This week, Apple is launching the redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro, setting new standards in compact desktop performance. With a slimmer design and improved features, the Mac mini is aimed at those looking for powerful hardware in the smallest of spaces. But how does the Mac mini 2024 perform in practice? In the first tests by experts, it quickly becomes clear: The new mini has a lot to offer.
The Mac mini has delighted many users since its debut - a compact desktop that is powerful and versatile despite its small format. But the 2024 model takes the Mac mini to a new level: With the M4 and M4 Pro chips, a revised design and optimized ports, Apple promises to make the device future-proof for the next few years.
Design and connections: New look and improved usability
For the first time in years, the Mac mini has a new case design that is significantly more compact and reminds many of an Apple TV box. Apple has made perfect use of the reduced space requirements of the Apple Silicon architecture and has brought the Mac mini into a case that is visually reminiscent of the Mac Studio, but in a much smaller format. A long-awaited improvement: the placement of two USB-C ports on the front that support USB 3.0 and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. This change is being welcomed by testers such as Brenda Stoylar from WIRED highlighted positively, as it eliminates the need to constantly “reach back” for connections. On the back, the M4 Pro Mac mini offers three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while the standard model of the M4 is equipped with Thunderbolt 4. HDMI, Ethernet and the power connection are also located on the back - and thus the end of the USB-A connection at Apple. The connectivity of the Mac mini is therefore ideally designed for demanding applications and meets the requirements of modern working environments.
Position of the on/off switch: design decision with mixed response
While the new front ports are well received, the placement of the power button on the bottom of the device is said by many to be inconvenient. This move is reminiscent of the unfortunate placement of the Magic Mouse's charging port. Testers like Chris Welch of The Verge and Brenda Stoylar from WIRED criticize that this decision affects the user experience: To turn on the Mac mini, the device must be lifted or reached from the side, which can be impractical in everyday work. Apple may want to emphasize the aesthetics of the new design, but practice shows that not all users are enthusiastic about it.
Powerful and efficient: The M4 and M4 Pro in detail
The M4 and M4 Pro chips set new standards for desktop performance in the compact device class. The M4 offers a performance increase of about 25% over its predecessor, while the M4 Pro is even 45% faster. In benchmark tests, the M4 Pro achieves Geekbench scores of up to 22,094, making it one of the most powerful chips for the Mac mini.
Testers like Devindra Hardawar from Engadget praise the GPU performance, which impresses even in graphically intensive games. “Lies of P” runs in 1,440p with maximum settings and a smooth 60 fps. The Mac mini even keeps up at 4K resolution, although the frame rate drops to around 30 fps here - still a remarkable result for such a compact device. Apple has also optimized the Neural Engine so that AI-supported tasks can be performed much faster. The improved GPU architecture with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AV1 decoding, supported by up to 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory, is particularly powerful in demanding applications. Creative professionals who work with graphics and video editing in particular benefit from the optimized hardware.
Usage scenarios: For whom is the Mac mini the ideal choice?
The new Mac mini is an attractive option for users who want a compact and powerful desktop solution without having to invest in the more expensive Mac Studio or iMac models. TechCrunch's Brian Heater describes it as an ideal choice for those who want to add a desktop or upgrade their existing setup without compromising on performance. The Mac mini is suitable for a variety of work environments, including home theater systems and production studios for live events. Companies looking for robust desktop solutions for employees will also benefit from the new Mac mini. Thanks to the variety of ports and powerful hardware, it is ideal for demanding office and creative applications. As an add-on to a laptop or as a main desktop, it is a flexible solution for many applications.
M4 Mac mini: A successful upgrade with minor weaknesses
The new Mac mini is a successful development of the previous models. With the powerful M4 and M4 Pro chips and a well-thought-out, space-saving design, it offers first-class performance in a compact housing. The front ports are a welcome innovation that makes everyday life easier and shows that Apple has responded to user requests. However, the decision to move the power button to the bottom of the device has not been well received by everyone. This design choice may be met with skepticism by some users, but should not affect most people's everyday lives too much. Overall, the Mac mini 2024 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a flexible, powerful and modern desktop that is suitable for both private and professional use. (Image: Apple)
- iMac M4: How Apple's new desktop model performs
- M4 MacBook Pro in review: The new features in detail
