M4 Mac mini review roundup: Pint-sized powerhouse that won't break the bank

Apple's introduction of the New Mac mini on October 29 wasn't its usual spec-bump update. After months of rumors, it finally refreshed the model to make it even more mini.

At 5 inches square, its footprint trims off 2.7 inches each in width and length, but it did grow in height to 2 inches. It's now the smallest Mac Apple has ever sold to consumers.

The small size also meant a rethink about ports, since the space on the back had shrunk down. Now, there are two USB-C ports and the headphone jack at the front, making it easier for users to plug their peripherals in.

The upgrade also included new chips, with it now using M4 and M4 Pro. The new variants, and their accompanying GPUs, provide a considerable boost over the previous generation.

The M4 Pro also introduces a new technology standard to the Mac mini. The rear Thunderbolt 4 ports on the M4 are replaced by Thunderbolt 5 on the M4 Pro model, boasting even higher transfer speeds.

Apple has already opened up preorders for the Mac mini, which will ship on November 8. The M4 model starts from $599, while the M4 Pro begins at $1,399.

Reviewers have already used the new Mac mini before its release, and have started to publish their hot takes on the hardware. Here's what tech media has to say about Apple's latest pint-sized powerhouse.

MKBHD

As anticipated, tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee was among the first to have a Mac mini review prepped and ready to go. His slickly produced video, titled "The M4 Mac Mini is Incredible!", is ready to make the case for Apple's pint-sized powerhouse.

"Usually, one crazy thing about a new piece of tech is enough to get my attention," he starts. "...But this new Mac mini has three things about it that are insane."

He praises Apple for shrinking the Mac mini to a 5-inch by 5-inch footprint while still managing to make an incredibly capable device, saying, "If you tried to build or buy another computer to match this thing, you will either end up building a computer that's just as small but nowhere near as capable, or a computer that is just as capable but nowhere near as small.

Like many others have pointed out, Brownlee notes that the Mac mini base model is an incredible value. Specifically, he points out that for $599, users get an M4 experience with 16GB of RAM, a 10-core CPU, and a 10-core GPU.

His final point is a bit niche, but he argues that a kitted-out M4 Pro Mac mini could be extremely useful for content producers on the go, "The Mac mini is the easiest way to pack an M4 Pro chip with you — just throw it in a travel bag super easily."

The Verge

"Over the last several days of testing Apple's redesigned desktop Mac, I've been impressed by all the power and potential crammed into this very compact machine," writes The Verge's Chris Welch. "For a starting price of $599 and with 16GB of RAM now standard, the M4 Mac Mini has immediately become the best value in Apple's entire Mac lineup."

He points out the feeling of diminishing returns, noting that a kitted-out M4 Pro model rockets to $2,199, which makes the purchase seem a bit absurd. However, he notes that the Mac mini probably isn't trying to infringe on the Mac Studio or MacBook Pro market and "would be my recommendation for anyone who wants a dependable desktop Mac."

The review finishes by noting that the Mac mini is the perfect choice for first-time Mac owners, especially those who don't need anything particularly fancy — just stay away from needlessly pricy upgrades.

Andru Edwards

Andru Edwards' views echo the sentiments of others, noting that the small size makes it an easy purchase for those who prioritize a workspace-friendly machine.

He also notes that the M4 Pro version he tested is an absolute powerhouse, but he has concerns over heat management. "With a compact design and limited cooling, thermal throttling can be a real issue. That means the Mac mini can reach those high peaks, it might not sustain them for hours on end without slowing down."

And, like others, he notes that while the base model is an incredible value for the average user, the second you begin selecting upgrades, you could be in for some serious sticker shock.

However, Edwards ultimately likes the Mac mini, saying it "fits great in a home office, works well as a media center, or can be used as your workstation in your studio."

TechCrunch

The Tech Crunch review mostly centers on trying to determine who the target audience for the Mac mini is. It notes that the machine, at the base, still requires a user to bring a monitor, keyboard, and mouse — all of which cost extra.

"The new Mac Mini is a case of a (mostly) well designed machine without an entirely clear market segment," TechCrunch writes. "Its sweet spot is those who already have a monitor or monitors and are just looking to upgrade their system with the newest entry-level Mac."

But at higher configurations, "you begin to wonder precisely where the Mini sits in the line," noting that an iMac doesn't require peripherals and the Mac Studio provides more value for money spent.

The review concludes by suggesting that the Mac mini's real target audience is the enterprise sector, and tells buyers who are on the fence about purchasing to "consider whether a MacBook or iMac makes more sense for your setup and pocketbook."