Apple’s entry-level laptop MacBook Neo, released in March, delivers enough performance for everyday work such as writing documents, web-based collaboration and simple image editing, a hands-on review found.

The core of the MacBook Neo is its sub-$600 price range and the use of a smartphone chip. It uses the A18 Pro CPU that was used in the iPhone 16 Pro. Putting a smartphone chip into a laptop may seem unconventional, but reviewers say limits do not easily show up in typical use given Apple silicon has shown ample headroom for basic tasks.

The test did not assume pro work such as 4K high-resolution video editing or production based on Final Cut Pro. It used an average workflow including writing and editing, research, video calls, photo editing, script writing, messaging, use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and streaming video. The key question was whether noticeable lag occurred even with multiple browsers and collaboration tools open.

In a hands-on test conducted by IT outlet TechRadar on April 6 local time, the approach to tab management changed from the start. The company system required Chrome and multiple web apps to be open at the same time, including Gmail, Slack, Google Docs and an accounting system, but on the MacBook Neo the test proceeded by closing tabs as soon as tasks were completed.

Work app performance was generally smooth, the outlet said. It said there were no issues even with Photoshop (2026 version) running in the background while downloading, editing and exporting high-resolution images, and with YouTube streaming playing all day. Adobe’s cloud-based generative AI Firefly also ran without problems, and Touch ID was seen as notably convenient for unlocking and passkey-based logins.

Reviewers also said differences from higher-end models showed up in places. The lack of a backlit keyboard familiar from the MacBook Air reduced key visibility depending on lighting. The trackpad requires a physical click rather than Force Touch haptics, and was judged to require slightly more effort. Charging is done via USB-C, which could disappoint users accustomed to MagSafe, it said.

Battery life was also cited as a drawback. There was no major issue while connected to power, but drain felt fast on battery alone. After about 1 hour of work on a commuting train, the charge dropped to 59 percent. The next day, with more tabs open and Photoshop running on battery, the laptop shut down after a warning. It needed about 5 minutes of charging to reboot, and the outlet said it did not use brightness adjustments or low power mode at the time.

Overall, the MacBook Neo is seen as a product aimed at most general users rather than pro users. It offers enough performance for everyday work and could be worth considering for users who do not produce pro-level content, reviewers said. Still, its single 8GB RAM configuration and perceived battery performance remain points to check before buying.