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Apple is launching two new devices in the lower price segment: the MacBook Neo and the iPhone 17e. Both cost 699 euros and use processors from Apple's A-series, which have previously been used mainly in iPhones and iPads.
The direct performance comparison of the two devices is particularly striking. Initial benchmarks show that the iPhone 17e is faster than the new MacBook Neo in several areas, despite having the same price.
With the MacBook Neo, Apple is pursuing a new strategy. For the first time, a Mac uses an A-series processor instead of an M-series chip. This positions the notebook at a significantly lower price point and is aimed primarily at users with basic needs.
The iPhone 17e, also intended as a budget-friendly Apple device, is released at the same time. The difference lies in the processor: the smartphone uses the newer A19 chip, while the MacBook Neo features the A18 Pro.
MacBook Neo: The first Mac with an A-series chip
The MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro chip, which was originally introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro models. This makes it the first Mac not to use an M-chip specifically designed for computers.
The benchmark results show that the device is technically very similar to an iPhone. Essentially, it's a laptop that uses a mobile chip architecture and runs macOS.
Benchmarks: iPhone 17e is faster
Early Geekbench tests show that the iPhone 17e outperforms the MacBook Neo in CPU performance.
Multi-core benchmark
- iPhone 17e: 9,241 points
- MacBook Neo: 8,668 points
Single-core benchmark
- iPhone 17e: 3,607 points
- MacBook Neo: 3,461 points
The reason for this is the newer A19 chip in the iPhone.
GPU performance is closer together
The difference in graphics performance is significantly smaller. In the Metal benchmarks, both devices perform almost identically.
- MacBook Neo: 30,000 to 31,400 points
- iPhone 17e: 31,000 to 31,600 points
This means that GPU performance remains at a similar level.
8 GB RAM and Apple Intelligence
Both the MacBook Neo and the iPhone 17e have 8 GB of RAM, which is necessary, among other things, for supporting Apple Intelligence.
8 GB may seem like a small amount of RAM for a Mac at first, but early reviewers report that this amount is sufficient for light everyday tasks.
MacBook Neo uses iPhone technology
The MacBook Neo is an unusual Mac. For the first time, Apple is using an A-series chip in a notebook instead of an M-series chip. At the same time, a comparison with the iPhone 17e shows that the smartphone is even faster in benchmarks thanks to its newer A19 processor.
Nevertheless, the MacBook Neo remains an interesting entry point into the Mac world. At €699, the device is clearly aimed at users looking for an affordable Mac for basic tasks. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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