Apple Mac Mini M4 & M4 Pro Review: Apple's Best Mini Yet
Are you ready to see the future of small computers? Apple’s new M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are changing what’s possible in a tiny desktop. They have a new design and a big performance boost. These minis are set to be the top pick for anyone wanting a strong, flexible, and small computer. Read our Apple Mac Mini M4 and M4 Pro Review to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis have Apple’s latest M4 chip. This chip makes them way faster than the old M2 model.
- They are the smallest Macs ever, at just 5×5 inches. They’re great for small workspaces or home offices.
- They have better cooling and front-facing ports. This makes using them easier and more fun.
- They have new connections like Thunderbolt 4 and can support up to three displays. This is perfect for people who need lots of power.
- The M4 starts at $599. It’s a great deal for beginners and those on a budget.
Revolutionary Design and Form Factor
Apple’s new Mac Mini, the M4 and M4 Pro, has a small design. It’s only 5×5 inches, making it the smallest Mac Apple has made. It’s much smaller than the old ones.
The design is smart. It has a special way to move air and cool the system. This makes it quiet, even when it’s working hard.
Compact 5×5 Inch Footprint
The new Mac Mini is just 5 inches by 5 inches. It’s much smaller than before. This means it takes up less space and is easy to carry around.
Innovative Thermal Architecture
Apple’s engineers worked hard on the Mac Mini’s cooling system. It moves air well, keeping the system cool. This lets it work fast without getting too hot.
Front and Back Port Configuration
The Mac Mini has ports for all your needs. The front has two USB-C ports and an audio jack. The back has Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and an HDMI port. This makes it easy to connect to other devices.
Performance Specifications and Capabilities
The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini models from Apple are very powerful. The M4 Mac mini has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It also has 16GB of memory, making it much better than before.
The M4 Pro Mac mini is even more powerful. It has up to 14 CPU cores and up to 20 GPU cores. It supports up to 64GB of memory and has 273GB/s of memory bandwidth. This is twice as much as any AI PC chip.
| Specification | M4 Mac mini | M4 Pro Mac mini |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 10 | 12/14 |
| GPU Cores | 10 | 16/20 |
| Unified Memory | 16/24/32GB | 24/48/64GB |
| Memory Bandwidth | 100GB/s | 273GB/s |
These upgrades mean you can do things faster. You can get up to 1.8x faster CPU performance and 2.2x faster GPU performance. This makes the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis great for hard tasks and playing games.
M4 vs M4 Pro: Comparative Analysis
Apple’s latest Mac mini lineup has two models: the M4 and the M4 Pro. They look similar but serve different needs. Let’s explore the main differences between them.
CPU Performance Differences
The M4 Pro has a more advanced CPU than the M4. It has a 10-core CPU with 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. The M4 has an 8-core CPU with 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores. This means the M4 Pro can handle more tasks at once.
GPU Capabilities and Gaming
The M4 Pro has a more powerful GPU than the M4. It has up to twice as many GPU cores. This makes the M4 Pro great for gaming and video editing. It also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a better gaming experience.
Memory and Bandwidth Specifications
The M4 Pro has more memory than the M4. It can have up to 64GB of memory, while the M4 has a max of 16GB. It also supports Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfer. This makes the M4 Pro faster and more responsive.
| Specification | M4 | M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8-core (4 performance, 4 efficiency) | 10-core (6 performance, 4 efficiency) |
| GPU | Up to 8 cores | Up to 16 cores |
| Memory | Up to 16GB | Up to 64GB |
| Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | Thunderbolt 5 (120 Gbps) |
The M4 Pro is better for those who need top performance. It’s great for gaming, creative work, and heavy tasks.
Connectivity and Port Selection
The new Mac mini lineup from Apple has many connectivity options. It makes using the computer easy and fun. The M4 and M4 Pro models have two USB-C ports on the front. These ports support USB 3 for quick data transfer and charging.
The back of the Mac mini is where things get exciting. The M4 model has three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The M4 Pro has five Thunderbolt 4 ports. These ports let you connect many devices like storage, displays, and HDMI devices.
The Mac mini also has Gigabit Ethernet for network connections. You can upgrade to a 10Gb Ethernet port for faster internet. The HDMI port lets you connect to many displays. You can use up to two 6K displays on the M4 and three 6K displays on the M4 Pro at 60Hz.
The Mac mini has many ports for expanding your setup. You can connect multiple displays, fast storage, or network gear. This makes the Mac mini great for both home and work use. It meets many different computing needs.
“The new Mac mini’s port selection is a game-changer, offering unparalleled flexibility and connectivity for users who demand the most from their compact desktop computer.”
Review: M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are probably Apple’s best Mac minis ever
The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini models from Apple are set to be the best small desktops yet. They show big improvements in real-world tests. The M4 and M4 Pro offer great value and a top-notch user experience.
Real-World Performance Tests
Tests show the M4 Mac mini is up to 1.7x faster in Microsoft Excel and 4.9x faster in Adobe Lightroom Classic than the M1 model. The M4 Pro is even faster, with up to 4x faster Excel and 9.4x faster in Adobe Premiere Pro than the old Intel Core i7 Mac mini.
