Written By Shubham Arora
MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air M5: Which Apple laptop should you buy?
Apple’s MacBook Neo is the company’s cheapest laptop yet. Here’s how it compares with the more powerful MacBook Air with the M5 processor.
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MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air M5
Apple has introduced a new budget laptop called the MacBook Neo alongside the updated MacBook Air with the M5 chip. Here’s a quick comparison of pricing, performance, design, and features to help you understand how these two entry-level Macs differ.
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Price and Positioning
The MacBook Neo starts at Rs 69,900, making it Apple’s most affordable laptop yet. The MacBook Air M5 begins at Rs 1,19,900, positioning it as the more premium option with stronger hardware and upgraded specifications.
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Processor Differences
MacBook Neo uses the Apple A18 Pro chip originally designed for the iPhone 16 Pro. The MacBook Air runs the newer M5 processor with a 10-core CPU and stronger GPU, offering significantly higher performance for demanding tasks.
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Memory and Storage
The base MacBook Neo comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, with a 512GB option available. The MacBook Air M5 starts with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, making it better suited for professional workloads.
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Display and Design
MacBook Neo features a 13-inch display with 2408 x 1506 resolution. The MacBook Air has a slightly larger 13.6-inch panel with 2560 x 1664 resolution. Both offer LED panels with 60Hz refresh rates and similar brightness levels.
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Ports and Connectivity
Both laptops include two USB-C ports and a headphone jack. However, only the MacBook Air supports Thunderbolt 4 and MagSafe charging, while the Neo relies solely on USB-C and lacks Thunderbolt support.
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Keyboard, Camera and Wireless
MacBook Neo drops some premium features such as a Force Touch trackpad and keyboard backlighting. It also has Wi-Fi 6E and a 1080p webcam. The Air offers Wi-Fi 7, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and Touch ID on all models.
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Which One Should You Choose
The MacBook Air M5 offers stronger performance, better connectivity, and premium features. However, the MacBook Neo’s much lower price could make it a popular choice for students, casual users, and first-time Mac buyers.
