# DAMN, Apple - MacBook Neo Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKPSlWpaQ4s Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/QKPSlWpaQ4s Generated: 2026-03-14T18:04:16.184+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The MacBook Neo, despite its lower $599 base price and inclusion of an A18 chip derived from iPhone technology, performs slightly worse than the M1 MacBook Air in multi-threaded Cinebench tests (1410 vs 1721) but slightly better in single-threaded tests (479 vs 429), features a 13-inch 2408x1506 IPS display with 500 nits, includes a 20W USB-C charger and a 1.5m cable, retains a headphone jack, and notably lacks MagSafe charging, making it a colorful but somewhat compromised entry point into the macOS ecosystem. **Key Points:** - The MacBook Neo's A18 chip scores 479 in single-threaded Cinebench 2026, slightly exceeding the M1 MacBook Air's score of 429, but trails the M4 (644) and M5 (733) Airs. - In multi-threaded Cinebench 2026, the Neo scores 1410, falling behind the M1 Air (1721), M4 Air (3180), and M5 Air (3653). - The device features a 13-inch, 2408x1506 (219 ppi) IPS display with up to 500 nits brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate. - The base model is priced at $599 ($499 for education), and it includes a 20W USB-C Power Adapter and a 1.5m USB-C charge cable. - The MacBook Neo features two USB-C 3.0 ports (up to 10Gbps) and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, but omits MagSafe charging. - The keyboard uses white keys instead of black, lacks backlighting, and the trackpad uses a haptic engine instead of a mechanical click. - Battery life endurance tested via Plex playback resulted in 6 hours and 46 minutes (406 minutes), significantly less than the M4 (8h 19m) and M5 (8h 52m) MacBook Airs. ![Screenshot at 00:11: The reviewer unboxes the MacBook Neo, showing the yellow/lime-colored lid, explicitly naming the hypothetical device as the "Apple MacBook Neo."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QKPSlWpaQ4s/00-00-11.jpg) **Context:** The video presents a hands-on review and initial impressions of a leaked/hypothetical product called the 'Apple MacBook Neo,' which is positioned as a budget-friendly entry-level Apple laptop ($599 base price) utilizing an A18 chip similar to those in iPhones. The reviewer, who admits to being a long-time Windows user, unboxes the device and subjects it to initial performance benchmarks (Cinebench, JetStream) and thermal testing, comparing its features and performance against existing MacBook Air models (M1, M4, M5). ## Detailed Analysis The presenter unboxes the hypothetical MacBook Neo, which features an A18 chip, a 13-inch 2408x1506 (219 ppi) IPS display running at 60Hz with up to 500 nits brightness, and comes in vibrant colors like Citrus. The base model costs $599 ($499 education price) and includes an 1.5m USB-C cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter, but notably lacks MagSafe charging. The reviewer notes the keyboard features white keys (no backlight) and a haptic trackpad, unlike previous MacBooks that used mechanical clicks. Performance benchmarks show the A18 chip scoring 479 in single-threaded Cinebench 2026 (better than the M1 Air's 429, but much lower than M4/M5) and 1410 in multi-threaded tests (worse than the M1 Air's 1721). Battery endurance testing via Plex playback yielded 6 hours and 46 minutes, lagging behind the M4 and M5 Airs. The presenter concludes that while the hardware design feels premium, the performance limitations (especially multi-core and the lack of MagSafe) suggest this machine is intended for basic users, not heavy creative workloads. ### Unboxing and Design - The MacBook Neo features a colorful aluminum enclosure, including the Citrus color shown, with a 13-inch 2408x1506 500-nit IPS display and white keys on the keyboard. The chassis feels premium, but it lacks MagSafe charging, featuring two USB-C 3.0 ports instead. The trackpad is haptic, not mechanical. ### Performance Benchmarks - In single-threaded Cinebench 2026, the A18 chip scores 479, slightly beating the M1 Air (429). However, in multi-threaded tests, the Neo scores 1410, falling behind the M1 Air (1721). JetStream 2.2 web performance shows the Neo scoring 467, close to the M1 Air (402) but far behind the M4/M5 models. ### Battery Life - Under Plex playback (1080p, low power mode), the 36.5Wh battery lasted 6 hours and 46 minutes (406 minutes), significantly less than the M4 (8h 19m) and M5 (8h 52m) MacBook Airs. ### Connectivity and Input - The laptop includes two USB-C 3.0 ports (up to 10Gbps) and a 3.5mm headphone jack, but no SD card slot or MagSafe. The keyboard is color-matched to the chassis but lacks backlighting, and the trackpad is haptic, which the presenter finds less satisfying than previous MacBook trackpads. ### Conclusion and Target Audience - The presenter suggests that while the hardware is nice, the performance and feature compromises (like weaker multi-core performance and no MagSafe) are intended to position it as an entry-level device for basic users who prioritize color and portability over heavy workloads. ![Screenshot at 00:07: The presenter gestures widely while introducing the concept of the MacBook Neo.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QKPSlWpaQ4s/00-00-07.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:46: The presenter removes the protective sleeve from the Citrus-colored MacBook Neo, revealing the uniform color scheme.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QKPSlWpaQ4s/00-00-46.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:46: The presenter shows the included 20W USB-C Power Adapter and the 1.5m USB-C Charge Cable from the box.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QKPSlWpaQ4s/00-01-46.jpg) ![Screenshot at 11:22: A Cinebench 2026 Multi-Thread benchmark chart shows the MacBook Neo scoring 1410, significantly lower than the M1 Air \(1721\) and newer M-series Airs.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QKPSlWpaQ4s/00-11-22.jpg)