MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) vs. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests
MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK)
MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK)

Our Rating: 75 %

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)

Our Rating: 85 %

In depth comparison and review of MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) and Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16). Compare sizes, performance, storage capacities, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right laptop for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the laptop that will best fit your needs.

MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

powerful gaming performance

full hd display

large 17-inch screen

decent cooling system

competitive price point

heavy build

average battery life

no thunderbolt support

limited color accuracy

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

superb gaming performance

high refresh rate display

effective thermal management

expandable storage options

rgb keyboard lighting

heavier than competitors

short battery life

premium price point

limited port selection

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) and Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
82 % - Design
86 % - Display
80 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
85 % - Design
83 % - Display
90 % - Performance
84 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) vs. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 39.8 cm x 27.3 cm x 2.52 cm 36.01 cm x 27.99 cm x 2.825 cm
Weight 2.6 kg 2.8 kg
Case Material - Anodised aluminium
Colour - Obsidian black
DISPLAY MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Screen Size (Type) 17.3" 16" - IPS
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
V-Sync Rate at Max Res. 144 Hz 165 Hz
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio - 16:10
Image Brightness - 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 45% NTSC 100% sRGB
Features IPS-level Anti-glare, matte, ComfyView, Acer BluelightShield technology, Narrow Border Display, 9 ms response rate, 3ms response rate (Overdrive), Dynamic Display Switching (DDS)
PROCESSOR MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
CPU Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 12650H / 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 13700HX / 2.1 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.7 GHz 5 GHz
Number of Cores 10-core 16-core
Cache L3 - 24 MB L3 - 30 MB
Chipset - Intel HM770
Features Intel Smart Cache Intel Smart Cache
MEMORY MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
RAM 8 GB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB)
Max RAM Supported - 32 GB
RAM Type DDR5 SDRAM DDR5 SDRAM
Form Factor SO-DIMM 262-pin SO-DIMM 262-pin
Slots Qty - 2
Empty Slots - 0
STORAGE MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 1 TB SSD M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) 512 GB SSD PCIe 4.0 - Western Digital
AUDIO & VIDEO MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Multi-GPU Configuration 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU -
Graphics Processor (GPU) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 / Intel UHD Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Video Memory - 8 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
Gaming Yes Yes
Camera Yes Yes - HD
Camera Features - Temporal Noise Reduction
Sound Stereo speakers, microphone Stereo speakers, two microphones
Compliant Standards - DTS:X
Audio Features Output: Nahimic 3 sound technology, Hi-Res Audio Output: Acer TrueHarmony technology
COMMUNICATIONS MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i - M.2 2230 (CNVi)
Network Interface Ethernet 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet Controller - Killer Ethernet E2600
Features Dual stream (2x2) Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Technology 3-cell -
Battery Capacity (Size) 53.5 Wh 90 Wh
AC ADAPTER MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Output - 330 Watt, 19.5 V, 16.9 A
INPUT MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad Yes Yes
Keyboard Backlight Yes (RGB) Yes (RGB)
Features 1.7mm travel distance, 4-Zone RGB backlight Multi-gesture touch pad, precision touchpad, Acer PredatorSense, 4-Zone RGB backlight
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Interfaces 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB 2.0
USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode)
HDMI (8K support)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
LAN
HDMI
2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery)
USB 3.2 Gen 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with power off charging)
LAN
USB 3.2 Gen 1
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader - Yes (microSD)
SOFTWARE MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home
Software Included MSI APP Player, MSI Center -
MISCELLANEOUS MSI Katana 17 (B12UCXK) Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16)
Included Accessories Power adapter Power adapter
Security Slot Type - Kensington security slot
Theft/Intrusion Protection - Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Features Cooler Boost 5 technology Administrator password, system password, 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan technology
SAR Value - 1.12 W/kg (body), 1.12 W/kg (limb), 1.12 W/kg (head)
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 1 year Limited warranty - 1 year - carry-in
International travellers warranty - 1 year
Model Number 025UK 71
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