Apple’s new Mac mini impresses with its compact design and enhanced performance, featuring a size half that of its 2023 predecessor. Weighing only 670 grams, it offers various ports, including USB-C and Thunderbolt. Users can choose between the M4 and M4 Pro processors, with the base model suitable for everyday tasks. The device operates quietly and maintains safe temperatures, while pairing well with the stylish Apple Studio Display for an optimal computing experience.
Cute and Compact: The Adorable Mac Mini
Isn’t the Mac mini just adorable? Apple has not only enhanced this silver-hued mini-computer technically but has also given it a compact makeover. This new model boasts a size that is just half the volume of its predecessor from 2023, which featured the M2 processor.
With dimensions of 12.7 cm in width, 12.7 cm in depth, and a height of 5.0 cm, weighing only 670 grams, it easily fits in the palm of your hand, similar to a well-stacked hamburger. Below, we summarize the key technical specifications of the base model, starting at 699 euros, along with our upgraded review unit.
Design and Build Quality: A Unique Power Button Position
Don’t be misled by its appearance; the Mac mini resembles an Apple TV but is, in fact, a fully functional computer. It utilizes energy-efficient notebook components, packed into a compact design. With the right setup, this small cube transforms into a powerful sound system capable of handling demanding tasks. We’ll delve deeper into its performance shortly.
The build quality is impeccably Apple, with a sturdy case made from 100% recycled aluminum. However, a light knock on the center reveals a hollow sound. But who really taps on their computer case regularly? There will be some online chatter about the power button’s unusual position, which is akin to the USB-C charging port on the new Magic Mouse—found on the bottom of the device. To power the Mac mini on or off, you have to lift it slightly. Yet, in everyday use, we found this to be a minor inconvenience.
Similar to a MacBook, we typically put the mini-computer into sleep mode using the trackpad, rarely needing to turn it off completely. Its standby power consumption is impressively low. If you’re considering mounting the mini-computer behind your monitor, keep the accessibility of the power button in mind.
The new Mac mini features a variety of ports on both the front and back. The front includes two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the back has at least one HDMI port, a power connection, and three Thunderbolt ports for compatible devices. Apple differentiates between the base model with the M4 chip and the pricier variants featuring the M4 Pro chipset. Only the Pro models come equipped with faster Thunderbolt 5 ports (up to 120 Gbit/s), while the base model offers Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40 Gbit/s). If you need a faster LAN connection, all versions are available with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet upgrade for an additional cost of 115 euros.
Performance Insights: Should You Choose M4 or M4 Pro?
The Mac mini is available in multiple configurations, and a crucial decision involves selecting the SoC (System on Chip). For the majority of users, the Mac mini with the M4 processor will be more than sufficient, especially for standard home office tasks like web browsing, spreadsheet work, word processing, and even photo editing or gaming from the App Store.
While we tested the high-end variant, we don’t have benchmark results for the base model just yet. However, Apple has shared some performance comparisons between the M4 Mac mini and its predecessor with the M2 chip.
Our review unit came equipped with an M4 Pro processor, boasting 48 gigabytes of RAM and a powerful 20-core GPU. This top-tier model is priced at 2,684 euros, with potential costs rising to an astounding 5,444 euros for a fully loaded configuration.
In practice, our high-performance setup excelled at handling complex workflows with incredible speed. Benchmark tests conducted under macOS Sequoia 15.1 in ‘high performance’ mode demonstrated impressive capabilities.
In Geekbench 6, the tested configuration scored 3,918 in single-core performance and 22,657 in multicore performance. Cinebench 2024 returned a multicore score of 1,725, significantly surpassing its predecessor and showing minimal performance differences compared to a MacBook Pro 16 equipped with the M4 chipset.
To summarize, if you’re able to interpret the benchmark results and compare them with your current system, the Pro variant might be a worthwhile investment. For most users, the base M4 model at 699 euros, with 16 gigabytes of RAM, is likely to meet your needs, assuming 256 gigabytes of SSD storage is adequate, as the Mac mini’s components are non-upgradable. Notably, Apple claims the Mac mini is their first CO2-neutral product.
Cooling and Accessories: A Brief Overview
During intensive tasks, the fan does become noticeable for the first time. However, while performing everyday office duties, the Mac mini managed to dissipate heat passively and silently. During Cinebench 2024, the fan did ramp up, but it was still detectable only from a distance in a quiet environment.
The case temperature peaked at 34 degrees Celsius under load, which is well within safe limits. In typical usage, neither the warmth of the case nor the fan noise is likely to be an issue.
This isn’t a detailed review of the Apple Studio Display, but it’s undoubtedly a stylish companion for the new Mac mini. The 27-inch monitor, available for around 1,400 euros, pairs beautifully with the Mac mini, boasting a high resolution of 5,120 x 2,880 pixels and brightness of 600 nits. It features a top-notch ultra-wide-angle webcam with a 122-degree field of view and twelve-megapixel resolution, making it a superb choice for video calls.
The Studio Display also delivers exceptional audio quality with six built-in speakers, providing an immersive sound experience ideal for video conferencing or streaming movies. In summary, the Mac mini offers a compact and powerful computing solution, particularly when paired with high-quality accessories like the Studio Display.