16" M1 MBP vs Mac Mini M2 Pro

[VietKinh]

Hello Fellow Users,

Can anyone tell me which is better? Base 16" M1 MBP or base Mac Mini M2 Pro. The 16MBP was on sale for $1500 but I missed it while the base Mac Mini M2 Pro is $1100 (with gift card).

Based on those price point, which is better, and which is the better value?

It does not look like I will be buying the MBA 15" because the screen is still too small for me 🙁

Thank you.

 

[ethoscinema]

Hi

I wanted to start the exact same thread

so I'm asking the same question ...let us know everyone .. what do you think... are you using either one of these Macs

I have a macbook 15inch mid 2015 ...that I had bought used in high school..

I think the MacBook Pro 16inch m1 is the same type of Mac that will last me for 5-7 years...so that's a big plus..a better value..

and yes of course its portable

I do like the pricing of the Mac mini m2 ...does it have the same type of value??

 

[herbert7265]

Hmm, please define first “better” and ”value”, based on your individual needs, requirements and expectations, otherwise it is quite difficult to give a reasonable and fact based answer. Both machines have their pros and cons, as everything in life!

Herbert

 

[daneoni]

Well the mini will require a keyboard, monitor, and mouse/trackpad so you won't be paying just $1100.

But with the MBP you get the above + portability.

In terms of performance, the difference between the M1 and M2 is marginally incremental. And since you're looking at the base models, my guess is the M1 would be enough for you.

Unless you need HDMI 2.1, WiFi 6E, and BT 5.3

 

[Fishrrman]

Do you want/need portability?
Then a MacBook Pro is the answer.

Do you NOT care about portability, and want a big display?
Then a Mini is the answer, with a 27" display...

 

[Semio]

If you mean base MPB M1 with 8 core CPU, then the M2 Pro Mac mini will offer better performance because it has 10 cores vs 8. If you can get the 10 Core M1 Pro 16 inch, it will be basically identical in performance, or even slightly better since they both have 10 cores, but the M1 Pro has 8 performance cores vs the M2 Pro which has 6 performance cores. You can confirm this on Geekbench, have a browse through the Mac section.

 

[ethoscinema]

thanks for the replies..! also lets wait to hear from the first post...if a decision has been made yet.(I think if you like the work station set up of the Mac mini 2 it's a great choice too)

value for me in a computer that lasts the next 5-7 years...with a screen and specs (and portable)..and I decided on the Mac Pro m1 16inch for me it's perfect for grad school and reminds me of the MacBook Pro 15inch mid 2015 which I still own ..I'm going to buy it used..

 

[ethoscinema]

Hello Fellow Users,

Can anyone tell me which is better? Base 16" M1 MBP or base Mac Mini M2 Pro. The 16MBP was on sale for $1500 but I missed it while the base Mac Mini M2 Pro is $1100 (with gift card).

Based on those price point, which is better, and which is the better value?

It does not look like I will be buying the MBA 15" because the screen is still too small for me 🙁

Thank you.

let us know the latest...if you have made a choice yet...

 

[Pezimak]

I played with my brother in laws M1 Max 16" MacBook Pro yesterday, and all I can say is the screen is stunning, I was truly blown away with it. Speakers are really good too, clear sound with some depth and bass. Apple really made a great display on the machine. Nice design too.
But of course that only matters if you are going to be using the laptop screen a lot.

 

[JustAnExpat]

> which is better, and which is the better value?

I don't think it's a valid question.

Do you need the M2 Pro for your work? If so, get the Mac mini. Otherwise....
Do you need something portable? If so, get the Mac Book Pro. Otherwise...
Do you want to save money? If so, get the Mac mini.

 

[VietKinh]

let us know the latest...if you have made a choice yet...

I saw the MBA 15" at Best Buy but forgot my measuring tape to compare it to my current 16" laptop. Wish they had the 16" MBP there for comparison. I have not yet decided.

 

[ethoscinema]

I went to the apple store and compared...before getting my used MacBook Pro m1 16 inch...the air is more portable..but the processing power and screen of M1 pro was what I was looking for...(there is a size and resolution difference)