M4 Base Mac Mini Review: Is It Worth It? Performance Test & Buying Guide for 2025

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! If you’ve been eyeing the M4 Base Mac Mini and wondering whether it’s worth the hype (and your hard-earned cash), you’re in the right place. I recently got my hands on this tiny powerhouse straight from Japan as soon as it launched, and after putting it through its paces, I’m here to spill all the details. From unboxing to performance tests and a practical buying guide, this blog post has everything you need to decide if the M4 Mac Mini is your next must-have gadget. Let’s dive in!

First Impressions: Small Size, Big Wow Factor

The moment I pulled the M4 Mac Mini out of its sleek box, I couldn’t believe how tiny it was. At just 5 x 5 inches and weighing a mere 1.5 pounds, it’s half the size of its predecessor. For context, I placed it next to my M2 Max Mac Studio, and the size difference is jaw-dropping—like comparing a cupcake to a full-sized cake! It’s so compact that it’s almost tempting to toss it in a bag and carry it around like a portable device, though it’s still a desktop at heart.

Apple’s redesign isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s functional too. The M4 Mac Mini now sports front-facing ports (finally!), including two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, making it way more convenient than the rear-only setup of the Mac Studio. Sure, it’s not as port-heavy as its bigger sibling, but for a device this small, it’s impressively equipped. The base model comes with a 10-core CPU (4 performance, 6 efficiency), a 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD—all for a starting price of $599 (around 89만 원 in Korea or ¥125,000 in Japan, depending on taxes and fees).

Why the M4 Mac Mini Stands Out in 2025

Apple’s 2024 lineup has been solid, but the M4 Mac Mini might just be the crown jewel. Why? It’s not just the adorable size—it’s the performance packed into that pint-sized frame. The base M4 chip delivers a Geekbench 6 score of 3,921 single-core and 14,953 multi-core, outpacing the M3 Pro and even holding its own against the M2 Max in single-core tasks. That’s insane for a “basic” chip! Compared to the M2 Mac Mini’s 8-core CPU and 8GB base RAM, the M4’s upgrades (10 cores and 16GB standard) make it a future-proof beast, especially with Apple Intelligence features rolling out soon.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The 256GB SSD in the base model has slower read/write speeds compared to the 512GB version, a classic Apple move to nudge you toward upgrades. I opted for the 512GB model and I’m glad I did—more on that later.

Performance Test: Can It Handle Real Workloads?

Let’s get to the juicy part: how does the M4 Mac Mini perform in real life? I tested it with a mix of everyday tasks and heavy creative workloads to see if it lives up to the benchmark hype.

1. Video Editing in Premiere Pro (4K)
   I threw a 4K video project at it—multiple layers, color grading, and subtitles. With high-quality playback off, it managed real-time editing decently, but there was some stuttering at full resolution. Dropping to 1/2 quality smoothed things out, though occasional lag popped up with my high-bitrate footage. Exporting a 10-minute 4K video took 17 minutes and 52 seconds, compared to 13 minutes and 3 seconds on my M3 Pro MacBook Pro (with 32GB RAM). The takeaway? For 4K editing, the base M4 is workable but not blazing fast—GPU power and RAM limitations show here.
2. Full HD Editing
   Scaling down to 1080p was a different story. The M4 Mac Mini handled Full HD projects in Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro with ease—no lag, smooth playback, and fast exports. For casual creators or YouTubers working in 1080p, this thing is a dream.
3. Gaming & Multitasking
   I didn’t push gaming too hard (that’s more an M4 Pro thing), but lighter titles ran fine. Multitasking with dozens of Chrome tabs, Spotify, and Slack open barely fazed it—16GB of RAM shines here compared to the old 8GB base models.
4. Thermals
   During the 4K export, the rear ports hit 60°C (140°F), with heat venting through the bottom. The top stayed cooler, and once the task finished, it cooled down fast. No thermal throttling was noticeable, which is impressive for such a small chassis.
5. SSD Speed
   The 512GB SSD clocked faster read/write speeds than the 256GB model (and my M2 MacBook Air), though it couldn’t match the M2 Max Mac Studio. Upgrading storage isn’t just about space—it’s about performance too.

The Good, The Bad, and The Tiny

Pros:

• Unbeatable Value: Starting at $599, it’s the cheapest way into Apple’s ecosystem with pro-level performance.
• Compact Design: Perfect for small desks or minimalist setups—stack it under your Mac Studio for a cute “two-tier cake” vibe!
• Improved Connectivity: Front USB-C ports and a headphone jack are game-changers.
• Future-Proofing: 16GB RAM and Apple Intelligence readiness mean it’ll stay relevant for years.

Cons:

• Weak Speaker: The built-in speaker is borderline useless—pair it with a good monitor or external speakers.
• Power Button Placement: Underneath the device? Really, Apple? It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s awkward.
• Base SSD Speed: The 256GB model lags behind higher-capacity options in performance.

Buying Guide: Which M4 Mac Mini Should You Get?

Here’s where it gets practical. Depending on your needs, here’s how to spec out your M4 Mac Mini without breaking the bank:

1. Basic Users (Web Surfing, Streaming, Documents)
   • Recommendation: Base Model (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) – $599
   • Why: It’s overkill for casual use, so the entry-level option is plenty. Pair it with an external SSD if 256GB feels tight.
2. Hobbyist Creators (1080p Editing, Light Gaming)
   • Recommendation: M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD – $999
   • Why: The extra RAM smooths out multitasking and light creative work, while 512GB boosts SSD speed and storage. This is my “sweet spot” pick for value and versatility.
3. Pro Creators (4K Editing, Programming, Music Production)
   • Recommendation: M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD – $1,599
   • Why: The M4 Pro’s beefier GPU (up to 97,000 Geekbench GPU score) and Thunderbolt 5 ports handle demanding tasks better. Beyond this, costs climb fast, and you might question the “value” part.

Is the M4 Mac Mini Worth It?

After a week of use, I’m sold. The M4 Base Mac Mini isn’t just a budget desktop—it’s a statement. Apple took a beloved device, shrank it, boosted its power, and kept the price accessible. For under $1,000, you’re getting near-M3 Pro performance in a package smaller than most laptop chargers. Sure, it’s not perfect—GPU-heavy tasks and the puny speaker hold it back—but for most users, it’s a no-brainer upgrade over the M2 Mac Mini or even older Intel models.

If you’re on the fence, start with the base model and upgrade storage if you can. For pros, the M4 Pro beckons, but watch the price creep—past $1,500, you’re entering MacBook Pro territory. Either way, this little guy is a game-changer for 2025. Have you tried the M4 Mac Mini yet?