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Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025) vs MSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

A

Product A: Acer

Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

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B

Product B: MSI

Katana 15 HX B14WFK

84 of 179 known

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Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

General

5 of 9 differ

Series

Predator Helios Neo 16 AI1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Katana1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sheet series line: Katana 15 HX B14W.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

PHN16-73-97FV, NH.U0UAA.0021Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact maintained original US PHN16-73-97FV, part NH.U0UAA.002. Stock configuration is Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5070 Ti 12 GB, 16 GB DDR5, 1 TB Gen 4 SSD, 16-inch IPS 240 Hz and Windows 11 Home. This exact maker specification matrix is retained as the reference sheet. Generic Helios Neo 16 AI overview now describes 2026 290HX Plus models and is not used for this older PHN16-73 hardware.5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact manufacturer-supplied product record identifies NH.U0UAA.002 / PHN16-73-97FV and retains 16 GB/1 TB/275HX/5070 Ti/IPS 240 identity. Metadata date inserted is not used as release date. Normal site page access 403 is qualified, while public web rendering currently exposes the complete original product text and table.6Maker product pageblog.acer.com/en/discussion/4564/5-must-buy-16-inch-laptops-from-acer-in-2026Read 8 October 2026Current Acer-authored article specifically retains old PHN16-73-97FV with 275HX/5070 Ti 12 GB/16 GB/1 TB/IPS 240. It confirms identity despite the general manufacturer overview being replaced by later generation. No later store price is a launch price.

B14WFK-289MY1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sheet header: KATANA 15 HX B14WFK-289MY. The sheet is dated 2026-08-06. The B14WFK-285PH sheet lists the same hardware but Bluetooth v5.3.

GTIN / EAN

1951332861905Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact retained product record publishes UPC 195133286190.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

7 February 20254Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original February 7, 2025 maker dateline announces this PHN16-73 generation. April North America and May EMEA are forecasts, not actual retail evidence. Starting prices are unspecified configurations and do not establish exact 97FV launch MSRP.

Not available

Status

Available5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026

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PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

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SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

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Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

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MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 20265Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026

MY1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026MY is the Malaysia suffix. The sheet sits in the specSheet/my folder.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Abyssal Black1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Black1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Chassis Color Black.2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026

Segment

Gaming1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Gaming1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026MSI sells the Katana series as gaming laptops. The sheet names a 4-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard and Full Power CPU and GPU.

Form factor

Clamshell2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Matching attached screen and keyboard diagrams establish conventional clamshell construction. No 360-degree conversion is represented.

Clamshell2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Product photos show a standard clamshell laptop.

Chassis

4 of 6 differ

DimensionsiClosed laptop body size. Minimum and maximum thickness describe the front and rear or other points stated by the maker.

Width356.78Depth275.5Thickness (min)13.47Thickness (max)26.75mm(14 × 10.8 × 0.5 to 1.1 in)4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original PHN16-73 maker table publishes 356.78 x 275.5 x 13.47/26.75 mm. Matching current US approximate 14 x 10.8 x 1.05 inch table is rounded. Stored minimum/maximum thickness keeps original metric precision and excludes later PHN16-I71.

Width359Depth262Thickness (max)25.5mm(14.1 × 10.3 × 1 in)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026359 x 262 x 25.5 mm (W x D x H). The height is stored as the single published thickness.

Weight (published)iPublished laptop weight without the charger. A starting weight is identified in the source note and may vary with configuration.

2.7kg(6 lb)4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original maker PHN16-73 laptop mass 2.7 kg is consistent with exact US approximate 5.95 lb. Charger is excluded.

2.4kg(5.3 lb)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20262.4 kg, listed as Weight (W/ Battery).

Lid material

Not available

Plastic6Reviewcgmagonline.com/review/hardware/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Review of the B14WFK (i7-14650HX, RTX 5060, 16GB): hard plastic chassis. Lid and base are not named separately.

Bottom material

Not available

Plastic6Reviewcgmagonline.com/review/hardware/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Review of the B14WFK: hard plastic chassis. Lid and base are not named separately.

Max hinge angle

Not available

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MIL-STD-810 testing (claimed)iManufacturer claim of MIL-STD-810 testing. The revision and tested procedures belong in the source note. This is not proof of every standard test.

Not available

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Display

9 of 25 differ

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the main built-in display. Rounded-corner displays may be measured as a full rectangle.

16in(40.6 cm)1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

15.6in(39.6 cm)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Native resolution

2560 × 1600px1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

2560 × 1440px1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Pixel density

188.7ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

188.3ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

Panel typeiDell's WVA means wide viewing angle and names no panel technology, so it is stored as IPS only when Dell or a review names IPS.

IPS1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact selected table says LCD with In-plane Switching IPS and ComfyView matte. OLED sibling panels, their HDR and numerical review results are excluded.6Maker product pageblog.acer.com/en/discussion/4564/5-must-buy-16-inch-laptops-from-acer-in-2026Read 8 October 2026

IPS-level1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026IPS-Level.

Backlight

Not available

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Dimming zonesiIndependently controlled backlight zones, not the number of LEDs or screen pixels.

