What if a development was so important that we would then speak of a revolution? The arrival of the Apple Mac Mini (2024) was, unsurprisingly, the source of all the attention within the editorial team. Digital. Small, cute, quirky, everyone used their superlative to describe the latest desktop computer made in Cupertino. Its completely redesigned design accompanies the M4 and M4 Pro series of processors, also embedded in the 2024 MacBook Pros.
Good news, the American manufacturer is not changing the pricing of its Mini compared to previous models with a starting price set at €699. At this price, the Mac Mini has the M4 processor, 256 GB of storage and, new, 16 GB of unified RAM, which finally marks the end of the 8 GB models. The bill nevertheless rises very quickly as the gigabytes go by, until it costs €1,159 for the M4 model with 24 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, almost double the entry-level price. To afford the M4 Pro, you will have to pay at least €1,649 (24 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage).
For our test, it was the Mac Mini M4 model with 16 GB of RAM that we examined. Will it be able to be competitive despite its aggressive pricing?
Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro)
Introductory price €1649
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Amazon
€1,649.00 New
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Fnac.com
€1,649.00 New
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Boulanger.com
€1,649.00 New
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Darty.com
€1,649.00 New
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Rakuten
€1,649.00 New
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Macway
€1,649.00 New
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LDLC
€1,657.95 New
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Materiel.net
€1,657.95 New
How the pricing table works
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Construction
Imagine, it’s been 14 years since Apple changed the silhouette of its Mac Mini. Proof of this is that the very first version of its redesign served us as a perfect point of comparison to observe the evolution. With its 12.7 cm length and depth and 5 cm height, suffice to say that the machine has never lived up to its name so well.
It’s simple, the computer now has more in common with the Apple TV (9.3 x 9.3 x 3.1 cm) than with its predecessor. A clue, if one were still needed, of the black magic with which the brand’s engineers operate to the delight of those allergic to overly flashy electronics.
There is also nothing to complain about in terms of the finish, exemplary and still as radically closed. Waiting for any change in this aspect is certainly in vain, but we can only be saddened to see one of the strengths of desktop computers being held back by considerations that are ridiculously outdated today.
Has connectivity come a long way since 2023? Not so much… Seeing the rich rear of the 2010 Mac Mini is to deplore the vagaries of time which passes and deprives us, poor tech enthusiasts, of our SD card readers and other Mini DisplayPorts. We’re exaggerating, but barely: since the Mac Mini M2, the computer has been deprived of any USB-A port. Nothing surprising in itself, because instead, the Mac Mini M4 displays five USB-C ports (two on the front, three on the back) including a Thunderbolt 4, the Thunderbolt 5 being reserved for the M4 Pro model . Moreover, we can be reassured with the survivors, such as the HDMI 2.1 port or the Gigabit Ethernet port and its 10 Gb option (€115). Some things don’t change…
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Another unchanging element, wireless connectivity is still limited to wifi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. It would be a question of rethinking the future proofing of our tech investments, but it won’t be today.
Testing a tech product is also a guarantee of experiencing great moments of solitude – often negative, but sometimes funny, like our visit to the semi-anechoic room to measure the sound level of the Mac Mini M4’s cooling fans. It’s simple, even under heavy load on HandBrake, only the sharpest ears will be able to hear its very discreet murmur, not exceeding 31 dB on the sound level meter. Our observation is similar regarding heating, limited to 27°C (29°C in the ventilation outlets located at the rear) and power consumption, measured at 3 W (!) on average in light office use and 45 W in intensive tasks. It’s better than the Mac Mini M2 and its 7 W in idle. In standby, the mini-computer does not pass 300 mW (0.3 W), a little less than a PS5 in rest mode.
So yes, we cannot ignore the really surprising location of its power button, placed under the small cube, in its rear left corner. It is impossible to press on it without slightly lifting its corner to allow the passage of a knuckle. Obviously, this raises a feeling of cheapso much so that one wonders what could have motivated such a decision. Nothing dramatic however, knowing that standby consumption is derisory.
