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Apple Mac mini M4 vs Apple Mac mini (2024) M4

Both are the same 2024 Mac mini with the M4 10-core CPU, so the real decision is memory and storage. The 16GB/512GB model is the sensible pick for everyday work, browsing, media and light editing. The 32GB/2TB model is for people who run many apps at once, work with large photo, video or code projects, or keep everything on the machine. Build and port selection are identical, and owners of the M4 mini generally praise its quiet, compact design and fast M4 chip.

  • Choose the Mac mini M4 16GB/512GB if you want the standard configuration for office work, streaming, school and casual photo editing, and you can keep big files on external storage.
  • Choose the Mac mini M4 32GB/2TB if you run memory-hungry apps like large Lightroom catalogs, virtual machines or big codebases, or you want your whole library on the internal drive.

Prices

  • Apple Mac mini M4: $700.00 at Ricky Cell (last seen Nov 10)
  • Apple Mac mini (2024) M4: $700.00 at Ricky Cell (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: both cost the same at the latest prices (Nov 10)
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 15 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Ricky Cell
Pros
  • Enough memory for everyday apps and light creative work
  • 512GB holds the system, apps and a working set of files
  • Same fast M4 chip and full port set as the larger model
  • Small, quiet and easy to tuck under a monitor
Cons
  • 16GB can feel tight with many heavy apps open
  • 512GB fills quickly with video or large photo libraries
  • Memory and storage cannot be upgraded later
Apple
Apple Mac mini (2024) M4 10-Core CPU 10-Core GPU 32GB RAM 2TB SSD

Apple Mac mini (2024) M4

Apple Mac mini (2024) M4 10-Core CPU 10-Core GPU 32GB RAM 2TB SSD

$700.00at Ricky CellChecked 15 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Ricky Cell
Pros
  • 32GB keeps many memory-hungry apps running smoothly
  • 2TB holds large photo, video and code libraries locally
  • Identical M4 performance and ports to the base model
  • Fewer external drives and cables on the desk
Cons
  • Paying for memory and storage you may not use
  • Same compact chassis, so no extra ports or expansion
  • Soldered parts mean no upgrades after purchase

What separates them

Apple Mac mini M4Apple Mac mini (2024) M4
Memory16GB unified memory32GB unified memory
Storage512GB SSD2TB SSD
Chip and GPUM4 10-core CPU, 10-core GPUM4 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU
PortsTwo USB-C front, three Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet, headphone jackSame port layout
Size and weightAbout 5 by 5 inches, roughly 1.5 lbSame chassis and weight
Multitasking headroomFine for dozens of browser tabs and one heavy appComfortable with several heavy apps open at once
UpgradeabilityMemory and SSD are soldered, fixed at purchaseSame, fixed at purchase
Best fitGeneral desktop use with external storageCreative and developer work with local files

Price history

  • Apple Mac mini M4: lowest $700.00 on Nov 11 at Ricky Cell.
  • Apple Mac mini (2024) M4: lowest $700.00 on Nov 11 at Ricky Cell.

Prices at every store

Apple Mac mini M4

  • Ricky CellNew

    In stock

    $700.00Checked 15 h ago
    Visit Ricky Cell
  • MercariNew

    In stock

    $899.99Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit Mercari
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by 6AVE Electronics

    $929.95Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • MelroseMACNew

    Availability unknown

    $999.00Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit MelroseMAC
All 11 stores and price history →

Apple Mac mini (2024) M4

  • Ricky CellNew

    In stock

    $700.00Checked 15 h ago
    Visit Ricky Cell
  • Best BuyRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    $1,099.99Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple Mac mini M4Apple Mac mini (2024) 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

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.

Apple Mac mini (2024) M4

Owners and reviewers describe the M4 Mac mini as a fast, quiet, tiny desktop that handles demanding creative and development work. Most criticism centers on the bottom-mounted power button and the high cost of configuring more memory and storage.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedReviewers say the M4 chip handles video editing, code builds and many open apps without slowdown.
  • NoisePraisedOwners report the fan stays quiet during normal work and only becomes audible under long heavy loads.
  • Power buttonCriticisedReviewers dislike that the power button is on the bottom, forcing you to lift the machine to turn it on.
  • UpgradabilityCriticisedBuyers note memory and storage are soldered and cannot be increased after purchase.

Questions and answers

Is the 32GB model faster than the 16GB one?
The chip is the same, so single-app speed is nearly identical. The 32GB model pulls ahead when many apps or large files are open at once, because it swaps to disk less.
Do I need 32GB for video editing?
For 4K timelines in Final Cut or DaVinci Resolve, 32GB gives more headroom, especially with effects and background apps. For short clips and casual edits, 16GB works.
Can I add memory or storage later?
No. Memory is part of the M4 chip package and the SSD is soldered, so choose the capacity you need at purchase.
Is 512GB enough for everyday use?
Yes for documents, browsing, streaming and a modest photo library. Plan on external storage if you shoot lots of video or keep a big game or photo collection.
Which lasts longer?
Both should last similarly since the hardware is the same. The 32GB/2TB model ages better for heavy workloads because it has more memory and storage headroom.
Should I step up to the 32GB/2TB model?
Step up if you regularly hit memory pressure or run out of disk space. Otherwise the 16GB/512GB model covers most desktop work.

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More comparisons

  • Apple Mac mini M4 10-Core CPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD vs Apple Mac mini M4 10-Core CPU 16GB RAM 512GB SSD
  • Apple Mac mini M4 10-Core CPU 16GB RAM 256GB SSD vs Apple Mac mini (2024) M4 10-Core CPU 10-Core GPU 32GB RAM 2TB SSD