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We thought we were getting an M3 Mac Mini and Pro but the rumour is that Apple will skip straight to an M4 version.
With that being said, the M4 Mac Mini/ Pro could be fast approaching (fingers crossed), but for those who can’t wait, the M2 versions are brilliant and available now.
So, should you buy M2 Mac Mini or the M2 Mac Mini Pro?
Before we really get into this side by side comparison, you might want to read our article about the M2 Mac Mini in general here.
Now, without further ado…
The main differences
Here are the key differences between the M2 Mac Pro and Mini at a glance:
| Feature | M2 Mac Mini | M2 Pro Mac Mini |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8-core | 10-core or 12-core |
| GPU | 10-core | 16-core or 19-core |
| Memory | Up to 24GB unified memory | Up to 32GB unified memory |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB |
| Display Support | Up to 2 displays | Up to 3 displays |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-A, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit/10Gb Ethernet | 4 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-A, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit/10Gb Ethernet |
| Starting Price (USD) | $599 | $1,299 (10-core CPU, 16-core GPU) or $1,599 (12-core CPU, 19-core GPU) |
| Starting Price (GBP) | £649 | £1,399 (10-core CPU, 16-core GPU) or £1,749 (12-core CPU, 19-core GPU) |
| Target Users | Students, casual users, small businesses | Professionals, video editors, developers, creative work |
| Use Cases | Everyday tasks, light photo editing, general computing | Demanding tasks, high-resolution displays, professional workflows |
Now let’s get into the more detailed stuff!
CPU and GPU
As you consider purchasing either the Mac mini M2 or the M2 Pro, understanding the key differences between their CPU and GPU capabilities will help.
At the heart of the M2 Mac mini lies an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, providing solid performance for everyday tasks and casual users. The M2 chip, built on the second-generation 5-nanometer process, brings notable improvements in efficiency and power consumption. This setup delivers smooth multitasking and handles various applications with ease, making it an excellent choice for home users and light professional tasks.
On the other hand, its counterpart the M2 Pro Mac mini packs a more potent punch, offering a choice between a 10-core or 12-core CPU and a 16-core or 19-core GPU. This significant boost in performance caters to the demands of creative professionals, developers, and power users who need to run resource-intensive applications such as video editing software like 8K ProRes or graphics-heavy games.
When comparing the GPUs, the M2 Pro’s 19-core GPU offers nearly twice the performance of the M2’s 10-core GPU, offering enhanced video editing capabilities, improved 3D rendering, and a more seamless experience when working with high-resolution content.
If you’re looking for a computer that can handle everyday tasks with ease and occasional photo editing, the M2 Mac mini is an excellent choice. However, if you require a machine that can tackle demanding tasks, support multiple high-resolution displays, and cater to professional workflows, the M2 Pro Mac mini will serve you well.
Memory and Storage
The M2 Mac mini can be configured with up to 24GB of unified memory, while the M2 Pro Mac mini supports up to 32GB.
In terms of storage both models differ, too. The M2 Mac mini offers 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB, while the M2 Pro Mac mini provides more extensive storage options ranging from 512GB to 8TB.
Display
For displays The M2 Mac mini supports two, whereas the M2 Pro Mac mini can handle three, making it a better choice for users who require a more extensive screen real estate or those who work with multiple applications simultaneously.
Ports
The M2 Mac mini features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and Gigabit or 10Gb Ethernet. The M2 Pro Mac mini offers four Thunderbolt 4 ports, providing extra connectivity options for power users and professionals.
Price
M2 Mac mini
- USD: Starting price of $599.
- GBP: Starting price of £649.
M2 Pro Mac mini
- USD: Starting price of $1,299 for the 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU configuration, or $1,599 for the 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU configuration.
- GBP: Starting price of £1,399 for the 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU configuration, or £1,749 for the 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU configuration.
Keep in mind that these are just the starting prices, and the cost can increase depending on the selected memory, storage, and additional options.
Who are they right for?
The M2 Mac mini is perfect for students, casual users, and small businesses needing a computer for everyday tasks, light photo editing, and general computing.
On the other hand, the M2 Pro Mac mini targets professionals, video editors, developers, and creative work, thanks to its higher performance and additional ports.
Considering these differences, the M2 Mac mini is a more budget-friendly option for everyday use, while the M2 Pro Mac mini caters to users who require greater performance and connectivity options for demanding tasks and professional workflows.
Summary
Here’s a roundup of the Apple Mac Mini M2 vs M2 pro:
- M2 Mac Mini: Ideal for everyday tasks, light photo editing, and general computing. Best suited for students, casual users, and small businesses. Offers solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
- M2 Pro Mac Mini: Designed for professionals needing higher performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, development, and creative work. Offers more powerful CPU and GPU options, additional memory and storage, and greater connectivity.
Your choice should depend on your specific needs and budget. The M2 Mac Mini is excellent for basic computing needs, while the M2 Pro Mac Mini is tailored for more intensive, professional use.
Need more info?
Watch out YouTube Video on the M2 Pro Mac Mini!
Some images courtesy of Apple.