Value Proposition Analysis
The base M4 Mac mini starts at just $599. It offers amazing performance for its price. The M4 Pro, starting at $1,099, is also praised for its strong features at a fair cost.
User Experience Evaluation
The new Mac mini line also shines in user experience. It has a compact size, smart cooling, and great ports. Reviewers love how quiet it is, even when working hard.
The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are Apple’s top small desktops. They offer unmatched performance, value, and user experience. These powerful, compact machines are changing what a modern Mac mini can do.
Gaming Performance and Capabilities
The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis from Apple are great for gaming. They have strong M4 processors and top-notch graphics. These small desktops can play many Mac gaming games well.
The M4 Pro model is especially good for gaming. It has a 20-core GPU and supports ray tracing. This means it can play games like Death Stranding, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Metro Exodus smoothly at 1440p resolution.
While macOS might not have as many games as Windows, it’s getting better. Indie games are now more compatible with macOS.
“The M4 Pro Mac mini is a gaming powerhouse, delivering performance that can rival current-gen consoles. It’s a pleasant surprise for Mac users who want to enjoy the latest games without the need for a dedicated gaming rig.”
The M4 Mac mini is also good for gaming, but not as strong as the Pro. It can play many casual and indie games well. It offers a fun gaming experience in a small and versatile package.
In summary, the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are great for gaming. They offer strong gaming performance and are perfect for Mac users who love to play games. They keep the Mac mini’s small and efficient design.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Apple is very serious about taking care of our planet. The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis show this. They are fast and also good for the Earth.
Carbon Neutral Design
The M4 Mac mini is Apple’s first green Mac. It cuts down greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%. This shows Apple’s hard work to help the environment.
Recycled Materials Usage
These Mac minis are made with over 50% recycled stuff. They use 100% recycled aluminum and magnets. Apple wants to help the planet by using what’s already made.
Packaging Innovations
The boxes for the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are also green. Apple uses only fiber now. They aim to get rid of plastic by 2025. This helps reduce waste and supports Apple’s green goals.
Apple is leading the way in being green. The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are fast and eco-friendly. They show us how tech can be good for the planet.
Professional Applications and Workload Management
The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are very powerful for work. The M4 Pro can handle more audio effects in Logic Pro than the M2 Pro. It also makes motion graphics and 3D renders much faster.
For science work, the M4 Pro Mac Mini is top-notch. It works DNA sequencing much faster than older computers. This is great for scientists who need fast computers.
The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are great for many jobs. They work well with audio, video, and science software. They are strong and small, perfect for busy work.
FAQ
What are the key features of the new M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis?
The new M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are Apple’s best Mac minis yet. They have big upgrades in performance and design. The M4 starts at $599 with 16GB of RAM, making it great for beginners.
The M4 Pro is for power users, offering more than the M1 Ultra Mac Studio. Both models are small, just 5×5 inches, making them easy to place on your desk.
How has the design and form factor of the new Mac mini been improved?
The new Mac mini is smaller than before, just 5×5 inches. It has a new thermal system to keep it cool. Air is moved through the system, with vents at the bottom.
It has front-facing ports for easy access. The back has Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and an HDMI port.
What are the performance capabilities of the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis?
The M4 Mac mini has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, starting with 16GB of memory. It’s up to 1.8x faster in CPU tasks and 2.2x faster in GPU tasks than the M1 model.
The M4 Pro has even more power, with up to 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores. It supports up to 64GB of memory and has fast memory bandwidth.
How does the M4 Pro differ from the base M4 model?
The M4 Pro has more CPU and GPU cores than the M4. It’s better for demanding tasks and gaming. The M4 Pro also has better ray tracing and Thunderbolt 5 support.
What connectivity options are available on the new Mac mini?
The new Mac mini has improved connectivity. It has two USB-C ports and an audio jack. The back has Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and an HDMI port.
The M4 model can support up to two 6K displays and one 5K display. The M4 Pro can support up to three 6K displays at 60Hz.
How do the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis perform in real-world tests?
Tests show big performance gains over previous models. The M4 Mac mini is up to 1.7x faster in Excel and 4.9x faster in Adobe Lightroom Classic.
The M4 Pro is even faster, with up to 4x faster Excel calculations and 9.4x faster scene-edit detection in Adobe Premiere Pro. The base M4 model starts at $599, offering great value.
How do the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis perform in gaming?
The M4 Pro Mac mini is great for gaming, performing like an Xbox Series S. It can run games like Death Stranding and Metro Exodus at high settings.
While there are fewer AAA games on macOS, indie titles are more available. The M4 Pro’s 20-core GPU and ray tracing help it in gaming.
How do the new Mac minis address environmental sustainability?
The new Mac mini is Apple’s first carbon neutral Mac. It has over 80% less greenhouse gas emissions. It’s made with recycled content, including 100% recycled aluminum.
Apple uses 100% renewable electricity in its manufacturing. The packaging is now fiber-based, aiming to remove plastic by 2025.
How do the M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis perform in professional applications?
The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are great for professional tasks. The M4 Pro can apply up to 1.8x more audio effects in Logic Pro projects than the M2 Pro.
It’s up to 2x faster in Motion and 2.9x faster in Blender. For DNA sequencing, it’s up to 26x faster than the Intel Core i7 model.
