Beelink Mini S

The Beelink Mini S is a compact, budget-friendly Mini PC that runs Windows 11 Pro. It is powered by an Intel Celeron Processor N5095, which offers four cores with speeds up to 2.9GHz. The device is equipped with 8GB of DDR4 SO-DIMM RAM, which can be upgraded to 16GB, and comes with a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD, with the option to add a 2.5-inch drive for additional storage. The Mini S features integrated Intel UHD Graphics and supports dual 4K display outputs via HDMI ports. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.0, and Gigabit Ethernet, though it lacks a USB Type-C port. The Mini S is actively cooled with a fan, ensuring stable performance during operation.

Pros	Cons
Affordable price point	Single-channel RAM limits performance
Compact and lightweight design	No USB Type-C port
Upgradeable RAM and storage options	Not suitable for demanding tasks like AAA gaming
Dual HDMI ports support 4K displays	Wi-Fi is not the latest standard (Wi-Fi 5)
Runs Windows 11 Pro out of the box	Plastic build may not appeal to all users
Actively cooled to prevent overheating	Struggles with 4K 60fps video playback

Detailed Information on the Beelink Mini S

The Beelink Mini S balances affordability and functionality, making it an attractive option for users with basic computing needs. Despite its small size, measuring 4.5 inches in width and length and 1.6 inches in thickness, it packs various valuable features. The VESA mount compatibility allows for a tidy setup behind monitors or TVs, ideal for users with limited space.

On the performance front, the Intel Celeron N5095 processor provides sufficient power for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. While the integrated Intel UHD Graphics is not designed for high-end gaming, it can handle casual and older games at lower settings. Including Windows 11 Pro is a significant advantage, offering users the latest operating system with all its features and security updates.

Connectivity is a strong suit for the Beelink Mini S, with four USB 3.0 ports for peripherals and external storage. The absence of a USB Type-C port is notable, but the device compensates with dual HDMI outputs and Gigabit Ethernet for reliable wired internet connections. The Beelink Mini S is a practical mini PC for those prioritizing compactness and cost-effectiveness over high-end specifications.

Reviewer Insights on the Beelink Mini S Mini PC

The Beelink Mini S has garnered attention from several tech reviewers, each providing a unique perspective on this compact, budget-friendly device. Let's delve into their findings.

ETA PRIME's Perspective

ETA PRIME's review on YouTube highlights the Beelink Mini S as an "affordable yet versatile tiny Windows 11 PC." Priced around $150, the reviewer appreciates its value, noting that it's "meant to be one of the cheaper ones that Beelink can offer." The Mini S's performance is suitable for light gaming, emulation, and general use, with the ability to run lighter indie games and older 3D titles at lower settings. The reviewer was impressed with the device's emulation capabilities, particularly with PSP, GameCube, and Wii games, though it fell short with PS2 emulation. "Web browsing is actually pretty snappy on this," they remarked, and the Mini S handles video playback well, including 4K content from streaming apps. The reviewer concludes that while the Mini S is not a powerhouse, it could be an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly mini PC.

TechTablets' Analysis

TechTablets provides a review that focuses on the Beelink Mini S as a device tailored for basic computing tasks. The reviewer points out that the Mini S is "aimed at just basic computing," suitable for activities like email, document editing, and video playback. They note the limitations of the single-channel RAM but acknowledge the device's affordability, stating, "It does have a good price point, of course, for those that don't want to spend a lot of money." The Mini S's capability to handle multiple web browsing tabs and its quiet fan is praised, but the reviewer observes performance issues with 4K 60fps video playback. Despite these drawbacks, TechTablets concludes that the Mini S offers good value for users with modest computing needs, especially with the option to add more storage.

Lon.TV's Evaluation

In Lon Seidman's review on Lon.TV, the Beelink Mini S is described as an entry-level Windows 11 Pro mini PC that is also Linux compatible. Priced under $200, the device is commended for its tight and well-constructed build quality despite being made entirely of plastic. Seidman points out the limitations of the single-channel RAM configuration but notes that the Mini S is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing. The device struggles with 4K video playback, leading the reviewer to suggest that it is better suited for 1080p content. Seidman recommends considering AMD Ryzen-based mini PCs for better gaming and emulation performance. He concludes that the Beelink Mini S is a decent choice for basic office tasks, given its low price point and Windows 11 Pro OS.

In summary, the Beelink Mini S is recognized by reviewers as a value-oriented mini PC that performs well for basic computing tasks and light gaming. Its ability to handle emulation and streaming services is a plus, but its single-channel RAM and limitations with 4K content are noted drawbacks. Despite these limitations, the Mini S is seen as a good option for users with modest computing requirements or those looking for an affordable entry into the mini PC market.

Customer Reviews of the Beelink Mini S

Customer feedback on the Beelink Mini S Mini PC reveals a pattern of appreciation for its compact size, affordability, and versatility. Users commend the device for handling everyday computing tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption with relative ease. Including Windows 11 Pro is frequently noted as a significant advantage, offering a familiar and robust operating system environment right out of the box.

Many customers are pleased with the Mini S's light gaming and emulation performance, highlighting its capability to run older titles and retro games smoothly. The option to upgrade the RAM to 16GB and the ability to add a 2.5-inch drive are also well-received features, as they offer a degree of future-proofing and expandability that is not always available in mini PCs at this price point.

However, some users have reported limitations, particularly regarding more demanding tasks. The single-channel RAM configuration is often cited as a bottleneck, affecting the general performance and the potential for more intensive applications such as 4K video playback and modern gaming. Additionally, some noted the absence of a USB Type-C port and an SD card reader as a minor inconvenience.

Overall, customer reviews suggest that the Beelink Mini S is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly mini PC for basic computing needs, light gaming, and media streaming. Its compact form factor and low power consumption make it an attractive option for users with limited space or those looking to reduce their energy footprint.

Conclusion

The Beelink Mini S is a budget-friendly, compact solution for users with light computing needs. It offers a Windows 11 Pro experience in a small form factor, making it suitable for tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. With options for storage expansion and RAM upgrades, it can cater to users who may want to enhance its capabilities within a certain limit.

However, users with more demanding needs, such as AAA gaming, heavy multitasking, or 4K video editing, might find the Mini S's performance lacking due to its Intel Celeron N5095 processor and single-channel RAM configuration. The absence of a USB Type-C port and the limited Wi-Fi specs might also be a consideration for tech-savvy users looking for the latest connectivity options.

For those who prioritize a small footprint and have modest performance expectations, the Beelink Mini S could be a fitting choice. It could be a simple and affordable option for digital signage, kiosks, or a secondary PC for light tasks. Conversely, users searching for a mini PC with more robust performance, better graphics capabilities, and faster connectivity should explore other options.

To explore and compare a more comprehensive range of Mini PCs to find the one that best fits your specific needs, be sure to utilize Starry Hope's Mini PC Comparison Tool to find the Best Mini PC.