Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro
The Verdict
Acer's Predator Helios Neo 16 targets gamers and content creators needing raw performance at a competitive price, featuring Intel's 20-core i7-14700HX, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a blazingly fast 240Hz IPS display with 2560x1600 resolution. The 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and dual Thunderbolt ports support intensive workflows. Battery life reaches 7 hours under typical use. Apple's MacBook Pro 16 M2 Pro prioritizes efficiency and portability with its 2.14kg aluminum unibody design, delivering exceptional battery endurance up to 22 hours on wireless tasks. Its Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with 3456x2234 resolution and 1600 nits brightness excels for professional color work, though the 120Hz refresh rate trails the Acer. The M2 Pro's GPU handles GPU-intensive tasks admirably, but CPU-heavy work may feel limited compared to the i7's extra cores. The MacBook commands a $1000 premium while offering only 512GB base storage. Choose the Acer for gaming, video editing requiring maximum processing power, and value-conscious buyers. Pick the MacBook for professionals needing macOS, superior display quality for grading, ultraportability, and best-in-class battery life justifying the premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) if…
- →Strong performance from 14th-gen HX-class CPU
- →240Hz QHD+ display ideal for esports
- →User-upgradeable RAM and storage
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro if…
- →Outstanding 22-hour battery life for a 16-inch professional laptop
- →Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- →M2 Pro handles demanding creative workloads like 4K video editing
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024)
Pros
- Strong performance from 14th-gen HX-class CPU
- 240Hz QHD+ display ideal for esports
- User-upgradeable RAM and storage
- Per-key RGB backlit keyboard
- Robust thermal design with vapor chamber options
Cons
- Heavy at 2.7 kg
- Battery life poor under load
- Plastic chassis feels less premium than rivals
- Fans get loud under gaming workloads
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro
Pros
- Outstanding 22-hour battery life for a 16-inch professional laptop
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR peak brightness
- M2 Pro handles demanding creative workloads like 4K video editing
- Excellent port selection including HDMI, SD card, and MagSafe
- Fantastic six-speaker sound system with spatial audio
Cons
- Heavy at 2.14 kg — not ideal for frequent travel
- 16 GB base RAM should be 32 GB at $2499
- M3 Pro lineup arrived months later making this a short-lived generation
- macOS limits gaming compared to Windows alternatives
- No Face ID — relies on Touch ID in the keyboard
Full Specifications
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | macOS Ventura |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 kg | 2.14 kg |
| Material | Aluminum lid, plastic chassis | Aluminum unibody |
| Dimensions | 358 x 281 x 28.9 mm | 355.7 x 248.1 x 16.8 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| USB-A ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | 1 | — |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 1 | 3 |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours | Up to 22 hours wireless web |
| Capacity | 90 Wh | 100 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16 inches | 16.2 inches |
| Type | IPS, 16:10 | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3456 x 2234 |
| Refresh rate | 240Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 1600 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe | 512 GB NVMe (configurable to 8 TB) |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 | 16 GB unified |
| Cores | 20 cores (8P+12E) | 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU |
| Chipset | Intel Core i7-14700HX | Apple M2 Pro |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro
- Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
- Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 360
- Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro
- Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Book4 360
- Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Acer products or all Apple products. View full details for the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) or the Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Pro.