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HotHardware reported on April 5, 2026, that Best Buy was offering an Acer Predator Helios 16S AI for $1,124.99, with $475 in claimed savings, and a Lenovo LOQ for $999.99, with $100 in claimed savings. Those are dated deal claims, not verified current prices: the cited report does not establish whether either listing is still available.
What the April 5, 2026 report said
HotHardware described the Acer listing as a deal of the day. It reported the Lenovo at $125 less than the Acer. The figures below reproduce the report; they are not independently verified current Best Buy prices or stock information.
| Reported deal detail | Acer Predator Helios 16S AI | Lenovo LOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Reported Best Buy price | $1,124.99, reported April 5, 2026 | $999.99, reported April 5, 2026 |
| Claimed savings | $475, as claimed by HotHardware on April 5, 2026 | $100, as claimed by HotHardware on April 5, 2026 |
| Display | 16-inch OLED; 2560 × 1600; 240Hz; 500 nits; G-SYNC | 15.6-inch IPS; 1920 × 1080; 144Hz |
| Processor and graphics | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 | AMD Ryzen 7 250; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 |
| Memory and storage | 16GB DDR5-6400; 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | 16GB DDR5; 512GB storage |
| Exact US model or SKU | Not stated in the HotHardware report | Not stated in the HotHardware report |
| Current price and availability | Not established by the cited report | Not established by the cited report |
How the reported configurations differ
Acer: higher-resolution OLED and more storage
The reported Acer configuration pairs a 16-inch 2560 × 1600 OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1TB SSD. The HotHardware article also listed 500-nit brightness and G-SYNC. These are configuration details reported in that article, not confirmation of the identity or present availability of a particular US Best Buy unit.
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Acer’s official Indonesian store lists a Predator Helios Neo 16S AI reference configuration, NH.QX9SN.001 / PHN16S-71-91EV, with a Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5060, 16-inch 2560 × 1600 240Hz OLED, 16GB DDR5 and 1TB NVMe SSD. That regional listing corroborates that a similar configuration exists in the product family; it does not identify the US deal SKU.
#1 Best Overall
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI Gaming Laptop, 16’’ WQXGA 240HZ OLED, Intel 24-Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5060 DLSS4, 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD, Killer WiFi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, RJ 45, Win 11 Pro with Accessory
- Blazing-Fast Performance Beast: Powered by AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX(24 cores, 24 threads), this gaming laptop delivers desktop-level gaming performance and seamless multitasking. The integrated NPU (up to 13 TOPS) offloads tasks like background removal and audio optimization for smoother streaming and gameplay, while Intel Application Optimization boosts frame rates on classic titles. Get up to 5.4GHz turbo speed—no compromise, no stutter
- Stunning 16" OLED 240Hz Display: Immerse yourself in a 16-inch, 16:10 WQXGA OLED screen that hits a blistering 240Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time. With VESA Certified True Black HDR500, 100% DCI-P3 color, and NVIDIA G-SYNC support, every frame stays crisp, tear-free, and vibrantly lifelike. Whether you're raiding or racing, you get perfect contrast and buttery-smooth motion for a true competitive edge
- Next-Gen RTX 5060 with DLSS 4: Built on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5060 unlocks cinematic visuals at unprecedented speeds. With 572 AI TOPS and full ray tracing and neural rendering, you'll experience breakthrough performance in the latest titles. DLSS 4 brings multi-frame generation and enhanced ray reconstruction, boosting FPS and image quality so you can max out settings without sacrificing smoothness
- Ultra-Slim Aluminum Build with Advanced Thermal Cooling: At under 19.9mm thin, this laptop blends a sleek, premium aluminum top and bottom with serious cooling firepower. Dual fans—including a custom 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D metal fan—plus precision-applied liquid metal thermal compound keep the RTX 5060 and Core Ultra 9 running at peak performance during marathon sessions. No throttling, just consistent, reliable power in a portable chassis
- Killer Connectivity: Stay online with Killer DoubleShot Pro—Ethernet and Wi-Fi work together for up to 5 Gbps throughput and ultra-low latency (Intel Killer E3100 + Wi‑Fi 6E AX1675). Personalize your rig with a dynamic 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, and plug in everything you need via a full arsenal of ports including 4x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, thunderbolt 4, ethernet RJ-45, headset jack, . No dongles required—just pure, responsive control for every game
Lenovo: lower reported price and 1080p IPS
The reported LOQ configuration has a 15.6-inch 1920 × 1080 144Hz IPS display and 512GB of storage. The article did not give an exact Lenovo model number, and the available information does not resolve which US configuration Best Buy listed.
What the specifications do—and do not—show
Both reported laptops have an RTX 5060 and 16GB of system memory. The Acer’s listed advantages are its higher-resolution OLED screen and twice the storage capacity; those differences do not establish that it delivers a particular gaming-performance advantage. HotHardware did not provide comparative gaming benchmarks for the two systems.
Rank #2
Sale
Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI Gaming Laptop | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | 18" WQXGA 240Hz G-SYNC | 32GB DDR5 | 2TB Gen 4 SSD | Killer Wi-Fi 6E | PHN18-72-9474
- Desktop-Level Performance, Anywhere: Get legendary gaming performance with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, delivering ultra-smooth gameplay and future-ready AI (Up to 13 NPU TOPS). Offload tasks like background removal and audio optimization to the NPU for seamless streaming and gaming, while Intel Application Optimization enhances performance on classic titles.
