Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The MacBook Neo has captured public attention since its global launch in March 2026. This budget-friendly laptop from Apple arrives at a crucial time, as the global economy faces challenges due to geopolitical issues.

Additionally, the worldwide memory chip shortage triggered by the explosion of AI has driven up prices for consumer electronics, including laptops and smartphones, since late 2025. The MacBook Neo is a breath of fresh air for those wanting to experience the luxury of a MacBook without stretching their budgets for the MacBook Air or Pro.

In Indonesia, the MacBook Neo officially hit the market on May 22, 2026, featuring 8GB of RAM. The starting price for the 256GB storage variant is Rp10,749,000, while the 512GB version costs Rp12,999,000. These prices are notably lower than the 2022 MacBook Air with an M2 chip, which starts at Rp13,599,000 for a model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Design and Build Quality

The MacBook Neo impresses with its vibrant color options, available in Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo. Our choice was the timeless Indigo, which features a fresh design with rounded corners and a consistent color tone extending to the keyboard and rubber pad. The default wallpaper is aligned with the laptop's body color, yet users can easily personalize it.

Initially, we were skeptical about the material of the MacBook Neo compared to the MacBook Air and Pro. However, it is made from robust aluminum, providing a premium feel without any compromise. The opening and closing mechanism is seamless, just like its more expensive counterparts. Apple claims that the MacBook Neo uses 60% recycled aluminum, making it the most environmentally friendly product they offer currently.

Dimensions and Portability

Weighing in at 1.23 kg, the MacBook Neo is slightly lighter than the 1.24 kg MacBook Air 13-inch and has a similar thickness of approximately 0.5 inches compared to 0.44 inches. The slight weight difference can be attributed to its smaller display. Although both models feature a 13-inch screen, the Neo's diagonal measures precisely 13.0 inches (2408x1506 pixels), while the Air's measures 13.6 inches (2560x1664 pixels).

While the MacBook Air provides a slightly larger display, the MacBook Neo's compact design makes it more convenient for travel and easier to fit in a bag.

Keyboard and Trackpad Experience

As a long-time MacBook user, one aspect we appreciate is the Magic Keyboard. It offers unmatched precision and pressure sensitivity, which is hard to find in other laptop brands. The MacBook Neo brings this comfort to a broader audience, but it does lack a backlit feature found in the Pro and Air models.

For many, including ourselves, the absence of backlit keys is not a significant issue. Regular users often memorize key placements, making it easy to type in low-light conditions using the screen's reflection for guidance. However, those who frequently work in dim environments may find the backlit keys crucial for ensuring accuracy.

In contrast, the trackpad on the MacBook Neo has a familiar design akin to that of the Pro and Air, featuring a large surface for scrolling and swiping. However, it does not support Force Touch, which might be a downside for users accustomed to the feature on higher-end models.

Display and Performance

The MacBook Neo comes equipped with a 13-inch Liquid Retina display. While it may be smaller than the MacBook Air's display, it is more than adequate for daily activities like binge-watching Netflix or browsing YouTube. Priced around Rp10 million, the Neo's display performs impressively, with a brightness of up to 500 nits and support for one billion colors, making it suitable for light photo or video editing.

However, when compared to the MacBook Pro and Air, some limitations become apparent. The Neo uses the sRGB color gamut standard, which pales in comparison to the wider P3 standard on the Pro and Air models. The Neo's display also lacks the True Tone feature, which adjusts colors based on ambient lighting conditions.

Equipped with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, the MacBook Neo is adequate for video calls and vlogging but does not include the Center Stage feature for automatic framing, which some users may miss. The dual microphones help isolate noise for clearer audio during calls, and the built-in speakers support spatial audio for an immersive experience.

Battery Life and Chip Performance

The MacBook Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip, similar to the one used in the iPhone 16 Pro. While it may seem less advanced than the M2 chip in the 2022 MacBook Air, the A18 Pro still delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. With a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, the chip is capable of handling multiple applications simultaneously without hiccups.

In our experience, the Neo's battery life is impressive, lasting a full day on regular use. We often found ourselves charging it every two days, even after intensive usage. During stress tests, the Neo performed admirably, managing to run 15 YouTube tabs simultaneously without lag on 1080p settings. However, performance fluctuated on 4K settings, showing some strain after prolonged use.

In conclusion, the MacBook Neo serves as an excellent entry point for those looking to experience the MacBook ecosystem without the hefty price tag. While it may lack some features found in the higher-end models, it offers a solid balance of performance, design, and affordability.

Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20260618180907-37-743846/review-macbook-neo-laptop-termurah-apple-cocok-buat-siapa

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