The base M4 Mac mini delivers substantial performance improvements over earlier models, with Apple claiming up to 1.5× faster CPU performance compared to the M2. In Geekbench tests, it achieved a multi-core score of 21,935, surpassing all other Macs except those equipped with the M4 Max.
However, when compared to previous “Pro” level chips like the M1 Pro, the performance varies depending on the workload. In CPU-intensive tasks, the M4 often outperforms the M1 Pro, but for GPU-intensive applications, the M1 Pro’s higher GPU core count may provide better performance. Therefore, while the M4 Mac mini offers impressive advancements, its suitability as an upgrade depends on the specific apps and workflow performed by different users.