Acer Debuts Gaming Laptop Under 2 cm Thick: Nitro V 16S Review

Hands-On with the Acer Nitro V 16S Gaming Laptop

According to НВ — Техно: Acer has unveiled its latest gaming laptop, the Nitro V 16S, which stands out for its remarkably slim profile. Weighing just 2.1 kg and measuring less than two centimeters in thickness, this model proves that powerful gaming hardware doesn't have to be bulky. The 'S' in the name stands for 'Slim,' reflecting the engineering effort to pack high-performance components into a lightweight and portable chassis suitable for daily use. The Nitro V 16 series returns after a two-year hiatus, and the laptop comes in two variants: the Nitro V 16 (ANV16-72) and the Nitro V 16S (ANV16S-71).

Specifications and Performance

Under the hood, the laptop is powered by an Intel Core 9 270H processor with 14 cores (6 performance and 8 efficiency cores), reaching frequencies up to 5.8 GHz. The test configuration includes 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2 TB SSD. Graphics are handled by a mobile GeForce RTX 5070 based on NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture, featuring 8 GB of GDDR7 VRAM and a maximum thermal design power (TGP) of 85 W. For comparison, the thicker Nitro V 16 version offers a higher 95 W TGP for the GPU.

The display is a 16-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2560x1600 (WQXGA) and a 180 Hz refresh rate. Brightness exceeds 430 nits, and contrast is rated at around 1250:1. The lid and bottom panel are made of metal, while the keyboard features four-zone RGB backlighting with highlighted WASD keys. Notably, there is no fingerprint scanner included.

Cooling is handled by two fans, four air intakes, and four exhaust vents. Under gaming load, the GPU temperature hovers between 79-80°C, while the CPU can reach 95-100°C. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider at maximum settings, the laptop delivers 60-65 FPS at 1600p and 110 FPS at 1200p. In Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, it achieves 60 FPS at 1600p and 85-90 FPS at 1200p.

Battery life is estimated at 5-6 hours. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless, plus a gigabit Killer Ethernet port for wired networking. Ports consist of:

• HDMI 2.1
• One USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
• Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
• microSD card slot
• Combo audio jack
• One Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)

The Acer Nitro V 16S runs stably without throttling, but it does get noticeably loud under heavy loads. From a hardware perspective, the Nitro V 16S is quite impressive, with the display being one of its standout features. For gaming, headphones are recommended, as the fan noise can become significant during intense sessions.

The launch of the Acer Nitro V 16S highlights the growing demand for powerful yet lightweight gaming laptops that meet modern user expectations. Acer aims to cater to gamers who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. This new model is poised to compete with other brands offering compact gaming solutions, especially as the market for mobile gaming platforms continues to expand.

As gamers increasingly seek high performance without compromising portability, the impressive battery life of the ASUS Zenbook DUO offers a compelling alternative for those who value longevity in their devices. This laptop showcases how advancements in technology continue to redefine expectations in both gaming and productivity.