Not available

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Panel part numberiPanel part number identified in a matching review unit. Suppliers may vary within the same laptop configuration.

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Screen surfaceiSurface of the stored display configuration. Anti-reflective coatings do not by themselves make a glossy display matte. A matte finish of the chassis is not the screen surface.

Matte1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Not available

Touchscreen

No5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact selected IPS 240 table explicitly says Touchscreen: No.

Not available

Stylus

Not available

Not available

Refresh rate modesiHighest confirmed operating refresh rate of the built-in display at each resolution. Add a second row only for a documented dual-mode panel, not an ordinary supported timing.

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)	VRR
2560	1600	240	Yes

Source1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact selected native 2560 x 1600 IPS display operates at 240 Hz. Matching exact retailer narrative additionally states built-in NVIDIA G-SYNC. No lower-resolution dual mode is inferred.5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact retained native IPS display narrative explicitly combines 2560 x 1600 at 240 Hz with built-in NVIDIA G-SYNC. This independently binds VRR to the stored native mode.

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)
2560	1440	165

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026165Hz Refresh Rate at QHD 2560x1440.

Max refresh rate

240Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

165Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

Adaptive synciNamed variable refresh technologies for the built-in display. Manual switching between 60Hz and 120Hz is not VRR.

G-SYNC4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original PHN16-73 announcement explicitly supports NVIDIA G-SYNC. Exact retained US retailer narrative independently binds G-SYNC to its IPS 240 Hz panel. OLED siblings are excluded.5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact retained IPS display narrative explicitly states NVIDIA G-SYNC, corroborating original 2025 maker family statement.

Not available

Gray-to-gray response time (claimed)iManufacturer claim for a gray-to-gray pixel transition. Do not use generic response times, black-to-white values, or motion-picture response times.

Not available

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Native panel colour depthiPhysical panel colour depth per channel. Do not infer native bit depth or FRC from the number of supported colours.

Not available

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Brightness (SDR, claimed)iManufacturer typical SDR luminance. Outdoor maxima and an unspecified peak are not typical SDR brightness.

Not available

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Peak brightness (SDR outdoors, claimed)iManufacturer maximum SDR luminance explicitly claimed for outdoor use. Ambient light, automatic brightness and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not typical SDR or HDR brightness.

Not available

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Sustained brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer explicitly sustained HDR luminance. Screen area, duration, temperature and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not a brief peak or SDR luminance.

Not available

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Peak brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer peak luminance explicitly measured or claimed in HDR. Window size and duration belong in the source note.

Not available

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sRGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated sRGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

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DCI-P3 coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated DCI-P3 gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

100%1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact retained IPS 240 Hz maker feature text says up to 100% DCI-P3, corroborated as 100% in exact retailer narrative. Gamut measurement method is unspecified. Generic HDR promotion does not prove a VESA certification or numeric HDR peak.

100%1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026100% DCI-P3 (Typical).

Adobe RGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated Adobe RGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

Not available

HDR certification

Not available

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Factory calibratediThe maker explicitly states factory colour calibration. Certification alone does not establish calibration.

Not available

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Second display

Not available

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Processor

8 of 14 differ

Processor

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Intel Core i7-14650HX1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Processor brand

Intel1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Intel1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Core configurationiProcessor core groups using the chip maker's names. MediaTek Big, Apple Super and AMD Zen architecture labels remain distinct from Intel P and E labels.

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

Core type	Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
Performance	8	2.7	5.4
Efficiency	16	2.1	4.6

Source9Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/242293/intel-core-ultra-9-processor-275hx-36m-cache-up-to-5-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Intel exact 275HX has 8 P cores 2.7–5.4 GHz and 16 E cores 2.1–4.6 GHz, 24 threads and no LP E cores. Exact retailer narrative 2.1 GHz is the E base, not P base. Generic 55 W/160 W chip limits do not become configured laptop power.

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

Core type	Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
Performance	8	2.2	5.2
Efficiency	8	1.6	3.7

Source4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/235996/intel-core-i7-processor-14650hx-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 20268 P-cores 2.2 GHz base, 5.2 GHz max turbo. 8 E-cores 1.6 GHz base, 3.7 GHz max turbo. Intel base power 55 W and maximum turbo power 157 W are generic, not the laptop limits.

CPU cores

24=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

16=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled performanceiCounts only rows classified as performance. Other labels, including Big, Super and AMD Zen architecture rows, are not included.

8=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

8=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled efficiencyiCounts only efficiency and low-power-efficiency rows. AMD Zen 5c and Apple super cores are not included.

16=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

8=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

ThreadsiMaximum hardware threads of the processor, including simultaneous multithreading where supported.

249Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/242293/intel-core-ultra-9-processor-275hx-36m-cache-up-to-5-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026

244Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/235996/intel-core-i7-processor-14650hx-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026

Max boost clock

5.4GHz=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

5.2GHz=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

L3 cacheiL3 cache only. Do not copy a combined L2 plus L3 cache total. Qualcomm's total cache, such as 30 MB on Snapdragon X, is not L3, even when a laptop maker labels it L3.

