Apple’s recent Mac lineup update has created quite a stir, especially with the launch of the Mac mini M4. After 16 years of relying on 8GB RAM as the standard, the new Mac mini M4 marks a major leap in performance. Here’s a deep dive into what the Mac mini M4 brings to the table.
1. Design: compact yet powerful
One of the most striking features of the new Mac mini M4 is its drastically reduced size. Compared to its predecessor, it is now 58% smaller, making it nearly the size of a mini PC. Despite its compact nature, Apple hasn’t compromised on performance or port availability.
The M4 model now has front-facing USB ports, a Thunderbolt port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, along with a revamped HDMI port that supports a wider range of displays. However, the placement of the power button at the bottom of the device still remains questionable, much like Apple’s earlier design decisions, such as with the Magic Mouse.
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2. Energy efficiency and performance
Energy efficiency is another area where the Mac mini M4 excels. When the monitor is turned off, the power consumption drops to just 1 watt, which is akin to the power usage of a PC when it’s entirely turned off. Although the M1 chip was already more than sufficient for everyday tasks, the M4 brings significant improvements.
The biggest jump is in CPU performance, both in single and multi-core processing. In CineBench 2024 testing, the M4 consumed more power than the M1, which is expected given the doubling or tripling of performance in some areas.
3. Video editing performance: a dream for creators
The video export and rendering speed in DaVinci Resolve is noticeably faster, even outpacing our usual desktop PC setup. What stood out the most was the smoothness of 4K timeline previewing. The M4 chip is finally allowing us to preview videos directly within the editing software without the need for constant rendering and exports.
When it comes to special effects, the M4 handles animation and complex visual tasks with ease. However, for more demanding 3D work or more animations, the unified memory might become a bottleneck. While 16GB of RAM is adequate for most tasks, those working on highly detailed projects may need to upgrade to a higher memory configuration.
4. Gaming: better but not perfect yet
As for gaming, the M4 shows improved performance compared to the M1. However, the Mac mini is still not a dedicated gaming machine. For casual gamers, it’s more practical to run iPad games via Playover than to rely on macOS native ports, which remain unreliable and often lack graphical fidelity. Despite the improvements, the Mac mini M4 is still not comparable to gaming PCs in terms of image quality and overall experience.
5. Pricing: a strong value proposition on an Apple product
Where the Mac mini M4 truly shines is in its value proposition. With a starting price of $600 for the base configuration (16GB RAM and 256GB SSD), it offers a significant performance boost at an affordable price. In comparison, similar-priced PCs offer inferior capabilities.
This makes the M4 an attractive option for those who need an entry-level Mac experience but still want enough power for professional tasks like video editing and light gaming. However, those working on larger projects or requiring more RAM should consider upgrading the configuration. You can watch the video for more insights into the tests we conducted.
6. Conclusion: the perfect Mac for most users
In conclusion, the Mac mini M4 is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful yet compact Mac experience. It offers impressive performance, energy efficiency, and an unbeatable price. While it’s not a powerhouse for high-end gaming or extremely complex 3D tasks, it is more than capable of handling everyday work, creative tasks, and even moderate gaming. If you’re considering a Mac mini, this is a great entry into the world of MacOS without breaking the bank.
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