M4 Pro Mac mini v. Future M4 Max Mac Studio

[Neil J. Squillante]

The M4 Mac mini looks like a true bargain but the M4 Pro Mac mini seems like it will compare poorly against the future M4 Mac Studio for those who want more memory and can wait a few months. Apple has been holding the line on prices and doubling memory on the base models. With this in mind:

* M4 Pro Mac mini 12/16 CPU/GPU with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 24 GB Memory = $1,699

* M4 Pro Mac mini 12/16 CPU/GPU with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 48 GB Memory = $2,099

* M4 Max Mac Studio (2025) with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 32 (36? 48?) GB Memory ~ $2,199

Is anyone else running into this (likely) comparison because you want more than 24 GB of memory?

 

[BeatCrazy]

Why do you think the base M4 Max Studio would be $2199 and not $1999? EDIT - ah I missed the 1TB requirement.

Although I don't need 64GB of memory, it would be nice to have to run some of the bigger local LLMs. And going from 32GB->64GB on a Studio should only be an extra $400 vs. $600 on the mini. And considering I'd want the 10GB Ethernet, it's only $300 more to get a much more capable machine via a base Studio upgraded to 64GB.

 

[Neil J. Squillante]

Although I don't need 64GB of memory, it would be nice to have to run some of the bigger local LLMs. And going from 32GB->64GB on a Studio should only be an extra $400 vs. $600 on the mini. And considering I'd want the 10GB Ethernet, it's only $300 more to get a much more capable machine via a base Studio upgraded to 64GB.

Yes exactly though it might only be a $100 difference like in my example. The M2 Mac mini had the same problem when you started to dial up the memory. And don’t forget — you get an M4 Max with the Mac Studio.

 

[Ray2]

I’m waiting. Primarily due to thermal management. Aside from that, a mini Pro is fine. For me smaller has more appeal than more ports and specs I’ll likely never use.

 

[hise]

If these machines aren't made in the USA you would possibly need to add 45% or more to the prices assuming the promised tariffs go into place with a newly elected President. I haven't seen many people considering this likelihood.

 

[oakrrl]

I’m inclined to wait, since in the past the base Studio tended to be about the same price as the top-end mini while having somewhat better specs - probably M4 Max rather than M4 Pro. But the post about tariffs gives me pause. Now I’m wondering if I’m better off going with the mini now. Another factor is I’ll be trading in my M1 MBP - wonder how much less I’ll get for it in 6 months.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Yes exactly though it might only be a $100 difference like in my example. The M2 Mac mini had the same problem when you started to dial up the memory. And don’t forget — you get an M4 Max with the Mac Studio.

Yeah so with the M4 Max, you're guaranteed support for at least 4 displays. I realize most will be fine with 3 (Mac mini M4 Pro) but there's some tangible benefits going with the Max aside from just raw power.

 

[BeatCrazy]

If these machines aren't made in the USA you would possibly need to add 45% or more to the prices assuming the promised tariffs go into place with a newly elected President. I haven't seen many people considering this likelihood.

The only thing that is certain with tariffs/new administration, is that nothing is certain. Tim Apple's team will surely be making many phone calls/meetings with the folks that are in charge of tariffs.

 

[hise]

The only thing that is certain with tariffs/new administration, is that nothing is certain. Tim Apple's team will surely be making many phone calls/meetings with the folks that are in charge of tariffs.

Sure, I was just pointing out that it may affect pricing and is speculation as much as anything else we know about how Apple will decide to set prices in that environment.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

The M4 Mac mini looks like a true bargain but the M4 Pro Mac mini seems like it will compare poorly against the future M4 Mac Studio for those who want more memory and can wait a few months. Apple has been holding the line on prices and doubling memory on the base models. With this in mind:

* M4 Pro Mac mini 12/16 CPU/GPU with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 24 GB Memory = $1,699

* M4 Pro Mac mini 12/16 CPU/GPU with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 48 GB Memory = $2,099

* M4 Max Mac Studio (2025) with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 32 (36? 48?) GB Memory ~ $2,199

Is anyone else running into this (likely) comparison because you want more than 24 GB of memory?

