Blade 18: Gaming Performance

We ran games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Microsoft Flight Simulator, along with high-power-consuming software such as Blender. While playing Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080, this laptop averages 63.63 FPS (frames per second). However, when shifting to 4K resolution, the average FPS drops to 18.42. Finding a portable machine capable of running Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K can be challenging, as this game requires significant power. Nonetheless, the performance of the Blade 18 was not surprising. 

While playing Microsoft Flight Simulator at 1080p (Full HD), the average frame rate ranges from approximately 80 to 120, depending on the complexity of the scenery and weather conditions. A key point to remember is that, at 1080p, the game relies more on the CPU, especially in densely populated areas. In contrast, at 4K (Ultra HD) resolution, the frame rate hovers around 60; at times, it drops to 55 frames per second in heavily populated and modern cities like New York City.

While testing Blender, the RTX 4090 laptop’s graphics card achieves a benchmark score of around 7,100. The GPU render time is about 3 seconds when using OptiX acceleration. In contrast, the CPU render time is roughly 1.5 minutes. 

Note: GPU rendering is usually faster than CPU rendering, particularly when using OptiX acceleration. While the Intel Core i9-14300HX is a high-performance processor, GPU rendering proves to be more efficient in complex scenes. 

Blade 18: Display

If the specification becomes the primary reason to buy this laptop, then the display could become the secondary reason. Razer offers the display in two options: a 300Hz QHD+ mini LED and a 200Hz 4K model that lacks mini LED technology. Both displays are 18 inches; this is the 18 from which the Razer Blade 18 comes.

When comparing its display to those of other laptops, you’ll notice the difference in display quality, especially considering its price tag. The display is the second main factor that enhances your gaming experience; obviously, the first is performance. Imagine paying a hefty amount for a gaming laptop, only to discover that its performance is excellent, but its display is lacking; this would ruin your gaming experience. Nevertheless, Razer keeps this in mind.

Blade 18: Ports

Razer didn’t return to the field of ports, offering everything you need. An incredible Thunderbolt 5 port that allows for transferring data and connecting devices at a massive speed of up to 250 Gbps. This port can support three 4 K displays at 144Hz, which is impressive. 

In addition to this powerful port, Razer offers three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an HDMI port, a 3.5 mm audio port, and a card reader port. 

Blade 18: Drawbacks

The Razer Blade 18 is a very potent laptop, but it also comes with some drawbacks that prevent it from being a perfect laptop. Thankfully, none of them are at such a level that would prevent you from buying this laptop.

Size:

The most apparent thing you noticed earlier when you pointed your eyes on it. This laptop is large due to its 18-inch display and numerous other components. The size is 15.74 x 10.83 x 0.85 inches, and it weighs about 6.80 pounds. The size is approximately the same as last year’s model, although this one is lighter, weighing around 7 pounds. However, compared to a computer, this is still adjustable to a certain extent. If we assume Blade 18 as a portable computer rather than a traditional laptop, this would not be incorrect.

Expensive:

Indeed, the Blade 18 provides substantial power, but its price is also rather steep. Its cheapest model sells for $3,099 and the most expensive one sells for $4,799.

This price tag is out of reach for many gamers, but regardless of which version you choose, you will receive an Intel Core i9 processor. The main difference lies in the GPUs, and the worst you can expect is RTX 4070.

Keyboard:

Despite its large size, Razer doesn’t include a number pad on its keyboard. This space is utilized for more efficient speakers, but personally, a number pad can be a valuable tool for users in their daily lives. 

The keyboard is positioned at the center, which creates a significant amount of space along the keyboard. Sometimes, I will not find the correct position of the keyboard while typing. 

Many gamers use an external keyboard for a better gaming experience, often opting for a high-quality mechanical keyboard. If you purchase an external keyboard, you may not need to worry about the built-in one. However, those who prefer using a mouse and a standard keyboard, like me, often face difficulties while typing. 

Hot:

As with the previous version, this model also tends to get hot during gaming. While playing games, the hottest part of the laptop reached 134 degrees. However, Razer did a great job by moving the hottest parts away from where you rest your hands; the touchpad only gets hot upto to 82 degrees. 

The heat is not a bad thing—after all, all gaming laptops get hot. However, the Razer 18 should have a better cooling system to prevent overheating. 

Blade 18: Verdict

While the Razer Blade 18 is an expensive machine, it is worth every penny if you know how to utilize it effectively. If you’re looking for a gaming powerhouse with portability, this laptop is an ideal choice. The primary motivation for developing this machine is to enhance the gaming experience through portability. You can play games even at coffee shops. 

If you love portable machines, then you don’t need to worry about the price. The Blade 18 is one of the best laptops available, and it is worth every penny. 

The Alienware m18 marks the company’s debut in the 18-inch laptop segment. It also delivers tremendous performance. Alienware debuted the new m18 in 2023, offering ample power compared to competitors like the Razer Blade 18 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 in the 18-inch laptop category. These are the new heavyweights in the world of laptops, designed to replace large desktops. With their enormous weight and size, they provide enough performance to enhance your gaming experience.

The price tag is comparable to most gaming PCs, but Alienware offers a better gaming experience with added portability. No doubt, if you have a gaming PC, you shouldn’t buy this, but if you want a gaming machine with portability, then this would be a better choice. 

Alienware m18: Price

The price starts at $2,099, and after upgrades and other customizations, the cost can increase to $4,999. You can purchase this laptop from Dell’s official website and other authorised retailers at a base price of $2,099.

