Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) 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 (M1) is the better pick — it scores 51/100 to the Apple MacBook Neo's 47, leading on Display and Sound. Choose the Apple MacBook Neo instead if integrated graphics and storage matter 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 (M1) and Apple MacBook Neo are closely matched

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

Apple MacBook Neo

Where Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) stands out

Processor model: Apple M1
Display resolution: 2560 × 1600 px
Sound Number of microphones: 3

Where Apple MacBook Neo stands out

Integrated graphics model: Apple A18 Pro GPU
Webcam resolution: 1920 × 1080 px
Connectivity Wi-Fi technology: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

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 (M1) vs Apple MacBook Neo
Category	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo	Winner
Processor	44	42	Tie
Integrated Graphics	35	45	Apple MacBook Neo
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	50	50	Tie
Storage	38	43	Apple MacBook Neo
Display	58	50	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Sound	72	41	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Webcam	20	80	Apple MacBook Neo
Battery	64	36	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Connectivity	62	78	Apple MacBook Neo
Input	100	0	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Ports	52	39	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Design & Weight	45	55	Apple MacBook Neo
Security	57	15	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Performance	45	46	Tie

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 (M1)

The 2020 Apple MacBook Air is a thin-and-light 13.3-inch laptop designed primarily for everyday productivity and general consumer use. This model year represents a major transition point, featuring an early-year release with 10th Gen Intel processors and a late-year version powered by Apple's custom fanless M1 system-on-a-chip. Key features include a high-resolution Retina display, a robust physical construction, and a silent internal design.

Best for working in quiet environments like libraries or officesBest for all-day battery life at moderate display brightness settingsBest for lightweight travel and everyday multi-tasking

Pros

Completely silent operation thanks to a fanless thermal design
Highly responsive system performance driven by the custom M1 chip
High-quality display featuring a wide P3 color gamut and True Tone technology
Comfortable typing experience with the updated keyboard design

Cons

Restricted physical connectivity with only two USB-C ports
Limited external display support, allowing only one external monitor
Lower-resolution 720p FaceTime webcam
Permanently soldered storage and memory that cannot be upgraded by the user

Source

MacBook Air (Apple silicon) - WikipediaProvides detailed technical specifications, display capabilities, performance limitations, and hardware reception for the M1 model.

Video — reviews used (2)

Provides historical context on the early 2020 Intel-based release, noting the upgraded keyboard and storage configurations.

Generated Jun 30, 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 (M1)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Neo

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)14,121

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 (M1)49.9 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 (M1)Apple MacBook Neo

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) is 0.06 kg (5%) heavier than Apple MacBook Neo.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Memory capacity	8 GB	8 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Storage capacity	256 GB	256 GB
Socket type	N/A
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Size	13.3 in	13 in
Display resolution	2560 × 1600 px	2408 × 1506 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	16:10
Refresh rate	60 Hz	N/A
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	400 nits	500 nits25% more
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	79%	80%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Number of speakers	2	2
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	N/A
Number of microphones	3	2

Webcam

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Webcam resolution	1280 × 720 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Battery capacity	49.9 Wh37% more	36.5 Wh
Maximum charge power	30 W50% more	20 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	N/A
Has a numpad	No	No

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	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 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Color
Dimensions	30.41 × 21.24 × 1.61 cm	29.75 × 20.64 × 1.27 cm
Weight	1.29 kg	1.23 kg5% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	N/A
Has infrared face recognition support	No	No

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Apple MacBook Neo
PassMark CPU Mark	14,12110% more	12,806
Active cooling	No	N/A
Release Date	November 17, 2020	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 (M1) vs Apple MacBook Neo comparison

They are closely matched: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) scores 30/100 and Apple MacBook Neo scores 28/100 in our overall comparison — within 2 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) 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 30/100 for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) and 28/100 for Apple MacBook Neo.

It's close — Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) (30/100) and Apple MacBook Neo (28/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.