M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?

Before the Spring Festival, Apple quietly updated the MacBook Pro and Mac mini product lines, bringing new M2 Pro/M2 Max chips, allowing the compact Mac mini to have performance comparable to gaming PCs.
The M series chips are indeed powerful, and Apple has always emphasized extreme performance and productivity attributes. However, in users’ minds, Macs are not cheap, and many models cost over ten thousand yuan, which deters potential buyers from the start.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
However, with the increasing popularity of Macs, the M chip allows Apple to better control its product pace and costs. The overall threshold for Macs has significantly decreased in the past two years. The newly launched Mac mini offers more power without a price increase, with the base model equipped with the M2 chip priced at only 4499 yuan. If purchased through education discounts, it can be obtained for just 3699 yuan. This price is already cheaper than many Windows brand machines or DIY setups.
Some may argue that the base model’s configuration is too low, designed just to make the starting price look good, making it hard to meet daily usage needs. To verify this, I specifically tested a “beggar’s version” Mac mini (8+256GB) equipped with the M2 chip to see how usable this cheapest Mac really is.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
A desktop that you can carry on the subway every day
First, for users who are not familiar with the Mac product line, the Mac mini is actually a desktop host that requires external monitors, keyboards, and mice. The usage is quite simple; just like a TV box, you connect the power cord and display cable, with no difficulty in getting started.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
Everyone knows that performance is generally proportional to hardware size, especially for high-performance desktops and gaming laptops. However, the size of the Mac mini is similar to that of a set-top box, taking up only slightly more space than two iPhones, which saves a lot of desktop space.
This is extremely friendly for students living on campus and those who are struggling in small rented spaces. If your dormitory or rental room is not large, it is difficult to squeeze out half a square meter to place a computer host, and the small body of the Mac mini easily solves this problem. At the same time, its design is elegant and will not feel out of place in any room decor style.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
It’s worth mentioning that the Mac mini is not only compact but also lightweight, weighing 1.18 kg, roughly equivalent to two bottles of cola, making it easy to carry in a bag. Whether for students or workers, carrying it home during holidays or commuting daily on the subway is not much of a burden.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
The M2 Mac mini offers 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports (the M2 Pro version has 4), 2 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. If you use Bluetooth keyboards and mice, it is generally sufficient.
It is worth noting that the Mac mini’s body does not provide an SD card slot like the Mac Studio. For graphic/video workers or related major students, it is recommended to purchase an additional docking station to meet dual-screen and multi-peripheral needs.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
Is the entry-level performance sufficient?
The biggest upgrade point is the M2 chip, which is the focus of the Mac mini.
According to Apple’s official data, compared to the previous generation M1, the CPU speed has improved by 18%, and the GPU has increased by 35%. This has also been confirmed in the actual tests of Geekbench 5: single-core score of 1959, multi-core score of 9054, with the scores close to the official data.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
As per usual, the next step should be to import materials using professional video editing software to test rendering speeds. For most users, daily use may not involve such work, and they may not have a concept of video rendering speed. I can simply tell you one conclusion: after testing with Premiere Pro, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and other software, the video export speed of the Mac mini has improved by 15% to 20% compared to the M1 version.
This result is close to what we observed when reviewing the M2 MacBook Air. It is worth noting that the Mac mini has a relatively larger internal space and an internal fan, allowing for more aggressive performance release.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
Speaking of the fan, I also noticed that even when playing 5 4K videos simultaneously or editing multi-track materials with Premiere Pro, which requires high performance output, the fan of the Mac mini is hardly working hard. Using tools like Macs Fan Control to observe the fan’s operation, the speed remains below 1900 RPM, and you can only hear a slight noise when close to the body.
However, under such high-load usage scenarios, the body does accumulate slight heat. If this is a concern, you can manually adjust the speed to 3000 RPM for quick cooling. It is worth mentioning that at high speed, in a relatively quiet environment like an office, as long as you don’t intentionally listen, you can hardly perceive the fan noise. Whether in the office or a school dormitory, the Mac mini can output quietly and stably without disturbing others.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
At this point, I believe you have some understanding of its performance. However, many users only need to use Office software for study and work, occasionally needing image/video editing, and adding audio-visual entertainment is sufficient. The peak performance of the M2 may not be used many times during the Mac mini’s lifecycle.
Because of this, discussions about the “performance surplus” of the M chips have never ceased. What users may be more concerned about is compatibility issues. It must be acknowledged that Macs do not yet fully adapt to games and engineering software perfectly. If the main requirement for buying a computer is to play games or use professional software on the Windows platform, you can skip this part.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
On the contrary, the M chip Mac mini has no issues at all. The App Store even offers applications specifically for M chips. For example, familiar vertical screen applications like Douyin have launched a Mac version that allows users to adjust the window size. Additionally, most mobile applications have already supported M chip Macs, so there is no need to worry about the richness of applications.
