

The MacBook Pro has an Intel Core i9-8950HK 2.9GHz 6-core chip, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, AMD Radeon Pro 560X graphic with 4GB RAM, a 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 screen and costs £4,409/$4,699. The Mac Mini has an Intel Core i7-8700B 3.2GHz 6-core chip, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics 630 and 10Gb Ethernet, and costs £2,419/US$2,599. We've used the new Cinebench R20 processor benchmark – which is based on Cinema 4D R20 – plus the older R15 version (which primarily shows just how outdated that benchmark is). Here we've benchmarked our high-end review Mac mini against an equally high-spec MacBook Pro, plus our choice for the best laptop for designers and artists, the Dell XPS 15.


So an i7 Mac mini can outperform an i9 MacBook Pro, which is a little jarring. However, the Mac mini has the kind of laptop chip you’d get in an oversized, 17-inch model processor that delivers much higher performance than kind of chips used in slimline 15-inch models we usually go for such as the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS 15 (a 65W ‘B’ model to the MBP’s 45W ‘H’ model chip-nomanclature/power-usage fans). Many small PCs feature laptop processors as they don’t have the cooling capabilities of full-sized chassis – and this is true of the Mac mini too. In practice though, unless you’re the strictly disciplined type, the Mac mini just gives you more space on your desk to fill with print outs, references, desktoys, too many pens and other junk – all peppered with Post-it notes. It’s small size makes you think you could give you desk a Marie Kondo-inspired makeover – paired with a minimalist monitor, Apple’s pared-down keyboard and mouse (which you have to buy separately), a few tastefully chosen books and bits of tech that pack themselves away neatly. Garlic bread-box sized, Apple has somehow managed to fit almost a full workstation spec inside that makes it as powerful as leading larger desktops for many tasks – but its lack of one important component limits its appeal to a specific audience. The Mac mini is another engineering marvel from Apple. Updated 28/3/19 with Cinebench R20 results The Mac mini may be the perfect desktop for graphic and UX designers who won’t mind its lack of 3D power.