Performances
The M4 of our Mac Mini is equipped with 10 CPU cores (4 for performance, 6 for energy efficiency), 10 GPU cores and 16 cores for its Neural Engine dedicated to artificial intelligence tasks. The same number as the previous generation M2, except for the lower number of CPU cores (8 cores), but much more efficient.
Thus, on our test protocol, the Mac Mini M4 almost doubles the CPU performance index to 90 against 53. It is also far ahead of the M2 Max, although equipped with four additional cores, thanks to its performance in single core.
Faced with the latest mobile CPUs from Intel and AMD, the Mac Mini M4 is on par, for example against the Ryzen AI 9 370 HX (12 cores, 24 threads) of the Asus TUF Gaming A16. However, it is much superior to the Core Ultra 7 256 V (8c/8t) of Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition.
Far from being a competitive beast for gamingthe M4 shows good performance on the benchmark of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. At 1200p with the preset set to Very High, the title reached 39 fps on the Mac Mini M4, a little less than double that of the Mac Mini M2. Enough to ensure a few occasional sessions on less demanding titles, far from the greedy AAAs. As for the SSD, its performance remains average, with 3.3 GB/s reading and 3 GB/s writing.
Points forts
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Smaller than ever.
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Impeccable M4 processor.
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Construction solide.
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Very well calibrated sound output.
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Ventilation inaudible.
Weak points
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No wifi 7.
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Not at all modular.
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Absence de slot SD.
Ah, the Apple Mac Mini (2024) – a computer so revolutionary it could almost be mistaken for a piece of modern art! Or, you know, the smallest flat-pack furniture you’ll ever regret trying to assemble by yourself. One minute it’s a regular desktop, and the next—BAM—it’s as if the entire Cupertino crew decided they wanted to dabble in minimalism. I mean, it’s tiny! I’m not saying it’s literally small enough to fit in your pocket, but if you’ve got deep pockets, you could definitely give it a go!
So, let’s dive in, shall we? We’ve got a shiny new M4 processor, proving Apple’s still got its mojo. They’re calling this desktop "cute and quirky," which makes you wonder if it’s dressed up for a tech-themed tea party.
Now, pricing starts at €699, which is fairly reasonable… unless of course, you’re like me and managed to invest in a dozen USB-C adapters that’ll end up costing you more than the actual computer itself. Ah, the joys of modern computing!
When you get to the higher-end models, you might need to take out a small loan: €1,649 for the M4 Pro with 24 GB of RAM. That’s right, folks! If you splash out that much, you might expect a “Congratulations!” card from Tim Cook himself. And just to spice things up, I’ll pretend there’s a gift card for Apple Music in that box. Because who doesn’t want to listen to “We Will Rock You” while sitting next to a rock-solid computer?
Now, let’s talk about construction. Apple seems to have taken the term “Mini” quite literally. It’s like they tried to fit a desktop into a lunchbox, and guess what? They succeeded. But remember folks, with great size comes… a power button that’s mysteriously located at the back, making you feel like you’re trying to summon a ghost every time you want to turn it on. It’s like they want you to earn your Apple experience through a bit of gymnastics!
Connectivity, or lack thereof, will have you reminiscing about the good old days of the 2010 Mac Mini, which looked like it had a robust social life with its multiple ports. The current version? Well, five USB-C ports sounds impressive until you realize you’ve relegated your old SD cards to cherished memories rather than functional accessories. Still, it has HDMI 2.1—that’s something, right?
Now, if your ears are particularly discerning, you might benefit from Apple’s “Muffle My Fan” feature, which works splendidly in keeping things quiet. My cat could snooze blissfully on top of this desktop. Meanwhile, its power usage is so low that you might just mistake it for a power-saving lamp.
And onto the performance! It’s equipped with 10 CPU cores which make it more stimulating than your average date with Netflix. The M4 has plenty of oomph, and even if it won’t let you dive into the latest triple-A gaming experiences, it’ll handle Shadow of the Tomb Raider like a champ. No, it won’t exactly be competing for the Olympics of gaming, but it’ll get the job done for occasional play sessions when you aren’t working on that novel you promised yourself you’d finish last December.
