Mac Mini M2 Pro vs iMac M3

[Mac2004]

Is there much difference between the M2 Pro Mac Mini or the M3 IMac?? The reason I ask is that I can get a M2 Pro Mac Mini a lot sooner than a M3 IMac computer. We are talking about a month sooner for 16gb memory one.

I need to buy a computer very soon and I want a computer system that will last me a long time. I mostly just use my computer for emails, texting, internet, zoom calls, word processing, spreadsheets, and photography (editing and storing). I’m not a gamer or programmer. In your opinion, what’s the better computer for me to get? The Mac Mini M2 Pro with 16gb of memory or the IMac M3 with 16gb of memory? I thought I had read somewhere that the M2 Pro chip was more powerful than the M3? Any truth to that. If I would get the Mac Mini, I would get the Dell Ultrasharp 27 inch 4K monitor.

 

[picpicmac]

Is there much difference between the M2 Pro Mac Mini or the M3 IMac??

One is a box-only computer, the other is an AIO computer.

 

[tensixturtle]

If you are talking about the performance of the two chips. From what I have read, the difference between the M2 Pro and the base M3 seems to be marginal. On one hand, you could always wait for the M3 Mac mini but if you are in a hurry… personally I kind of like the flexibility that comes with a Mac mini, but as @picpicmac pointed out, you’ll need to find a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. while the iMac will come with all.

 

[MRxROBOT]

M2 Pro > M3

 

[MBAir2010]

im saving my few remaining brain cells and not picking a winner on this contest!

 

[theorist9]

The most significant difference between those two choices is not the processor, but the display.

The display you pair the Mini with will have a big impact on the quality of your user experience. What display did you have in mind, and how to do you plan to use the machine? Do you need more than 24"? And are you doing mostly text work, photo/video editing, or gaming?

 

[drrich2]

The iMac involves committing to a 24" monitor (assuming you won't use an external one and waste the one that came with it and don't want dual displays). The Mac Mini lets you choose from a wide array of monitors.

I imagine the iMac's monitor is a very nice 24" display, but it's still a 24" display. Are you happy with that situation?

 

[ChrisA]

If you are talking about the performance of the two chips. From what I have read, the difference between the M2 Pro and the base M3 seems to be marginal.

In real life, The M2-Pro and M3-Pro are not far apart in terms of performance. The M2-Pro is a bit faster than the base M3.

The iMac has a nice 24" monitor built-in. But with the Mini, you get to choose your monitor and it can be any size, quality, or price you like. You can even buy two monitors that match, something that is impossible with the iMac.

I would buy the iMac only if you really like the screen it comes with and are willing to throw it away when the computer becomes obsolete in maybe 5 to 7 years.

What are you planning to use the new computer for? For general use, that means email, casual web browsers, and entertainment, any current Mac is overkill.

 

[tensixturtle]

I would buy the iMac only if you really like the screen it comes with and are willing to throw it away when the computer becomes obsolete in maybe 5 to 7 years.

Yes I agree. I have a 5K 27” 2015 iMac and it is by far my best, most gorgeous display but as it ages it’s a pity that the display is stuck with a 7 year old Mac, although the up-front value is good.

 

[picpicmac]

M2 Pro chip was more powerful than the M3

While that may be true for some graphics needs that employ the multiple GPUs, the single core performance of the M3 is superior.

However, the real issue (and this is true for me, also shopping) is whether you want the ease of buying one device (iMac) that is fully integrated, or if you are willing to put together pieces from various vendors.

For example, the iMac has built in camera and speakers, and most Dell monitors do not.

The Refurb store recently go in a whole bunch of M2 Pro Minis, which many sold out by yesterday, but today the store got a bunch of base M2 Minis. Some of us believe the M3 Mini will be out Real Soon Now.

I am waiting for the M3. The base M3 will do all your listed tasks, but your listing of "photography" suggests you might benefit from a RAM bump (which I plan on for that use.) I will use external SSDs to store most of my files, and save a bunch of $$$.

 

[Mac2004]

While that may be true for some graphics needs that employ the multiple GPUs, the single core performance of the M3 is superior.

However, the real issue (and this is true for me, also shopping) is whether you want the ease of buying one device (iMac) that is fully integrated, or if you are willing to put together pieces from various vendors.

For example, the iMac has built in camera and speakers, and most Dell monitors do not.

The Refurb store recently go in a whole bunch of M2 Pro Minis, which many sold out by yesterday, but today the store got a bunch of base M2 Minis. Some of us believe the M3 Mini will be out Real Soon Now.

I am waiting for the M3. The base M3 will do all your listed tasks, but your listing of "photography" suggests you might benefit from a RAM bump (which I plan on for that use.) I will use external SSDs to store most of my files, and save a bunch of $$$.

It sounds to me like you are leaning towards the iMac. Am I correct?

 

[leifp]

Do you mind telling me more of your photo editing use case? There is a sizeable difference in requirements between using Apple’s Photos app and a suite of apps from another publisher such as Adobe (LightRoom, PhotoShop, among others), or Pixelmator (incl Photomator).

 

[Mac2004]

Do you mind telling me more of your photo editing use case? There is a sizeable difference in requirements between using Apple’s Photos app and a suite of apps from another publisher such as Adobe (LightRoom, PhotoShop, among others), or Pixelmator (incl Photomator).

I’m not a high end professional photographer. I mostly just take photos as a hobby right now and I’m in the process of scanning and digitizing all of my family’s old photos for a family history book I’m currently working on. There are times I like the edit some of the photos to enhance them.

 

[leifp]

You do sound like a prime candidate for an iMac. I found the base M1 16GB Mac mini underpowered for my own needs, but I play around as if I’m a pro photographer (irrelevant anecdote).

The main reason I recommend the iMac is that the built in screen is quite good. Mac mini + Dell monitor is obviously an excellent choice as well (some of my favourite monitors have been from Dell) with the benefit of being able to replace parts piecemeal as required/desired.

Are you connecting many peripherals? The iMac has 2-4 USB-C (Thunderbolt) ports and a headphone jack (ethernet on power supply, if you choose that model) whereas the Mac mini has a stronger selection (same as iMac + 1x HDMI 2.1 and 2x USB-A)

 

[ajr123]

I would caution against going for a 4k 27” monitor with MacOS. Text only renders smoothly at 100% or 200% magnification. At 100%, it’s too small. At 200%, ui elements are a little too large and you lose screen estate.

I’ve been burned. And it was expensive.

 

[picpicmac]

It sounds to me like you are leaning towards the iMac. Am I correct?

My wallet says yes but my eyes say no.

Or rather, if I get an iMac I'll have to order one with a VESA mount.

The iMac sits too high on its regular stand, for where I need to place it.

And if I need to get a display with a VESA mount, I might as well pick up a Mac Mini once the M3 version arrives, and pair it to either the ASD w/VESA, or a third party monitor (less desirable but definitely less expensive.)

 

[Mac2004]

Here’s my quick poll on which Apple computer model I should purchase…..