Moreover, on Mac, there are unique video editing, music production, and programming development software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro X. If you are a professional in these areas or a student in related majors, the entry-level Mac mini may be a more suitable choice.
After discussing chip performance and compatibility, another important factor affecting daily use is memory pairing. After all, three to four thousand yuan can only buy the 8+256GB version, and you might think that such a configuration is not enough for a phone, let alone a Mac that requires multi-process operation.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
I opened 20 commonly used applications, including Notes, Jiangnan Scenic Map, Monument Valley, Douyin, Bilibili, iMovie editing, WeChat, QQ Music, and opened 10 tabs in the Safari browser. At this point, the used memory was 6.45GB, and there was still some left in the 8GB RAM.
In most cases, this is already considered high-intensity work, and it is rare to open so many applications simultaneously. This is also thanks to Mac’s excellent process management mechanism, which automatically compresses inactive applications to ensure smooth operation of active applications. Coupled with the new front scheduling management mechanism in macOS, it provides sufficient flexibility.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
For instance, I tend to group Safari browser with Pages, Notes, and group PR, iMovie, and Finder (material library) separately, and group Bilibili, QQ Music, and other audio-visual apps together. This way, I can quickly switch between different work and entertainment environments without disturbing each other.
Of course, if the large applications you frequently use have high memory usage, 8GB may still not be sufficient. For example, in graphic design or when using professional drawing and programming software, it is advisable to choose versions with 16GB or more.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
Regarding storage, the newly activated 256GB version of the Mac mini has about 220GB of remaining space. After installing more than 30 commonly used applications, about 180GB remains. If daily needs only involve simple office work and entertainment, and there are no large image or video processing demands, combined with iCloud storage, it is basically sufficient.
However, storage space requirements are entirely dependent on individual needs. You can judge according to your usage situation. If you like to download high-definition video resources for local viewing or have a large file storage requirement, it may be worth considering the 512GB storage option (which requires an additional 1500 yuan), or consider an external hard drive, but the access speed will certainly not match that of the built-in SSD storage.
Speaking of access speed, according to my tests, the write speed of the 256GB version’s hard drive is around 1700MB/s, and the read speed is around 1600MB/s. This result meets expectations. Note that the read and write speeds of high-capacity versions above 512GB can reach 3100MB/s. If you value this, it may be worth upgrading to a higher configuration.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
Version and accessory purchase suggestions
Overall, this entry-level Mac mini can meet the needs of most users. Even in scenarios requiring image and video editing, its performance is also competent. With a price of three to four thousand yuan, you can only buy an ordinary office computer on the Windows platform. From this perspective, the Mac mini can be considered more cost-effective.
However, Windows computers at this price will come with a monitor and peripherals, while the Mac mini has a range of peripherals to choose from, whether to opt for Apple’s ecosystem or third-party alternatives depends on individual needs.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
For instance, the Studio Display, which is more expensive than the host, is definitely the best choice for a monitor, as its display effect is excellent. For specific performance, you can click our previous review article to learn more. Additionally, the built-in speakers of the Mac mini are average, and the Studio Display can compensate for this. Of course, you can also purchase two HomePod minis to build a better stereo environment or directly use AirPods to reduce costs while still enjoying spatial audio features.
In terms of keyboards and mice, Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Mouse set is undoubtedly the best. If it is for multiple users in a household, it is recommended to purchase the Magic Keyboard with fingerprint recognition, which allows different users to enter their independent space without interference. For third-party keyboards, consider products with Apple function keys to achieve a complete operating experience, such as the Logitech K380/580 Mac custom version, which is a good alternative.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
In fact, many users may already have a complete desktop computer, with monitors and peripherals fully equipped. Upgrading the host only requires three to four thousand yuan for the Mac mini, which is entirely acceptable.
One more point, digital devices have developed rapidly in recent years. Many post-00s may not have experienced traditional Windows PCs, having grown up playing with smartphones and tablets, and are already accustomed to the operation of iPhones and iPads. The logic of Macs is interconnected with them, making it relatively easier to get started.
M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?
Moreover, the multi-device interaction features within the Apple ecosystem are very rich. For example, in the latest macOS, the Continuity Camera feature allows you to use your iPhone as a camera for your Mac, which is convenient for video conferencing and other scenarios; using the Sidecar feature, you can turn your iPad into an extended screen for your Mac, easily achieving dual-screen operation; or quickly unlocking your Mac with your Apple Watch, eliminating the need for passwords or fingerprint recognition, which is elegant and efficient… These interesting and practical interaction features are unique advantages of the Apple ecosystem.
For high-end users, models like the MacBook Pro and iMac are undoubtedly the best solutions, as these products can provide an ultimate experience from screen to keyboard and mouse. However, for user groups like students, the Mac mini may be a more suitable choice. It provides the core components of a Mac while leaving the choice of other peripherals to the user—allowing them to build a productivity tool that suits their needs at a reasonable price.
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M2 Mac Mini Review: Is the Cheapest Apple Computer Worth Buying?

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