MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series)
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MacBook Air (M4 series)
Starting at
£967.50£999.00 new
MacBook Neo (A18 series)
Starting at
£639.00What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M4 series) and MacBook Neo (A18 series)?
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) starts at £639, £328.50 less than the MacBook Air (M4 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The MacBook Air (M4 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Air (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
- The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a lighter build: 1230 g vs 1510 g.
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) specs
The MacBook Air offers a larger 15-inch Liquid Retina display with higher resolution and more RAM, suited for users who want more screen space and multitasking ability. The MacBook Neo is lighter and more compact with a 13-inch screen, ideal if portability is a priority. Performance differences include the Air's 10-core GPU and 16 GB RAM for demanding tasks, while the Neo's 5-core GPU and 8 GB RAM serve well for everyday use. Audio and camera setups also differ, with the Air featuring a four-speaker system and three microphones, while the Neo has side-firing speakers and a dual-mic array.
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) price
Colour
- MidnightStarting at £967.50
- Sky BlueStarting at £967.50
- SilverStarting at £967.50
- StarlightStarting at £967.50
- IndigoSold out
- CitrusSold out
- BlushSold out
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) battery life and software updates
This means they both support current software updates and are designed to be easy to service.
Operating System Support
This makes either device a solid choice if you want up-to-date software for your Mac.
Repairability
This benefits users who prefer devices that can be serviced or upgraded with less hassle over time.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) performance
Performance varies between these models, largely in graphics power and memory. The MacBook Air (M4 series) is equipped to handle more demanding tasks, while the MacBook Neo (A18 series) offers solid performance for everyday activities.
Graphics Capability
The MacBook Air features a 10-core GPU, making it better suited for graphics-intensive work such as video editing or gaming. The MacBook Neo's 5-core GPU supports typical usage like streaming and office tasks.
Memory Options
With 16 GB of RAM, the MacBook Air is ideal if you run multiple apps or work with large files. The MacBook Neo's 8 GB RAM keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is suitable for general productivity.
Storage Sizes
MacBook Air is available with 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB SSD options, offering more choices if you need extra storage. The MacBook Neo comes in 256 GB and 512 GB SSD versions, fitting typical storage needs.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) screen
Screen size and resolution differ notably between these MacBooks. Both have Liquid Retina IPS displays with True Tone and 500 nits brightness, but the MacBook Air offers a larger and sharper screen.
Screen Size
The MacBook Air's 15-inch display provides more room for multitasking, watching videos, or detailed work. The MacBook Neo's 13-inch screen is more compact, better suited for portability and use in tighter spaces.
Resolution Detail
With a resolution of 2880 x 1864, the MacBook Air delivers crisper images and more workspace compared to the MacBook Neo's 2408 x 1506 resolution. This difference benefits users who prioritise screen clarity and detail.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) camera
Audio and camera features vary, affecting video calls and media experience. Both have 1080p front cameras, but speaker and microphone setups differ.
Speaker Systems
The MacBook Air uses a four-speaker sound system, providing richer and more immersive audio. The MacBook Neo has side-firing speakers designed for clear sound in a smaller form factor.
Microphone Setup
MacBook Air includes three microphones, which can offer better voice capture for calls and recordings. MacBook Neo features a dual-mic array, suitable for everyday communication.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) size and design
Additional features like connectivity, weight and input devices differ between these MacBooks, influencing convenience and user experience.
Bluetooth Version
MacBook Air supports Bluetooth 5.3, while MacBook Neo includes Bluetooth 6. This means the Neo may connect to newer Bluetooth accessories with updated protocols.
Weight
The MacBook Neo weighs 1230 g, making it lighter and easier to carry around. The MacBook Air is heavier at 1510 g, which might suit users valuing screen size over portability.
Ports and Input
Both models have two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and support Touch input without a Touch Bar. This keeps connectivity and input options consistent.
Touch and Display Features
Each model includes a Liquid Retina standard display with True Tone and supports Touch input. Neither has a Touch Bar, so the keyboard interface stays straightforward.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Display
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
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M4 series) or MacBook Neo (A18 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (15 inch vs 13 inch)
Buy the MacBook Neo (A18 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £639, £328.50 less than the MacBook Air (M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (1230 g vs 1510 g)
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M4 series) vs MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The MacBook Air (M4 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Air (M4 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £639 compared with £967.50 for the MacBook Air (M4 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) adds a lighter build (1230 g vs 1510 g). Refurbished, it costs £328.50 less (from £639 vs £967.50).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M4 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the MacBook Neo (A18 series) in 256GB and 512GB.