- Game-Changing Realism: Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU unlocks the game changing realism of full ray tracing. Equipped with a massive level of 992 AI TOPS horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Experience cinematic quality visuals at unprecedented speed with fourth-gen RT Cores and breakthrough neural rendering technologies accelerated with fifth-gen Tensor Cores.
- Supreme Speed. Superior Visuals. Powered by AI: DLSS is a revolutionary suite of neural rendering technologies that uses AI to boost FPS, reduce latency, and improve image quality. DLSS 4 brings a new Multi Frame Generation and enhanced Ray Reconstruction and Super Resolution, powered by GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and fifth-generation Tensor Cores.
- The Ultimate in Ray Tracing and AI: NVIDIA RTX is the most advanced platform for full ray tracing and neural rendering technologies that are revolutionizing the ways we play and create. Over 700 games and applications use RTX to deliver realistic graphics and incredibly fast performance with cutting-edge AI features like DLSS Multi Frame Generation.
- Immersive Depth and Detail: At 18 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio, the pristine WQXGA screen offering vibrant colors with up to 100% DCI-P3 operates at a fast 240Hz refresh and 3ms overdrive response time. Alongside the suite of features from NVIDIA G-SYNC and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, you're guaranteed that whatever's on-screen is a distinct viewing delight.
What to verify before buying
Because the report is dated and does not establish current retailer terms, check the live product pages rather than relying on the reported prices or claimed discounts. Confirm the exact model and configuration on the listing, especially for the Lenovo, whose model number was omitted from the article.
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Quick Recap
Rank #4
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI Gaming Laptop | 16" 2560x1600 OLED 240Hz G-SYNC | Intel 24-core Ultra 9 275HX | 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD | GeForce RTX 5060 (Up to 572 AI Tops) Win11Pro w/DLCA Accessory
- Powerhouse Processor: Engineered for intense multitasking and heavy workloads, the Intel 24-Core Ultra 9 275HX Processor (boost up to 5.4GHz) delivers desktop-level power to dominate any challenge.
- Immersive Visuals: Lose yourself in stunning clarity on a 16" 240Hz OLED display and experience lifelike graphics rendered by the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GPU. Every detail is sharp, fluid, and vibrant.
- The Ultimate Creator’s Toolkit: From 4K video editing to 3D modeling, connect all your high-speed peripherals and external displays seamlessly with abundant ports, including USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and 5Gb Ethernet.
- Stay Cool Under the Game: The advanced 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D cooling system ensures sustained peak performance, keeping you comfortably in control during marathon gaming or rendering sessions.
- Designed for Command & Connectivity: Take charge with a 4-zone RGB keyboard and enjoy lag-free online action with Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E. This is a high-performance hub built for the modern battlefield—in the game or on the leaderboard.
Rank #3
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI Gaming Laptop, 16’’ WQXGA 240HZ OLED, Intel 24-Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5060 DLSS4, 16GB DDR5 512GB SSD, Killer WiFi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, RJ 45, Win 11 Pro with Accessory
- Blazing-Fast Performance Beast: Powered by AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX(24 cores, 24 threads), this gaming laptop delivers desktop-level gaming performance and seamless multitasking. The integrated NPU (up to 13 TOPS) offloads tasks like background removal and audio optimization for smoother streaming and gameplay, while Intel Application Optimization boosts frame rates on classic titles. Get up to 5.4GHz turbo speed—no compromise, no stutter
- Stunning 16" OLED 240Hz Display: Immerse yourself in a 16-inch, 16:10 WQXGA OLED screen that hits a blistering 240Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time. With VESA Certified True Black HDR500, 100% DCI-P3 color, and NVIDIA G-SYNC support, every frame stays crisp, tear-free, and vibrantly lifelike. Whether you're raiding or racing, you get perfect contrast and buttery-smooth motion for a true competitive edge
- Next-Gen RTX 5060 with DLSS 4: Built on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5060 unlocks cinematic visuals at unprecedented speeds. With 572 AI TOPS and full ray tracing and neural rendering, you'll experience breakthrough performance in the latest titles. DLSS 4 brings multi-frame generation and enhanced ray reconstruction, boosting FPS and image quality so you can max out settings without sacrificing smoothness
- Ultra-Slim Aluminum Build with Advanced Thermal Cooling: At under 19.9mm thin, this laptop blends a sleek, premium aluminum top and bottom with serious cooling firepower. Dual fans—including a custom 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D metal fan—plus precision-applied liquid metal thermal compound keep the RTX 5060 and Core Ultra 9 running at peak performance during marathon sessions. No throttling, just consistent, reliable power in a portable chassis
- Killer Connectivity: Stay online with Killer DoubleShot Pro—Ethernet and Wi-Fi work together for up to 5 Gbps throughput and ultra-low latency (Intel Killer E3100 + Wi‑Fi 6E AX1675). Personalize your rig with a dynamic 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, and plug in everything you need via a full arsenal of ports including 4x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, thunderbolt 4, ethernet RJ-45, headset jack, . No dongles required—just pure, responsive control for every game
- Check the current price, stock status and whether the listing is sold by Best Buy or another seller.
- Match the listed processor, graphics, display, memory and storage against the configuration you intend to buy.
- Review the current return window and warranty terms on the retailer and manufacturer pages; the April 5 report did not establish them.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