In summary, the Mac Mini (M4) offers many highs with only a few lows. It looks great, runs like a well-oiled machine, and is quieter than my last relationship. But, much like all fruit-based products, make sure you check out its limitations. No wifi 7? No SD card slot? Goodness! I didn’t know minimalism came with a side of dissatisfaction!
So, there you have it—Apple’s latest Mini is a marvel of modern engineering, even if it feels a bit like a conveniently oversized keychain. Just remember, you get what you pay for, and what you’re getting is an extremely powerful desktop that doesn’t take up much space… or personality!
What if a development was so crucial that it sparked a revolution? The debut of the Apple Mac Mini (2024) certainly captured the unwavering focus of our editorial team. Digital. Compact, appealing, and undeniably quirky, every member of the team couldn’t help but heap praise upon the latest offering from made in Cupertino. Accompanying its completely revamped design are the powerful M4 and M4 Pro series of processors, which are also featured in the much-anticipated 2024 MacBook Pros.
In some positive news for fans of the brand, Apple has maintained the pricing structure of its Mini lineup, with the base model starting at €699. At this entry price, the Mac Mini boasts the impressive M4 processor, 256 GB of flash storage, and, notably, 16 GB of unified RAM—a welcome upgrade marking the end of the 8 GB models. Consumers should be aware, however, that as they opt for increased memory and storage configurations, the price escalates significantly, reaching €1,159 for the M4 model equipped with 24 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, nearly double the starting price. For those looking to enhance their experience with the M4 Pro variant, the cost starts at a steep €1,649, which includes 24 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.
In our in-depth testing, we focused on the Mac Mini M4 model with 16 GB of RAM. The pivotal question remains: will it hold its ground in a fiercely competitive market, particularly with its aggressive pricing strategy?
Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro)
Introductory price €1,649
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Amazon
€1,649.00 New
-
Fnac.com
€1,649.00 New
-
Boulanger.com
€1,649.00 New
-
Darty.com
€1,649.00 New
-
Rakuten
€1,649.00 New
-
Macway
€1,649.00 New
How the pricing table works
Turn off your ad blocker to access all of the links above.
Construction
After 14 long years, Apple has finally unveiled a redesigned silhouette for its Mac Mini. The comparison to the early models serves as a fascinating exploration of technological evolution. With dimensions of 12.7 cm length and depth, and a mere 5 cm height, this iteration lives up to its ‘mini’ moniker exquisitely.
It’s evident that this new version shares more traits with the Apple TV (9.3 x 9.3 x 3.1 cm) than its bulky predecessor, providing a sleek aesthetic that appeals to those who prefer understated tech designs. The brand’s engineers seem to work their black magic, producing a device that avoids the flashiness often found in today’s electronics.
The finishing touch of the device is nothing short of exemplary, maintaining the brand’s characteristic tightly closed structure. While a semblance of modularity would be nice, current expectations around desktop form factor constraints hinder significant advancement in this area.
Has connectivity greatly advanced since 2023? The disappointing answer is not particularly. Reflecting on the robust exterior of the 2010 Mac Mini highlights the lost opportunities modern tech enthusiasts face due to growing trends in minimalist design. While we lament the absence of USB-A ports—an absence solidified since the Mac Mini M2—the current model does offer five USB-C ports (two located on the front and three at the back), including a Thunderbolt 4 port. For the M4 Pro model, Thunderbolt 5 options are available, while familiar staples such as the HDMI 2.1 port and Gigabit Ethernet port—with an optional 10 Gb upgrade (€115)—remain intact. Some constants truly endure…
Meanwhile, it’s crucial to mention that the wireless connectivity standard has remained static at wifi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. A reconsideration of what constitutes a future-proof device may be necessary, but those changes apparently aren’t part of today’s updates.
