MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series)
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MacBook Neo (A18 series)
Starting at
£639.00
MacBook Pro (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,950.44What's the difference between the MacBook Neo (A18 series) and MacBook Pro (M5 series)?
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) starts at £639, £1311.44 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series). The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M5 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 (M5 series).
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) specs
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) and MacBook Pro (M5 series) differ in several key areas that suit different user needs. The MacBook Pro offers higher performance with 16 GB of RAM and a 10-core GPU, making it well suited for demanding tasks and multitasking. It also has a larger 14 inch screen with higher resolution and brightness for more immersive viewing. The MacBook Neo, with 8 GB of RAM and a 5-core GPU, fits everyday use with solid performance in a lighter, more compact 13 inch design. Storage options vary, with the MacBook Neo available in 256 or 512 GB, while the MacBook Pro starts at 512 GB and goes up to 2 TB. Connectivity and audiovisual features also differ, so choosing depends on what fits your priorities for power, portability, and multimedia experience.
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) price
Colour
- IndigoSold out
- CitrusSold out
- BlushSold out
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) battery life and software updates
These factors contribute to the long-term usability of each device, with no difference in operating system compatibility or repair ease.
Operating System Support
This ensures that whether you choose the MacBook Neo or MacBook Pro, you will have access to the current software features and security updates.
Repairability
This means both devices can be maintained or serviced with similar convenience.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) performance
Performance varies primarily in graphics power, RAM, and storage options. Depending on your workload, these differences affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can store locally.
Graphics and RAM
The MacBook Pro's 10-core GPU and 16 GB RAM support more demanding graphics tasks and multitasking, ideal if you use professional software or keep many apps open. The MacBook Neo's 5-core GPU and 8 GB RAM keep everyday apps running smoothly, suitable for general use.
Storage Capacity
The MacBook Neo comes with 256 GB or 512 GB SSD storage options, fitting typical storage needs. The MacBook Pro offers 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD options, providing more space if you handle large files or extensive media libraries.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) screen
Screen quality differences affect clarity, brightness, and workspace size. These factors influence how comfortable and detailed the viewing experience is on each device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Pro's 14 inch screen with 3024 x 1964 resolution offers a larger and sharper workspace, better for detailed work or watching high-resolution content. The MacBook Neo's 13 inch screen with 2408 x 1506 resolution suits users who prefer a more compact display.
Brightness and Display Type
With 1000 nits brightness and a Liquid Retina XDR display, the MacBook Pro provides a brighter screen that enhances viewing in varied lighting. The MacBook Neo has a 500 nits brightness Liquid Retina Display, suitable for everyday indoor use.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) camera
Audio and camera features differ between these MacBooks, impacting video calls and media enjoyment.
Speakers
The MacBook Pro includes six speakers, offering richer sound quality and better audio depth, which benefits music, movies, and video calls. The MacBook Neo uses side-firing speakers that deliver clear sound suitable for everyday listening.
Webcam Definition
The MacBook Pro has a 12 MP webcam, capturing more detail in video calls or recordings. The MacBook Neo features a 1080p webcam, providing good quality video for standard use.
Front camera definition
Microphone
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) size and design
Other notable differences include connectivity options, weight, and Bluetooth versions. These affect portability, device compatibility, and convenience.
Ports and Connectivity
The MacBook Pro offers three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SDXC card slot, making it versatile for connecting multiple devices and transferring data from cards. The MacBook Neo has two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and no card slot, which suits users who need fewer connections.
Bluetooth and Wireless
The MacBook Neo supports Bluetooth 6, a newer version than the MacBook Pro's Bluetooth 5.3, which may provide improved wireless device connections. Both models feature Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for fast and reliable internet.
Weight and Portability
Weighing 1230 g, the MacBook Neo is lighter and easier to carry around, fitting well for users prioritising portability. The MacBook Pro weighs 1550 g, reflecting its larger screen and additional features.
Screen Features
The MacBook Pro includes promotion technology on its display, offering smoother motion which benefits scrolling and animations. The MacBook Neo does not have promotion.
Touch Features
Both devices have touch capabilities but neither includes a touch bar, maintaining a consistent input experience.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Display
Hdmi output
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 Neo (A18 series) or MacBook Pro (M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Neo (A18 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £639, £1311.44 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (1230 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) FAQs
MacBook Neo (A18 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £639 compared with £1950.44 for the MacBook Pro (M5 series).
The MacBook Neo (A18 series) adds a lighter build (1230 g vs 1550 g). Refurbished, it costs £1311.44 less (from £639 vs £1950.44).
Refurbished, the MacBook Neo (A18 series) comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the MacBook Pro (M5 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
