MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series)
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MacBook Neo (A18 series)
Starting at
£639.00
MacBook Pro (M3 series)
Starting at
£1,395.68£1,868.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Neo (A18 series) and MacBook Pro (M3 series)?
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) starts at £639, £756.68 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
- The MacBook Neo (A18 series) has a lighter build: 1230 g vs 1500 g.
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) specs
The Neo offers a 13 inch Liquid Retina Display with IPS, while the Pro has a larger 14 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with higher resolution and brightness. Performance differs mainly in graphics: the Neo has a 5-core GPU, while the Pro comes with a 10-core GPU. Storage options vary, with the Neo offering 256GB or 512GB SSDs and the Pro also available in 1TB and 2TB. Audio setups differ, with the Neo using side-firing speakers and the Pro featuring a six-speaker high-fidelity system. Other distinctions include Bluetooth 6 on the Neo, an SD card slot on the Pro, and differences in USB-C port counts and device weight. Each suits different priorities in screen quality, graphics power, and expandability.
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) price
Colour
- IndigoSold out
- CitrusSold out
- BlushSold out
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) battery life and software updates
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) performance
Performance is influenced by processor, graphics, RAM, and storage. Both MacBooks share the same amount of RAM and processor brand, but differ in graphics and storage options that suit different types of users.
Graphics Capability
The MacBook Neo has a 5-core GPU, which is adequate for everyday graphics tasks and moderate creative work. The MacBook Pro features a 10-core GPU, better suited for users who need more graphics power for demanding creative projects or multitasking with graphic-intensive apps.
RAM and Processor
Both MacBook Neo and MacBook Pro come with 8 GB RAM and use Apple processors with 64-bit architecture, keeping everyday apps running smoothly and offering consistent performance for general tasks.
Storage Options
The MacBook Neo is available with 256 GB or 512 GB SSD storage, offering flexibility for users with lighter storage needs. The MacBook Pro starts at 512 GB and is also available in larger 1 TB and 2 TB options, better suited for users who require more space for large files and applications.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience. The MacBook Neo and MacBook Pro both feature Retina displays with True Tone, but differ significantly in size, resolution, brightness, and screen technology, influencing how vibrant and detailed visuals appear.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Neo has a 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2408 x 1506, which suits users who prefer a more compact display. The MacBook Pro offers a larger 14 inch screen with a higher resolution of 3024 x 1964, providing more screen real estate and sharper images for detailed work or media consumption.
Display Technology and Brightness
The MacBook Neo uses a Liquid Retina Display with IPS, delivering accurate colours and wide viewing angles. The MacBook Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, offering exceptional brightness and contrast that benefits creators working in bright environments or with HDR content.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) camera
Audio and video features affect communication and media enjoyment. Both MacBooks have 1080p front cameras, but their speaker systems vary, catering to different listening experiences.
Camera Quality
Both models feature a 1080p front camera, suitable for clear video calls and meetings.
Speaker System
The MacBook Neo includes side-firing speakers which provide clear sound for everyday use. The MacBook Pro has a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, delivering richer, more immersive audio, ideal for music lovers or those who use their MacBook for video and audio editing.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) size and design
This section covers additional features that can influence convenience and connectivity. Differences in Bluetooth versions, card slots, USB-C ports, and weight can affect how you use each MacBook day to day.
Connectivity and Ports
The MacBook Neo supports Bluetooth 6, offering the latest wireless connectivity enhancements, while the MacBook Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3. The Pro also includes an SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, useful for photographers or those transferring files from cards. USB-C ports differ with the Neo having two Thunderbolt 4 ports and the Pro offering three USB-C ports.
Touch and Keyboard
Both devices support touch input and come with an English QWERTY keyboard. Neither features a Touch Bar.
Weight and Portability
The MacBook Neo weighs 1230 g, making it lighter and potentially easier to carry for those prioritising portability. The MacBook Pro is heavier at 1500 g, which may be worth considering if you often carry your device.
Display and Promotion
Both have a standard display type and support True Tone. The MacBook Pro includes Promotion technology, which can enhance screen responsiveness, beneficial for smoother visual interactions.
Audio Jack Availability
Both MacBooks include a jack plug, allowing connection to wired headphones or external sound devices.
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 Neo (A18 series) or MacBook Pro (M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Neo (A18 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £639, £756.68 less than the MacBook Pro (M3 series)
- you want a lighter build (1230 g vs 1500 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M3 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) FAQs
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. The MacBook Pro (M3 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch. Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Neo (A18 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £639 compared with £1395.68 for the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) adds a lighter build (1230 g vs 1500 g). Refurbished, it costs £756.68 less (from £639 vs £1395.68).
Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the MacBook Pro (M3 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
