Confused about choosing between the MacBook Neo (starting at $700) or the MacBook Air M4? That’s totally understandable, since both are Apple’s entry-level offerings, but they differ significantly in chip, features, and of course, price. If you’re torn about which one to get for daily work or school, this article will break down five key differences. So you won’t make the wrong choice.

Verdict Editorial

Sintesis opini reviewer gadget yang menyoroti kelebihan dan kompromi utama.

The MacBook Neo is perfect if you’re on a tight budget and just need a laptop with great battery life that gets you into the Apple ecosystem. Meanwhile, the MacBook Air M4 wins in performance, premium features, and a much more modern design.

Best for:

• Students or office workers who need a lightweight laptop for typing, browsing, and simple video editing
• First-time users who want to try Apple products without breaking the bank

Not ideal for:

• Those who need extra power for heavy video rendering, complex coding, or even gaming

Final verdict:

Go for the MacBook Neo if your budget is tight and you don’t need high performance; choose the MacBook Air M4 if you want to invest more for long-term performance and more complete features.

Quick Comparison: MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air M4

5 Key Comparison Points

1. Chip: A18 vs M4 – Performance for Whom?

This is the most fundamental difference. The MacBook Neo uses the A18 chip, which is exactly the same as what’s in the iPhone 16 Pro. So yeah, this is a phone chip optimized for battery efficiency, not heavy workloads. It’s a different story with the MacBook Air M4, which comes equipped with the M4 chip — a laptop-specific processor with much more powerful multi-core performance.

MacBook Neo advantages:

• More than enough for browsing, document typing, and even light video editing with CapCut without lag
• Very low power consumption (around 7-10 watts vs M4 which is more power-hungry)

MacBook Air M4 advantages:

• Faster for video rendering, coding, and running multiple apps simultaneously
• Better support for professional apps like Final Cut or Xcode

Conclusion: If you only need a laptop for school assignments or regular office work, the Neo is more than sufficient. But if you often work on heavy projects, go straight for the Air M4.

2. Weight: Same Lightness, But There’s Still a Difference

Both weigh exactly 1.229 grams (2.7 lbs) — identical. So in terms of portability, it’s a tie. But here’s something interesting: the MacBook Neo feels slightly warmer to the touch because the body material is different (still aluminum, but feels less premium than the Air M4).

Important note: Despite identical weight, the MacBook Air M4 has slimmer dimensions and much smaller display bezels. So visually, the Air M4 looks more modern even though it weighs the same.

3. Speakers: A Surprise from MacBook Neo

Now this is interesting. From several early reviews, the MacBook Neo’s speakers are actually clearer than the MacBook Air M4. The current theory is that the Neo’s thicker body provides better resonance space. But don’t get it wrong, the MacBook Air M4 still wins with its 4-speaker configuration with Dolby Atmos that delivers richer bass and sound detail.

Facts from sources:

• Neo: clearer vocal sound, great for online meetings or listening to podcasts
• Air M4: more immersive sound, excellent for watching movies or listening to music

Choice depends on needs: If you frequently video call or listen to voice-based content, the Neo could be the choice. But for entertainment, the Air M4 remains the winner.

4. Keyboard & Touch ID: Important Features That Differ Significantly

This is one of the most noticeable differences in daily use.

• MacBook Neo keyboard: No backlight, so typing in dark places will be difficult. Plus the key feel is firmer and more tactile compared to the Air M4.
• Touch ID: Only available on the 512 GB MacBook Neo variant. If you buy the 256 GB version, be prepared to type passwords manually every time you unlock the laptop.
• MacBook Air M4: Backlit keyboard standard on all variants, and Touch ID is also available on every model.

Important point: If you often work in cafes or dimly lit rooms, the lack of backlight on the Neo can be a serious problem. Not to mention the absence of Touch ID on the cheapest variant — this makes the experience less comfortable.

5. Bezels & Display: Future Design vs Classic

The MacBook Air M4 has thin bezels with a 14-inch display that’s more spacious in a still-compact body. Meanwhile, the MacBook Neo still uses thick bezels — typical of old MacBook designs — with a 13-inch display.

What’s the impact?

• Neo looks more “dated” and less modern
• Smaller screen area even though Retina resolution remains sharp
• For those who often open many windows simultaneously, the Air M4 display is far more productive

Verdict: If you care about appearance and need more screen space, the Air M4 clearly wins big. But the Neo still provides a decent Retina Display experience for its price.

Conclusion: Who Should Buy What?

TL;DR

• MacBook Neo – suitable for those on a limited budget, wanting to enter the Apple ecosystem at the cheapest price, don’t mind a keyboard without backlight and thick bezels, and sufficient for light daily tasks.
• MacBook Air M4 – a more worthwhile investment for high performance, modern features (Touch ID, backlight, larger screen), and longer lifespan.

Verdict: Worth Buying or Not?

Is MacBook Neo worth it? Yes, if you really want to enter the Apple ecosystem at the lowest price and don’t need high performance. But be prepared for trade-offs in keyboard, Touch ID, and bezels.

Is MacBook Air M4 worth it? If budget allows, the Air M4 provides better value in the long run — especially for productivity and user comfort.

Alternatives

If you’re still unsure, also consider Windows laptops in the $700-800 range (like Lenovo IdeaPad or Asus Vivobook) that offer higher specs (16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) although the ecosystem is different.

FAQ

1. Does MacBook Neo use M1 or M2 chip? No. MacBook Neo uses the A18 chip (same as iPhone 16 Pro), not M-series chips.

2. MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air M4 which is lighter? Both weigh exactly the same, 1.229 grams (2.7 lbs).

3. Does MacBook Neo have Touch ID? Only on the 512 GB variant. The 256 GB variant doesn’t have Touch ID.

4. What’s the battery life of MacBook Neo? No official data yet, but power consumption is estimated to be very low (7-10 watts) — claimed to be unmatched in its class.

5. Is MacBook Neo suitable for coding? For light coding (Python, web development) it might be enough, but for heavy compilation or using Android Studio, the MacBook Air M4 is better.

Source: DKID