36MB9Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/242293/intel-core-ultra-9-processor-275hx-36m-cache-up-to-5-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Intel Smart Cache 36 MB is separate from 40 MB total L2. Only L3 is stored.

30MB4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/235996/intel-core-i7-processor-14650hx-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 202630 MB Intel Smart Cache. The sheet from MSI also states 30 MB Intel Smart Cache.

ProcessiProcess size class of the processor compute die in nm, as on CPUs: TSMC N3B is 3, Intel 7 is 10, Intel 4 is 7 and Intel 18A is 1.8. Marketing process names and other chiplet processes belong in the source note.

3nm9Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/242293/intel-core-ultra-9-processor-275hx-36m-cache-up-to-5-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Lithography row says TSMC N3B, stored as 3 nm like the other Arrow Lake products.

10nm4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/235996/intel-core-i7-processor-14650hx-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Lithography Intel 7.

Sustained CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's sustained configured CPU power limit, such as PL1. A chip manufacturer's generic base power is not the laptop setting.

Not available

Not available

Peak CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's configured short-duration CPU limit, such as PL2. Do not substitute generic processor maximum turbo power.

Not available

Not available

Combined CPU and GPU poweriMaker stated simultaneous CPU plus discrete-GPU budget for the exact configuration and power mode.

Not available

Not available

NPU performanceiNPU-only claimed operations per second. Excludes combined CPU, GPU and platform AI throughput. Precision belongs in the source note.

13TOPS9Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/242293/intel-core-ultra-9-processor-275hx-36m-cache-up-to-5-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026NPU-only peak INT8 throughput 13 TOPS, separate from 36 overall platform TOPS and 992 GPU AI TOPS. Copilot+ capable wording on a different DE sheet does not certify this exact configuration.

Not available

Graphics

6 of 9 differ

Discrete GPUiA separate dedicated graphics processor is installed. Integrated or unified-memory graphics do not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

GPU

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

GPU brand

NVIDIA1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

NVIDIA1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

VRAMiDedicated video memory of the installed discrete GPU. Shared system memory is excluded.

12GB1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

8GB1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Max GPU power (TGP)iMaximum configured discrete-GPU power including Dynamic Boost. Mode and any maker qualification belong in the source note.

140W6Maker product pageblog.acer.com/en/discussion/4564/5-must-buy-16-inch-laptops-from-acer-in-2026Read 8 October 2026Exact PHN16-73-97FV section states RTX 5070 Ti running at 140 W maximum graphics power and matches the selected 275HX, 16 GB, 1 TB and IPS 240 Hz configuration. This primary claim agrees with the exact retailer narrative and takes precedence over its conflicting structured 170 W cell. A separate base limit, Dynamic Boost allocation and operating preset are not published.

115W1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026115W Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost. May vary by scenario.

Dynamic BoostiMaximum additional GPU power shifted from the CPU through NVIDIA Dynamic Boost. This is part of maximum TGP, not extra to it. A figure written as "up to 115W Dynamic Boost" is the total, so it goes in gpu_tgp_max_w.

Not available

Not available

GPU boost clockiHighest maker configured GPU boost clock, including factory overclock where explicitly stated. Mode belongs in the source note.

Not available

2,497MHz1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Up to 2497MHz Boost Clock. May vary by scenario.

GPU switchingiExplicit GPU display-routing or power-sharing features. Advanced Optimus includes hardware display multiplexing.

Advanced Optimus, MUX switch4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original PHN16-73 IPS 240 Hz option explicitly supports NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, while family paragraph additionally names MUX Switch. This is original 2025 hardware evidence, not current 290HX Plus overview inheritance.5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact manufacturer-supplied retained narrative explicitly names NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and built-in G-SYNC. Its MGP 140 W narrative conflicts with its structured 170 W maximum cell. The separate exact Acer-authored PHN16-73-97FV article directly supports 140 W maximum graphics power. DE 32 GB 1907 MHz values are not inherited.

MUX switch3Maker product pagede-store.msi.com/collections/bsp-update-check/products/katana-15-hx-b14wfk-487de-bb71465x16gxxdx11maRead 15 October 2026B14WFK-487DE page: the discrete graphics mode (MUX design). The 487DE has a different panel. The 289MY sheet does not mention a MUX switch.

Integrated GPU

Intel Graphics9Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/242293/intel-core-ultra-9-processor-275hx-36m-cache-up-to-5-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact 275HX also has Intel Graphics. The installed discrete RTX 5070 Ti remains separate.

Intel UHD Graphics4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/235996/intel-core-i7-processor-14650hx-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel UHD Graphics for 14th Gen Intel Processors.

Memory

3 of 9 differ

Installed RAMiTotal installed RAM in this product configuration, not the maximum purchase option.

16GB1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

16GB1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20268GB*2 DDR5. Two modules of 8 GB.

RAM type

DDR51Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

DDR51Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

RAM speediConfigured memory data rate in transfers per second. Do not treat the DRAM clock in MHz as the data rate.

Not available

5,600MT/s2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Product line 8GB*2, DDR5-5600 for this SKU.

