MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series)
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MacBook Air (M1 series)
Starting at
£426.31£999.00 new
MacBook Neo (A18 series)
Starting at
£639.00What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M1 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series)?
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the screen type and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M1 series) starts at £426.31, £212.69 less than the MacBook Neo (A18 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Screen type
Weight
- Screen type: Retina display on the MacBook Air (M1 series), Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series).
- The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a lighter build: 1230 g vs 1290 g.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M1 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series) share many core features such as 8 GB RAM, SSD storage, and support for macOS Tahoe. The Air offers a higher screen resolution and a 7-core GPU, making it suitable for users who value sharper visuals and stronger graphics performance. The Neo features a brighter 500 nits Liquid Retina display, a 1080p front camera, and Bluetooth 6, which may appeal to those who prioritise screen brightness and video calling quality. Storage options vary with the Air offering up to 2TB, while the Neo is stocked with 256GB and 512GB. Both devices have their strengths, suiting different needs depending on priorities like display brightness, camera quality, or storage capacity.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) price
Colour
- IndigoSold out
- CitrusSold out
- BlushSold out
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long you can expect software support and the devices' release years. Both models support the same macOS version, so software longevity is similar despite their different release years.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Air (M1 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series) both support macOS Tahoe. This means you can run the latest operating system available for these devices, ensuring access to current features and security updates for both.
Release Year
The MacBook Air (M1 series) was released in 2020, and the MacBook Neo (A18 series) came out in 2026. While this does not affect software support, it provides context for the devices' generation.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) performance
Performance reflects the devices' processing and storage capabilities. Both have 8 GB of RAM and use SSD storage, but they differ in graphics and available storage sizes.
Graphics Processing
The MacBook Air (M1 series) features a 7-core GPU, which offers more graphics cores than the 5-core GPU in the MacBook Neo (A18 series). This could benefit users running graphics-intensive applications or casual video editing on the Air.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air (M1 series) comes with more storage choices, from 256GB up to 2TB. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is stocked with 256GB and 512GB options, suiting users who need less storage or prefer a simpler setup.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) screen
Screen quality affects how images and text appear. Both have Retina displays with IPS and True Tone technology, but they differ in resolution, brightness, and display type.
Screen Resolution
The MacBook Air (M1 series) has a higher resolution of 2560 x 1600, which provides sharper images and more screen space. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a resolution of 2408 x 1506, still detailed but slightly less sharp in comparison.
Brightness and Display Type
With 500 nits brightness, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) offers a brighter screen than the MacBook Air (M1 series), which has 400 nits. The Neo's Liquid Retina Display may deliver more vivid visuals, ideal for use in bright environments.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) camera
Audiovisual features cover camera quality and speaker design, influencing video calls and media playback experiences.
Front Camera Resolution
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a 1080p front camera, providing higher definition video for calls and recordings compared to the MacBook Air (M1 series) with its 720p camera.
Speaker Placement
The MacBook Air (M1 series) uses stereo speakers, while the MacBook Neo (A18 series) has side-firing speakers. This difference could affect how sound is directed and experienced during media playback.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) size and design
Additional features include wireless connectivity, ports, and physical design elements that impact daily convenience and compatibility.
Bluetooth Version
The MacBook Air (M1 series) supports Bluetooth 5.0, while the MacBook Neo (A18 series) offers Bluetooth 6. This means the Neo can connect with the latest Bluetooth accessories that require the newer standard.
Weight
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) weighs 1230 g, making it lighter than the MacBook Air (M1 series) at 1290 g. This difference may be noticeable when carrying the laptop frequently.
Ports and Connectivity
Both devices have two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, a jack plug, support Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, and include touch capability without a touch bar. These features ensure similar connectivity and input options.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Microphone specifications
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usba port
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M1 series) or MacBook Neo (A18 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £426.31, £212.69 less than the MacBook Neo (A18 series)
Buy the MacBook Neo (A18 series) if
- you want a lighter build (1230 g vs 1290 g)
- you want the newer model (2026)
What our customers say
Customers say the MacBook Air (M1 series) looks almost new with only minor marks that do not affect use. It handles tasks like video editing and daily work smoothly, with reliable battery life and a responsive keyboard. Some users mention the battery life can run down faster than expected during heavy use, and speaker volume is a bit low for some. The Air's storage options are appreciated, especially the 2TB variant for storing large files.
Reviews for the MacBook Neo (A18 series) highlight its condition as feeling brand new with no visible faults. Customers enjoy the lightweight design and fast performance. The improved front camera and brighter screen contribute to a positive experience, especially for video calls and media consumption. Battery life is reported as excellent even after extended use.
Both devices suit users seeking reliable refurbished laptops with solid performance. The MacBook Air appeals to those needing more storage and higher screen resolution, while the MacBook Neo is a good fit for users who value screen brightness, camera quality, and a lighter device.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the screen type and weight. Screen type: Retina display on the MacBook Air (M1 series), Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a lighter build: 1230 g vs 1290 g.
The MacBook Air (M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £426.31 compared with £639 for the MacBook Neo (A18 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) adds a lighter build (1230 g vs 1290 g). Refurbished, it costs £212.69 more (from £639 vs £426.31).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M1 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Neo (A18 series) in 256GB and 512GB.
