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New MacBook Neo vs refurbished MacBook Air M1 refurbished The Showdown

Posted on: March 4, 2026

MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air M1

Apple launched the most affordable MacBook in its history, priced under €1,000—starting at €699.

This new model features a more compact design, bolder colors, and a very competitive price, much like the iPhone 5C a few years ago.

Competing with it is a well-established alternative: the MacBook Air M1, a solid entry-level model that’s reliable, just as powerful, and more affordable. refurbished Refabz, it’s available now (check it out on our site for under €500).

So, do we give in to the allure of something new… or do we go with an iconic classic that’s already proven itself?

A unique positioning and design: the most affordable MacBook?

Apple big Apple with the MacBook Neo, aiming for a historically low price for a MacBook. The goal is clear: to offer a sleek, aluminum laptop capable of competing with plastic PCs and Chromebook models.

The brand even offers two bold colors—lemon yellow and powder pink—in addition to the classic silver and indigo black. This more playful approach, which proved popular with the iMac, could appeal to students, young professionals, or working adults looking for an affordable, stylish, and easily portable device.

The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, doesn't suffer from "the main character syndrome"—it has nothing to prove; it's already won us over! Its aluminum chassis is understated, timeless, yet still premium.

Processor: A18 Pro chip vs. M1 chip

The big surprise would come from the processor. Apple included the A18 Pro chip—the same one found in the iPhone 16 Pro—instead of an M-series chip.

On paper, the A18 Pro is powerful and more than capable of handling web browsing, office tasks, and optimized apps. It can be just as responsive as the M1.

But keep in mind, this chip comes from the mobile world. With its 6 CPU cores and 5 GPU cores, compared to the MacBook Air’s M1 with 8 CPU cores and 7 GPU cores, it wasn’t designed for a Mac, and you might start to notice some limitations if you push it a bit further—like with more intensive multitasking or connecting external displays. In short, it gets the job done… but we don’t yet know how long it will last in a Mac.

The MacBook Air's M1 chip, on the other hand, was designed for Macs from the ground up. It handles multiple open apps, some graphic design work, or light video editing with ease.

To put it simply, both offer fairly similar performance. But if you want peace of mind—knowing that your Mac will hold up over time and handle a bit more—the M1 remains the safer bet.

Screen: Compactness vs. Comfort

This MacBook features a 13-inch Retina display. Its compact design makes it highly portable—perfect for slipping into a bag and taking with you wherever you go.

But keep in mind: a smaller screen with thicker bezels also means less workspace and slightly reduced visual comfort. Writing, switching between multiple windows, or editing images becomes less enjoyable when every inch counts.

The colors are also less vibrant, which makes the experience less immersive, especially if you work in graphic design, photography, or video. And to top it all off, it’s the only Mac that doesn’t have True Tone—that little bit of magic that adjusts the color temperature to the ambient light and protects your eyes over time.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Air M1 remains a paragon of comfort: a 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone, rich colors, and total immersion… perfect for working, creating, or relaxing while watching your favorite show.

Keyboard, trackpad, ergonomics

When it comes to features, Apple gone for a minimalist approach to cut costs. There’s no backlighting, and the trackpad is smaller and lacks Force Touch—a difference you’ll quickly notice when you spend several hours typing, scrolling, or switching between apps.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Air M1 features a backlit keyboard so you can work even when the lights go down, a larger trackpad, and Force Touch for precise and responsive control. Every gesture feels more comfortable, smoother, and more intuitive.

Connectivity and Advanced Applications

The MacBook Neo keeps things simple with just two USB-C ports. No problem plugging in a cable or two, but be warned: unlike the M1 MacBook Air, there’s no Thunderbolt 3, which means you won’t be able to connect a high-resolution external display with a single cable. And a minor disappointment for the 256 GB model: say goodbye to Touch ID, even though the M1 offers it on all its configurations. And to top it all off, the charger isn’t included.

The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, remains much more versatile: USB-C ports compatible with Thunderbolt 3, easy connection to external displays, hard drives, or any other professional accessories—and of course, with us, you’ll find the charger included in the box! Whether for remote work, school, or any multi-monitor setup, this difference can quickly become essential.

Price: the most affordable… really?​

Yes, Apple launched the cheapest MacBook in its history. A Mac priced under the symbolic €1,000 mark is quite an event in the Apple universe.

But at Refabz, the refurbished MacBook Air M1 refurbished already priced very competitively, at under €500!

Buying a refurbished Mac refurbished two appealing options: either getting a Mac that’s cheaper than the MacBook Neo but with comparable performance, or opting for a more powerful configuration on the same budget.

In other words, while the new MacBook offers a fixed configuration at a set price, the refurbished model refurbished more flexibility. You get more power for the same price, or the same level of performance for less.

Verdict: Sexy, but not always the smartest choice

Okay, the MacBook Neo has a lot going for it: it’s compact, colorful, and affordable—almost like a lifestyle gadget you can bring to a coffee shop to pair with your matcha coconut milk. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a super basic, ultra-portable device at a price that won’t break the bank.

But at Refabz, the refurbished MacBook Air M1 refurbished already available… and for less than €500!

refurbished products are a whole different story: giving our products a second life means getting the gear you need at a lower price without sacrificing performance. Better yet: for the same budget as a New, you can go for a more powerful setup.

In short: The Neo offers the lowest price with a limited configuration, while the refurbished more flexibility. You get more power for the same price, or the same level of performance for less. Versatile, user-friendly, and thoroughly tested, it remains an excellent choice for office work, remote work, or even some creative projects.

And what about the Refabz bonus? Choosing refurbished is smart and sustainable. You walk away with a high-performance MacBook at a discounted price, you’re supporting a French company, and you’re giving the planet a big thumbs-up!

1. We had our operations audited by Verifavia, which uses data from ADEME. This ensures that our practices are tailored and optimized to minimize our environmental impact, highlighting our position as a leader in refurbishment.

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