Memory channelsiActive memory channels of the installed configuration, not the number of RAM modules or slots. One installed module is one channel. This holds for DDR5 too, whose two 32-bit subchannels on one module do not count as two channels. Soldered LPDDR memory counts in 64-bit units, so a 128-bit bus is 2 channels, even when a maker calls it quad-channel.

25Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact narrative explicitly says dual-channel memory, independently of module count.

23Maker product pagede-store.msi.com/collections/bsp-update-check/products/katana-15-hx-b14wfk-487de-bb71465x16gxxdx11maRead 15 October 2026B14WFK-487DE page: 16 GB DDR5-5600 (2x 8 GB Dual-Channel). Same memory kit as the 289MY.

RAM upgradeiWhether the installed RAM is soldered, socketed in slots, or a mixture. Purchase-time configurations are not upgrades.

Slots1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 20263Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 20266Maker product pageblog.acer.com/en/discussion/4564/5-must-buy-16-inch-laptops-from-acer-in-2026Read 8 October 2026Article explicitly states this exact model has two accessible DDR5 sockets and an open upgrade path. Soldered memory from another Acer model is not transferred.

Slots1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Memory slotsiPhysical replaceable RAM module sockets grouped by type and occupancy. Clocked SO-DIMM uses CSODIMM. Soldered memory is excluded.

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

Slot	Count	Occupied	Module size (GB)
CSODIMM	2	Yes	8

Source1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact maker publishes 16 GB and two sockets. Manufacturer-supplied exact retailer identity separately establishes two installed 8 GB clocked CSO-DIMM modules. Original same-model service guide confirms two replaceable modules and lists matching 8 GB parts with CKD. Ordinary SO-DIMM naming is not used for the installed clocked modules.3Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 97-page PHN16-73 Macan_ARX Lifecycle Extension Guide, April 10, 2025. Printed pages 1-14 to 1-15 remove the two separate replaceable DIMM modules. FRU page 1-70 lists 8 GB DDR5 modules with CKD. Exact retained retailer supplies two installed 8 GB CSO-DIMM classification rather than inheriting the guide screenshot 32 GB example.5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact narrative explicitly says Clocked Small Outline (CSO) DIMM dual-channel memory. Structured selected table says installed 2 x 8 GB, two occupied sockets and zero free. Source 6400 MHz wording is not converted to configured transfer rate without explicit units. Own service CKD parts corroborate clocked-module type.

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

Slot	Count	Occupied	Module size (GB)
SO-DIMM	2	Yes	8

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20262 SO-DIMM slots, up to DDR5-5600, max 96GB. Both hold one 8GB module.

RAM slots

2=CalculatedFrom Memory slots

2=CalculatedFrom Memory slots

Free RAM slots

0=CalculatedFrom Memory slots

0=CalculatedFrom Memory slots

Maximum supported RAMiManufacturer supported maximum RAM, including purchase-time soldered options. Does not imply post-purchase upgradeability.

64GB4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original maker states up to 64 GB for PHN16-73. Own service FRU table includes 32 GB modules in two sockets. Exact retailer structured 32 GB maximum conflicts and is not substituted for primary supported 64 GB. Installed reference remains 16 GB.

96GB1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Memory Slot and Max Capacity: up to DDR5-5600, 2 Slots, Max 96GB.

Storage

5 of 7 differ

Installed storageiTotal advertised installed storage in decimal GB. Convert 1TB to 1000GB, without changing an explicitly published 512GB value.

1TB1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

512GB1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026512GB*1 NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4.

Storage type

NVMe SSD1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

NVMe SSD1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Installed drive PCIe generationiPCIe generation of the installed drive. This may be lower than the slot capability.

41Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact retained installed 1 TB SSD interface is PCI Express NVMe 4.0. This does not prove the maximum generation of either physical slot.6Maker product pageblog.acer.com/en/discussion/4564/5-must-buy-16-inch-laptops-from-acer-in-2026Read 8 October 2026

41Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Storage slotsiPhysical storage connectors grouped by capability and occupancy. A slot accepting several drive lengths is one slot, not one per length.

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

Form factor	Interface	Count	Occupied
M.2 2280	PCIe NVMe	1	Yes
M.2 2280	PCIe NVMe	1	No

Source3Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 2026Printed 1-10 to 1-13 identify two distinct physical SSD sockets and remove both modules. FRU table identifies full-length M.2 2280 NVMe drives, separately from M.2 2230 wireless module. Exact retailer states one free PCIe M.2 slot with installed 1 TB SSD. One slot is occupied, one free. Maximum per-slot PCIe generation remains unproved and omitted.5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact selected narrative says 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD with one PCIe M.2 slot available. Original service establishes two physical 2280 sockets. Installed drive generation does not establish maximum slot capability.

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

Interface	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Count	Occupied
PCIe NVMe	4	4	1	Yes

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20261x M.2 SSD slot (NVMe PCIe Gen4). The installed drive uses it. Slot length is not stated, so the form factor is left out. The x4 lane count comes from the MSI Germany page.3Maker product pagede-store.msi.com/collections/bsp-update-check/products/katana-15-hx-b14wfk-487de-bb71465x16gxxdx11maRead 15 October 2026B14WFK-487DE page lists 1x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 as the total slot count with a 512 GB SSD installed.

