For
- Great efficiency
- More compact design
- Awesome worth
Against
- Struggles with fashionable video games
- Front USB-C ports are slower than rear
- Power button placement is awkward
Apple Mac Studio M2 Ultra
For
- Compact glossy bundle
- Solid workstation efficiency
- Reasonably priced
Against
- Can get PCs with extra highly effective GPUs
We examine the variations between the Mac mini M4 vs. Mac Studio M2. Apple’s desktop Mac line-up will be complicated, particularly contemplating compact powerhouses just like the Mac mini and Mac Studio. Both machines ship spectacular efficiency in small type elements however cater to completely different wants and budgets.
For a very long time, we have championed the Mac mini because the best mini PC for most individuals – take a look at our full Apple Mac mini M4 review for all the small print. Meanwhile, our Mac Studio M2 review reveals why it is an absolute powerhouse for creatives.
This article compares the Mac mini M4 and the Mac Studio M2 towards efficiency, options, connectivity, and worth factors that can assist you decide which machine most closely fits your workflow. Whether you’re a inventive skilled, a scholar, or just on the lookout for a potent every day driver, uncover the important thing variations between these two excellent machines and make an knowledgeable resolution.
Mac mini M4 vs Mac Studio M2: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Mac mini M4 | Mac Studio M2 |
| Display | None | None |
| Type | N/A | N/A |
| Refresh charge | N/A | N/A |
| Processor / Graphics | M4 or M4 Pro | M2 Max or M2 Ultra |
| Memory | Up to 64GB | Up to 192GB |
| Storage | Up to 8TB | Up to 8TB |
| Ports | Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (M4) or three Thunderbolt 5 ports (M4 Pro), two USB-C ports, HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet or 10Gb Ethernet | Four Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2 Max) or six Thunderbolt 4 ports (M2 Ultra), two USB-A ports (M2 Max and M2 Ultra), two USB-C ports (M2 Max), HDMI port, 10Gb Ethernet, and SDXC card slot |
Mac mini M4 vs Mac Studio M2: Prices & availability
The newest Mac mini comes with both an M4 or M4 Pro chip, that includes as much as a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU. It presents reminiscence choices of as much as 64GB and storage choices of as much as 8TB. The beginning costs for the M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini are as follows:
- Mac mini, M4: $599
- Mac mini, M4 Pro: $1399
The Mac Studio presents choices for the M2 Max or M2 Ultra chipsets and customizable RAM and storage.
- Base: Apple M2 Max with 12‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, $1,999
- Base: Apple M2 Ultra with 24‑core CPU, 60‑core GPU, 32‑core Neural Engine, $3,999
Mac mini M4 vs Mac Studio M2: Portability
Regarding portability, the Mac Mini M4 outshines the Mac Studio M2. The Mac mini incorporates a compact design measuring 2 x 5 x 5 inches and weighs solely 1.5 kilos, making it extraordinarily straightforward to move. It can effortlessly match right into a backpack or bag, ideally suited for customers who want to maneuver their pc steadily or have restricted desk area. In distinction, the Mac Studio M2, though nonetheless comparatively small at 7.7 x 7.7 x 3.7 inches, is noticeably bigger and heavier at 5.9 kilos. While it stays extra moveable than a full-sized desktop tower, it’s much less handy to hold round. Therefore, if portability is your prime precedence, the Mac mini M4 is the extra travel-friendly.
Winner: Mac mini M4
Mac mini M4 vs Mac Studio M2: Performance
Due to their Apple silicon, the Mac mini M4 and Mac Studio M2 are distinct in efficiency and cater to completely different person wants. The Mac mini M4, particularly with the M4 Pro chip, excels in single-core efficiency, making it ideally suited for on a regular basis duties like searching and programming. In distinction, the Mac Studio M2, notably with M2 Max or M2 Ultra chips, shines in multi-core efficiency, benefiting customers engaged in demanding workloads reminiscent of video enhancing and large-scale knowledge evaluation.
