MacBook Neo vs. M1 MacBook Air: First Benchmarks Revealed
▼ Summary
– The new MacBook Neo uses the same A18 Pro chip as the iPhone 16 Pro but has one fewer GPU core, resulting in a slightly lower Metal score.
– Its benchmark scores show single-core performance is much higher than the M1 MacBook Air and closer to the M3/M4, while multi-core performance is on par with the M1.
– The device is designed for tasks like web browsing and document apps that benefit from high single-core speed, not intensive multi-core workloads like video editing.
– Apple markets the MacBook Neo against Windows PCs and Chromebooks, claiming it is up to 50% faster for everyday tasks and significantly faster for AI and photo editing.
– The MacBook Neo is priced starting at $599, available for preorder, and set to launch on March 11.
The first performance benchmarks for Apple’s new MacBook Neo have emerged, providing a clear look at what users can expect from this budget-friendly laptop. The device, powered by the same A18 Pro chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro, delivers impressive single-core speeds that significantly outpace the older M1 MacBook Air. This focus on strong single-threaded performance makes the Neo well-suited for its target audience, who prioritize everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption over intensive creative workloads.
In Geekbench tests, the MacBook Neo achieved a single-core score of 3461 and a multi-core score of 8668. Its Metal graphics score came in at 31,286. These figures are nearly identical to the iPhone 16 Pro’s results, which makes perfect sense given the shared silicon. The slight dip in the Metal score is attributable to the MacBook Neo’s configuration, which features one fewer GPU core than its smartphone counterpart.
A comparison with other Apple devices puts these numbers into perspective. The Neo’s single-core performance handily beats the M1 MacBook Air’s score of 2346, while their multi-core results are remarkably close, with the M1 Air scoring 8342. This positions the A18 Pro’s multi-core capability on par with the first-generation Apple Silicon Mac chip. However, the Neo’s single-core prowess is more aligned with the performance tier of the M3 or M4 chips, as seen in the newer MacBook Air and iPad Air models, though its multi-core score doesn’t reach those heights.
This performance profile is intentional. High single-core performance is crucial for the responsive feel of daily computing activities, which aligns with the MacBook Neo’s design philosophy. It is not marketed as a machine for demanding tasks like professional video editing, 3D rendering, or complex music production, where higher multi-core and GPU performance are essential. Instead, Apple positions the Neo as a competitor to similarly priced Windows laptops and Chromebooks. The company’s marketing claims the A18 Pro delivers tasks up to 50 percent faster for everyday use than a leading PC with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, along with substantial gains in on-device AI processing and photo editing.
It’s important to note that these are early results from a single benchmark run. Average scores may see minor variations as more units are tested. The MacBook Neo is now available for preorder starting at $599, with an official launch scheduled for March 11.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
