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New Acer Nitro Gaming Laptops Unveiled: Performance Meets Portability
This week marks an exciting development for gamers, with two prominent manufacturers rolling out their latest gaming laptops. Asus has introduced a compact 14-inch gaming laptop focused on portability without sacrificing performance, while Acer has launched the next-generation Nitro AI gaming laptops, designed to combine sleek design with powerful capabilities enhanced by AI technology.
Acer’s Nitro AI series is receiving a substantial upgrade with the introduction of these new laptops. Among the latest offerings are an 18-inch model, alongside three 16-inch variations, each featuring streamlined designs that cater to gaming and multitasking on the go. These devices are powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs, marking a significant step forward in AI performance accessibility.
These new Nitro AI laptops come with robust specifications, offering up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and storage capabilities of up to 2 TB through PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
Display Features and Performance
The Nitro 18 AI (AN18-61) boasts an expansive 18-inch display, featuring a WQXGA resolution (2560×1600) and a refresh rate of 165Hz. The 16-inch models, including the Nitro 16 AI (AN16-61), Nitro V 16S AI (ANV16S-61), and Nitro 16S AI (AN16S-61), similarly offer WQXGA resolution with even higher refresh rates of up to 180Hz and brightness levels reaching 400 nits. All models support NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, minimizing visual disruptions such as tearing, lag, or stutter.
Cooling is a key focus in these laptops, featuring innovative dual-fan systems that utilize quad-intake and quad-exhaust technology. Enhanced cooling is achieved through the application of liquid metal thermal grease on processors and advanced vector heat pipes, ensuring optimal heat management during demanding gaming sessions.
Notable Differences Among Models
What distinguishes the Nitro series is primarily its display options and design profiles. While the Nitro 18 AI flaunts its larger screen, the Nitro 16 AI and the slimmer Nitro 16S AI models maintain a lightweight build under 19.9 mm. This sleek profile results in a reduced battery capacity of 76Whr for the slim versions compared to the standard 90Whr found in the others.
When contrasting the Nitro V 16S AI with the Nitro 16S AI, the primary differentiator is in processor choice. The Nitro V model is limited to the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365, while the Nitro 16S AI allows for more variety, enabling selections from the Ryzen AI 9 365, AI 7 350, or AI 5 340.
On the connectivity front, the 18-inch and 16-inch variants, along with the Nitro 16S AI, support the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology and Bluetooth 5.3 or higher. The Nitro V 16S AI, while also equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, only supports Bluetooth up to version 5.2. Each model features USB 4 ports for versatile connectivity options and includes FHD IR cameras suitable for streaming or video calls. Further, users can leverage NVIDIA’s NitroSense and the Experience Zone to access a range of AI features designed to enhance gaming and productivity.
Pricing and Availability
As for availability in the United States, details remain uncertain. The Nitro 18 AI is set to launch in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in August, with a starting price of €1,499 (approximately $1,700 when converted). The Nitro 16 AI is anticipated to debut in North America during the third quarter of the year, while EMEA will see its launch in July at a starting price of €1,399 (around $1,590). Additionally, the Nitro 16S AI is releasing in EMEA this July with the same initial price. The Nitro V 16S AI is expected to launch in North America in Q3, with a European release in August priced at €1,299 (roughly $1,475).
The delay in providing final pricing for the U.S. market could potentially be influenced by ongoing uncertainties surrounding the new import tariffs established during the previous administration. Consequently, it remains unclear which electronic devices—including laptops and smartphones—will qualify for exemptions, complicating the determination of definitive U.S. pricing. Further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available.
Source
www.phonearena.com