For the base price, you will get:

• Intel Core i7-13650HX Processor
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU
• 16 GB of DDR5 RAM
• 512 GB of NVMe SSD
• 18-inch QHD+ 165Hz

If these specifications are insufficient for your workload and gaming needs, you can opt for upgrades. According to the internet, the high-end specifications of the Dell Alienware m18 can cost $4,949 before tax. At this price, you receive one of Intel’s leading processors, the Core i9-13900HX, a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, 64 GB of RAM, and 8 TB SSD storage.. The display is also upgraded to an 18-inch FHD+ 480Hz, which features a significantly faster refresh rate compared to the default one, but with a lower resolution. 

Alienware m18: Specs

Alienware m18: Design

Dell’s Alienware m18 is a massive laptop. The vital thing to note is that it’s hard to hold it in one hand due to its high weight of 9 pounds. It is also larger and heavier than the Razer Blade 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18, the two largest competitors of Alienware in the 18-inch laptop category.

When you open the laptop, a premium keyboard with hexagonal cutouts runs along the top, topped by a stunning display that awaits you. The bezels surrounding the 18-inch screen are slim, thickening slightly at the top and bottom where the webcam and Alienware logo are placed. 

The colour of the Alienware is striking; the dark grey finish reflects the image of the dark side of the moon, with the aluminium body featuring hexagonal cutouts and a lightning logo. Furthermore, you can customise every RGB light to your liking, as the RGB lights on the keyboard and in the rear section are as stunning as a rainbow.

Alienware m18: Display

The 18-inch QHD+ 250Hz display in the Alienware m18 provides ample space for multitasking and gaming. If you’re opening an 18-inch laptop for the first time, the display size may be a surprise. However, you will soon acclimatise, and then you will appreciate the benefits of such a large screen. 

I would not recommend buying this laptop solely for the large screen, but it becomes increasingly difficult to work on laptops with smaller screens. You can watch movies and TV shows on the big screen with brightness. Alienware promises that this machine can achieve up to 300 nits of brightness. Three hundred nits of brightness is not a significant issue, as many of the best laptops on the market can achieve 400-500 nits of brightness.

While this brightness works well indoors, it may present challenges outdoors. It is lower than the brightness of the Razer Blade 18 (495 nits) and Strix Scar 18 (402 nits).

Alienware m18: Ports

The Alienware m18 features a multitude of ports distributed across both sides and the rear of the laptop. Along the left side, you will find an Ethernet jack, two USB-A ports, and an audio jack, surrounded by two exhaust grills. On the right side, you will find only a USB-C port, which feels lonely as it is situated on the front edge, whereas most laptops have ports at the back edge.

All the main ports are located on the rear of the laptop. The laptop features two USB4/Thunderbolt ports, an additional USB-A port, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort, a card reader port, and an audio jack, all located on the back. It is complemented by custom RGB strips that run around the rear tray. 

Alienware m18: Keyboard and Touchpad

I value the Alienware keyboard for its full size and, naturally, the integrated RGB lights, which are crucial for gaming laptops. Additionally, it features Cherry MX mechanical keys. While it may cause some noise during typing that can be heard on a video call, this is not a significant issue, as a good typing sound enhances your typing experience.

However, if you prefer to type quietly, you will need to acclimatise to the sound. Furthermore, Alienware’s keyboard features a number pad, which is very useful, and this is something I miss in the Razer Blade 18.

A large touchpad is located in the left corner beneath the keyboard, extending to the bottom. If you are tall and have long arms, this touchpad will not present any inconvenience for you.

Alienware m18: Gaming Performance

With the specifications mentioned in this article, Alienware becomes a formidable gaming machine. With these, it can achieve over 60 frames per second in most games. I play F1 2021 on this machine, and it achieves an average of 194 frames per second (FPS). At the maximum resolution available in the game, it reaches up to 165 FPS. I also compare Alienware with other gaming laptops in the industry, and it outperforms them. No doubt, some laptops can achieve higher frames per second (FPS) than this, but it’s still quite impressive. 

Most PCS can’t run Cyberpunk 2077 because it requires massive power that can only be achieved with the RTX 40 series and above, but our Alienware manages to handle it with ease. When playing on the highest settings, NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 image-scaling technology was enabled, allowing me to play Cyberpunk at 60+ frames per second without any issues.

Even with DLSS 3 image scaling turned off and playing at the highest settings, Alienware still managed to deliver over 20 frames per second. It’s not the best way to play, but it’s still playable. I recommend steering clear of maximum graphics settings if you intend to play for an extended period. If you are playing at the highest setting, you may encounter some lag due to a heating issue.

 Alienware m18: Average FPS Difference

As illustrated in the table above, our Alienware ($3,549 as tested) outperforms the ASUS ROG Strix Scar ($3,899) and Razer Blade 18 ($3,799) in the specified games. This is the primary reason it can replace your heavy desktop. 

Alienware m18: Verdict

The Alienware m18 is the heaviest and most powerful laptop, and its extraordinary performance, particularly in gaming, demonstrates that it is the most prioritised option for replacing a desktop. 

With this, you will get rid of those massive PCs that are only suitable for gaming at home, but with this, you can play anywhere, even at a coffee shop.

If you already own a laptop that runs games well and do not wish to spend more money on this but intend to replace it, you might consider some less expensive alternatives. However, if you seek a replacement for superior gaming performance and desire a larger screen and a mechanical keyboard akin to a PC, then trust me, Alienware is the best option for you. 

Neither the Strix Scar 18 nor the Razer Blade 18 boasts a keyboard as beautiful as that of an Alienware, thanks to its Cherry MX mechanical keys. Although these laptops feature a brighter display and are lighter than the Alienware, their strengths do not match those of Alienware. Consequently, they are referred to as a desktop replacement.