M.2 slots

2=CalculatedFrom Storage slots

Not available

Free storage slots

1=CalculatedFrom Storage slots

0=CalculatedFrom Storage slots

Maximum slot PCIe generation

Not available

4=CalculatedFrom Storage slots

Ports

5 of 7 differ

PortsiPhysical laptop connectors grouped by type, protocol capability and side. One connector with several protocols is counted once.

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

Type	Version	Count	Side	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode	Maximum charging input (W)	Maximum peripheral power (W)
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	1	Left	5	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	Right	10	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-C	Not available	1	Rear	40	Thunderbolt 4	Yes	100	15
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2	1	Rear	10	Not available	Yes	100	15
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Rear	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	Left	2.5	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
microSD card	Not available	1	Left	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Left	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
DC in	Not available	1	Rear	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026PHN16-73 matching diagrams on pages 17–21 establish rear HDMI 2.1, main barrel DC-in, one Thunderbolt 4 USB-C and one separate USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C. Left has Ethernet, one USB-A Gen 1, microSD and audio combo. Right has two USB-A Gen 2 and Kensington slot. USB-C text explicitly states 90/100 W input at 20 V on both connectors and up to 5 V/3 A, 15 W, peripheral output. At 100 W input use is limited and docks or high-resolution monitor expansion are discouraged. No shared simultaneous output budget is stated. Each USB-C is counted once despite several protocols. Rear non-Thunderbolt USB-C stays 10 Gbps, not 40. Original manual printed page 17 explicitly states Ethernet 2.5 Gbps. This direct laptop capability takes precedence over CompSource's conflicting structured 5 Gigabit Ethernet cell and the generic maker blog's Gigabit wording.

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

Type	Version	Count	Side	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	DP Alt Mode	Maximum charging input (W)
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	Left	10	Not available	Not available
DC in	Not available	1	Left	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2	1	Right	10	Yes	100
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	1	Right	10	Not available	Not available
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Right	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	Right	1	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Right	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20263x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2, 1x Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2 / DisplayPort / Power Delivery 3.0), 1x HDMI 2.1 (8K at 60Hz / 4K at 120Hz), Gigabit Ethernet, 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out combo jack. The MSI Malaysia store spec table lists the Type-A ports as USB3.2 Gen1 while its own connectivity section and this sheet say Gen2. The sheet is stored. Sides come from the CGMagazine and PC Guide reviews.2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Footnote: USB Type-C PD charging supports 100W (20V@5A) while the system runs (S0) and in Modern Standby. At hibernate and off it takes 45W (20V@2.25A) up to 100W. 100 W is stored as the highest accepted input. The 240W barrel adapter is the main charger.6Reviewcgmagonline.com/review/hardware/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Right side: audio combo jack, RJ45, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1. Left side: two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and the barrel-plug adapter port.7Reviewpcguide.com/laptop/review/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfkRead 15 October 2026Left: one vent, barrel jack, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A. Right: Gigabit LAN, one USB Type-A, USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), 3.5mm jack, HDMI 2.1. Agrees with CGMagazine.

USB-C ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

Thunderbolt

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

Not available

Highest HDMI version

HDMI 2.1=CalculatedFrom Ports

HDMI 2.1=CalculatedFrom Ports

Card reader

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Ethernet speed

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

Maximum USB-C charging inputiHighest confirmed charging power accepted by a USB-C port. This is separate from adapter rating and power delivered to peripherals.

100W=CalculatedFrom Ports

100W=CalculatedFrom Ports

Wireless

1 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Wi-Fi 6E1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Wi-Fi bandsiSupported radio frequency bands. Availability may be restricted by country or regulatory configuration.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact selected narrative explicitly states 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation for Killer AX1675, with local regulatory availability understood. This is not inferred solely from the Wi-Fi 6E label.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz5Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/204837/intel-wifi-6e-ax211-gig.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel ARK for the AX211 lists the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands.

Wi-Fi module

Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact store names Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i and Bluetooth 5.4 or above. Bluetooth is stored as the literal lower-bound wording, not an exact version. Older service part alternatives and DE Bluetooth 5.3 are not inherited.

Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX2111Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211.

BluetoothiThe version as a number with one decimal, such as 5.4 or 6.0. A qualifier such as or above goes in the source note.

5.44Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original PHN16-73 table names Wi-Fi 6E 1675i and Bluetooth 5.4 or above, matching the selected maker matrix. The lower bound 5.4 is stored and the or above qualifier stays in this note. It is not an exact installed firmware or radio-version claim. PHN18-72 and other regional module alternatives are excluded.

5.41Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Bluetooth v5.4 on the 289MY sheet. The MSI Malaysia store page and the 285PH sheet say v5.3. Intel lists Bluetooth 5.4 for the AX211. The sheet for this model number is stored.2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Store spec table says Bluetooth v5.3. The sheet says v5.4.

Cellular

Not available

Not available

Keyboard and touchpad

4 of 8 differ

Keyboard layoutsiDocumented layouts of the retained regional SKUs. Do not infer a layout solely from the sales country.

English5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact selected table says Keyboard Localization: English. A more specific US-International layout is not inferred just from US market.

