MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air: which small MacBook should you buy

If you're choosing a small, light MacBook, Apple now offers two close options: the new MacBook Neo and the 13-inch MacBook Air. Both weigh 2.7 pounds and are almost the same size; the Air's display is 13.6 inches while the Neo's is 13 inches. Both support Apple Intelligence.

The Neo starts at $599 while the 13-inch Air starts at $1,099. The Neo's base model has 8GB of RAM that can't be upgraded and 256GB of storage; for $699 you get 512GB and Touch ID. The base Air comes with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage and includes Touch ID. The Neo uses an A18 Pro chip, the same chip in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, whereas the Air uses an M5 chip.

The Neo has a Multi-Touch trackpad and Wi-Fi 6E; the Air offers a Force Touch trackpad and Wi-Fi 7. Apple quotes up to 16 hours of battery life for the Neo and 18 hours for the Air, and the Neo comes in brighter colors while the Air uses Apple's familiar finishes.

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