Main points
- Battery life is often a compromise on gaming laptops, but the Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 both offer respectable battery life for their size.
- The Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 are both excellent gaming laptops that offer a great balance of performance, features, and design.
- The Helios 18 has a slight edge in terms of display quality and performance, but the Strix G18 is more affordable and has a better battery life.
The gaming laptop market is fiercely competitive, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. Two of the most highly anticipated releases of 2023 are the Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these gaming behemoths, helping you make an informed decision about which one is the ultimate choice for your gaming needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Predator Helios 18 boasts a sleek and aggressive design with a black and silver color scheme. Its angular lines and sharp edges give it a futuristic look, while the RGB lighting adds a touch of customization. The ASUS ROG Strix G18, on the other hand, has a more traditional gaming laptop aesthetic with a black and red color scheme. Its design is characterized by sharp angles and a bold ROG logo on the lid. Both laptops are well-built and feature durable materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions.
Display
The Acer Predator Helios 18 comes with a massive 18-inch Mini-LED display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. It supports a high refresh rate of 240Hz and a 1ms response time, making it ideal for fast-paced games. The ASUS ROG Strix G18 also features an 18-inch display, but it’s an IPS panel with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It supports a refresh rate of 165Hz and a 3ms response time, which is still impressive but not quite as good as the Helios 18’s display.
Performance
Under the hood, both the Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 are powered by the latest 13th-generation Intel Core i9 processors. The Helios 18 comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card, while the Strix G18 has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. In terms of performance, the Helios 18 has a slight edge due to its more powerful graphics card. However, both laptops are capable of delivering excellent gaming performance at high settings.
Cooling and Thermals
Gaming laptops generate a lot of heat, so it’s important to have an efficient cooling system to keep them running smoothly. The Acer Predator Helios 18 features a triple-fan cooling system with a liquid metal thermal compound. The ASUS ROG Strix G18 also has a triple-fan cooling system, but it uses a traditional thermal paste. In our testing, the Helios 18 had slightly better thermals than the Strix G18, but both laptops managed to keep their temperatures under control even during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a compromise on gaming laptops, but the Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 both offer respectable battery life for their size. The Helios 18 has a 99.98Wh battery, while the Strix G18 has a 90Wh battery. In our testing, the Helios 18 lasted for about 5 hours on a single charge, while the Strix G18 lasted for about 4 hours.
Connectivity and Ports
Both the Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 offer a wide range of connectivity options. They both have two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, one HDMI 2.1 port, and one Mini DisplayPort. The Helios 18 also has a Thunderbolt 4 port, while the Strix G18 has a dedicated Ethernet port.
Price and Availability
The Acer Predator Helios 18 is available starting at $2,499, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 is available starting at $1,999. Both laptops are available for purchase from major retailers and online stores.
The Verdict
The Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 are both excellent gaming laptops that offer a great balance of performance, features, and design. The Helios 18 has a slight edge in terms of display quality and performance, but the Strix G18 is more affordable and has a better battery life. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want the best possible gaming experience, the Helios 18 is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with good performance and battery life, the Strix G18 is a great choice.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Acer Predator Helios 18 and the ASUS ROG Strix G18, here are a few other options to consider:
- MSI Raider GE78HX
- Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 8
- Razer Blade 18
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display, the Acer Predator Helios 18 or the ASUS ROG Strix G18?
A: The Acer Predator Helios 18 has a better display than the ASUS ROG Strix G18. It features a higher resolution, a higher refresh rate, and a faster response time.
Q: Which laptop has better performance, the Acer Predator Helios 18 or the ASUS ROG Strix G18?
A: The Acer Predator Helios 18 has slightly better performance than the ASUS ROG Strix G18 due to its more powerful graphics card.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life, the Acer Predator Helios 18 or the ASUS ROG Strix G18?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has slightly better battery life than the Acer Predator Helios 18.