Sống đủ lâu tới ngày MacBook Air M4 được coi là "rẻ" :))

MacBook M4 & Mac Mini M4 in 2026: A Price-to-Performance Analysis

Key Concepts:

• Apple Silicon (M4 Chip): Apple’s proprietary system on a chip (SoC) known for its performance and efficiency.
• Price-to-Performance Ratio: A metric evaluating the value received for the money spent on a device.
• Laptop Windows Market Trends (2026): Anticipated price increases and configuration cuts in the Windows laptop market.
• SSD (Solid State Drive): A type of storage device offering faster data access compared to traditional HDDs.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Computer memory used for storing data that the CPU actively needs.
• Integrated Graphics (GPU): Graphics processing unit built into the CPU, handling visual output.
• Refresh Rate (Hz): The number of times a display updates per second, impacting visual smoothness. (60Hz vs 120Hz)
• Mini LED: A display technology offering improved brightness and contrast compared to traditional LCDs.

1. The Shifting Laptop Landscape & Rising Windows Laptop Costs

The video begins by highlighting a surprising trend: the increasing affordability of the MacBook Air M4 and Mac Mini M4, especially considering their historically competitive pricing. The primary driver for this advantageous position is the anticipated increase in prices for Windows laptops in 2026. The speaker notes that manufacturers are either raising prices directly or reducing configurations (e.g., downgrading CPUs, reducing screen resolution) to maintain price points.

A specific example is given of a new, unreleased laptop being tested, which features a CPU one tier lower than the previous generation, and a screen downgraded from 2K8 to Full HD, despite using a new chip. This illustrates the trend of compromises being made to manage costs. The speaker emphasizes that even base configurations of Windows laptops are becoming more expensive this year, and upgrading to comparable performance levels from 2024/2025 requires a significant price increase. A key factor contributing to this is the rising cost of SSDs and RAM, a situation not expected to improve until late 2026 or early 2027.

2. Mac Mini M4 & MacBook Air M4: Exceptional Value in 2026

In this context, the Mac Mini M4 and MacBook Air M4 stand out as offering a superior price-to-performance ratio. A base model MacBook Air M4 (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) currently sells for around 25-26 million (currency unspecified, likely Vietnamese Dong), and can be found for even less during sales. The Mac Mini M4 is priced around 16 million, with further discounts available for students and educators through Cphoneet (sponsor of the video).

Historically, the Mac Mini offered acceptable price-to-performance, but the introduction of the M4 chip has significantly improved this ratio. The speaker asserts that the value proposition is now demonstrably stronger with these Apple Silicon devices.

3. M4 Chip Performance: Outperforming the Competition

The M4 chip is central to this value. The speaker states that even with the potential release of the M5 chip, the M4 remains a compelling choice due to its raw power. In CPU benchmarks, the M4 significantly outperforms current Intel and AMD CPUs, with the exception of high-end Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD Ryzen AI 400 processors (though specific test results are not fully disclosed).

The M4’s integrated GPU also surpasses Intel Iris Xe 200 graphics found in comparable Windows machines (specifically, those in the same price range as the Mac Mini/Air). To achieve comparable GPU performance, one would need to look at AMD Radeon RX 890M found in higher-end AMD Ryzen AI9 HX370 chips. This performance advantage isn’t just reflected in benchmark scores; the speaker notes the M4 excels in media tasks, though it doesn’t match the capabilities of the M4 Pro or M4 Max chips.

4. Advantages Beyond Performance: Battery Life, Build Quality & Display

Beyond raw performance, the MacBook Air M4 and Mac Mini M4 offer additional benefits:

• Battery Life: While no longer the absolute leader in laptop battery life, the MacBook Air M4 still provides around 8-9 hours of usage, comparable to or exceeding many Windows laptops in the same price bracket.
• Build Quality: Apple products are renowned for their build quality, which is superior to many Windows laptops in the same price range. Specific examples given include ThinkPad E series and Yoga/Yoga Slim, which offer comparable build quality, but other lines like VivoBook or Zenbook (excluding the Zenbook S) fall short.
• Display Quality: The MacBook Air M4 features a high-resolution display with a brightness of around 500 nits, exceeding the 400 nits typically found in Windows laptops at similar price points. It also boasts good color accuracy and low reflectivity. While it lacks a 120Hz refresh rate (it's 60Hz), some Windows laptops are also reverting to 60Hz to cut costs.
• Design: The Mac Mini’s design is specifically praised for its aesthetics and build quality, surpassing many Windows mini PCs.

5. Considerations & Alternatives

The speaker acknowledges that the best choice depends on individual needs:

• MacBook Air M4: Ideal for users prioritizing portability and flexibility.
• Mac Mini M4: Best suited for users who primarily work at a desk.
• MacBook Pro M4: Offers more ports, a superior display (120Hz, mini-LED), and higher performance, but at a higher price point. The 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 is being replaced by the M5 version, making the M4 a potentially good value if available.

The speaker also notes that older MacBook Air models (M3, M2) are still available for purchase. Finally, if Windows is a necessity due to work requirements, a Windows laptop remains the appropriate choice.

6. Cphoneet Sponsorship & Purchasing Options

The video is sponsored by Cphoneet, which offers student discounts, teacher programs, trade-in options, and 0% financing. Cphoneet carries a wide range of Apple Silicon Macs, from desktops to high-end MacBook models.

Conclusion:

The video presents a compelling argument for the MacBook Air M4 and Mac Mini M4 as exceptional value propositions in 2026, driven by anticipated price increases and configuration cuts in the Windows laptop market. The M4 chip’s superior performance, combined with Apple’s strengths in battery life, build quality, and display technology, makes these machines highly competitive, particularly for users not heavily reliant on the Windows ecosystem. The speaker encourages viewers to consider these options and to explore the purchasing options available through Cphoneet.