In this comparison you will find all the differences between the Mac mini M4 and the Mac mini M3
The new Mac mini of 2024 could be the most powerful computer in the world in this sizeApple has reduced it to almost half of what it was in the previous Mac mini from 2023. In addition to this striking design change, there are fears of a printed update from M2 chips to M4 chips. So it’s a pretty profound renovation.
But has much else changed? Here comparison I show you all the differences between the Mac mini (M4) of 2024 and the Mac mini (M3) of 2023 to see if the change is worth it.
Main differences between Mac mini (M4) and Mac mini (M2)
- New design.
- M4 and M4 Pro chip.
- Two USB-C ports on the front.
- No USB-A ports.
- Thunderbolt 5.
Specifications table: Mac mini (M4) vs Mac mini (M2)
| Mac mini with M4 chip (2024) | Mac mini with M2 chip (2023) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | M4 and M4 Pro | M2 and M2 Pro |
| Processor | 10 cores (M4), up to 14 cores (M4 Pro) | 8 cores (M2), 10 cores (M2 Pro) |
| GPU | 10 cores (M4), up to 20 cores (M4 Pro) | 10 cores (M2), 16 cores (M2 Pro) |
| RAM memory | 16, 24 or 32 GB of unified memory (up to 64 GB for the model with M4 Pro chip) | 8, 16 or 24 GB of unified memory (up to 32 GB for the model with M2 Pro chip) |
| Operating system | macOS Sequoia | macOS Ventura |
| Ability | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB SSD storage (up to 8 TB for the model with M4 Pro chip) | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD storage |
| Ports | 2 USB-C ports, 3 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) or Thunderbolt 5 ports (model with M4 Pro chip), HDMI, Ethernet (configurable up to 10 Gbps) and 3.5 mm jack | 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C), HDMI, Ethernet (configurable up to 10 Gbps) and 3.5 millimeter jack |
| Base price | From $719 | From $719 |
Comparison: Mac mini (M4) vs Mac mini (M2)
Design
This is the great novelty of the new iPad mini which finally leaves behind the design of the Mac mini equipped with Intel processors. Apple has significantly reduced the size of the Mac mini (M4)which is now smaller but bigger. The design continues to use aluminum as the main material, with the Apple apple in the upper area. The weight has also been reduced by almost half, making it a fairly portable device:
- Mac mini (M2) 2023 measurements: 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.8 cm.
- Weight of the Mac mini (M2) 2023: 1.18 – 1.28Kg.
- Mac mini (M4) 2024 measurements: 12.7 x 12.7 x 5 cm.
- Weight of the Mac mini (M4) 2024: 0.67 – 0.73Kg.
Processor and RAM
The 2023 Mac mini used the M2 and M2 Pro chips, and the 2024 Mac mini comes with the M4 and M4 Pro. So we have a very significant jump of two generations. Additionally, the 204 Mac mini was responsible for launching the M4 Pro chipwhich Apple claims is twice as powerful as the M4.
The M4 Pro chip offers plenty of power
In addition, Apple has doubled the RAM memory of the entry version and also the maximum available. So the Mac mini now starts with 16GB of unified memory and can be configured with a maximum of 64GB, while the 2023 models started with 8GB with a maximum of 32GB.
| Mac mini M4 Pro | Mac mini M2 Pro | Mac mini M4 | Mac mini M2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 12 to 14 cores | 10 to 12 cores | 10 hearts | 8 hearts |
| Chart | 16 to 20 cores | 16 to 19 cores | 10 hearts | 10 hearts |
| Storage | Up to 8TB | Up to 8TB | Up to 2TB | Up to 2TB |
| RAM | Up to 64 GB | Up to 32 GB | Up to 32 GB | Up to 24 GB |
| Motor neuron | 16 hearts | 16 hearts | 16 hearts | 16 hearts |
| Memory bandwidth | 273 GB/s | 200 GB/s | 120 GB/s | 100 GB/s |
| Apple Intelligence | Yeah | Yeah | Yeah | Yeah |
Ports
The Mac mini’s design change also resulted in a change in port placement. Previously, it was always located at the back, which made it somewhat uncomfortable to use. but now In the Mac mini 2024 we have two USB-C ports on the front next to the headphone jack.
In addition to these two ports, behind us we have 3 other ports with USB-C connector compatible with Thunderbolt 4 on the model with M4 chip and Thunderbolt 5 on the model with M4 Pro. Additionally, we also have a HDMI connector in the rear area.
Compared to the previous model, the The 2023 Mac mini had 2 or 3 USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 in addition to two other USB-A ports and the HDMI connector
Précio
As for the price, it’s not all good news. Although the base model with the M4 chip starts at the same price of 719 dollars as the model with the M2 chip, despite double the amount of RAM. Models equipped with the M4 Pro chip are slightly more expensive than those using the M2 Pro chip.
| Mac mini M4 Pro | Mac mini M2 Pro | Mac mini M4 | Mac mini M2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base price | 1,669 dollars | 1,569 dollars | 719 dollars | 719 dollars |
| Ceiling price | 5,464 dollars | 5,364 dollars | 2,214 dollars | 2,214 dollars |
Memory or internal storage upgrades continue to cost the same, 230 dollars for each slice. Just like having the 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, which costs 115 dollars.
Is it worth changing the Mac mini M2 for the Mac mini M4?
It is of course not easy to answer this question. The Mac mini with M2 chip remains a great device supporting the latest features like Apple Intelligence. SO, Unless you need more power, I wouldn’t recommend this change.. The M4 and M4 Pro chips are quite superior to the M2 and M2 Pro, two years have passed and it shows. But despite the beautiful design, I think this is the only argument in favor of an upgrade.
Actually, I think this Mac mini targets the public who still own a Mac with Intel chips and users who want to change their Windows computer for a desktop Mac.
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