Not available

Key switches

Not available

Not available

Keyboard backlightiA maker-confirmed backlight with no published type uses backlit_unspecified. Do not infer white lighting, a single colour or RGB from backlit alone. A single-zone RGB backlight is RGB zones.

RGB zones1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

RGB zones1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20264-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard with Copilot Key.

NumpadiDedicated physical numeric keypad. A virtual touchpad number pad is not counted.

Yes2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 22 explicitly states a physical numeric keypad. Complete matching keyboard figure and genuine exact-SKU photo corroborate it.

Yes3Maker product pagede-store.msi.com/collections/bsp-update-check/products/katana-15-hx-b14wfk-487de-bb71465x16gxxdx11maRead 15 October 2026B14WFK-487DE page lists a gaming keyboard with Ziffernblock (numpad).

Key traveliPhysical key travel distance, not actuation distance.

Not available

1.7mm2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 20261.7mm Key Travel.

Pointing stickiDedicated stick pointing device such as TrackPoint. A touchpad does not qualify.

No2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Complete keyboard figure and control descriptions show no dedicated pointing stick.

Not available

Touchpad size

Not available

Width120Height75mm(4.7 × 3 in)3Maker product pagede-store.msi.com/collections/bsp-update-check/products/katana-15-hx-b14wfk-487de-bb71465x16gxxdx11maRead 15 October 2026MSI Germany page of the B14WFK-487DE: Precision Multi-Touch (120 x 75 mm). That SKU has a Full HD 144 Hz display and German layout. The chassis is the same 359 x 262 x 25.5 mm.

Touchpad mechanismiA clickpad or glass touchpad that clicks when pressed down is mechanical. Haptic needs a source that says haptic or force feedback.

Not available

Not available

Camera and audio

5 of 7 differ

Webcam

1080p4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original PHN16-73 table explicitly states FHD 1920 x 1080 IR camera. This is output-video resolution, separate from any sensor MP number.

720p at 30 fps1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026HD type (30fps@720p).

IR face loginiAn infrared camera suitable for Windows Hello face authentication. An ordinary webcam or fingerprint sensor does not qualify.

Yes2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 15 explicitly states the built-in IR camera supports Windows Hello facial recognition. Original maker matrix and exact retained retailer confirm FHD IR camera.

No9Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2025/09/29/msi-katana-15-hx-b14w-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review of the B14W with i9-14900HX and RTX 5070 in the same chassis: no facial recognition. Every B14WFK sheet lists only an HD 720p webcam.

Webcam privacy

Not available

Not available

Built-in speaker driversiIndividual built-in acoustic drivers, including separate tweeters and woofers. Do not count audio channels or infer driver count from speaker assemblies.

21Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 20263Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 2026Complete interior and FRU table separately identify left and right physical speaker drivers, matching exact maker count 2.

21Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20262x 2W Audio Speaker.

Total speaker poweriCombined published power of the built-in speaker drivers. RMS or peak classification belongs in the source note.

Not available

4W1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20262x 2W. The total is the sum of the two stated speakers.

Audio features

DTS:X Ultra4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original matching model table states DTS:X Ultra. Speaker power is not stated. Its unplaced liquid-metal wording is supplemented by the exact Acer-authored PHN16-73-97FV article that explicitly places the compound on the CPU.

Hi-Res Audio Ready, Nahimic 3 Audio Enhancer1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

MicrophonesiPhysical built-in microphones, not beamforming channels or microphone modes.

32Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 14 screen view identifies two physical microphones under item 1 and a distinct third microphone under item 4. Service guide separately identifies the third microphone module. Total three, not beamforming channels.3Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original teardown separately identifies third microphone module in addition to camera-area microphones. This agrees with full own-manual head diagram and exact retailer count 3.

Not available

Battery and power

2 of 5 differ

Battery energyiPublished nominal energy capacity of the installed internal battery in watt-hours. Separate from measured runtime and charger output.

90Wh3Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 2026All listed exact PHN16-73 battery-pack alternatives are typical 90 Wh. Original February maker table also publishes 90 Wh. Source pack mAh/voltage alternatives are not mixed into a fabricated single pack.4Press releasenews.acer.com/acer-launches-new-predator-helios-neo-ai-gaming-laptops-with-next-gen-processors-and-gpusRead 8 October 2026Original PHN16-73 table states 90 Wh. Exact US store 5-hour headline lacks a test use-case, while DE 32 GB sheet binds 5 hours to video. No sibling runtime is inherited into the selected 16 GB reference.

75Wh1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20264-Cell, 75 Whrs.

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime for each explicitly named test. Display brightness, configuration and other conditions belong in the source note. Wireless streaming preserves an unnamed content type and does not imply video or audio. Video conferencing requires an explicit calling test, with application and participant setup in the source note. MobileMark versions use different workloads, so compare only rows of the same version.

Not available

Not available

Adapter rated outputiNominal rated output of the documented supplied or recommended adapter. A temporary dynamic maximum belongs in the source note. Not the laptop charging-input limit.

330W1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact selected maker maximum power-supply rating is 330 W, with adapter and cord included. Original service FRU table confirms 330 W main adapters with 5.5 mm barrel connector. USB-C accepted input is a separate 100 W capability.

