MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air: Which is the Better Choice for You?

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.

Are you looking for a small, light, and budget-friendly MacBook that you can use at home, work, or on the road? In the past, this would have been a simple decision, as you would probably have opted for the 13-inch MacBook Air. But with the introduction of the MacBook Neo, there are now two contenders for that spot.

Both the Neo and the 13-inch Air look similar, at least on the surface. Both weigh 2.7 pounds and are almost the same size. (The Air is slightly larger, but not enough to make any practical difference.) The screen size is slightly different. The display on the Air is 13.6 inches, while the Neo is slightly smaller at 13 inches. Both support Apple Intelligence if AI is important to you.

However, more significant differences come into focus when peeking beneath the surface. The Neo starts at just $599, a price that seems hard to resist. The price of the 13-inch Air starts at $1,099. Not bad, but maybe more than you want to spend, especially if you’re on a budget.

Also: Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo hands-on: This budget laptop makes me worried about Windows

For your $599, the Neo comes with just 8GB of RAM, which you can’t upgrade, while the basic Air has 16GB. The Neo offers 256GB of storage. For $699, you can expand it to 512GB. By spending that extra $100, you also get Touch ID, which doesn’t come with the basic version. The base Air starts with 512GB of storage and includes Touch ID.

The second big difference is the processor. To cut costs, the Neo is equipped with the A18 Pro, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. The Air has long been powered by Apple’s M-class processors, with the latest model featuring an M5 chip.

From there, the differences are more subtle but still noticeable. The Neo comes with a multi-touch trackpad, while the Air Force offers a touch trackpad. The Neo comes with Wi-Fi 6E, while the Air comes with Wi-Fi 7.

Apple promises up to 16 hours of battery life on the Neo and up to 18 hours on the Air. On the fun side, the Neo comes in a range of vibrant colors – indigo, blush, citrus and silver. The Air stuck to the usual paint job including Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight and Midnight.

Also: Everything Apple just announced: $599 MacBook Neo, M5 Pro, iPhone 17e, more

Here’s another irritation. Instead of spending at least $1,099 for the latest MacBook Air, you can pick up an older model for less. Although Apple no longer sells previous generations of Air, you can find a used Air on Amazon. For example, the 2023 M2 MacBook Air with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage Sells for around $700.

Which of these is the better option? Let’s get into the details.

Specifications

You should buy MacBook Neo if…

1. You want the cheapest option

At just $599, the base Neo is significantly less expensive than the base M5 Air at $1,099. Even a used Air with the older M-series chip will cost you more than the Neo. If you need 512GB of storage and Touch ID on your Neo, be prepared to pay $699. Although it’s more than you’d spend for an older Air, the Neo is brand new and comes with a one-year warranty.

Too: The $500 MacBook Neo Might Just Save Me From My College Laptop Nightmare

2. Your needs are light and you want an entry-level MacBook

Don’t you need a powerful PC processor or lots of memory or storage? Neo is the way forward. Although some features seem light on paper, the Neo will handle most common tasks, like web browsing, email, streaming video, and editing photos.

Also: How to Get the MacBook Neo $499 Education Value – Qualities to Know

3. You’re looking for a backup or secondary Mac, especially for traveling

Maybe you already have a big and sturdy MacBook Pro or MacBook Air and you’re looking for a second MacBook to take on the road. Neo fits perfectly into this area. You can easily use it at the airport, on an airplane, or in similar settings. And the long-lasting battery ensures that you can use it all day long without needing to recharge.

You should buy a MacBook Air if…

1. You don’t mind spending to get the most for your money

With the latest M-series processors and more memory and storage options, the Air is an ideal choice for those who don’t want to skimp on features or performance. If you feel the Neo’s features will be too light for your needs, you’ll be better off spending your money on the Air.

Also: The new MacBook Air M5 costs $100 more – here’s what you get

2. For more demanding tasks you need a MacBook

If you are a developer, graphics artist, video editor or other professional, Air is the better choice. Better processors and more memory and storage ensure that you can install and run the applications you need. More demanding tasks like video editing and heavy multitasking require more power, and the Air won’t disappoint here.

Also: M5 MacBook Pro vs. M4 MacBook Air: I compared Apple’s most popular laptops, and this one wins

3. You don’t mind saving money by buying secondhand

Want air but don’t want to pay the $1,099 price? You can save some money by choosing an older, used model. Although you won’t find it at Apple or other physical retailers, you can buy it on Amazon. Prices for the M2 start around $700. You’ll need to spend more cash to equip one with more memory and storage. But it may still be worth considering.

final thoughts

Which of the two would I recommend? It really depends on how you plan to use it. If your needs are modest or you already have a MacBook and want a second MacBook, choose the more budget-friendly Neo. If your needs are greater and you don’t mind paying more, go for the M5 Air. Used Air is also an option, but I would still steer you towards the latest model with no wear and tear and a full one year warranty.