MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)
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MacBook Neo (A18 series)
Starting at
£639.00
MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)
Starting at
£374.10£1,299.00 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Neo (A18 series) and MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)?
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) comes down to the screen type and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) starts at £374.10, £264.90 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: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series), Retina display on the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel).
- The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a lighter build: 1230 g vs 1400 g.
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) specs
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) and the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) offer different strengths for buyers. The MacBook Neo supports macOS Tahoe and features Apple's own processor, making it suited for users wanting the latest software updates and efficient performance with 8 GB RAM. Its screen has a slightly lower resolution but uses a Liquid Retina display. The Neo also offers a sharper front camera, Bluetooth 6, and weighs less. The MacBook Pro supports a higher screen resolution and larger storage options up to 4TB, making it a good choice for users who need more storage and a higher resolution display. Its Touch Bar and three-mic array appeal to those who prefer those features. Both are compact 13-inch laptops with similar RAM and SSD storage types, suitable for everyday tasks and professional use.
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) price
Colour
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Storage
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) battery life and software updates
Durability and software support are key when choosing a MacBook. The operating system version and release year hint at how long each device stays current with Apple's updates.
Operating System Support
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) supports macOS Tahoe, which is a later version than the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) supports with macOS Sequoia. If staying on a more recent macOS is important to you, the Neo offers that advantage. This can affect app compatibility and security updates over time.
Release Year Context
The MacBook Neo was released in 2026, while the MacBook Pro was released in 2020. This provides context but does not itself indicate durability. Both devices are designed to be reliable within their expected usage periods.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) performance
Performance features like processor brand, RAM, and storage influence how smoothly each MacBook handles your tasks and how much space you have for files and applications.
Processor Brand
The MacBook Neo uses an Apple processor, while the MacBook Pro runs on an Intel processor. This difference may matter if you prefer Apple's architecture or need software optimised specifically for either platform.
Memory and Storage
Both MacBooks come with 8 GB of RAM and SSD storage, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and files loading quickly. Storage options for the MacBook Neo are 256GB and 512GB, suitable for most users. The MacBook Pro offers more variety with options up to 4TB, ideal if you require large local storage for projects or media.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience. Both MacBooks have 13-inch Retina displays with True Tone and 500 nits brightness, but some details differ.
Resolution and Display Type
The MacBook Pro offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600 on its Retina display, providing a slightly sharper image. The MacBook Neo has a 2408 x 1506 resolution with a Liquid Retina display, which also delivers vibrant colours and clarity. Depending on your preference, the Neo's Liquid Retina is suitable for vivid visuals, while the Pro's higher resolution may benefit detailed work.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) camera
Audio and video features vary between these MacBooks, influencing video calls and media enjoyment.
Front Camera Quality
The MacBook Neo has a 1080p front camera, offering clearer video calls and recordings compared to the MacBook Pro's 720p camera. This is beneficial if you frequently use video conferencing or create visual content.
Speakers and Microphones
The MacBook Neo features side-firing speakers and a dual-mic array, which can provide clear sound and voice pickup. The MacBook Pro comes with stereo speakers with high dynamic range and three microphones, which may deliver richer audio and better noise capture during calls or recordings.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) size and design
Additional features like Bluetooth, ports, and weight contribute to everyday convenience and connectivity with other devices.
Connectivity and Ports
Both MacBooks include Bluetooth and two USB-C ports. The Neo supports Bluetooth 6, offering the latest wireless connectivity improvements, while the Pro has Bluetooth 5.0. Both support Wi-Fi but the Neo operates on Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which can provide faster and more reliable wireless connections compared to the Pro's Wi-Fi 802.11ac.
Weight and Portability
The MacBook Neo weighs 1230 g, making it lighter and potentially easier to carry than the MacBook Pro at 1400 g. This difference might appeal if you prioritize portability.
Touch Features
Both devices have touch capabilities, but the MacBook Pro includes a Touch Bar, which may suit users who like quick access to shortcuts and controls. The MacBook Neo does not have a Touch Bar, focusing instead on a straightforward touch interface.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Microphone specifications
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Turbo boost
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usba port
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Neo (A18 series) or MacBook Pro (2020, Intel): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Neo (A18 series) if
- you want a lighter build (1230 g vs 1400 g)
- you want the newer model (2026)
Buy the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £374.10, £264.90 less than the MacBook Neo (A18 series)
What our customers say
Customers who have the MacBook Neo (A18 series) praise its condition, describing it as feeling just like new or better than expected. Many highlight its lightweight design and speed, with one noting excellent battery life after many hours of work. The 1080p camera and overall fast performance have also impressed users. Satisfaction with the Neo often mentions the device looking and feeling like a brand new machine.
Users of the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) report solid performance for daily tasks, with good battery life lasting through full working days. Several mention the speed and reliability when running apps and coursework, with some noting the device can get warm under heavy use. The screen is consistently described as clear and bright, and the keyboard comfortable to type on. Some customers noticed minor marks or signs of wear but found the laptop's performance met their needs well.
Both devices suit users who want reliable 13-inch MacBooks with 8 GB RAM and SSD storage. The Neo appeals to those valuing a lighter machine with up-to-date camera and connectivity features, while the Pro suits buyers who prioritise screen resolution, storage capacity, and the Touch Bar.
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) FAQs
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) comes down to the screen type and weight. Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series), Retina display on the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a lighter build: 1230 g vs 1400 g.
The MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) is cheaper refurbished, from £374.10 compared with £639 for the MacBook Neo (A18 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) adds a lighter build (1230 g vs 1400 g). Refurbished, it costs £264.90 more (from £639 vs £374.10).
Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB.