240W1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Adapter 240W.

Laptop charging connectoriConnector at the laptop end of the documented main charging cable, not the wall plug or adapter-end connector. HP's AC smart pin is a round DC plug, so it is barrel.

Barrel2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Rear main DC-in jack is shown on page 20. Original service FRU adapters specify 5.5 mm barrel connector. USB-C is an alternative accepted input, not the documented main 330 W adapter connector.3Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 2026Printed FRU page 1-72 lists main 330 W, 19.5 V adapters with 5.5 mm barrel connector. Recommended alternatives are not extra in-box adapters.

Barrel6Reviewcgmagonline.com/review/hardware/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Left side holds a barrel-plug AC/DC adapter port.

Charge 0 to 50 % (claimed)iManufacturer time to charge an empty battery to 50%. Adapter and powered-off conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Cooling

2 of 4 differ

FansiPhysical cooling fans inside the laptop. Excludes fans in external coolers and the power adapter.

23Owner's manualglobal-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide/Lifecycle%20Ext.%20Guide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdfRead 5 October 2026Complete original interior Figure 1-9 on printed 1-8 was rendered and inspected. It shows two physical fans. FRU and exploded diagram separately identify CPU fan and GPU fan. One metal AeroBlade fan is a type qualifier, not a one-fan total.

22Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026Cooler Boost 5 with 2 Fans + 5 Heat Pipes.

Vapor chamberiA vapor-chamber heat spreader is installed. Ordinary heatpipes alone do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Liquid metaliComponents where the maker confirms liquid-metal thermal material. Ordinary thermal paste is excluded.

CPU6Maker product pageblog.acer.com/en/discussion/4564/5-must-buy-16-inch-laptops-from-acer-in-2026Read 8 October 2026Exact PHN16-73-97FV cooling paragraph explicitly places liquid metal thermal compound on the CPU. No GPU liquid-metal application is claimed.

Not available

Power modesiPublished laptop operating modes and configured power limits. Do not place observed runtime power measurements in this table.

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

Name
Quiet
Balanced
Performance
Turbo
Eco

Source2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 54–55 explicitly list Quiet, Balanced, Performance, Turbo and Eco. Available choices depend on AC versus battery operation. AC mode switching requires battery capacity at least 40%. No numerical configured power limits are given, so no generic chip or observed benchmark values are assigned.

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

Not available

Security

3 of 4 differ

Fingerprint

None5Retailer pagecompsource.com/buy/NHU0UAA002/Acer-10Read 5 October 2026Exact selected table explicitly says Finger Print Reader: No.

Not available

TPM

Not available

2.01Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026Firmware Trusted Platform Module (fTPM) 2.0.

Remote management

Not available

Not available

Security lock slotiA dedicated built-in physical security-cable slot. Security locks that occupy a USB-C port do not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

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Software

0 of 3 differ

Operating system

Windows 11 Home1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Windows 11 Home1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

OS family

Windows1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

Windows1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Security updates untiliPublished end date of OS/security updates promised for the exact device model. Preserve the source precision. Do not calculate it from years or substitute a generic OS-version lifecycle. Unknown when no device-specific promise is published.

Not available

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Measured display

3 of 12 differ

Brightness (measured, centre)iReviewer center-point SDR luminance for the matching display configuration. Do not substitute a review average or unspecified measurement.

Not available

Not available

Brightness (measured, average)iReviewer mean luminance across a documented display grid, normally nine points.

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Contrast ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

1,130:17Reviewpcguide.com/laptop/review/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfkRead 15 October 2026Datacolor SpyderX Elite. 1130:1 with 308 cd/m2 white at 100% brightness and 0.27 cd/m2 black. Review unit: i7-14650HX, RTX 5060, 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5-5600, 512GB SSD, 2560x1440 165 Hz.

HDR peak brightness (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

sRGB coverage (measured)iReviewer measured sRGB coverage, not gamut volume. Instrument and method belong in the source note.

Not available

100%7Reviewpcguide.com/laptop/review/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfkRead 15 October 2026Datacolor SpyderX Elite. Reported as 100% sRGB coverage.

DCI-P3 coverage (measured)iReviewer measured DCI-P3 coverage, not gamut volume. Display P3 measurements are identified in the source note.

Not available

99%7Reviewpcguide.com/laptop/review/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfkRead 15 October 2026Datacolor SpyderX Elite. Reported as 99% DCI-P3 coverage. The review also lists 89% AdobeRGB.

Colour accuracy (measured Delta E)iReviewer colour error before calibration. Delta-E formula, colour space and picture mode belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

PWM flicker foundiWhether a reviewer detected pulse-width-modulation flicker under the documented test conditions. False does not prove all frequency ranges were tested.

Not available

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PWM frequency (measured)iDetected PWM frequency at the brightness setting stated by the reviewer.

Not available

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PWM at or below brightnessiHighest display brightness setting at or below which the documented PWM is detected.

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Response black to white (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response for black-to-white-to-black, with test conditions in the source note.

Not available

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Response grey to grey (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response between specified grey levels. State the levels in the source note.

