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MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series)

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MacBook Air (M2 series)

Starting at

£621.35£1,249.00 new
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MacBook Neo (A18 series)

Starting at

£639.00
See options
(17 reviews)

What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M2 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series)?

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M2 series) starts at £621.35, £17.65 less than the MacBook Neo (A18 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.

Refurbished from

£621.35£639

Weight

1240 g1230 g
  • Weight: 1240 g on the MacBook Air (M2 series), 1230 g on the MacBook Neo (A18 series).

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) specs

The MacBook Air (M2 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series) both offer solid performance and modern features, making them good choices depending on your needs. The MacBook Air (M2 series) provides a higher resolution screen and an 8-core GPU, which suits users who prioritise sharper visuals and more graphics power. It also has a wider range of storage options, including up to 2TB, ideal if you need more space. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) features Bluetooth 6 and a slightly lighter weight, which may appeal if you want the latest wireless connectivity and a marginally lighter device.

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) price

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) battery life and software updates

Both models share key traits here but have different release years.

Repairability Index

This suggests both devices offer the same level of ease when it comes to repairs, making it straightforward to maintain or replace components as needed.

Maximum operating system supported

macOS TahoemacOS Tahoe

Year of release

20222026

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) performance

Performance affects how smoothly your MacBook handles tasks from everyday use to more demanding applications. Differences in GPU and storage options help guide who each device suits.

Graphics Processing Unit

The MacBook Air (M2 series) has an 8-core GPU, which can deliver stronger graphics performance. This is beneficial if you use programs that rely on graphics, such as video editing or design software. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a 5-core GPU, which is suitable for everyday graphics needs and lighter creative tasks.

Storage Options

MacBook Air (M2 series) offers storage options from 256GB up to 2TB, giving you flexibility if you need more space for files and applications. MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes in 256GB and 512GB configurations, making it a straightforward choice for users with moderate storage requirements.

Memory and Processor

Both devices have 8 GB of RAM and use a 64-bit Apple processor, providing smooth operation for everyday apps and multitasking. Their equal RAM means you can expect similar performance handling multiple apps.

Graphic card

8-core GPU5-core GPU

Macbook architecture

64-bits64-bits

Processor brand

AppleApple

RAM

8 GB8 GB

Storage type

SSDSSD

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) screen

Screen quality influences how clear and bright your viewing experience is. Both MacBooks share many qualities but differ in resolution.

Resolution and Display Detail

The MacBook Air (M2 series) has a higher resolution of 2560 x 1664 compared to the MacBook Neo (A18 series) at 2408 x 1506. This means the Air provides sharper, more detailed images and text, which benefits users who spend time on detailed visuals or reading small fonts.

Screen Brightness and Size

Both MacBooks offer a 13 inch Liquid Retina Display with 500 nits brightness and True Tone technology. This combination ensures vibrant colours and consistent brightness, suitable for most lighting conditions and comfortable viewing.

Ips

YesYes

Resolution

2560 x 16642408 x 1506

Retina

YesYes

Screen brightness

500 nits brightness500 nits brightness

Screen size

13 inch13 inch

Screen type

Liquid Retina DisplayLiquid Retina Display

True tone

YesYes

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) camera

Audiovisual features affect video calls, media playback, and sound quality. Differences in speakers and microphones cater to different usage preferences.

Speakers

The MacBook Air (M2 series) has a four-speaker sound system, which can provide a richer and more immersive audio experience. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) uses side-firing speakers, which still deliver clear sound but with a different layout that some users might prefer for media or calls.

Microphone Setup

MacBook Air (M2 series) features three microphones, potentially improving voice clarity and noise reduction during calls or recordings. MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a dual-mic array, providing solid audio input quality suitable for everyday use.

Camera Quality

Both devices have a 1080p front camera, which supports high-definition video calls and recordings, ensuring clear and sharp visuals during meetings or chats.

Front camera definition

1080p1080p

Microphone

N/AYes

Speakers

Four-speaker sound systemSide-firing speakers

Webcam

N/AYes

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) size and design

Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, input options, and other hardware details that affect everyday convenience and use.

Bluetooth Version

MacBook Air (M2 series) supports Bluetooth 5.0, while MacBook Neo (A18 series) offers Bluetooth 6. Bluetooth 6 provides the latest wireless technology, which may improve connectivity and efficiency with compatible devices.

Weight

The MacBook Neo (A18 series) weighs 1230 g, slightly lighter than the MacBook Air (M2 series) at 1240 g. This marginal difference may appeal if you carry your MacBook frequently and prefer the lightest option.

Ports and Input

Both models have two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. Each includes a Touch screen and no Touch Bar, supporting similar input methods and connectivity for peripherals and headphones.

Wireless and Keyboard

Both use Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for wireless internet and feature a QWERTY English keyboard layout, ensuring reliable connectivity and familiar typing experience.

Neural Engine and Promotion

Each MacBook has a 16-core neural engine, supporting machine learning tasks. Neither device supports the Promotion display technology, so refresh rates remain standard.

Bluetooth

N/AYes

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 6

Card slot

NoneNone

Charger compatibility

MagSafe 3 / USB-CN/A

Depth

21.5 cmN/A

Display

Standard displayStandard display

Hdmi output

NoN/A

Height

1.13 cmN/A

Jack plug

YesYes

Keyboard language type

QWERTY - EnglishQWERTY - English

Microphone specifications

Three microphonesDual-mic array

Neural engine

16-core16-core

Promotion

NoNo

Release date

Mid-2022March 11, 2026

Touch

YesYes

Touch bar

NoNo

Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports

22

Usbc port

22

Webcam definition

1080p1080p

Weight

1240 g1230 g

Width

30.41 cmN/A

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 6 802.11axWi-Fi 6 802.11ax

MacBook Air (M2 series) or MacBook Neo (A18 series): which should you buy?

Buy the MacBook Air (M2 series) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £621.35, £17.65 less than the MacBook Neo (A18 series)

Buy the MacBook Neo (A18 series) if

  • you want the newer model (2026)

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) FAQs

MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the weight. Weight: 1240 g on the MacBook Air (M2 series), 1230 g on the MacBook Neo (A18 series).

The MacBook Air (M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £621.35 compared with £639 for the MacBook Neo (A18 series).

The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £17.65 more (from £639 vs £621.35).

Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M2 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Neo (A18 series) in 256GB and 512GB.

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