This year’s wave of Apple product launches introduced the latest M4 Mac Mini, and it’s turning heads with its incredibly compact design and powerful internals. The rumors about this slimmed-down Mac were spot-on. Apple has redesigned the M4 Mac Mini to be nearly as compact as an Apple TV, yet it packs the power and versatility expected from a Mac desktop.
Smaller, More Efficient Design
The M4 Mac Mini comes in a size that’s close to a perfect square, measuring just 5 x 5 inches. For comparison, Apple’s TV 4K device is 3.66 x 3.66 inches, putting the Mac Mini’s compactness into perspective. This smaller footprint is due to the efficiency of Apple’s in-house silicon, allowing Apple to cut down on bulk while ensuring powerful performance. Despite its compact form, the Mini includes a built-in fan with thermal vents at the base to manage temperature, which is particularly essential for the high-performance M4 Pro version.
Power and Performance Boosts
Apple boasts significant performance improvements with the M4 Mini compared to the original M1 Mac Mini. The base M4 chip brings a 1.8x boost in CPU performance and a 2.2x increase in GPU performance over the M1. If you opt for the M4 Pro model, you’re in for a leap forward with enhanced processing and graphics capabilities, especially beneficial for users involved in gaming, creative projects, or demanding tasks.
M4 Pro – Game-Changing Graphics and Speed
Apple has introduced its M4 Pro chip with the M4 Mini, emphasizing its competitive edge as the “world’s fastest” chip. The GPU in the M4 Pro doubles ray tracing speeds, furthering Apple’s ambition to make the Mac a more robust platform for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. The enhanced ray tracing and graphics power in the M4 Pro mean that rendering and visual effects are smoother and faster, a huge plus for gamers and creative professionals.
Advanced Connectivity with Thunderbolt 5
One standout feature in the M4 Pro model is the support for Thunderbolt 5, offering faster data transfer speeds, reduced latency, and the capacity to connect to higher-resolution external displays. While the base M4 model maintains Thunderbolt 4, both models cater to a range of productivity needs, with the M4 Pro pushing into high-end desktop territory. Apple has also optimized the M4 Mini’s design for convenience, moving two Thunderbolt ports to the front of the device, echoing the layout found on the Mac Studio.
Expanded Ports and User Convenience
The M4 Mac Mini is equipped with an impressive array of ports for such a compact machine. Alongside the two Thunderbolt ports on the front, the rear houses three more Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, HDMI, and Ethernet, providing extensive connectivity options to meet most professional and creative needs.
Apple’s First Carbon-Neutral Mac
The M4 Mini is a milestone in Apple’s sustainability journey, marking the brand’s first carbon-neutral Mac. This aligns with Apple’s environmental pledge to achieve carbon neutrality across all its products by 2030. By prioritizing renewable materials and energy-efficient designs, Apple is setting a precedent for eco-conscious tech innovations.
Pricing and Memory Configurations
Starting at a competitive price of $599, the M4 Mini includes 16GB of memory in its base model, making it an accessible option for those seeking a compact yet capable desktop. The upgrade to the M4 Pro model is priced at $1,399, a notable investment for the performance upgrade. This Pro model delivers extra memory and power, ideal for professionals requiring a high-performance desktop in a small package.
The Verdict: Compact Size, Big Performance
With its combination of cutting-edge silicon, Thunderbolt 5 support, and eco-friendly credentials, the M4 Mac Mini solidifies its place as one of Apple’s most versatile desktop options. From gaming to productivity, this device offers power without compromising on efficiency or design. Whether you’re upgrading from an older Mac or diving into Apple’s desktop lineup for the first time, the M4 Mac Mini offers an impressive balance of power, sustainability, and compact design.
