Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is the better laptop on paper: it is faster, has more memory and lasts longer on a charge. Pick the Apple MacBook Neo only if it matters to you that it is lighter and is more compact.
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Key differences
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Performance
Apple MacBook Pro 14 wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 14's Apple M5 is quicker: it has the power for photo and video editing, while the Apple MacBook Neo's Apple A18 Pro stays smooth with lots of apps open.
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Gaming
Evenly matched
Both manage light and older games, but not new releases.
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Display
Apple MacBook Pro 14 wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has the better screen: 14.2" 3K 1000 nits 120 Hz against 13" 2K 500 nits.
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Battery life
Apple MacBook Pro 14 wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 should last longer: up to 24 hours against up to 16 hours.
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Connectivity
Apple MacBook Pro 14 wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is better connected. Only it has Thunderbolt/USB4, HDMI and a card reader.
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Portability
Apple MacBook Neo wins
The Apple MacBook Neo is easier to carry at 1.23 kg, against 1.55 kg.
Other differences
- Memory Apple MacBook Pro 14 wins
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 32 GB of memory against 8 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
- Screen size Depends on you
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has the bigger screen (14.2" against 13"), while the Apple MacBook Neo is more compact.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Apple MacBook Neo if…
- You'll carry it every day: at 1.23 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 13-inch screen.
- You prefer the newer model: it came out in 2026.
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14 if…
- You edit photos or video, or keep a lot open at once: its Apple M5 is the more powerful processor.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room than 8 GB.
- You work away from a plug: it should last longer on a charge (its maker claims up to 24 hours).
- You want more room to work: its 14.2-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Apple MacBook Pro 14 leads on performance, the screen and ports and wireless; elsewhere the two are closely matched.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is ahead on performance.
It is faster, has more memory and has more storage, and the Apple MacBook Neo doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) |
| Graphics | Apple A18 Pro 5-core GPU | Apple M5 10-core GPU |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | — | Unified memory (153GB/s bandwidth) |
| Maximum memory | — | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | — | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
Screen
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is ahead on the screen.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has the bigger screen (14.2" against 13"), while the Apple MacBook Neo is more compact. The Apple MacBook Neo is more compact, while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a bigger screen, has a sharper screen and has a brighter screen.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13" | 14.2" |
| Resolution | 2K (2408 x 1506) | 3K (3024 x 1964) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 3024:1964 (about 1.54:1) |
| Panel | IPS | Mini-LED |
| Refresh rate | — | 120 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Colour range | sRGB; 1 billion colours | Wide colour (P3), 1 billion colours |
| HDR | None | XDR: 1,000 nits sustained, 1,600 nits peak (HDR content); Dolby Vision, HDR10+/HDR10, HLG playback |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Apple MacBook Neo is lighter and is slimmer, while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 lasts longer on a charge.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 16 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Battery capacity | 36.5 Wh | 72.4 Wh |
| Charges via | USB-C | MagSafe 3 (or USB-C / Thunderbolt 4) |
| Fast charging | — | Fast-charge capable with a 96W or higher USB PD power source |
| Weight | 1.23 kg | 1.55 kg |
| Dimensions | 297.5 x 206.4 x 12.7 mm | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm |
| Materials | aluminium | 100% recycled aluminium enclosure |
| Colour | Indigo | Space Black |
| Colours available | Silver, Blush, Citrus, Indigo | Space Black, Silver |
Ports and wireless
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has Thunderbolt or USB4, HDMI and an SD card reader, and the Apple MacBook Neo doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-C USB 3 up to 10Gb/s (charging, DisplayPort 1.4), 1x USB-C USB 2 up to 480Mb/s (charging), 1x 3.5 mm headphone | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C; all support charging, DisplayPort, USB 4 up to 40Gb/s), 1x HDMI (version not stated by Apple), 1x SDXC card slot, 1x MagSafe 3 (charging), 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s) |
| External displays (max) | 1 | 2 |
| Card reader | None | SDXC |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is ahead on extras.
It has a backlit keyboard, and the Apple MacBook Neo doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD | 12MP Center Stage, 1080p video |
| Webcam privacy | None | — |
| Backlit keyboard | No | Yes |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, 78 (ANSI) or 79 (ISO) keys, 12 full-height function keys | Backlit Magic Keyboard, 78 (ANSI) / 79 (ISO) keys, 12 full-height function keys, Touch ID, ambient light sensor |
| Login | Fingerprint | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | Multi-Touch trackpad | Force Touch trackpad (pressure-sensing, Multi-Touch gestures); size not published |
| Speakers | Dual-speaker system, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos | Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers, wide stereo, Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | Dual-mic array with directional beamforming | Studio-quality three-mic array with directional beamforming |
| Pen | — | No |
Software and model
The Apple MacBook Neo is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | macOS | macOS |
| Model number | MHFG4B/A | — |
| Released | 2026 | 2025 |