The Mac mini is Apple"s least flashy Mac, way too easy to ignore in the sea of overpowered MacBook Pros and Airs. However, this tiny desktop computer is the most affordable modern Mac you can buy without feature or performance compromises. Thanks to the latest M2 upgrade, the Mac mini is now even more affordable and powerful. The base model features the new Apple M2 processor and a price tag reduced by $100.
If you are thinking about purchasing a Mac mini, this article will help you compare the latest generation with its M1-powered predecessor and the 2018 Intel-based model. Although all three models look visually identical, many significant changes are lurking inside the metal chassis.
Here are the key changes summed in a list:
- New chips: the Apple M2 and Apple M2 Pro with more CPU and GPU cores.
- More RAM: up to 24GB of unified memory in M2 variants and 32GB in M2 Pro (M1 tops at 16GB). Note that the M1 and M2-based Mac minis use unified, non-upgradeable memory, while the 2018 Intel-based variant allows upgrading its DDR4-SODIMM RAM.
- More storage: up to 2TB of non-removable storage in M2 and up to 8TB in M2 Pro (M1 tops at 2TB).
- Better Media engine: the Mac mini now supports ProRes video, ProRes RAW, and ProRes encode/decode capabilities.
- Better display output: the Mac mini now supports up to three displays in M2 Pro variants and up to two displays in M2. The M1-based Mac Mini supports a single display output with a resolution of up to 6K.
- Better connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
- Better ports: two or four Thunderbolt 4, optional 10Gb Ethernet, plus a new high-impedance 3.5 mm audio jack.
- Lower Price: the base model now starts at $599 instead of $699.
And here is the detailed specs comparison:
| 2023 Mac Mini (M2/M2 Pro) | 2020 Mac Mini (M1) | 2018 Mac Mini (Intel) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.41x7.75x7.75 inches 3.56x19.7x19.7 cm | 1.4x7.7x7.7 inches, 2.6 lbs (2.9 Intel) 3.6x19.7x19.7 cm, 1.2 kg (1.3 kg Intel) | |
| Processor | Apple M2 Apple M2 Pro | Apple M1 | Intel Core i3-8100B Intel Core i5-8500B Intel Core i7-8700B |
| CPU Cores | 8 Cores (M2) 10-12 Cores (M2 Pro) | 8 Cores | 4-6 Cores |
| GPU Cores | 10 Cores (M2) 16-19 Cores (M2 Pro) | 8 Cores | Intel UHD 630 |
| Media Engine | HW-accelerated H.264, HEVC ProRes and ProRes RAW Video encode/decode engine ProRes encode/decode engine | HW-accelerated H.264, HEVC Video encode/decode engine | - |
| RAM | 8-24GB unified memory (M2) 16-32GB unified memory (M2 Pro) | 8-16GB unified memory | 8-64GB |
| Storage | 256GB-2TB (M2) | 256-2TB SSD | 512GB-2TB SSD |
| Display output | Two displays (M2) Three displays (M2 Pro) | One display up to 6K | Three displays (up to 4K) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (M2) | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 2x USB-A 1x HDMI 1x Gigabit Ethernet 1x Audio Jack | 4x Thunderbolt 3 |
| Colors | Silver | Space Gray | |
| Base Price | $599 | $699 | $799 |
Apple"s M2-based Mac mini is now available for preorder on the official website. Shipping begins on January 24, 2023.