Mac mini M4 benchmarks, review and comparison

Today Apple has released its latest Mac mini, now featuring a more compact design and the new M4 processor. In this article, we’ve tested the new Mac mini and compared its benchmark scores against the M2 models, giving you the insights you need to decide if it’s worth the upgrade.

Benchmark Scores and comparisions

One of the best ways to compare different devices is to use what is referred to as a Benchmark. This is the act of running a program to access the performance of an individual device and provides a score based on its proficiency.

We used a software called Geekbench 6, and Geekbench AI, that contains a database of devices and how their performance compares, with reference to the GPU, CPU and NPU. In our previous blogs we have spoken in depth about what the Geekbench 6 and Geekbench AI scores refer to.

While the internal hardware is an important factor to consider, this blog also delves into the physical aspect of the Mac mini M4, with the changes to the ports and connectors that you will receive from the base spec model.

Mac mini M4 CPU benchmark

Apple’s latest Mac mini takes advantage of the new M4 silicon chipset, previously used in Apple’s most recent iPad models. The base specification has a 10-Core CPU, 4 for performance and 6 for efficiency, and 28 billion transistors.

We used Geekbench 6 to assess the processing performance of the M4, this tool measures and provides a score based on the CPU stress that real-world scenarios would put on a device. The higher the score, the better the device is at performing workloads.

Compared with the previous base spec M2 model that came with 8-core CPUs, we observed an increase in Multi-core performance from the M4.

Mac mini M4 GPU benchmark

Apple’s Mac mini M4 is equipped with a 10-core GPU, with hardware accelerated ray tracing. As a result, the Geekbench 6 OpenCL GPU score came in at 37983 an increase compared to the Mac mini M2 that also came with a 10-core GPU at base specification.

Mac mini M4 NPU Benchmark

NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is a type of processor that is built to simulate a human brain’s function, optimised for machine learning and AI. A computer’s GPU is also capable of running AI tasks, but takes up a lot of power as a result. An NPU is more efficient at running AI tasks and allows for the CPU and GPU to be freed for other tasks your device needs to operate.

With AI advancements accelerating at a fast pace, Apple have advertised the capability of the Mac mini M4 to use their own AI system known as Apple Intelligence. Available for all Macs with M1 chips and later, both of the Mac mini we benchmarked contain a 16-core Neural Engine capable of running AI related workloads.

Looking at the scores from Geekbench AI, it is clear to see that there is a significant increase in performance from the NPU in the Mac mini M4, but if you are looking for a device capable of taking advantage of Apple Intelligence you can still use the older silicon models that also maintain support for the most up to date Apple OS.

Mac mini M4 Redesign

Form factor and size

One of the most notable differences from Apple’s previous lineup of Mac mini’s is the size comparison. Apple has taken the concept of a compact desktop to a whole new level, shrinking the M4 down to an impressive 12.7cm in length and width.

The previous Mac mini M2 model was already a powerhouse for miniature desktops with a length and width of 19.70cm. However, when it comes to height, the M4 Mac mini is slightly taller than the previous design, coming in at 5cm (2.0 inches) compared to the M2 Mini’s height of 3.58cm (1.41 inches).

With the size decrease, the overall weight of the device has also gone down. Making the M4 the lightest Mac mini ever, weighing in at 0.67KG (1.5 pounds) compared to the previous M2 at 1.18KG (2.6 pounds).

Size comparison of Mac mini M4 (Left) and Mac mini M2 (Right)

Power button

Apple’s redesign of the Mac mini included a change to the location of the buttons. The Mac mini M4 power button is now located at the foot of the device, compared to the previous Mac mini where the power button was located at the back of the device.

The changes to the dimensions and button location on the Mac mini M4 could present a potential issue for users who operate a rack mounting system. Some rack mounting designs offer a convenient front facing switch that could operate the rear facing power button located on the Mac mini. On the new M4 model, the power button is now located on the base of the device, which is something to consider if you are looking to upgrade.

Cooling

Having so much power inside such a small body meant that Apple had to redesign their thermal architecture to ensure it can maintain intensive workflows, and achieve the speeds you would expect from a machine with powerful Apple hardware. In the new Mac Mini M4, air is guided through different levels of the system that flows through the foot of the device. This helps to keep the device cool while managing workloads.

Ports and connectivity

Apple has made some important changes to the number, and type of ports they have decided to include on the new Mac mini M4.

Rear view of Mac mini M4 (Left) and Mac mini M2 (Right)

USB

The Mac mini M4 features two USB-C ports with support for USB 3 to the front, replacing the two USB-A ports on the previous Mac mini located to the rear of the device. So if you are thinking about purchasing the new M4 model, you might want to consider obtaining an adaptor to use a traditional USB-A wired mouse and keyboard.

Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt 4 is a hardware interface that uses a USB-C connector for external displays, high speed data transfer (up to 40 Gbps), and device charging. On the rear of the Mac mini M4 there are three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Mac mini M2 has two.

HDMI & Ethernet

Like the M1 and M2 Mac mini you will get a HDMI and Ethernet port for displays and internet connection. The Mac mini M4 supports HDMI 2.1 which means higher refresh rates and resolution.

Wifi & Bluetooth

The Mac mini M4 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) which is the same as the previous M2 model.

Front view of Mac mini M4 (Left) and Mac mini M2 (Right)

SPECIFICATION 

A significant change to the Mac mini M4 is that you no longer have the option to go for 8GB of memory. Instead, the base model will come with 16GB as standard with the option to upgrade up to 24GB or 32GB. If you are someone who uses professional applications like Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Illustrator, or any software that requires higher memory, 16GB is a great starting point to be able to run power hungry applications.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for a powerful device with a small footprint, then the Mac mini M4 would be a great choice for your next desktop computer. Its compact size and impressive hardware make it a perfect device to keep on your desk or as part of your home entertainment system. That being said, if you are looking to save some money, the previous Mac mini still pack a significant punch, with their small frame, powerful Apple silicon chipsets, and the ability to access Apple AI features. Both the M1 and M2 Mac mini still maintain their place as a powerful and viable option.