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Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A
Published February 10, 2023
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What are all the differences between the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini and the "2020 M1" Mac mini it replaced?
There is a single "2020 M1" Mac mini -- the Mac mini "M1" 8-Core 3.2 (2020) -- which was replaced by three "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "M2" 8 CPU/10 GPU 2023, "M2 Pro" 10 CPU/16 GPU 2023, and Mac mini "M2 Pro" 12 CPU/19 GPU 2023.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac mini)
It is difficult to spot obvious differences between the "2020 M1" and "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models. However, there are significant external and internal differences that are worthwhile to know.
External Differences
Although Apple does not specify the dimensions as exactly the same, this is just a change in measuring precision; the "2020 M1" and "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models use an essentially identical compact "cuboid" aluminum case design. The "2023 M2 Pro" Mac mini is heavier than the others -- by 0.2 of a pound (0.1 kg) -- but this is not a noticeable difference, either.
All of these models are essentially sealed and disposable, as well. The processor, graphics processor, RAM, and storage are not upgradable.
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity is a major point of differentiation between the "2020 M1" and "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models.
Both lines have two "traditional" USB-A ports and default Gigabit Ethernet, but connectivity otherwise varies between the models:
| Mac mini | 2020 M1 | 2023 M2 | 2023 M2 Pro |
| Thunderbolt 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| HDMI | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.1 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm* | 3.5 mm* |
| Wi-Fi | 6 | 6E | 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Display Support | 2 | 2 | 3 |
* The "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models have a single 3.5 mm headphone jack with "advanced support for high-impedance headphones."
Identification Differences
As diligently hand documented by EveryMac.com, the "2020 M1" and "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini have different Model Numbers and EMC Numbers externally on the underside.
At least at the moment, these identifiers are unique to all of these models and are suitable for specific identification, but the Model Identifier in software also is a reliable way to differentiate between these systems and others for the long-term:
| Mac mini | Model No. | EMC No. | Model ID |
| 2020 M1 | A2348 | 3569 | Macmini9,1 |
| 2023 M2 | A2686 | 8003 | Mac14,3 |
| 2023 M2 Pro | A2816 | 8180 | Mac14,12 |
Additionally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature can uniquely identify all of these Mac mini models by other identifiers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Internal Differences
Internally, the "2020 M1" and "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models are quite different. They use different architectures, but unfortunately all have RAM and storage that is "unified" onboard and that cannot be upgraded after the initial purchase of the system.
The "2020 M1" Mac mini uses the Apple M1 architecture with an 8-core CPU/8-core GPU, 8 GB of default RAM, and 256 GB or 512 GB of default storage.
The "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models, by contrast, use the newer Apple M2 or M2 Pro architecture. This architecture is significantly faster, has more GPU cores, and supports the option of more RAM (if it isn't equipped with more RAM by default). Storage also can be upgraded to significantly larger capacity at the time of initial system purchase. As noted in teardowns of these models, if configured with 256 GB of storage, the entry-level "2023 M2" model has the storage divided across fewer NAND chips than its predecessor, which results in slower SSD read/write performance.
Comparison Chart
The specific differences between processors, architectures, configurations, connectivity, identifiers, and prices for the "2020 M1" and "2023 M2/M2 Pro" Mac mini models are summarized below:
 "2020 M1" |
 "2023 M2/M2 Pro" |
|
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Apple M1 | Apple M2/M2 Pro |
| Processor Cores: | 8 | 8, 10, 12 |
| Graphics Cores: | 8 | 10, 16, 19 |
| Std. RAM: | 8 GB | 8, 16 GB |
| Max. RAM: | 16 GB* | 24, 32 GB* |
| Std. Storage: | 256, 512 GB | 256, 512 GB |
| Max. Storage: | 2 TB* | 8 TB* |
| Ext. Displays: | Two | Two, Three |
| Wi-Fi: | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Thunderbolt 3: | 2 | 2, 4 |
| HDMI: | 2.0 | 2.0, 2.1 |
| Order Number: | MGNR3LL/A MGNT3LL/A |
MMFJ3LL/A MMFK3LL/A MNH73LL/A |
| Model Number: | A2348 | A2686, A2816 |
| EMC Number: | 3569 | 8003, 8180 |
| Model Identifier: | Macmini9,1 | Mac14,3, Mac14,12 |
| Intro Price (US): | US$699, US$899 | US$599-US$1599 |
| Intro Price (CA): | C$899, C$1149 | C$799-C$2074 |
| Intro Price (UK): | £699, £899 | £649-£1699 |
| Intro Price (FR): | €799, €1029 | €699-€1894 |
| Intro Price (AU): | A$1099, A$1399 | A$999-A$2449 |
| Intro Price (SG): | S$979, S$1279 | S$849-S$2303.20 |
* At the time of initial system purchase, the RAM and storage can be upgraded. Neither the RAM nor the storage can be upgraded later at all.
For pricing information in dozens of other countries, refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Comparison Summary
Compared to the "2020 M1" models replaced, the "2023 M2/M2 Pro" models are (1) significantly faster (apart from SSD performance on the entry-level model), (2) have the option of more RAM and storage, (3) improved connectivity, (4) better external display support, and (5) a lower starting price tag.
New & Used Mac mini Purchase Options
There are an abundance of places to buy a used or new Mac mini. However, purchasing from a quality business with a solid track record in the Mac market will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Mac mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb Mac mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell a Mac mini, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older Mac mini with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise may have used Mac mini models available at low prices and with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please refer to EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any Mac mini model to any other Mac.
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