Graphics capabilities additionally set them aside, with the Mac Studio providing superior efficiency for graphics-intensive duties on account of its superior GPU choices. While the Mac mini M4 is appropriate for much less demanding inventive work, graphic design or 3D artistry professionals could choose the Mac Studio for its enhanced graphical processing energy.
Ultimately, the only option depends upon particular person wants. The Mac mini M4 is nice for single-core pace and on a regular basis duties, whereas the Mac Studio M2 is healthier for heavy-duty workloads and graphics efficiency. Understanding every system’s strengths helps customers make knowledgeable selections.
Winner: Mac Studio M2
Mac mini M4 vs Mac Studio M2: Upgradeablity
Neither the Mac mini M4 nor the Mac Studio M2 presents person upgradeability after buy. Both machines have their RAM and storage soldered on to the motherboard, making it inconceivable so as to add extra reminiscence or enhance storage capability later. This is a big consideration, particularly in case you anticipate needing extra RAM or storage.
Therefore, selecting your configuration rigorously on the time of buy is essential, factoring in your present wants and potential future necessities. If you would possibly want extra RAM or storage afterward, choosing a higher-end configuration upfront is finest, even when it means a better preliminary price. This lack of upgradeability is a standard development in Apple’s latest Macs, prioritizing a compact design and optimized efficiency over person serviceability.
Winner: Tie
Mac mini M4 vs Mac Studio M2: Connectivity
The newest Mac mini is available in two variations: one with the M4 chip and one other with the extra highly effective M4 Pro chip. The M4 mannequin options three Thunderbolt 4 ports, permitting high-speed knowledge switch and connectivity to a number of shows. In distinction, the M4 Pro enhances the connectivity choices with three Thunderbolt 5 ports, which give even increased knowledge switch charges and higher help for daisy-chaining units. Additionally, each fashions embody two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an choice for both Gigabit Ethernet or a quicker 10Gb Ethernet connection, catering to informal customers and professionals requiring sturdy community efficiency.
On the opposite hand, the Mac Studio is designed for many who want extra energy and connectivity. It presents configurations with the M2 Max or the M2 Ultra chip, making it appropriate for demanding duties like video enhancing and 3D rendering. The M2 Max variant options 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the M2 Ultra takes it up a notch with six Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering intensive connectivity choices for peripheral units. Additionally, each M2 variants include two USB-A ports, enhancing compatibility with legacy units, whereas the M2 Max consists of two USB-C ports for contemporary equipment. The Mac Studio additionally has an HDMI port, a 10Gb Ethernet connection for quick networking, and an SDXC card slot, making it a perfect alternative for creators who steadily work with digital camera media.
Overall, whereas the Mac mini is a superb entry choice with versatile efficiency, the Mac Studio stands out for professionals who demand excessive efficiency and quite a few connectivity choices.
Winner: Mac Studio
Mac mini M4 vs Mac Studio M2: Final verdict
The Mac mini M4 and Mac Studio M2, whereas each compact desktop Macs, cater to distinct person teams with various wants and budgets.
The Mac mini M4, notably the bottom mannequin with the M4 chip, is a improbable entry-level machine for on a regular basis customers and people in search of a strong but reasonably priced improve. It excels at on a regular basis duties like net searching, electronic mail, productiveness work, and even gentle inventive duties like photograph enhancing. Its compact dimension and affordability make it ideally suited for college students, dwelling customers, and people with restricted desk area. The M4 Pro model presents a big efficiency enhance, making it appropriate for extra demanding workflows like skilled video and photograph enhancing.
The Mac Studio M2, however, targets inventive professionals and energy customers who require top-tier efficiency for demanding workloads. Its M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips, coupled with highly effective GPUs, make it a beast for video enhancing, 3D rendering, animation, and music manufacturing. The expanded connectivity, together with a number of Thunderbolt ports and an SD card slot, caters to professionals with advanced setups and high-bandwidth peripherals.
The Mac mini M4 is a flexible and reasonably priced all-rounder, whereas the Mac Studio M2 is a no-compromise machine for professionals who want the very best efficiency and connectivity.
Winner: For most customers, the Mac mini M4 Pro. For final creatives, the Mac Studio.
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