Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Neo

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) is the better pick — it scores 61/100 to the Apple MacBook Neo's 38, leading on Processor and Memory. Choose the Apple MacBook Neo instead if integrated graphics matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Performance is scored from the laptop's CPU and GPU; few laptops have a published whole-system benchmark.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) leads overall

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)

Apple MacBook Neo

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 16 GB (100% more)
Storage capacity: 512 GB (100% more)
Battery Maximum charge power: 70 W (250% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
60 Hz panel — less smooth than 120 Hz+ rivals.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.

Apple MacBook Neo

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.
No SD card reader.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Neo
Category	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo	Winner
Processor	65	36	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Integrated Graphics	38	44	Apple MacBook Neo
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	63	37	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Storage	56	27	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Display	60	47	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Sound	81	28	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	69	31	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Connectivity	87	74	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Input	100	0	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Ports	54	39	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Design & Weight	51	49	Tie
Security	57	15	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
Performance	60	22	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)

The Apple MacBook Air M5 is a mid-tier subnotebook designed for everyday consumer and lightweight use, sitting between the entry-level MacBook Neo and the premium MacBook Pro. Powered by the Apple M5 system-on-a-chip, this model is offered in 13-inch and 15-inch screen sizes and features integrated Apple graphics.

Best for Everyday productivity and lightweight portable computingBest for Users prioritizing high-speed Wi-Fi 7 connectivity

Pros

Updated wireless capabilities featuring a Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 card
Available in both 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display configurations
Configurable with up to 32 GB of unified memory and 2 TB of storage

Cons

Soldered storage and unified memory cannot be upgraded by the user after purchase

Source

MacBook Air (Apple silicon) - WikipediaProvides historical context, product tiering in the 2026 lineup, screen size options, and base hardware specifications.

Video — reviews used (2)

Highlights reviewer comparisons, evaluation categories, and specific hardware details such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 support.

Generated Aug 6, 2026

Apple MacBook Neo

The Apple MacBook Neo is a compact, ultraportable laptop powered by the Apple A18 Pro processor with integrated graphics. Designed for entry-level daily tasks, it features a 13.0-inch IPS display with a 2408 x 1506 resolution and 500 nits of brightness. Weighing 1.23 kg with a 1.27 cm thin chassis, it offers a simplified port selection and efficient mobile-derived silicon for basic computing needs.

Best for Everyday productivity and web browsing on a lightweight portable laptopBest for Frequent remote video meetings requiring a clear 1080p webcam

Pros

Bright 500-nit 13-inch display with crisp 2408 x 1506 resolution
Lightweight and slim design weighing just 1.23 kg
Full HD 1080p webcam for clear video calls
Modern wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.0 support

Cons

Non-upgradeable base memory (8 GB) and soldered storage (256 GB)
Slow maximum charging rate limited to 20 W
Restricted port selection without Thunderbolt, HDMI, or USB-A ports

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Neo

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)26,857

Apple MacBook Neo12,806

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)53.8 Wh

Apple MacBook Neo36.5 Wh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)Apple MacBook Neo

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) and Apple MacBook Neo weigh about the same.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Integrated graphics model	Apple M5

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Memory capacity	16 GB100% more	8 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Storage capacity	512 GB100% more	256 GB
Socket type	N/A
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Size	13.6 in5% more	13 in
Display resolution	2560 × 1664 px	2408 × 1506 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	16:10
Refresh rate	60 Hz	N/A
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type	Liquid Retina IPS
Brightness	500 nits	500 nits
Has pen support	N/A	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	83%	80%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Number of speakers	4	2
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	N/A
Number of microphones	3	2

Webcam

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Battery capacity	53.8 Wh47% more	36.5 Wh
Maximum charge power	70 W250% more	20 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology	Bluetooth 6

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	N/A
Has a numpad	No	No

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
USB Type A	0	0
USB Type C	2	2
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	No	No
Has a card reader	No	No
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Color	N/A
Dimensions	21.5 × 30.41 × 1.13 cm	29.75 × 20.64 × 1.27 cm
Weight	1.23 kg	1.23 kg

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	N/A
Has infrared face recognition support	No	No

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)	Apple MacBook Neo
PassMark CPU Mark	26,857110% more	12,806
Active cooling	No	N/A
Release Date	March 11, 2026	March 11, 2026

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Neo comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) rates higher at 45/100 versus 28/100 for Apple MacBook Neo — a 17-point lead. Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) and Apple MacBook Neo are compared side by side above across every spec in the laptops category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 45/100 for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) and 28/100 for Apple MacBook Neo.

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) (45/100) edges out Apple MacBook Neo (28/100). But if Apple MacBook Neo is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.