Testing any tech product yields moments of solitude—often leaning toward the negative but, at times, amusing. This was the case during our visit to a semi-anechoic chamber, where we measured the sound level generated by the Mac Mini M4’s cooling fans. Under heavy processing loads, it was nearly impossible to detect any noise above a muted whisper, barely clocking in at 31 dB on our sound level meter. Heat generation mirrored this level of efficiency, peaking only at 27°C (29°C in the rear ventilation outlets), while power consumption was impressively low at an average of merely 3 W during light office tasks, elevating only to 45 W during more intensive operations. Compared to its predecessor, the Mac Mini M2, this represents a noteworthy improvement from its previously recorded 7 W in idle conditions. Moreover, the mini-computer’s standby consumption is a mere 300 mW (0.3 W)—significantly less than a PS5 in rest mode.
Yet, the unusual placement of the power button may catch users off guard. Positioned in the rear left corner underside of the unit, accessing it requires a delicate maneuver, as one must slightly lift the corner to allow a knuckle to push it. While this may might provoke discussions on design choices—suggesting a ‘cheap’ feel—it’s a minor concern given the remarkably low standby consumption.
Performances
The M4 in our tested Mac Mini boasts an impressive configuration of 10 CPU cores (4 dedicated to performance, 6 optimized for energy efficiency), alongside 10 GPU cores and 16 Neural Engine cores aimed specifically at artificial intelligence-driven tasks. This represents a slight decrease from the M2 generation, which had 12 CPU cores, yet the efficiency advancements more than compensate for that drop.
During our rigorous testing protocol, the Mac Mini M4 demonstrated an astounding leap in performance, achieving a CPU performance index of 90, almost double that of its predecessor, which scored only 53. It surpassed even the M2 Max model, despite being equipped with four additional cores, highlighting its prowess in single core processing.
When stacked against Intel’s and AMD’s latest mobile CPUs, the Mac Mini M4 holds its own against formidable competitors, such as the Ryzen AI 9 370 HX (12 cores, 24 threads) found in the Asus TUF Gaming A16. However, in a head-to-head comparison with the Core Ultra 7 256 V (8c/8t) of Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, the Mac Mini M4 vastly outperforms.
While it may not be tailored for gaming aficionados, the M4 still provides commendable performance in benchmarks, such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Running at 1200p with ultra settings, the game reached 39 fps on the Mac Mini M4, nearly double the performance of the Mac Mini M2. This level of performance ensures users can enjoy casual gameplay sessions on less demanding titles, albeit falling short when faced with larger AAA titles. The speeds for the SSD are respectable yet average, achieving 3.3 GB/s for reading and 3 GB/s for writing.
Points forts
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Smaller than ever.
-
Impeccable M4 processor.
-
Construction solide.
-
Very well calibrated sound output.
-
Ventilation inaudible.
Weak points
-
No wifi 7.
-
Not at all modular.
-
Absence de slot SD.
Ormance compared to its predecessor. Benchmark scores suggest that it handles demanding tasks—like video editing and 3D rendering—effortlessly without any noticeable lags or delays. The integration of the new M4 chip not only enhances computational speed but also optimizes energy consumption, making it suitable for both professional and casual use.
In practical applications, users will find that multitasking remains seamless, with the device effortlessly switching between resource-heavy applications. The Neural Engine capabilities allow for smarter processing and improved machine learning tasks, making the Mac Mini M4 a strong contender in the realm of AI-enhanced workflows.
Additionally, gaming performance has also seen significant improvements, with the GPU delivering solid frame rates on various titles. While not primarily marketed as a gaming device, the Mac Mini M4 can adequately handle casual gaming sessions without breaking a sweat.
Apple has made commendable strides with the M4 chip, making the Mac Mini a powerful tool for both creatives and tech enthusiasts alike. The device’s compact form factor paired with its impressive performance makes it a worthy investment for anyone looking to enhance their computing experience. Whether you’re a professional in need of a reliable workstation or a casual user wanting a sleek and efficient desktop, the Mac Mini M4 delivers on all fronts.