The Mac mini is Apple's low end, so of course "...it will compare poorly against the future M4 Mac Studio."

Some folks however must buy now, and a loaded Mac mini is a strong performer while the base Mac mini is an excellent low end box.

 

[G46&Fbnth5]

Starting with M3, the MacBook Pros with Max chip became more expensive and I think we will see it happening also with the next Studio, since its price is now too low compared to the Mini.

 

[splifingate]

With this in mind:

Yes; if you are concerned with the cost, it will continually be a difficult decision.

I wanted the M2 Max (and not the M2 Pro), so that was the cusp-point in my decision-making process when getting the Studio

 

[waloshin]

The Mac mini is Apple's low end, so of course "...it will compare poorly against the future M4 Mac Studio."

Some folks however must buy now, and a loaded Mac mini is a strong performer while the base Mac mini is an excellent low end box.

The base Mini is an excellent performer not just for basic work… M4 is an insane performer…

 

[NeonNights]

The base Mini is an excellent performer not just for basic work… M4 is an insane performer…

That certainly is true. I've been putting the base M4 Mini through normal use with some photo and video editing projects this weekend and it didn't skip a beat in Final Cut Pro on quality settings. It basically did everything just as well as my M3 Max MBP. Clearly, I don't even need the M3 Max nor 36GB RAM.

All that said, I will be returning the base M4 Mini because 256GB really isn't sufficient (even with external storage attached). I also would like to go 10gbe. Lastly, the temps give me a little concern. After sitting idle overnight, the top of the Mini felt very warm this morning and gets borderline hot under load. I imagine the M4 Pro is even hotter. Of course, this is still probably within Apple specs but I briefly had an M1 Max Mac Studio last year and that was always cool to the touch. I agree with the masses though, the M4 chip is an excellent performer with 16GB for the majority of people. Few will need more power for years to come.

 

[Tago]

The M4 Mac mini looks like a true bargain but the M4 Pro Mac mini seems like it will compare poorly against the future M4 Mac Studio for those who want more memory and can wait a few months. Apple has been holding the line on prices and doubling memory on the base models. With this in mind:

* M4 Pro Mac mini 12/16 CPU/GPU with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 24 GB Memory = $1,699

* M4 Pro Mac mini 12/16 CPU/GPU with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 48 GB Memory = $2,099

* M4 Max Mac Studio (2025) with 10 Gbps Ethernet, 1 TB SSD, 32 (36? 48?) GB Memory ~ $2,199

Is anyone else running into this (likely) comparison because you want more than 24 GB of memory?

Given the specs makes a difference to your flow, it`s a wise comparison to do. I have these discussions with myself all the time, mostly for new vs higher level prev gen. Believe the Studio M4 will relate to M4 Mini/Mini Pro like prev gens do, but I would guess they`ll provide some upgrades/changes making the choice even more obvious.

Depends upon what`s important to YOU, but if you are fine with what you got and you are in doubt, give it the 4-6+ months it takes to get the real world comparison providing you with the answer you need. What Apple do for a living is having us want the next thing before the "present latest" has arrived, and that is an expensive chase for the users.

Mac Studio is the ideal machine I don`t need, and I wouldn`t mind adding something to the base spec to get an even better machine I have even less need for.

I`ll stick to my plan and get the base Mini, and sell it off after 18-24 months if I need (want that is) more 🤣

 

[Lihto]

Apple pricing is tottaly out of wack..
Mac mini

• Apple M4 Pro chip with 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 64GB unified memory
• 1TB SSD storage
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• $2,499.00

Mac Studio(based on price of m2 max studio and configuration of macbook pro m4 max)

• Apple M4 Max with 14‑core CPU, 32‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 64GB unified memory
• 1TB SSD storage
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• $2,599.00

So this is crazy, for 100$ more you get Max and studio(more ports)

 

[waloshin]

Apple pricing is tottaly out of wack..
Mac mini

• Apple M4 Pro chip with 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 64GB unified memory
• 1TB SSD storage
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• $2,499.00

Mac Studio(based on price of m2 max studio and configuration of macbook pro m4 max)

• Apple M4 Max with 14‑core CPU, 32‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 64GB unified memory
• 1TB SSD storage
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• $2,599.00

So this is crazy, for 100$ more you get Max and studio(more ports)

You are assuming... there is no M4 Max Studio so who knows what t6he price will be.

