Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The MacBook Neo has captured public interest since its global launch in March 2026. As Apple’s first 'affordable' laptop, it arrives at a pivotal time when the global economy is facing challenges due to geopolitical issues.
Additionally, the global chip shortage caused by the AI boom has driven up prices for consumer electronics, including laptops and smartphones, since late 2025. The MacBook Neo offers a refreshing option for those eager to experience the luxury of a MacBook but lacking the budget for a MacBook Air or Pro.
In Indonesia, the MacBook Neo officially became available on May 22, 2026, featuring 8GB of RAM. The starting price is Rp10,749,000 for the 256GB storage variant. For those needing more space, the 512GB version costs Rp12,999,000.
These prices are lower compared to the 2022 MacBook Air 13-inch with an M2 chip, which starts at Rp13,599,000 for 16GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the MacBook Neo impresses with its vibrant color options, available in Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo. We opted for the Indigo variant, which combines a timeless look with modern design elements, featuring rounded edges and consistent color tones throughout, including the keyboard and rubber pad. The default wallpaper is also tailored to match the laptop’s body color, though users can easily personalize it to their taste.
We initially suspected that the body material would differ from that of the MacBook Air and Pro, but we found the quality to be on par, crafted from sturdy aluminum that doesn’t feel cheap. The seamless opening and closing mechanism is similar to that of the Air and Pro models.
Apple claims the MacBook Neo utilizes aluminum with 60% recycled content, making it their most environmentally friendly product available today.
Weight and Portability
In terms of weight, the MacBook Neo is slightly lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Air, weighing in at 1.23kg compared to 1.24kg. Its thickness is approximately 0.5 inches, compared to the Air’s 0.44 inches.
The MacBook Neo's lighter weight is likely due to its smaller display. Although both models feature a 13-inch screen, the Neo has a diagonal measurement of 13.0 inches (2408x1506 pixels), while the Air measures 13.6 inches (2560x1664 pixels).
While the Air provides a slightly more spacious display, the MacBook Neo is more compact and convenient for travel, taking up less space in bags.
Keyboard and Trackpad Experience
As a long-time MacBook user, one aspect we appreciate is the Magic Keyboard. Few laptop brands match its precision and typing comfort. The MacBook Neo brings the comfort of the Magic Keyboard to a broader audience, although it lacks the backlit feature found in the Pro and Air models.
For many users, including ourselves, the absence of backlighting isn’t a significant issue. Experienced typists often memorize key positions, making reliance on backlighting unnecessary, especially since screen reflection can illuminate the keyboard in low light.
However, the lack of backlighting can be a drawback for those working in dim environments. For instance, DJs or musicians performing in low-light settings may find backlit keys essential.
While we find the absence of backlighting tolerable, we were more concerned about the trackpad. Although it resembles those on the Pro and Air, its lack of Force Touch functionality was noticeable. Users accustomed to the pressure-sensitive feedback from previous models may find the trackpad's responsiveness lacking.
Display and Visual Performance
The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display. Despite its smaller size compared to the Air, the screen is sufficient for daily activities such as streaming Netflix or browsing YouTube.
In its price range of around Rp10 million, the display performs admirably, offering a brightness level of 500 nits and supporting 1 billion colors, making it suitable for light photo or video editing.
However, compared to the Pro and Air models, the Neo's technical limitations become apparent. It utilizes the sRGB color gamut, which is less vibrant than the wider P3 standard found in the Pro and Air. Additionally, the Neo lacks True Tone, which adjusts screen colors based on ambient lighting.
For video calls, the MacBook Neo comes with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, adequate for video conferencing and casual vlogging. It’s equipped with dual microphones that ensure clear audio during calls, featuring noise isolation technology to enhance clarity.
Performance and Battery Life
The MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip, similar to that used in the iPhone 16 Pro. This innovative approach allows Apple to create a new device amid the global chip shortage by efficiently utilizing existing chip technology.
On paper, the A18 Pro features a 6-core CPU (2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) and a 5-core GPU, with memory bandwidth of 60GB/s. It supports Apple’s integrated AI technology across various applications, though it's less powerful than the M2 chip found in the 2022 MacBook Air.
In practical usage, we found the Neo responsive and capable of handling daily tasks without issues. We conducted a series of activities, including web browsing, video editing in CapCut, photo editing in Canva, and casual YouTube watching, and the laptop maintained excellent performance.
Battery life is impressive, often lasting a full day. We occasionally found ourselves recharging only after two days of light use. Even in standby for five days, the battery dropped only 7%.
We also tested the laptop with 15 YouTube tabs open simultaneously, streaming at both 1080p and 4K resolution. The device handled 1080p flawlessly, while the 4K setting began to show strain after the eighth tab, though audio remained stable.
Overall, the MacBook Neo presents a compelling option for those looking to experience the MacBook ecosystem without a hefty price tag. However, users transitioning from higher-end models may notice the absence of certain features.
Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20260618180907-37-743846/review-macbook-neo-laptop-termurah-apple-cocok-buat-siapa
