The MacBook Neo highlighted for me that Apple still hasn't figured out how to create a genuinely excellent affordable iPhone.

      Apple’s primary business continues to center around the iPhone, contributing approximately half of the company's revenue. This makes it surprising that the company has managed to create a more appealing entry-level laptop in the MacBook Neo than it has with its entry-level iPhone.

      The MacBook Neo is priced starting at $599 in the US, featuring a full aluminum chassis, a 13-inch high-resolution Liquid Retina display, Apple silicon, and all-day battery life. Apple is upfront about the product's positioning; it is not a Pro machine equipped with powerful M series processors. However, despite the reduced hardware specifications, it still comes across as a complete offering.

      On the other hand, the iPhone 17e follows a similar concept to the new entry-level iPhone but is not as compelling. For the same price of $599, you receive a faster A19 chip, MagSafe support, and 256GB of starting storage. While these are noteworthy enhancements, I have previously noted that Apple has made strides to improve the "budget iPhone" perception. Nonetheless, the MacBook Neo resonated with me: Apple has succeeded in making its most affordable Mac appear generous, whereas the least expensive iPhone feels like a carefully calculated compromise.

      Apple's entry-level Mac still conveys a sense of generosity that the 17e lacks.

      This realization is the crux of the matter. The MacBook Neo, despite its shortcomings, genuinely feels integrated into the Mac family. It doesn’t merely allow users into the ecosystem begrudgingly; instead, it seems crafted to excel within its market segment. The device features a premium aluminum exterior, an impressive display, a silent fanless design, and is clearly targeted at students, families, and first-time Mac buyers.

      Consumer response has been positive, surprising even Apple with high demand, leading the company to reportedly expedite production. The iPhone 17e is not inherently a bad phone; it simply feels like Apple’s interpretation of “just enough.” It does include the A19 chip, MagSafe support (finally), and increased storage, yet it retains the familiar features of an "e" model, such as a single rear camera, a notch instead of Dynamic Island, and an overall impression of “you can experience an iPhone, but not too much.”

      When compared to the iPhone 17, the absence of ProMotion makes the 17e appear to be the only “old-gen” smartphone at this price point—the single rear camera doesn't help its case either. The Google Pixel 10a is significantly closer to the standard Pixel 10 in this regard, with a smoother display and versatile camera sensors. In contrast, with the 17e, users are making compromises in both areas.

      How Apple's Neo made waves in the laptop market

      Apple

      The recent AI memory crunch has resulted in increased prices for laptops overall. Arm laptops that were meant to compete with Apple based on price-per-performance are now approaching the pricing levels of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. This scenario renders the Windows ecosystem even less appealing in terms of value. These price increases have also affected the smartphone sector, with many Android competitors aligning their prices with the iPhone. Thus, while the MacBook Neo has successfully secured its position, the 17e appears to be falling short.

      This serves as my main point: the MacBook Neo is shifting the conversation in the current market, while the iPhone 17e merely manages to stay relevant.

      The difference becomes even more apparent when reflecting on the playful spirit Apple used to infuse into its entry-level iPhones. The resurgence of the iPhone 5c exemplifies this, as part of its retro charm stemmed from its lack of a serious or sterile appearance, boasting bright and fun colors. The MacBook Neo reinvigorates some of that energetic spirit, while the iPhone 17e still feels like Apple is hesitant to allow its entry-level phone to express any personality.

      Apple has inadvertently highlighted areas where it still has room for improvement.

      The iPhone 17e is certainly not a failed product. It is an upgrade over its predecessor and a reliable choice for the right consumer. However, the MacBook Neo represents where Apple truly embraces its entry-level offerings. It exudes excitement, thoughtfulness, and an almost disruptive quality. It achieved this with a laptop rather than the product category in which it predominantly excels.

      Apple’s most affordable computer now stands out as one of the best-value options in its range. Conversely, the company's least expensive new iPhone feels more like a purchase made to own an iPhone rather than a testament to Apple finally mastering budget value. For a company whose foundation rests on the iPhone, this is a significant oversight.