Acer Predator Helios 300 review
The Acer Acer Predator Helios 300 ranks as the #715 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 65. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #256-ranked connectivity among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Predator Triton 300 or Acer Aspire 5, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a powerful laptop that checks most boxes for gamers. It boasts impressive performance, with the Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card delivering smooth gameplay at high settings. However, its price point is somewhat steep, making it a tough sell for those who don't prioritize gaming. While it's not the most portable or stylish option, its battery life is adequate. Ultimately, whether the Helios 300 is worth the investment depends on your gaming needs and budget. If you're looking for a capable gaming laptop that won't break the bank, there may be better options elsewhere.
Build
The Acer Predator Helios 300's build is a mixed bag. The dual-tone matte black and brushed aluminum texture looks sleek but attracts fingerprints easily. The laptop itself picks up dust, making it appear dirty. While the overall construction feels sturdy, some may find the weight a drawback. The design is otherwise unremarkable, lacking an all-matte-black option that would have improved its aesthetic appeal. Nevertheless, the build holds together well and doesn't compromise on functionality, despite some minor design missteps. You may find Acer Predator Triton 300 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The Acer Predator Helios 300's display is a mixed bag. The matte black and brushed aluminum texture gives off a premium feel, but the dual-tone finish picks up fingerprints easily. In bright lighting, the laptop takes on a dark blue hue with cyan accents. Unfortunately, the screen could be brighter and taller, which might detract from the overall gaming experience. Nevertheless, this display issue doesn't make or break the Helios 300's case for being a great desktop replacement or performance powerhouse. If you’re after a better display, Acer Predator Triton 300 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Acer Predator Helios 300 delivers exceptional performance, making it an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts. The laptop's Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU combination provides seamless gaming experiences, even at 1080p resolution. The system's ability to push a whopping 85 watts of power through the CPU ensures that single-threaded results are top-notch, surpassing competitors with lower-wattage systems. This performance prowess is further augmented by the MUX switch, which enables Advanced Optimus for better gaming performance. Overall, the Helios 300's impressive specs make it an attractive option for those seeking a powerful laptop without breaking the bank. Acer Nitro 5 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Predator Helios 300 offers decent battery life, but it's not its strongest feature. You can expect around 5-6 hours of use before needing to recharge. The laptop's charging time is relatively quick, taking about an hour and a half to reach full capacity from empty. While it's not the most impressive aspect of this machine, the Helios 300's performance capabilities more than make up for its battery life. However, if you're looking for a portable device that can last all day, you might want to consider other options.
Connectivity
The Acer Predator Helios 300 offers robust connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring seamless connections to devices and peripherals. The laptop's extensive I/O capabilities make it well-suited for heavy users who require easy access to various peripherals. You might want to check out Acer Nitro 14, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Acer Predator Helios 300 boasts impressive features, including a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, and up to 64GB RAM. It also offers a 15.6-inch Full HD display, advanced cooling system, and customizable RGB keyboard. The laptop's sleek design features a dual-tone matte black and brushed aluminum texture. Take a look at Acer Predator Triton 300 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Predator Helios 300 offers excellent performance in a portable chassis. However, its design could be improved with an all-matte black finish instead of dual tone matte black and brushed aluminum. The screen is not as bright or tall as desired, and the keyboard feels mushy. Despite these drawbacks, this laptop is a great option for those prioritizing performance over aesthetics. Overall, it's a solid choice for gamers and heavy users, but may require some refinement in its build quality.
Pros
1. The Acer Predator Helios 300 offers amazing performance in a somewhat portable chassis.
2. It's a great desktop replacement since battery life isn't its biggest forte
3. For a price point that undercuts ultra-high-end laptops, it's offering impressive results
4. The extra CPU wattage gives the Helios 300 an advantage in gaming every now and then
5. It performed normally in every single game we tested
6. The keyboard could be refined with an all-matte-black chassis instead of the dual tone matte black and brushed aluminum texture
Cons
1. Battery life really isn't its biggest forte
2. The mushy feeling of the keyboard takes away an enjoyable typing experience
3. The screen could be a bit brighter and taller
4. It has some cyan accents on it that aren't mentioned in any other context
5. The Advanced Optimus feature sometimes doesn't provide quite as much power to the RTX 3070 Ti as it should
6. Some early reviews reported that the Helios 300's MUX switch wasn't working properly, but a BIOS update has since fixed this issue
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