MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) vs. Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) and Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18). With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare dimensions, performance, storage, functions, but also other key features of both laptops and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the laptop that best fits your needs and expectations.

MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

powerful gaming performance

large 17-inch display

high refresh rate

robust build quality

reasonable price point

heavier than competitors

average battery life

limited color accuracy

noisy under load

Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

powerful gaming performance

vibrant large display

advanced cooling system

expandable storage options

high-quality speakers

heavier than competitors

short battery life

expensive base model

limited port selection

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) and Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
83 % - Design
85 % - Display
86 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
76 % - Battery
82 % - Design
83 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
74 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) vs. Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 39.8 cm x 27.3 cm x 2.52 cm 40.4 cm x 31.16 cm x 2.915 cm
Weight 2.6 kg 3.4 kg
Case Material - Anodised aluminium
Colour Black Abyssal black
DISPLAY MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Screen Size (Type) 17.3" 18" - IPS
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
V-Sync Rate at Max Res. 144 Hz 240 Hz
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio - 16:10
Image Brightness - 500 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 45% NTSC 100% DCI-P3
Features IPS-level Anti-glare, matte, ComfyView, Acer BluelightShield technology, Narrow Border Display, 9 ms response rate, Dynamic Display Switching (DDS)
PROCESSOR MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 12450H / 2 GHz Intel Core i9 (13th Gen) 13900HX / 2.2 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz 5.4 GHz
Number of Cores 8-core 24-core
Cache 12 MB L3 - 36 MB
Chipset - Intel HM770
Features Intel Smart Cache -
MEMORY MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
RAM 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 16 GB (2 x 8 GB)
Max RAM Supported 64 GB 32 GB
RAM Type DDR5 SDRAM DDR5 SDRAM
Speed 4800 MHz 5600 MHz
Rated Speed 4800 MHz 5600 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 262-pin SO-DIMM 262-pin
Slots Qty 2 2
Empty Slots 0 0
STORAGE MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 1 TB SSD M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) 1.024 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe - NVM Express (NVMe) - Micron
AUDIO & VIDEO MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Multi-GPU Configuration 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU
Graphics Processor (GPU) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 / Intel UHD Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 / Intel UHD Graphics
Video Memory 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM 12 GB GDDR6 SDRAM
Video System Features NVIDIA Optimus, Max-Q design, NVIDIA Resizable BAR, Dynamic Boost, MUX Switch, NVIDIA Reflex Advanced Optimus
Gaming Yes Yes
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - Full HD
Camera Features - Temporal Noise Reduction
Frame Rate 30 frames per second -
Sound Stereo speakers, microphone Stereo speakers, two microphones
Compliant Standards - DTS:X
Audio Features Output: Nahimic 3D audio, Hi-Res Audio -
COMMUNICATIONS MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i - M.2 2230 (CNVi)
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet Ethernet
Features Dual stream (2x2) Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Technology 3-cell -
Battery Capacity (Size) 53.5 Wh 90 Wh
AC ADAPTER MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Input AC 100-240 V (50 - 60 Hz) -
Output 180 Watt 330 Watt, 19.5 V, 16.9 A
INPUT MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad Yes Yes
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes (RGB)
Features 4-Zone RGB backlight Multi-gesture touch pad, precision touchpad, Acer PredatorSense, per-key RGB
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Slots 2 x M.2 (PCI Express 4.0) (1 free) -
Interfaces 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB 2.0
USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode)
HDMI 2.1 (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 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home
Software Included MSI APP Player, MSI Center -
MISCELLANEOUS MSI Katana 17 (B12UDXK) Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18)
Included Accessories Power adapter Power adapter
Security Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip -
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 - 0.832 W/kg (body), 0.832 W/kg (head), 0.832 W/kg (limb)
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 1 year Limited warranty - 1 year - carry-in
International travellers warranty - 1 year
Model Number 071UK 71
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