The M4 and M4 Pro models exhibit distinct differences in performance, particularly in video editing tasks. Here's a detailed breakdown:
M4 Base Model
- General Performance: The M4 base model is capable of handling 4K video editing tasks efficiently, though it may not match the speed of the M4 Pro. It is noted to be about 5 minutes slower than a high-end Intel system with an RTX 3080 GPU for certain exports[3].- Resource Utilization: The M4 model tends to use fewer system resources compared to Windows systems, which can be beneficial for power efficiency. For example, Premiere Pro uses significantly less RAM on macOS compared to Windows[3].
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the base model is more cost-effective, upgrading to the M4 Pro might be justified for professional video editors due to the significant performance boost it offers.
M4 Pro Model
- Performance Improvements: The M4 Pro offers substantial performance enhancements over the base M4 model, making it ideal for professional video editing. It provides roughly 92x faster performance compared to Intel-based systems and handles complex tasks like multicam 4K editing with ease[1].- GPU and CPU Capabilities: The M4 Pro features more CPU and GPU cores than the base model, which enhances its ability to handle demanding video editing tasks, including complex effects rendering and multicam editing[1][7].
- Efficiency and Speed: The M4 Pro demonstrates remarkable efficiency in video editing workflows, offering faster export times and smoother timeline responsiveness compared to the base model. For instance, it can export a 4K video project significantly faster than the base model or even the M4 MacBook Pro[1].
- Professional Suitability: The M4 Pro is well-suited for professional video editing due to its robust performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those requiring high-speed rendering and editing capabilities[1][7].
In summary, while the M4 base model is capable of handling video editing tasks, the M4 Pro offers significantly better performance, especially for professionals who need to handle complex projects efficiently. The choice between the two models largely depends on the specific needs and budget of the user.
Citations:[1] https://www.kodjoarts.com/mac-mini-m4-pro-review-a-video-editor-s-30-day-speed-test-results
[2] https://www.theverge.com/24319419/apple-macbook-pro-m4-max-pro-review-price-specs
[3] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/testing-m4-base-would-the-m4-pro-be-significantly-better.2442419/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/macmini/comments/1ggdicb/whats_the_real_difference_between_m4_and_m4_pro/
[5] https://jonnyelwyn.co.uk/film-video-editing-tools-for-editors/which-m4-mac-is-best-for-video-editing/
[6] https://www.sbsupply.eu/blog/the-differences-between-apples-m4-and-m3chip/
[7] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/m4-pro-video-editing-what-cant-it-do.2444063/
[8] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255831326