The IdeaPad Vibe is more practical, with two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI, a microSD card reader, and Wi-Fi 7 support.
Its USB ports are limited to 5Gbps, so it is not designed around extremely fast external storage, but everyday use means fewer dongles to carry.
Apple still has an advantage on weight: the MacBook Neo weighs 1.23kg, while the 14-inch IdeaPad Vibe starts at 1.3kg.
The Neo also has a 36.5Wh battery, which Apple claims delivers up to 16 hours of video playback.
Lenovo has not published an official battery-life rating, but the AMD version can be equipped with a battery as large as 65Wh.
That does not automatically mean it will last longer than the Neo, since battery life also depends heavily on the processor and software.
The webcams also favor Lenovo. The Neo uses a 1080p FaceTime HD camera without a physical privacy shutter.
The IdeaPad Vibe has a 5MP IR camera with a privacy cover and Windows Hello support.
Performance remains the big unknown, and this is the one area where it is difficult to conclude without actually testing the laptops.
Apple's A18 Pro is already a known quantity, and the company's close control over hardware and software means the Neo's 8GB of memory does not necessarily tell the whole story.
For browsing, writing, streaming, and other everyday tasks, it should be more than capable.
Lenovo's Ryzen AI 400 and Snapdragon X options are also promising, particularly for users who want more RAM and on-device AI capabilities.
With up to 32GB of memory, the IdeaPad Vibe has a clear advantage for heavier multitasking.
Still, processor performance cannot be judged from core counts and memory numbers alone, since cooling, software optimization, battery settings, and the difference between Windows and macOS all matter.
Apple is also reportedly working on a MacBook Neo successor with an A19 Pro chip and more RAM for next year, so the current Neo is unlikely to remain the company's entry-level MacBook for long.
The MacBook Neo is still the simpler option for anyone already using an iPhone and other Apple devices, who wants a lightweight laptop for browsing, writing, streaming, and everyday work.
The IdeaPad Vibe is more flexible, with more ports, more RAM, more storage options, two SSD slots, larger screen choices, and far more customization.
Those things become more useful if you plan to keep the laptop for several years.
The biggest catch is the display and color trade-off, since OLED buyers must choose between just two IdeaPad Vibe colors.
Lenovo's AMD models are expected to arrive in October, while Snapdragon versions are scheduled for November.
Until both laptops have been properly tested, it is too early to say which one is faster or better overall.
But at the same $699.99 starting price, the IdeaPad Vibe clearly offers more flexibility on paper, while the MacBook Neo keeps things simple.
Which approach makes more sense will mostly depend on whether you value Apple's simpler experience or Lenovo's upgradeability and wider range of hardware options.
