Small, powerful, and packed with the latest in Apple Silicon, the M4 Mac Mini is a computer that punches far above its weight
Apple’s Mac Mini has long been a fan favorite among compact computing enthusiasts. With the introduction of the M4 Mac Mini, Apple has taken its winning formula and refined it further. Small, powerful, and packed with the latest in Apple Silicon, the M4 Mac Mini is a computer that punches far above its weight. After using it extensively, I’m convinced this is Apple’s best compact small-shell computer yet.
In this detailed review, I’ll take you through every aspect of the M4 Mac Mini—its design, performance, features, and where it fits in Apple’s ecosystem. Whether you’re upgrading from an older Mac Mini or considering switching from a larger desktop, this review will help you decide if the M4 Mac Mini is the right choice for you.
A Compact Powerhouse
The Mac Mini has always been known for its minimalist design, and the M4 Mac Mini stays true to this ethos. Measuring just 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches tall, it’s astonishing how much computing power Apple has managed to pack into such a small form factor.
Design: Elegance in Simplicity
The M4 Mac Mini looks largely identical to its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing. Apple’s design language—clean, simple, and functional—works perfectly here. The aluminum unibody feels premium, and the subtle Apple logo on the top is a classy touch. Available in silver and space gray, it’s designed to blend seamlessly into any workspace, whether at home or in an office.
One subtle change is the addition of more efficient venting along the bottom edge. This ensures that the M4 Mac Mini stays cool even under heavy workloads. Despite the increased power of the M4 chip, the fan noise remains almost inaudible—a testament to Apple’s engineering.
Performance: The Mighty M4 Chip
At the heart of the M4 Mac Mini is Apple’s new M4 chip, a successor to the highly acclaimed M2 and M3 chips. Built on Apple’s 3nm architecture, the M4 chip is not just faster but also more efficient.
Blazing Speeds
In everyday use, the M4 Mac Mini feels lightning-fast. Apps open instantly, multitasking is seamless, and there’s virtually no lag, even when running intensive applications like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro.
The M4 features a 12-core CPU (8 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 20-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This combination provides:
- 50% faster CPU performance compared to the M2.
- 40% better graphics rendering, perfect for video editing and 3D design.
- Enhanced machine learning capabilities for tasks like photo processing and AI-driven workflows.
In benchmarks, the M4 Mac Mini holds its own against far more expensive desktops. Geekbench scores consistently put it ahead of most competing compact PCs.
Memory and Storage
The M4 Mac Mini starts with 16GB of unified memory, configurable up to 32GB or 64GB for demanding users. The unified memory architecture means faster data access, which you’ll notice when working with large files or running multiple apps.
Storage options range from 256GB to 2TB of super-fast SSD storage. File transfers, app installations, and system boot times are almost instantaneous.
Real-World Performance
I tested the M4 Mac Mini across various tasks to see how it performed in real-world scenarios.
Creative Work
As a video editor, I pushed the M4 Mac Mini to its limits with 4K and 8K footage in Final Cut Pro. It handled rendering and exporting with ease, outperforming my older Intel-based iMac by a significant margin. The 20-core GPU shines here, ensuring smooth playback even with heavy effects applied.
Gaming
While Macs have traditionally lagged behind in gaming, the M4 Mac Mini is surprisingly capable. Games optimized for Apple Silicon, like Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky, run beautifully at high settings. With native Metal support, the M4 chip delivers a gaming experience that rivals many dedicated gaming PCs in its price range.
Everyday Productivity
For tasks like web browsing, word processing, and video calls, the M4 Mac Mini is overkill—in the best way possible. The system never breaks a sweat, even with dozens of tabs open, multiple apps running, and a 4K monitor connected.
Connectivity: Modern and Versatile
The M4 Mac Mini boasts a generous selection of ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.
Port Selection
- 4 x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 2 x USB-A ports
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 (supports up to 8K resolution at 60Hz)
- 1 x Ethernet port (configurable up to 10Gbps)
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 allows for ultra-fast data transfer, external GPU support, and connection to multiple high-resolution displays. During my testing, I connected the M4 Mac Mini to a dual 5K monitor setup without any issues.
Wireless Connectivity
The M4 Mac Mini supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring faster, more reliable connections for streaming, file transfers, and peripherals like keyboards and mice.
Mac Mini vs Other Compact PCs
How does the M4 Mac Mini stack up against its competitors? Here’s a quick comparison with other popular compact PCs.
| Feature | M4 Mac Mini | Intel NUC 13 Extreme | ASUS PN64 Mini PC | HP Z2 Mini G5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | M4 (12-core) | Intel Core i9-13900 | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS | Intel Xeon E-2276M |
| Graphics | 20-core GPU | Intel Iris Xe | Radeon Vega | NVIDIA Quadro T1000 |
| Memory | Up to 64GB Unified | Up to 64GB DDR4 | Up to 32GB DDR5 | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 4TB SSD | Up to 1TB SSD | Up to 2TB SSD |
| Price | Starting at $699 | Starting at $1,200 | Starting at $749 | Starting at $1,500 |
The M4 Mac Mini stands out for its blend of performance, price, and seamless integration with macOS.
What Could Be Better?
As impressive as the M4 Mac Mini is, it’s not perfect.
- Upgradability: Like its predecessors, the M4 Mac Mini lacks user-upgradable components. Once you choose your configuration, you’re locked in.
- Limited GPU Options: While the 20-core GPU is powerful, professional users may wish for discrete GPU options.
- No SD Card Slot: Photographers and videographers might miss having an SD card reader built-in.
Why the M4 Mac Mini Is a Smart Buy
Despite its minor drawbacks, the M4 Mac Mini is an exceptional value for most users. Its compact size, immense power, and reasonable price make it a no-brainer for anyone seeking a versatile desktop solution. Whether you’re a creative professional, a gamer, or someone looking for a reliable home computer, the M4 Mac Mini delivers in spades.
Final Thoughts
Apple has outdone itself with the M4 Mac Mini. It’s a masterclass in balancing power and efficiency, offering desktop-grade performance in a device that can fit in the palm of your hand. While it’s not perfect, the M4 Mac Mini is, without a doubt, Apple’s best compact small-shell computer yet. Whether you’re upgrading or diving into macOS for the first time, the M4 Mac Mini is an investment you won’t regret.
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