Acer Predator Helios 500 review
The Acer Acer Predator Helios 500 ranks as the #754 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 63. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #282-ranked performance among 4 laptops. Consider the Acer Spin 7 or Acer Chromebook 514, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Predator Helios 500 is a solid gaming laptop, but whether it's worth the investment depends on your priorities. The keyboard is a standout feature, with a mechanical feel that's hard to beat. The 144Hz IPS display and decent cooling system are also notable perks. However, the battery life is subpar, lasting around 2-3 hours for average productivity work and only 45 minutes for gaming. With a starting price in the premium range, this laptop faces stiff competition from other brands like MSI and Alienware. Ultimately, if you value a great keyboard, decent cooling, and a fast display, the Helios 500 might be worth considering.
Build
The Acer Predator Helios 500 boasts a sturdy build with a large desktop replacement design. The chassis is substantial, with noticeable big bezels, but this doesn't detract from its overall aesthetic. The laptop's weight and size are substantial, making it suitable for those who prefer to keep their device on their lap or desk. Despite its bulk, the Helios 500 runs relatively cool, thanks to its effective cooling system. Acer Predator Helios 700 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The display on the Acer Predator Helios 500 is a standout feature. It's a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. The viewing angles are excellent, with minimal color shift or washout. The display itself is also quite vibrant, with deep blacks and bright colors. It's a great choice for those who want a premium gaming experience without the need for a separate monitor. Overall, the display on the Helios 500 is one of its strongest features, making it well-suited for both gaming and multimedia use. For an improved display, Acer Predator Helios 700 is worth considering.
Performance
The Acer Predator Helios 500 delivers impressive performance in its price segment. The Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card provide seamless gaming experience with high frame rates and detailed visuals. The 144Hz IPS display ensures smooth gameplay with minimal lag, while the keyboard offers a satisfying mechanical feel that's hard to find in other laptops. However, battery life is compromised due to the powerful hardware, lasting only around 2-3 hours with average productivity work and 45 minutes when gaming. Despite this limitation, the Helios 500 makes up for it with its robust cooling system, which keeps the laptop relatively cool during intense use. Overall, performance-wise, the Acer Predator Helios 500 is a solid choice for gamers seeking a powerful desktop replacement laptop. You might want to check out Acer Predator Helios 700, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Predator Helios 500's battery life is disappointing, estimated at around 5 hours by the manufacturer. However, this is not unexpected for a device of its size and power consumption. Under heavy usage, such as gaming, the battery will drain in just 45 minutes. The power supply is more impressive, with a large 330W brick that ensures plenty of juice for overclocking enthusiasts.
Connectivity
The Acer Predator Helios 500 boasts a robust connectivity suite, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB ports galore. You'll find four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an SD card slot, and an HDMI output, making it easy to connect peripherals, transfer files, and stream content to external displays. The absence of a Thunderbolt 3 port is notable, but overall, the Helios 500's connectivity options make it well-suited for gaming and productivity tasks alike. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Acer Predator Helios 700.
Features
The Acer Predator Helios 500 boasts a 144Hz IPS display with wide viewing angles, a comfortable mechanical keyboard, and a decent trackpad. The cooling system is relatively good, keeping the laptop cool during intense gaming sessions. Battery life is disappointing at around 5 hours of usage, but the powerful GTX 1070 graphics make up for it. It’s worth checking out Acer Chromebook Plus 516, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Predator Helios 500's keyboard is a standout feature, offering a mechanical typing experience. However, the laptop's maintenance can be a letdown. The battery life is estimated at 5 hours, but actual performance may vary significantly. The power supply is a generous 330W, but this might not be necessary for all configurations. Overall, support and maintenance could be improved.
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