 

[Lihto]

You are assuming... there is no M4 Max Studio so who knows what t6he price will be.

that will be the price unless they increase it.. but looking at M1 studio and M2 studio it should be the same..

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

So this is crazy, for 100$ more you get Max and studio(more ports)

And much, much better cooling.

 

[G46&Fbnth5]

Apple pricing is tottaly out of wack..
Mac mini

• Apple M4 Pro chip with 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 64GB unified memory
• 1TB SSD storage
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• $2,499.00

Mac Studio(based on price of m2 max studio and configuration of macbook pro m4 max)

• Apple M4 Max with 14‑core CPU, 32‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 64GB unified memory
• 1TB SSD storage
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• $2,599.00

So this is crazy, for 100$ more you get Max and studio(more ports)

The 32 core Max doesn’t exist with 64 GB of RAM, you have to choose the 40 core, and in total it is an extra $ 700.

Furthermore, IMHO the new Studio will have a starting price between $ 2.200 and 2.400 for the base model.

 

[Tago]

So this is crazy, for 100$ more you get Max and studio(more ports)

It`s not crazy at all. They want you to rationalize this way, and of course we all do. You either spend a lot for the mini, or more for the Studio, and if they get you to opt for the Studio, you might as well spec it up a bit. Before you know it you have spent 1.000 or a lot more to get a even higher spec you don`t need.

 

[Ifti]

I was very close to ordering a high spec M4 Pro Mac Mini as I'm after a desktop replacement for my MBP16 (M1 Max / 64GB / 1TB). However, I've decided to stick with my MBP for a little while longer and get the M4 Max Studio - while it will be more of an upgrade from my current spec of course, I would miss the SD card slot, which I use all the time, and I don't want to bother with dongles etc when it comes to a desktop machine.

I may invest in a good monitor for now, to use alongside my MBP, so that when the studio drops I have everything ready for a quick switch over.

Only downside is the longer I leave it the more the value of my MBP drops - but I'd rather that then get a machine I'm not completely happy with.....

 

[throAU]

Although I don't need 64GB of memory, it would be nice to have to run some of the bigger local LLMs. And going from 32GB->64GB on a Studio should only be an extra $400 vs. $600 on the mini. And considering I'd want the 10GB Ethernet, it's only $300 more to get a much more capable machine via a base Studio upgraded to 64GB.

lol, that's exactly how apple get you... and before you know it you're 5k USD in the hole for a MacBook Pro

 

[waloshin]

I do not understand why everyone and their grandma thinks they need the most expensive Mac’s to run LLMs. Insanity! I really should be buying Apple stock as it’s going through the roof with everyone buying M4 Pro Mac minis… just to play around with some trendy Ai chat bots…

 

[throAU]

I do not understand why everyone and their grandma thinks they need the most expensive Mac’s to run LLMs. Insanity! I really should be buying Apple stock as it’s going through the roof with everyone buying M4 Pro Mac minis… just to play around with some trendy Ai chat bots…

Have you run anything locally on device?

Seriously, if you haven't:

download lmstudio from lmstudio.ai
download a couple of models
unplug internet connection/turn off WIFI

play with it. be stunned
e.g., fragment of a conversation with a 16 GB model run entirely on device - this was not polling the internet for this, it was entirely on-device and works without internet connection. it was a general model (i.e. not just trained on medical data), and I've discussed all this with the vet looking after my cat - its legit.

This is just a fragment of a longer conversation and the diagnostic process matches pretty much exactly what both the initial vet, and the specialist the cat is with this evening are following.

Again, this model is Google's gemini model aimed at answering questions about ANYTHING.

You can also import documents to the LLM for summary/analysis - e.g., get a big document, ask the LLM queries about it. It will cite the sections of the document in its responses. Great for condensing/summarising a heap of info you have no time to read or analyse in detail.


Yes, there's a lot of LLM hype, and no it's not "AI" per-se. But holy crap its powerful.