Macbook Neo Review: Better than you Think!

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Summary based on the YouTube transcript and episode description.

MKBHD reviews the $599 MacBook Neo, calling it Apple’s most disruptive product in 10+ years despite using an iPhone chip.

  • MacBook Neo runs Apple’s A16 Pro chip (iPhone-grade), benchmarking at M1 levels in Geekbench multi-core and Cinebench.
  • At $599 ($499 student), it undercuts the cheapest MacBook Air by ~$500 while delivering ~90% of the experience.
  • Apple achieves low unit cost by recycling mass-produced iPhone chips already manufactured in the millions.
  • 8GB RAM with 1,500 MB/s SSD swap is adequate for typical use but a concern as storage fills over time.
  • Display is 1440p LCD, 60Hz, 500 nits — no P3 wide color gamut, making it a weak fit for serious photographers without an external monitor.
  • Keyboard is identical to the $3,000 MacBook Pro (same switches) but lacks backlighting unless you pay $100 for the 512GB tier.
  • Prediction: next Neo ships with A19 Pro, 12GB RAM, ambient light sensor, and backlit keyboard as soon as 2027.

2026-03-10 · Watch on YouTube

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