Apple Mac Mini M4 (2025) – Entry-Level Model Review
Apple’s 2025 entry-level Mac Mini M4 is a testament to minimalism and performance convergence. Priced competitively and engineered with the latest Apple Silicon M4 chip, this iteration of the Mac Mini marks a significant leap in both efficiency and raw capability. Designed for creatives, coders, and everyday users alike, it delivers professional-grade performance in a palm-sized body.
Design & Build
The M4 Mac Mini retains the sleek aluminum unibody of its predecessors but ditches the fan entirely. This makes for a compact, whisper-quiet machine that fits into any setup, from studio to study desk. The build is solid and premium, as expected from Apple, while its 1.4-inch profile makes it highly portable.
Specifications
- Chip: Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- Memory: 16GB Unified RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Ports: 2× Thunderbolt 4, 2× USB-A, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, 3.5mm jack
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating System: macOS Sequoia
Performance
The M4 chip is manufactured using a 3nm process, allowing for more power and better thermal management. Boot times are under 8 seconds, and app launching is virtually instantaneous. The 10-core CPU and GPU combo, coupled with Apple’s 16-core Neural Engine, handles everything from Xcode compiling to 4K editing with ease.
Benchmark Performance
Cinebench, Geekbench, and Xcode performance tests by benchmarklab.tech
Software & Ecosystem
The machine thrives inside the Apple ecosystem. Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop are lightning fast. Developers benefit from native Xcode support, and creatives find the performance in Logic and Final Cut impressive for such a small machine.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Compact and silent, exceptional performance for price, tight macOS integration.
Cons: Limited base storage, non-upgradable internals, no discrete GPU.
Who Should Buy It
Students, coders, and creators seeking a cost-efficient Mac experience will find tremendous value here. It's ideal for those who rely on native macOS apps, remote work, or lightweight development without needing pro-grade expansion.
Final Verdict
Apple delivers an incredibly well-balanced product with the Mac Mini M4. It may not suit everyone—especially heavy 3D artists or users needing lots of internal storage—but for 90% of users, it hits a rare sweet spot of affordability and capability.
Published: May 2025 · By Computers.uk Editorial Team