Not available

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Measured performance

None of 8 known

Cinebench 2024 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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Cinebench 2024 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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Geekbench 6 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

Geekbench 6 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Time Spy graphicsiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Graphics score, not the overall score. A score the review does not label as graphics is left out.

Not available

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3DMark Steel NomadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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SSD sequential read (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Game frame ratesiMatching review-unit game results. Resolution, preset, upscaling, frame generation and ray tracing are stated only when documented.

Not available

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Measured noise and temperature

1 of 9 differ

Fan noise per modeiReviewer sound-pressure readings for the matching configuration and mode. Measurement distance and workload belong in the source note.

Not available

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Max fan noiseiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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Fan noise while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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Top surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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Bottom surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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Palm rest under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

CPU temperature in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

80°C7Reviewpcguide.com/laptop/review/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfkRead 15 October 2026FurMark 2 CPU and GPU stress test with HWiNFO logging, 5 minutes idle, 20 minutes load. Peak CPU temperature 80 C and GPU 85 C. The power mode is not stated.

CPU clock in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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GPU temperature while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Measured battery and power

1 of 10 differ

Battery runtime per testiReviewer runtime for the exact test and configuration. Mixed browsing, video and graphics workloads are classified as mixed use.

AAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI PHN16-73-97FV (2025)

Not available

BMSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK

Test	Brightness (nits)	Power mode	Hours (h)
Mixed use	120	Eco mode, Windows energy saver on, integrated graphics only	6.17

Source7Reviewpcguide.com/laptop/review/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfkRead 15 October 2026Eco and longevity settings, integrated graphics only, energy saver on, brightness about 120 nits (120.5 measured). A muted two-hour YouTube video, then document and web browsing until empty. Total 6h10m. Stored as mixed use.

Wi-Fi browsing runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Video runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

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Power draw idleiHighest reviewer idle AC power reading for the matching configuration and test conditions.

Not available

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Power draw gamingiReviewer AC power draw during the named game and settings. Not GPU-only power.

Not available

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Power draw maxiMaximum reviewer AC input power during the documented load or stress test. Not the adapter rating.

Not available

Not available

Sustained CPU power (measured)iObserved sustained CPU package power during the documented test. Not the configured PL1 limit.

Not available

Not available

GPU power while gaming (measured)iObserved GPU-only power while running the documented game and settings.

Not available

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Weight (measured)iReviewer measured laptop mass without its power adapter unless the source note explicitly states otherwise.

Not available

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Certifications

None of 6 known

Intel EvoiManufacturer certification of the exact configuration as Intel Evo. Processor support alone does not establish certification.

Not available

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Copilot+ PCiManufacturer identifies the configuration as Copilot+ PC. A Copilot keyboard key alone is insufficient.

Not available

Not available

Colour certifications

Not available

Not available

ENERGY STAR

Not available

Not available

EPEAT

Not available

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Other certifications

Not available

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In the box

2 of 2 differ

In the boxiAccessories confirmed for this exact SKU. Do not combine mutually exclusive regional bundles into one box.

330 W AC power adapter, Power cord1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026Exact US original maker package explicitly includes power adapter and power cord. No unconfirmed regional backpack, mouse or extra service bundle is merged.

Not available

Power adapter includediWhether a power adapter is included with this exact regional SKU. A supported or recommended adapter does not prove inclusion.

Yes1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

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Warranty

2 of 2 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year7Maker product pageacer.com/us-en/support/warranty/limited-warrantyRead 5 October 2026Current US maker warranty table assigns one-year limited manufacturer warranty to Predator consumer laptops manufactured 2019 and later. Selected exact maker store links this policy. DE two-year and extra paid warranty are not inherited.

2years1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 20262 years limited warranty. Malaysia.2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 20262 years limited warranty.

Warranty serviceiDocumented manufacturer warranty service for the named market. Included paid service upgrades belong in the source note.

Mail-in, Carry-in8Maker spec sheet (PDF)images.acer.com/is/content/acer/Acer_CONS_WTY_DOC_1_YR_MICI_US_CA_MX_LA_46_AD148_008_090514pdfRead 5 October 2026Current linked original US agreement page 1 explicitly says Mail In or Carry In alternatives. No onsite or collect-and-return service is inferred.

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Links

Not compared

Product page

store.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fv1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

my-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptop2Maker product pagemy-store.msi.com/products/msi-katana-15-hx-b14wfk-289-gaming-laptopRead 15 October 2026

Spec sheet

store.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fv1Maker product pagestore.acer.com/en-us/predator-helios-neo-16-ai-gaming-laptop-phn16-73-97fvRead 5 October 2026

storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdf1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/my/nb/Katana%2015%20HX%20B14WFK-289MY.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Manual

content.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdf2Owner's manualcontent.etilize.com/User-Manual/1086710295.pdfRead 5 October 2026Unmodified original 110-page Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI/18 AI User Manual, May 2025 revision, covering PHN16-73 and PHN18-72. Downloaded normally from public document mirror and read relevant original hardware, charging, keyboard and mode sections. New PHN16-I71 and older PHN16-71 documents are excluded.

Not available

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all laptops.