The MacBook Neo is now available and is being positively received by the earliest users. The performance of Apple’s new laptop is impressive and some consider it a potential game changer in the world of laptops.
The MacBook Neo is aimed at Apple users who need a laptop for daily tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and photo and video editing. Although the MacBook Neo misses out on some features and options that have been standard for Macs for years, you do get something in return.
MacBook Neo: This is what you’re missing
The launch of the MacBook Neo has given Apple’s offering a new entry-level option. For years, the MacBook Air was Apple’s most affordable laptop, but that has now changed. To keep the price of this new laptop low, the company has chosen to remove or adjust some standard Mac features.
One of the most noticeable changes is the use of the iPhone chip instead of the M-series chip normally used in the Mac, but there are more adjustments. Below you will find an overview of the most important functions and options that you will miss on the MacBook Neo.
Smaller screen without True Tone
The MacBook Neo is equipped with a smaller screen than, for example, the MacBook Air, which makes the device extra compact and portable, but at the same time offers less screen space to work with. The display also has a slightly lower resolution.
Unlike other MacBooks, the True Tone function is missing, so the screen does not automatically adjust the color temperature to the ambient light. There is also a difference in color reproduction: the MacBook Neo uses the standard sRGB color profile instead of the wide color reproduction (P3), which means that colors are displayed slightly less rich, vivid and natural.
No keyboard backlight
To save costs, Apple may have decided to equip the MacBook Neo with a standard keyboard without backlight. This means that you can see the keys less well in the dark, but this will not be a problem for many users.
Trackpad without force touch
The MacBook Neo uses the Multi-Touch trackpad, which ensures extremely precise cursor movements and supports Multi-Touch gestures. Unlike other MacBooks, this version is not equipped with Force Touch.
A Force Touch trackpad on a MacBook is a pressure-sensitive trackpad that does not contain a physical spring. Instead, it senses pressure levels via sensors and electromagnets, and provides haptic feedback via a taptic engine, which mimics a realistic click feel for more precise interactions.
No Thunderbolt, but USB-C ports
For those who were hoping for Neo Thunderbolt ports, there’s some disappointing news. The MacBook Neo is equipped with two different USB-C ports. The first is a USB 3 port with a speed of up to 10 Gb/s (USB-C) for charging, accessories and an external display, while the second is a USB 2 port with a speed of up to 480 Mb/s (USB-C) for charging and accessories. Unfortunately, the MagSafe, which makes charging with a magnetic cable possible, is missing.
The lack of Thunderbolt on the MacBook Neo is a shame because it limits data transfer speeds and the options for external displays and powerful accessories like docks and external SSDs.
Memory not expandable, little storage
Since Apple started using silicon chips, it no longer calls it RAM, but central memory. This is the memory that the CPU, GPU and other components can use simultaneously without moving data between different memory banks. This improves performance and reduces energy consumption.
It is important to know that the MacBook Neo only has 8 GB of central memory, which cannot be increased, even at purchase. Tests show that 8 GB is sufficient for surfing the Internet, editing documents and basic photo and video editing.
Furthermore, the storage capacity also has some limitations. 256GB is available as standard, and you can opt for a 512GB version, but that’s about it. Unlike other MacBooks, there are no variants of 1TB or more available.
FaceTime HD camera
To further reduce costs, the MacBook Neo includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, which allows you to make high-quality video calls and record video in 1080p HD. Still, this is significantly less than the 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support, which has a wider viewing angle and uses center point to keep the subject in the frame.
Other Mac features that are missing
There are several options, features and capabilities that have been standard on a Mac for years, but are currently not available on the MacBook Neo. Below you will find an overview of what you should miss on the latest MacBook Neo compared to the MacBook Air.
- Spatial Audio and Dynamic Head Tracking with supported AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max
- Bluetooth 6, but no WiFi 7 (uses WiFi 6E)
- Fast charging
- Mini-jack connection with advanced support for high impedance headphones
You will get something in return
Although the MacBook Neo may not offer all the advanced features or connections of the more expensive MacBook models, you do get something valuable in return: a much more favorable starting price of € 699 instead of € 1,199 that you pay at least for the MacBook Air.
Apple makes it easier to enter the macOS ecosystem, ideal for those looking for a reliable laptop for daily tasks, study or light-duty creative work. The Neo combines the user experience of macOS with accessibility, without the price of a Pro model.
Conclusion MacBook Neo
The new MacBook Neo is an affordable entry-level Mac starting at €699 (or €599 for education), perfect for students and everyday use such as browsing, studying and light tasks. With the good A18 Pro chip, a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and a battery life of up to 16 hours, it offers enough performance for simple workflows.
It has 8 GB of RAM and options for 256 or 512 GB of storage, and is available in colors such as Silver, Blush, Citrus and Indigo. This makes it an ideal first MacBook in the Apple ecosystem, with macOS Tahoe and support for Apple Intelligence.
If you want to get more out of your Mac, the MacBook Air is a better option. It has a more powerful processor, more RAM and premium features. However, if you only want to use your MacBook for internet-related tasks, the Neo perfect for you.