Updated October 2026
Data from the official Beelink and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
For photo editing, development or anything past basic office work, the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is the clear pick over the Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB).
Its owners rate it higher, it runs on fast LPDDR5X unified memory with a 16-core Neural Engine, and it brings three Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E and an internal power supply. The Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) is the far cheaper machine and carries a three-year warranty against one, with DDR4 in two slots you can take to 32GB and dual HDMI, but its dual-core Ryzen 3 3200U is the slowest processor in the category. Buy the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) if the computer is your main tool, and the Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) for a TV box, a kid's first desktop or browsing on a very tight budget.
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| Feature | Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) | Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | £999.00 | Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) |
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.7 | Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year | Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | LPDDR5X | Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) |
| Storage Capacity | 500 GB | 512 GB | Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) |
| CPU Model | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U | M4 | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Dual-slot | Unified Memory | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | AMD Radeon Vega 3 | 10-core GPU | Different strengths |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB | Tie |
What the differences mean
Performance
The Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) runs a dual-core Ryzen 3 3200U with Vega 3 graphics, enough for browsing, documents and 4K playback. The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is built for photo and video editing and development, which is the work its owners describe doing on it.
Memory
The SER3 has 16GB of DDR4-2400 in two slots, upgradeable to 32GB. The Mac has 16GB of soldered LPDDR5X unified memory, faster but fixed: more (up to 32GB) could only be chosen at purchase.
Ports
The SER3 has four USB 3.2 Type-A ports and two HDMI outputs. The Mac has three Thunderbolt 4, two USB-C and one HDMI, and no USB-A, so older peripherals need a hub.
Warranty
Three years on the Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) against one on the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB).
Power supply
The Mac's power supply is inside the case. The SER3 uses an external adapter.
Which one to buy if
- the computer is your main work machine
Owners of the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) describe effortless multitasking and rendering on it.
- it only has to play video on a TV
The Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) handles 4K playback over two HDMI outputs for a fraction of the cost.
- you want the longest warranty
The SER3 is covered for three years, the Mac for one.
- you want macOS
Only the Mac runs it; the SER3 ships with Windows 11 Pro.
$299.00
- + Price: $299.00
- + Warranty: 3 years
- - Rating: 4.3 vs 4.7
- - Memory Type: DDR4 vs LPDDR5X
Winner
£999.00
- + Rating: 4.7
- + Memory Type: LPDDR5X
- + Storage Capacity: 512 GB
- - Price: £999.00 vs $299.00
- - Warranty: 1 year vs 3 years
What owners say
Owners of both machines like how little space they take and how quiet they are. Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) owners talk mostly about value and longevity, with units still working after a year and one after about five years of light daily use, and a fan that is almost always off; their complaints are an entry-level chip that rules out heavy multitasking and scattered reports of reboots or crashes in the first weeks. Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) owners call it a performance bargain, with apps launching instantly and silence even under load, often after replacing a 27-inch iMac or a failing Windows tower; they complain that storage and memory are soldered, that they had to add an external drive or a hub, and about the power button underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beelink vs Mac Mini: which is better, the Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) or the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?
The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is much faster, better rated and better connected, with Thunderbolt 4 and a 16-core Neural Engine. The Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) is only the better choice for basic tasks on a very tight budget, where its low price and three-year warranty count.
What is the biggest difference between the Beelink SER3 and the Mac Mini M4?
Processing power. The Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) uses an entry-level dual-core Ryzen 3 3200U, while the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is fast enough for photo and video editing, according to its owners.
Which lasts longer, the Beelink SER3 or the Mac Mini M4?
On warranty, the Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB) is covered for three years and the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) for one. SER3 owners report units still running after several years of light use, though a minority report crashes early on; the Mac's faster chip leaves more headroom for future software.
Can you upgrade the memory in either one?
Only in the Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB), which has two DDR4 slots that accept up to 32GB. The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) has soldered memory, so choose the amount at purchase.
Who should buy the Beelink SER3 (16GB + 500GB)?
Buyers who need a cheap, quiet Windows desktop for browsing, documents or a TV, and who value a three-year warranty over speed.
Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?
Anyone who wants a fast, silent desktop for creative work, development or heavy multitasking, and who is comfortable with macOS and fixed memory and storage.
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