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MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series)

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MacBook Neo (A18 series)

Starting at

£639.00
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MacBook Pro (M1 series)

Starting at

£506.35£1,299.00 new
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(17 reviews)

What's the difference between the MacBook Neo (A18 series) and MacBook Pro (M1 series)?

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M1 series) starts at £506.35, £132.65 less than the MacBook Neo (A18 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.

Refurbished from

£639£506.35

RAM

8 GB16 GB

Screen type

Liquid Retina DisplayRetina display

Weight

1230 g1400 g
  • The MacBook Pro (M1 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
  • Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series), Retina display on the MacBook Pro (M1 series).
  • The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a lighter build: 1230 g vs 1400 g.

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) specs

The MacBook Neo (A18 series) and the MacBook Pro (M1 series) differ mainly in performance, screen, and audiovisual features. The MacBook Neo offers 8 GB of RAM and a 5-core GPU, suitable for everyday tasks and lighter workloads. The MacBook Pro has 16 GB of RAM and an 8-core GPU, fitting for users who need more memory and graphics power. The Neo features a brighter 500 nits Liquid Retina display, while the Pro has a slightly higher resolution Retina screen at 400 nits. For audiovisual, the Neo has a 1080p front camera and side-firing speakers, while the Pro offers a 720p camera and stereo speakers with high dynamic range. The Pro also provides larger storage options up to 4TB, compared to the Neo's 256GB or 512GB. Both have similar durability and wireless connectivity, but differ on touch bar presence and weight. Choose the Neo for brightness and camera or the Pro for memory and storage needs.

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) price

Colour

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MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) battery life and software updates

Both MacBook models support the same maximum operating system, ensuring long-term software use. Their release years differ, providing context for their design and technology generation.

Operating System Support

The MacBook Neo (A18 series) and MacBook Pro (M1 series) both run macOS Tahoe, so you can expect the same software compatibility and updates on either device.

Release Year

The MacBook Neo was released in 2026 and the MacBook Pro in 2020. This difference marks the generation each device belongs to without implying advantages.

Maximum operating system supported

macOS TahoemacOS Tahoe

Year of release

20262020

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) performance

Performance depends on memory, graphics, and storage capacity. These aspects affect multitasking, content creation, and file handling differently across the two MacBooks.

RAM Capacity

The MacBook Neo comes with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The MacBook Pro doubles that with 16 GB, better suited for handling more apps or larger workflows simultaneously.

Graphics Processing

The MacBook Neo features a 5-core GPU, fitting for standard graphics tasks and general use. The MacBook Pro has an 8-core GPU, which supports more demanding graphics work like video editing or design.

Storage Options

MacBook Neo offers 256GB or 512GB SSD storage, good for typical file storage and quick access. MacBook Pro extends options up to 4TB, making it suitable for users needing extensive space for large files or projects.

Graphic card

5-core GPU8-core GPU

Macbook architecture

64-bits64-bits

Processor brand

AppleN/A

RAM

8 GB16 GB

Storage type

SSDSSD

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) screen

Screen quality impacts viewing experience, colour accuracy, and brightness. Both devices share some display features but differ in resolution, brightness, and screen type.

Display Brightness

The MacBook Neo offers a brighter screen at 500 nits, which helps visibility in well-lit environments. The MacBook Pro's screen brightness is 400 nits, still clear but less intense in direct light.

Screen Resolution

The MacBook Pro has a higher resolution at 2560 x 1600 pixels, delivering sharper detail. The MacBook Neo's resolution is 2408 x 1506 pixels, which is very close and suitable for most viewing needs.

Display Type

The MacBook Neo uses a Liquid Retina Display, designed for vibrant colours and smooth visuals. The MacBook Pro features a Retina display, which also delivers crisp and detailed images.

Ips

YesYes

Resolution

2408 x 15062560 x 1600

Retina

YesYes

Screen brightness

500 nits brightness400 nits brightness

Screen size

13 inch13 inch

Screen type

Liquid Retina DisplayRetina display

True tone

YesYes

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) camera

Audiovisual features affect video calls, media playback, and sound quality. Differences in camera resolution and speaker design influence these experiences.

Front Camera Quality

The MacBook Neo has a 1080p front camera, offering higher definition for video calls and recordings. The MacBook Pro's front camera is 720p, suitable for everyday video conferencing.

Speaker Design

The MacBook Neo includes side-firing speakers, directing sound from the sides of the device. The MacBook Pro features stereo speakers with high dynamic range, delivering a balanced and dynamic sound experience.

Front camera definition

1080p720p

Microphone

YesN/A

Speakers

Side-firing speakersStereo speakers with high dynamic range

Webcam

YesN/A

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) size and design

Additional features like connectivity, weight, and input devices affect daily use and convenience. These small differences define comfort and ease of use for different users.

Bluetooth Version

The MacBook Neo supports Bluetooth 6, offering potentially improved wireless connectivity compared to the MacBook Pro's Bluetooth 5.0.

Touch and Touch Bar

Both MacBooks have touch input, but only the MacBook Pro includes a Touch Bar, which provides dynamic controls above the keyboard for shortcuts and app functions.

Weight

The MacBook Neo weighs 1230 g, making it lighter to carry around. The MacBook Pro is heavier at 1400 g, which might be noticed during extended portability.

Bluetooth

YesN/A

Bluetooth version

Bluetooth 6Bluetooth 5.0

Card slot

NoneNone

Charger compatibility

N/AUSB-C

Depth

N/A21.24 cm

Display

Standard displayStandard display

Hdmi output

N/ANo

Height

N/A1.56 cm

Jack plug

YesYes

Keyboard language type

QWERTY - EnglishQWERTY - English

Microphone specifications

Dual-mic arrayN/A

Neural engine

16-core16-core

Promotion

NoNo

Release date

March 11, 2026Late 2020

Touch

YesYes

Touch bar

NoYes

Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports

22

Usbc port

2N/A

Webcam definition

1080pN/A

Weight

1230 g1400 g

Width

N/A30.41 cm

Wifi technology

Wi-Fi 6 802.11axWi-Fi 6 802.11ax

MacBook Neo (A18 series) or MacBook Pro (M1 series): 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 (M1 series) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £506.35, £132.65 less than the MacBook Neo (A18 series)
  • you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)

What our customers say

Customers say the MacBook Neo (A18 series) feels just like new and is in excellent condition. They appreciate its lightweight design and fast performance, with some noting excellent battery life during long working hours. The screen and overall build quality meet expectations, and the device suits users looking for a fast, lightweight MacBook with a bright screen and good camera.

For the MacBook Pro (M1 series), customers highlight its reliability and smooth handling of demanding tasks like video editing and photo storage. The 16 GB RAM and larger storage options receive praise for supporting multitasking and file management. Some mention minor marks on the case. The device runs quickly and battery life lasts through long days. The Touch Bar and stereo speakers with high dynamic range are valued by users needing extra control and sound quality.

The MacBook Neo suits users prioritising screen brightness, camera quality, and portability. The MacBook Pro is better for those needing more memory, higher resolution, larger storage, and advanced audio control.

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) FAQs

MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. The MacBook Pro (M1 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series), Retina display on the MacBook Pro (M1 series).

The MacBook Pro (M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £506.35 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 £132.65 more (from £639 vs £506.35).

Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the MacBook Pro (M1 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB.

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