MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series)
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MacBook Air (M3 series)
Starting at
£796.06£1,099.00 new
MacBook Neo (A18 series)
Starting at
£639.00What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M3 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series)?
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) starts at £639, £157.06 less than the MacBook Air (M3 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina IPS on the MacBook Air (M3 series), Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series).
- Weight: 1240 g on the MacBook Air (M3 series), 1230 g on the MacBook Neo (A18 series).
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M3 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series) offer different strengths for different users. The MacBook Air delivers higher RAM and larger storage options, supporting more demanding multitasking and file needs. It also features a stronger graphics setup and a sharper screen resolution. The MacBook Neo, while having simpler RAM and storage options, includes Bluetooth 6 and a lighter weight, which may appeal to users prioritising connectivity and portability. Both support the same macOS version and Touch features, so the choice depends on whether you want more power and storage or a lighter device with newer Bluetooth technology.
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) price
Colour
- MidnightStarting at £805.06
- Space GrayStarting at £805.06
- SilverStarting at £796.06
- StarlightStarting at £805.06
- IndigoSold out
- CitrusSold out
- BlushSold out
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long the devices stay current and how easy they are to repair.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect ongoing software support and access to the same features regardless of which model you choose.
Repairability
This suggests that both MacBook Air and MacBook Neo are equally straightforward to repair, which can help keep them in good working order over time.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) performance
Performance differences show who should pick which model based on multitasking, graphics, and storage needs. The MacBook Air offers more RAM and storage options, while the MacBook Neo provides simpler configurations that suit everyday use.
RAM Capacity
The MacBook Air (M3 series) includes 24 GB of RAM, which is ideal for users who run many apps at once or work with demanding software. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has 8 GB, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is suitable for general tasks.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air offers up to 2TB SSD storage, with options from 256GB to 2TB, providing plenty of room for large files, projects, and media. The MacBook Neo stocks 256GB and 512GB SSD options, which fits well for users with lighter storage needs.
Graphics Performance
MacBook Air features a 10-core GPU, which supports more graphic-intensive tasks such as video editing or gaming. MacBook Neo's 5-core GPU suits everyday graphics use like browsing and streaming.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) screen
Screen quality impacts how content looks and feels to use. Both devices share many display features but differ in resolution and screen type, which can affect clarity and visual comfort.
Resolution and Clarity
The MacBook Air (M3 series) has a resolution of 2560 x 1664, delivering sharper images and text, which benefits users working with detailed visuals or reading fine print. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a resolution of 2408 x 1506, suitable for everyday viewing with still clear picture quality.
Screen Technology
MacBook Air uses Liquid Retina IPS technology, while MacBook Neo has a Liquid Retina Display. Both support IPS, Retina, 500 nits brightness and True Tone, which means colours are vivid and consistent and the screen adapts to lighting conditions for comfortable viewing.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) camera
Audiovisual features shape your experience with video calls, music and media. Both laptops include 1080p front cameras and microphones, but speaker and microphone setups differ, affecting sound quality.
Speakers
The MacBook Air (M3 series) has a four-speaker sound system, which can provide richer and fuller audio for music and movies. The MacBook Neo (A18 series) uses side-firing speakers, delivering clear sound suitable for everyday listening.
Microphone Setup
MacBook Air features three microphones, offering potentially better voice capture for calls and recordings. MacBook Neo uses a dual-mic array, which works well for standard communication and voice tasks.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, input options and other details that affect daily use. These vary slightly and may influence your choice depending on your priorities.
Bluetooth Version
MacBook Air supports Bluetooth 5.3, while MacBook Neo has Bluetooth 6. Bluetooth 6 offers newer wireless connectivity features, which may benefit users with compatible devices.
Weight
The MacBook Neo weighs 1230 g, making it slightly lighter than the MacBook Air at 1240 g. This small difference might appeal to those who prioritise carrying weight.
Audio and Touch Features
Both feature a jack plug, 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and Touch support. Neither has a Touch Bar. The MacBook Air includes a Promotion display feature, which the MacBook Neo does not, potentially smoothing animations and scrolling on the Air.
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
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M3 series) or MacBook Neo (A18 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M3 series) if
- you want more RAM (24 GB vs 8 GB)
Buy the MacBook Neo (A18 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £639, £157.06 less than the MacBook Air (M3 series)
- you want the newer model (2026)
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M3 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. The MacBook Air (M3 series) has more RAM: 24 GB vs 8 GB. Screen type: Liquid Retina IPS on the MacBook Air (M3 series), Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £639 compared with £796.06 for the MacBook Air (M3 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £157.06 less (from £639 vs £796.06).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M3 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Neo (A18 series) in 256GB and 512GB.
