MacBook Neo charges faster with a more powerful power adapter

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The MacBook Neo is one of Apple's lighter and more efficient notebook models. As with many devices in this category, there are some compromises. One of these concerns battery charging. Apple officially states that the MacBook Neo does not support fast charging and therefore requires a relatively low-powered power adapter.

The device ships with a 20-watt power adapter as standard. In Europe, the MacBook Neo does not include a power adapter. Apple argues that a more powerful charger would offer no practical advantage. However, tests show that a more powerful adapter can actually increase charging speed.

With the MacBook Neo, Apple prioritizes efficiency over high charging power. Since the device doesn't officially support fast charging, the 20-watt power adapter seems to be sufficient.

However, independent tests show that the MacBook Neo charges faster when a more powerful power adapter is used. This is due to the definition of fast charging and the device's actual maximum charging capacity.

Test shows faster loading times

The tech magazine Macworld tested how the MacBook Neo charges with different power adapters.

For this test, the battery was first charged to 20 %. The device was then charged for 30 minutes using the 20-watt power adapter. Afterward, the same test was performed using a 96-watt power adapter. The result:

20-watt power adapter: +15 % battery charge in 30 minutes
96-watt power adapter: +30 % battery charge in 30 minutes

With the more powerful power adapter, the MacBook Neo charged about twice as fast.

Why Apple still doesn't specify fast charging

Apple defines fast charging very clearly. A device is only considered fast-charging capable if it can achieve 50% battery charge within 30 minutes.

The MacBook Neo cannot achieve this speed, regardless of the power adapter's strength. Therefore, Apple officially refers to it as "no fast charging," although a more powerful charger can still reduce charging time.

Maximum charging power of the MacBook Neo

Tests also show that the MacBook Neo can accept a maximum charging power of approximately 24 watts. This means:

Any power supply above 24 watts will achieve the maximum charging speed.
A 30-watt power adapter charges just as fast as a 96-watt power adapter.
The 20-watt power supply is just below this limit.

A very powerful charger therefore offers no additional benefit as long as it exceeds this threshold.

Situation for buyers in Europe

In Europe, Apple does not include a power adapter with the MacBook Neo, citing EU and British legislation. However, this justification is considered questionable, as the regulations do not fundamentally prohibit including a power adapter.

However, this creates a small advantage for buyers in Europe: since a power supply has to be purchased anyway, a more powerful charger can be chosen directly.

MacBook Neo: How the power adapter affects charging speed

The MacBook Neo doesn't officially support fast charging because it doesn't reach Apple's defined charging speed of 50 % in 30 minutes. However, tests show that a more powerful power adapter can significantly improve charging speed.

Since the device can draw a maximum of approximately 24 watts, a charger with a higher wattage is sufficient for faster charging than the standard 20-watt power adapter. Especially in Europe, where a power adapter must be purchased separately anyway, a slightly more powerful charger can therefore be worthwhile. (Image: Apple)