The new MacBook Neo by Apple is now available in stores, boasting impressive performance and a sturdy build at a price of $599. However, to achieve this affordability, Apple had to make some compromises in terms of features.
While the MacBook Neo comes with a more basic display and just one high-speed USB-C port, it also lacks the fast charging capability of its pricier counterparts. Unlike the MacBook Air, which can charge at up to 70W with the right adapter, the MacBook Neo is limited to the 20W adapter it comes with (in North America, while European models do not include a power adapter).
With a smaller battery capacity of 36.5 Wh compared to the MacBook Air’s 53.8 Wh, the charging speeds for the MacBook Neo may be slower in comparison. However, there is a silver lining for users looking to speed up the charging process.
Tests conducted by Roman Loyola at Macworld revealed that using a 96W USB-C power adapter resulted in faster charging for the MacBook Neo, although the increased speed may not be consistent throughout the charging cycle.
While the higher-wattage adapter delivered a 30% increase in battery level after 30 minutes of charging from 20%, compared to the 15% increase with the 20W adapter, further investigation showed that the charging rate seemed to be capped at 24 watts.
Despite the discrepancy in power consumption between the two adapters, the MacBook Neo falls short of Apple’s official “Fast Charging” standard, which requires a 50% charge in 30 minutes. Even with a higher-wattage charger, the total charging time is expected to be around two hours, considering the slowing down of charging as the battery approaches full capacity.
While the exact reason for the lower power draw from the 20W adapter remains unclear, it is evident that the MacBook Neo’s charging capabilities may not match the expectations set by higher-wattage adapters. Further inquiries have been made to Apple for clarification on this matter.
Despite these limitations, the MacBook Neo remains a budget-friendly option for those in need of a reliable and efficient laptop, even if the charging speeds may not be as fast as desired.
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