M1 Mac Mini vs. M4 Mac Mini: Is the Upgrade Worth It for Video Editors?

M1 Mac Mini vs. M4 Mac Mini: Is the Upgrade Worth It for Video Editors?

The video compares the performance of the 2020 M1 Mac Mini and the latest M4 Mac Mini in Final Cut Pro. While the M4 model offers a significant performance boost on paper, real-world testing reveals a more nuanced story.

Key Findings:

• Timeline Performance: Both machines perform similarly in basic timeline navigation. The M4 offers slightly smoother playback of complex animations, but the difference isn't dramatic.

• Project Rendering: The M4 is noticeably faster at rendering large projects, cutting rendering time in half.

• Export Times: The M1 Mac Mini, surprisingly, exports rendered projects slightly faster than the M4.

• Neural Engine Tasks: Both machines perform similarly in tasks like smooth slow-motion and magnetic masking, though the M4 can be slowed down by screen recording.

Conclusion:

While the M4 Mac Mini is undeniably faster, the performance difference, especially for video editing in Final Cut Pro, might not justify the upgrade for many users. If you're primarily using your Mac for video editing and aren't pushing your machine to its limits, the M1 Mac Mini remains a solid choice. For those who need maximum performance and are willing to invest, the M4 Pro Mac Mini is a much more significant upgrade.