Apple MacBook Neo review: The best way to buy an Apple laptop on a budget
The MacBook Neo delivers premium Apple build quality at a much more accessible price point. Picture: Apple
I’m a little late to the party, but Apple’s affordable MacBook Neo is the surprise winner this year. It won't replace your Pro, but it's my first recommendation for anyone wanting premium quality without the huge price tag. Because it stays supported for years, it is a safe bet. Its portability also makes it a brilliant sidekick for life on the go, serving creators and casual users alike with ease.
The MacBook Neo avoids the usual 'Apple Tax', but its build quality is pure Apple. It takes up far less room than an Air or Pro, making it much easier to use in cramped aeroplane seats or tiny coffee shop corners. While my 14 or 16-inch models often struggle, this device fits easily on a standard tray table.
Apple returned to a mechanical trackpad with this model, and I have to admit that, although I love the massive trackpad on my Pro models, the Neo has a more tactile response. It just feels more organic. I initially feared this might be a step backwards, but I actually love the physical click.
One unexpected bonus is the potential for better repairability. Although you can't upgrade the RAM or storage, parts like the battery, ports and display seem much easier to service than on previous MacBooks. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come and expensive repairs might become a thing of the past.
The keyboard provides the usual Apple typing experience, though the keys have more travel than on my Pro models. It took some getting used to, and there is one clear drawback: the lack of backlighting. While it isn’t a dealbreaker, I often type in low light while watching TV, so struggling to find the keys can be annoying.
The screen works brilliantly for everyday tasks, even if some trade-offs are visible. As far as LCD panels go at this price point, it is one of the best you can find, yet it still lacks the impact of the mini-LED displays found on the Pro models. For writing, browsing the web, checking emails, watching videos, or playing games, the colours look natural and the text looks sharp. I also found that the Neo beats competing PCs in this price bracket, providing better viewing angles and a brighter, higher-resolution screen.
However, professional editors should be cautious. I would not trust this display for professional colour grading work. The brightness also falters when you attempt to work outdoors in direct sunlight. If you are a creator, you will likely need an external monitor for any colour-critical projects.
Under the hood, the Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip. It is important to understand that this is not an M-series processor. Because it uses a mobile-based architecture with 8GB of RAM, it functions differently than its larger siblings.
The port selection is where you feel the budget constraints. You get two USB-C ports, but they are not equal. One supports fast data transfer at 10Gbps, while the other operates at much slower USB 2.0 speeds. This limits your ability to use high-speed devices. I often struggled with some of my Thunderbolt SSDs because the Neo simply could not communicate with them at full speed.
There’s no MagSafe port either, so you have to use one of the USB-C ports for charging. This means you end up with a single port for everything else. The simple solution is to use a dongle, but this too has its limitations.
The Neo handles everyday tasks like streaming, editing documents and web browsing without struggle. The real test comes during actual productivity work. I tried some light video and photo editing; while it performs well, the 8GB of RAM starts to show its limits when several apps are open at once. Because the chip includes hardware acceleration for codecs like ProRes, H.264 and HEVC, light editing feels smoother than the specs suggest. It almost seems too good for 8GB of RAM, as the system uses storage to help overcome memory bottlenecks. While the base 256GB model is tempting, its limitations become even more obvious when space runs low. Apps like Photoshop now recommend at least 100GB of free space on your main drive for peak performance.
You can manage timelines reasonably well if you use proxies or specific media formats. However, don't expect to tackle heavy Photoshop layers or intense video noise reduction and effects. The 8GB of unified memory quickly hits its ceiling when you try to multitask with many applications running in the background. It is a machine built for clever workflows rather than brute force.
The battery life is brilliant. I love being able to take the Neo out for the day without worrying about bringing a charger along. Since EU regulations require you to buy your own power adapter, be prepared to spend a bit extra. The basic 20W plug takes ages, often stretching a full charge to four hours, so it is worth grabbing a 30W or larger adapter to speed things up.
Running macOS 27, the Neo feels like any other Mac. It supports one external 4K monitor at 60Hz. While you cannot easily run a multi-monitor desktop setup, one extra screen should be more than enough for the Neo's intended users.
Don’t believe anyone claiming the Neo is fit for professional use. While it can handle 4K video, high-resolution RAW photos and even gaming, this isn't a 'Pro' Mac. To hit its target price, Apple had to compromise on ports, memory and display accuracy. If you need a true workstation, look elsewhere. But for travellers or students needing a lightweight, affordable Mac that handles daily tasks with ease, the MacBook Neo is a brilliant, practical choice.
From €699 apple.ie
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