Our Verdict
The Mac mini was already an excellent choice for those who want to nibble up an cheap background Mac . With the addition of the new M2 processor and a price reduction it ’s now an splendid budget powerhouse that can do reasonably much anything .
Best Prices Today: Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)
At long last , Apple has released the M2 Mac mini and finally updated its oldest M1 Mac . But after more than two years , how does it compare to the M1 model ? We ’ll take the air you through all of the differences .
M1 Mac mini vs M2 Mac mini: Specs
M1 Mac mini vs M2 Mac mini: Design
From the exterior , you ’d be hard - pressed to notice any difference between the fresh and old mini . That ’s because they ’re indistinguishable : The M2 theoretical account has the classic aluminum square design with the Apple logotype on top and all the ports blot out around the back . proportion are the same too at 197 millimeter x 197 millimeter x 36 mm , so if you like the old Mac mini , then the new one will be equally pleasing in terms of aesthetics . However , if you had the previous Space Gray Intel model and architectural plan on getting an M2 , you ’ll have to sink for silver since Apple no longer offers the dark-skinned shade .
As with all Mac mini , you ’ll need to cater your own keyboard , mouse / trackpad , and monitor if you desire to get anything done .
The new Mac mini has a intimate innovation that ’s humble enough to fit anywhere .
The new Mac mini has a familiar design that’s small enough to fit anywhere.
Apple
M1 Mac mini vs M2 Mac mini: Processor
Obviously , the main change to the Modern model is the move from Apple ’s already telling M1 C.P.U. to the glazed novel M2 variant . We ’ve already covered how theM1 and M2 comparein the MacBook Air , and the Mac mini should bring similar performance advance across the board .
The older silicon chip boast 8 CPU cores ( 4 performance and 4 efficiency ) and 8 GPU meat , while the raw processor has an 8 - core CPU and 10 - core GPU CORE , plus 100GB / s store bandwidth ( versus 66.67GB / s remembering bandwidth on the M1 ) and a ProRes encode and decode engine . Apple claim that the M2 is up to 50 percent faster in some Adobe Photoshop tasks when compared to the M1 and save up to 2.4x fast ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro . This is all made potential by 50 percent more memory bandwidth , 18 per centum fast CPU , 35 per centum firm GPU , and 40 percentage faster neuronal engine .
When the MacBook Air received the M2 upgrade , we run away Geekbench 5 to see how the novel CPU perform in comparison to the older one . Here are the results as a templet to what we may see once the M2 Mac mini is in our science lab .
We also range the Cinebench R23 benchmark to further examine the GPU .
M1 Mac mini vs M2 Mac mini: Memory and storage
The standard constellation options for both the M1 and M2 Mac mini are the same , with 8 GB of memory and either 256 GB or 512 GB of storage . These can of course be configured at checkout with the M2 mini offer ascent to a maximum of 24 GB of memory ( an step-up from the M1 ’s 16 GB max ) and 2 TB of repositing .
The M2 Mac Mini looks just like the M1 model .
M1 Mac mini vs M2 Mac mini: Ports and connectivity
The M1 Mac miniskirt and the M2 model have precisely the same ports on the back : two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports , twin USB - A interface , an HDMI interface , and Gigabit Ethernet . Elsewhere there are only minor divergence between the M1 and M2 model . The M2 has Wi - Fi 6E ( versus Wi - Fi 6 ) and Bluetooth 5.3 ( versus Bluetooth 5.0 ) .
The M2 fashion model also make for support for up to two presentation where the M1 model only supported a single show . Like the M1 , the M2 example has a 3.5 mm sound recording jack , though it add up ripe backing for high - impedance headphones .
Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)
M1 Mac mini vs M2 Mac mini: Price and availability
The raw M2 Mac mini start at $ 599/£649 for the 8GB/256 GB model , while the move to 512 GB raises the monetary value to $ 799/£849 . That ’s $ 100/£50 less than the M1 was . They lead on cut-rate sale on Tuesday , January 24 .
M1 Mac mini vs M2 Mac mini: Verdict
The Mac mini has always been an excellent choice for those who want to pick up an cheap background Mac , but do n’t require the additional cost of a presentation . With the addition of the brawny novel M2 processor along with a decorous price reduction , it ’s truly become an excellent budget fireball that can do pretty much anything . Unless you get an M1 mini for $ 499 or less , we advocate the M2 without hesitancy .
There is a more powerful Mac miniskirt on offer too : read ourreview of the Mac mini M2 Proand for more help decidingwhich Mac to buyread our purchasing guide .
The new Mac mini has a familiar design that’s small enough to fit anywhere.
The M2 Mac Mini looks just like the M1 model.
