5 MacBook Neo features that make Apple’s new sub-Rs 70K laptop worth your attention

Apple launching a MacBook under Rs 70,000 was not on many people’s prediction lists this year. Yet here we are. The new MacBook Neo arrives as the company’s most affordable laptop so far, bringing a familiar Apple design language together with an unexpected processor choice. Instead of an M-series chip, it runs on the same A18 Pro processor found inside the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.

Want to know more about Apple’s latest budget bet? Here are five things that make the new MacBook Neo stand out.

1. An iPhone chip running the show

The MacBook Neo is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip, which normally lives inside the iPhone 16 Pro series. It is an unusual move for a Mac, but Apple says the chip still delivers serious everyday performance.

According to Apple, the Neo can be up to 50 per cent faster for daily tasks compared to a Windows laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor. The company also claims certain AI workloads run up to three times faster, suggesting the A18 Pro still has plenty of headroom despite its smartphone origins.

2. A sharp 13-inch Liquid Retina display

The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS display with a resolution of 2408 × 1506 pixels, and a pixel density of 219 ppi. In simple terms, that translates to a crisp, colourful panel that should handle everyday viewing comfortably.

ALSO READ: Apple MacBook Neo launches with an iPhone chip, 13-inch display and 16 hour battery life

Whether it is streaming shows, editing photos, or simply scrolling through endless browser tabs, the display should deliver the kind of clarity Apple laptops are known for.

3. Magic Keyboard with optional Touch ID

Apple has equipped the MacBook Neo with its Magic Keyboard, which has become something of a staple across the company’s laptops. It is the familiar full-size layout with the comfortable key travel most Mac users already know. However, it does miss out on backlighting.

Interestingly, biometric security depends on which model you buy. The 512GB version includes Touch ID for fingerprint unlocking, while the base configuration skips it.

4. Battery life designed for all-day use

Apple claims the MacBook Neo can deliver up to 11 hours of web browsing or as much as 16 hours of video playback. For a lightweight machine aimed at students and casual users, that puts it firmly in all-day laptop territory.

The device itself weighs just 1.23kg, making it easy to slip into a backpack or carry around campus or the office.

5. The usual Apple extras still included

Despite being the company’s most affordable MacBook, the Neo still gets a few familiar Apple touches.

There is a 1080p FaceTime HD camera for video calls, a dual-microphone array with Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum modes, and dual speakers that support Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6, alongside two USB-C ports.

ALSO READ: Apple MacBook Neo price in India: Here’s how much each variant costs

The MacBook Neo’s biggest talking point remains its price and positioning. At under Rs 70,000, it opens the door to a MacBook for many first-time buyers.

The more interesting question is whether that is enough to tempt people away from the MacBook Air, especially the new variant with the powerhouse M5 chip. Drop a comment with your thoughts, and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for all things tech.