Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro
The Verdict
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) and Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) is the cheaper of the two at $1,499 versus $2,499, a difference of about $1,000. The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) stands out for strong performance from 14th-gen hx-class cpu, while Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro is praised for largest macbook display at 16.2 inches. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
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" M5 Pro if…
- →Largest MacBook display at 16.2 inches
- →M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations
- →100 Wh battery with 24-hour life
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" M5 Pro
Pros
- Largest MacBook display at 16.2 inches
- M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations
- 100 Wh battery with 24-hour life
- Thunderbolt 5
- Up to 96GB RAM with M5 Max
Cons
- 2.14 kg is heavy
- $2499 starting price
- Non-upgradable components
Full Specifications
| Spec | Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72, 2024) | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | macOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.7 kg | 2.14 kg |
| Material | Aluminum lid, plastic chassis | Recycled aluminum |
| Dimensions | 358 x 281 x 28.9 mm | 17.7 x 24.8 x 1.68 cm |
| 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 24 hours |
| Capacity | 90 Wh | 100 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16 inches | 16.2 inches |
| Type | IPS, 16:10 | Liquid Retina XDR, nano-texture option |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3456 x 2234 |
| Refresh rate | 240Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 1600 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe | 1 TB / 2 TB / 4 TB / 8 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 | 24 GB / 48 GB / 96 GB |
| Cores | 20 cores (8P+12E) | 18 cores (6 super + 12 performance) |
| Chipset | Intel Core i7-14700HX | Apple M5 Pro (18-core CPU, 20-core GPU) |
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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" M5 Pro.