To achieve a starting price of VND16.499 million (approximately US$670), the MacBook Neo comes with several compromises, including limited RAM, the use of the A18 Pro chip, reduced connectivity options and the removal of Touch ID.

Although the MacBook Neo shares a design similar to higher-end models such as the MacBook Air M5, Apple had to scale back several features to reach the US$599 price point. Below are the main trade-offs found on this laptop.

Limited to 8GB RAM

This is the most controversial compromise, though not entirely unexpected. Unlike the MacBook Air M5, which starts with 16GB of RAM, the MacBook Neo is limited to 8GB and offers no upgrade option to 16GB during purchase.

While 8GB may seem modest in 2026, it is considered reasonable amid a global RAM shortage. With this configuration, users are advised not to open too many browser tabs or applications simultaneously to avoid performance slowdowns.

Using the A18 Pro chip instead of the M series

This marks the first time Apple has equipped a MacBook with an A-series chip instead of its M-series processors. The A18 Pro, also used in the iPhone 16 Pro, is one of the fastest and most energy-efficient mobile chips available.

However, the processor lacks the high-bandwidth memory and specialized media engines found in the Apple M5 chip. As a result, the device may struggle with tasks such as 4K video editing or 3D design work.

The A18 Pro is designed to optimize performance for short, quick tasks rather than sustained heavy workloads.

Limited connectivity

The MacBook Neo includes two USB-C ports but does not support MagSafe charging. This means that when the device is charging, only one port remains available for other connections.

The ports also differ in speed. Only one USB-C port supports high-speed USB 3 data transfer up to 10Gb per second, while the other is limited to USB 2 speeds of 480Mb per second. Connecting an external drive to the slower port could significantly increase file transfer times.

Pay extra for Touch ID

The base price of VND16.499 million (approximately US$670) does not include Touch ID. Users must enter their password manually when unlocking the device, downloading apps or logging into secure websites.

Those who want the convenience of Apple Pay and quick login must pay an additional VND2.5 million (US$100) to obtain the version equipped with Touch ID and a 512GB SSD.

Reduced display and color capabilities

The device still features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display that offers solid brightness and clarity, but it does not match the standards of more expensive models.

The display does not support the wider P3 color gamut. Instead, it uses the older sRGB standard, resulting in colors that appear less vivid and lacking depth compared with the displays on iPhones or the MacBook Air M5.

Apple has also removed True Tone technology, meaning the screen cannot automatically adjust to ambient lighting conditions, which may cause eye strain during long working sessions.

Cuts to audio and camera features

In terms of multimedia, although the device includes a 1080p webcam, it lacks advanced features such as Center Stage, which keeps the subject centered during video calls, and Desk View, which shows the user’s desk during presentations.

The audio system consists of only two basic speakers, sufficient for podcasts or YouTube but lacking the bass depth, clarity and spatial sound provided by the four-speaker system on the MacBook Air.

Overall, by removing several premium features, Apple has created a MacBook that is accessible to most mainstream users or students. Even so, buyers should clearly understand their needs and set realistic expectations before choosing the device.

Du Lam