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Apple Mac mini M4 vs Apple Mac mini M4

These are the same Mac mini M4 with the same 10-core chip and 16GB of base memory. The only difference is storage: 256GB versus 512GB. Buy the 512GB if you keep a photo library, video projects or big app installs on the internal drive. Buy the 256GB if your files live on an external SSD or in the cloud. Owners and reviewers rate the M4 mini highly for its speed, tiny 5-inch footprint and quiet running; the common complaint is that base storage fills fast and Apple's internal upgrades are costly.

  • Choose the Mac mini M4 256GB if you work mostly from external drives or the cloud and want the lowest entry into the M4 chip.
  • Choose the Mac mini M4 512GB if you want room for apps, photos and project files without carrying an external SSD.

Prices

  • Apple Mac mini M4: $649.00 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 10)
  • Apple Mac mini M4: $700.00 at Ricky Cell (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Apple Mac mini M4 is $51.00 cheaper than the Apple Mac mini M4 at the latest prices (Nov 10)
Apple
Apple Mac mini M4 10-Core CPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD

Apple Mac mini M4

Apple Mac mini M4 10-Core CPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD

4.9(1,576 ratings)
$649.00at Best BuyChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Same M4 speed as the 512GB model
  • Smallest storage tier keeps the entry point low
  • Tiny 5-inch body fits under a monitor
  • Front USB-C ports and headphone jack are easy to reach
Cons
  • 256GB fills quickly with photos, video and large apps
  • macOS and preinstalled apps take a chunk of it
  • No internal storage upgrade later
Apple
Apple Mac mini M4 10-Core CPU 16GB RAM 512GB SSD

Apple Mac mini M4

Apple Mac mini M4 10-Core CPU 16GB RAM 512GB SSD

$700.00at Ricky CellChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Ricky Cell
Pros
  • Double the internal storage of the 256GB model
  • Same M4 chip, memory and ports
  • Enough room for a typical photo library and app set
  • Fewer external drives to carry
Cons
  • Still fixed storage; heavy video work may need an external drive
  • Costs more than the 256GB model for the same hardware otherwise

What separates them

Apple Mac mini M4Apple Mac mini M4
Internal storage256GB SSD512GB SSD
Chip and performanceM4, 10-core CPUM4, 10-core CPU
Base memory16GB unified memory16GB unified memory
PortsThunderbolt, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, front USB-C, headphone jackSame port layout
Size and weight5 by 5 inches5 by 5 inches
Room for a large photo or video libraryTight; likely needs an external driveComfortable for most personal libraries
Upgrade path after purchaseStorage is fixed; external SSD is the workaroundStorage is fixed but starts larger

Price history

  • Apple Mac mini M4: lowest $649.00 on Nov 11 at Best Buy.
  • Apple Mac mini M4: lowest $700.00 on Nov 11 at Ricky Cell.

Prices at every store

Apple Mac mini M4

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $649.00Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Ricky CellNew

    In stock

    $700.00Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Ricky Cell
  • MercariNew

    In stock

    $899.99Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Mercari
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by 6AVE Electronics

    $929.95Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 11 stores and price history →

Apple Mac mini M4

  • Ricky CellNew

    In stock

    $700.00Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Ricky Cell
  • MercariNew

    In stock

    $899.99Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Mercari
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by 6AVE Electronics

    $929.95Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • MelroseMACNew

    Availability unknown

    $999.00Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit MelroseMAC
All 11 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple Mac mini M4Apple Mac mini M4
Operating SystemMac OSMac OS
Number Of Cores10-core10-core
ColorBlack, SilverBlack, Silver
Hard Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
Installed Memory16 GB RAM, 24 GB RAM, 32 GB RAM16 GB RAM, 24 GB RAM, 32 GB RAM

What reviewers say

Apple Mac mini M4

  • 4.9 / 51,576 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, praising the M4 speed, the small size and near-silent running. Most complaints are about the base storage and memory being fixed and easy to outgrow.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps apps snappy and handles photo and video work well.
  • SizePraisedReviewers like the 5-inch square body that sits under a monitor or on a small desk.
  • NoisePraisedPeople report it stays quiet even during longer, heavier tasks.
  • StorageCriticisedThe 256GB SSD is called tight, and buyers say it fills up quickly with apps and files.

Apple Mac mini M4

Owners and reviewers treat the M4 Mac mini as a strong small desktop for general use, praising its speed, silence and size. Criticism centers on fixed memory and storage and the cost of upgrading either at purchase.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps everyday apps and moderate editing work smooth.
  • SizePraisedReviewers like how little desk space the small chassis takes up.
  • NoisePraisedUsers report the fan rarely spins up audibly under normal loads.
  • UpgradeabilityCriticisedBuyers complain that RAM and SSD are soldered and can't be changed later.

Questions and answers

Is the 512GB model faster than the 256GB one?
No. Both use the same M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 16GB of memory, so day-to-day speed is identical. The difference is only how much you can store inside.
Which should I get for video editing?
The 512GB gives you working room, but serious video work still benefits from an external Thunderbolt SSD for footage and projects. If you already own fast external storage, the 256GB is fine.
Can I add storage later?
Not internally. The SSD is soldered, so plan on external drives if you outgrow either model. That makes the 512GB the safer long-term pick for most people.
Do both have the same ports?
Yes. Both have Thunderbolt, HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet on the back, plus front USB-C ports and a headphone jack.
Is 16GB of memory enough?
For browsing, office apps, photo editing and light video, yes. Both models can be ordered with 24GB or 32GB if you run many apps at once or work with large files.
Which lasts longer?
They age the same way. The 512GB tends to feel usable longer only because you are less likely to run out of space.

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