The Google Nest Mini (2nd generation) was released on 22 October 2019. The Apple HomePod mini followed on 16 November 2020. Neither has received a hardware update since. Google has quietly removed the Nest Mini from its own storefront without introducing a replacement at the same price point. Apple’s rumoured successor has yet to materialise as of March 2026.
Both devices remain on sale. Both remain relevant — but for different reasons, and for different buyers.
At A Glance
| Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) | Apple HomePod mini | |
| Released | October 2019 | November 2020 |
| Driver | 40mm full-range | Full-range + dual passive radiators |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.4GHz ARM + ML chip | Apple S5 chip |
| Microphones | 3 far-field | 4 far-field |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz) | 802.11n (2.4GHz + 5GHz) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Smart home | Google Home, Matter | HomeKit hub, Thread, Matter |
| Assistant | Google Assistant | Siri |
| Malaysia price | RM130–RM299 (grey market) | RM529 (official) |
Sound Quality
The HomePod mini is the better-sounding speaker — and the difference is not subtle.
Apple’s dual passive radiators deliver tangible low-frequency extension, while the S5 chip handles computational audio in real time. The result is a surprisingly wide soundstage and controlled output even at higher volumes. For its size, it performs beyond expectation.
The Nest Mini manages speech, podcasts and background listening comfortably in a small room. Google improved bass response compared to the original Home Mini, and it shows. However, at higher volumes the sound compresses and loses depth. In direct comparison, the Nest Mini behaves primarily as a voice assistant that happens to play music. The HomePod mini behaves as a compact speaker that also responds to voice commands.
The Assistant
- Google Assistant handles multi-part queries more reliably, responds quickly thanks to local processing, supports Spotify and YouTube Music natively, and distinguishes up to six household voices via Voice Match.
- Siri integrates tightly with Apple Music, enabling mood, lyric and contextual searches. However, more requests are routed through Apple’s servers, which can make responses feel marginally slower. Spotify and YouTube Music function through AirPlay from a connected device rather than native integration.
For general-purpose queries and mixed-service households, Google Assistant remains more versatile. For Apple Music subscribers within Apple’s ecosystem, Siri performs competently.
Smart Home
The HomePod mini functions as a HomeKit home hub. It runs automations remotely, supports Thread, and operates within the Matter standard. For users building around Apple’s smart home framework, this is a functional advantage rather than a marketing line.
The Nest Mini integrates with Google Home and historically supports a broader range of third-party device brands, particularly across budget and mid-range smart home hardware. For Android-first households or mixed-brand environments, Google’s compatibility remains more accommodating.
The Ecosystem Reality
The HomePod mini requires an iPhone or iPad for setup and delivers its best features — AirPlay Handoff, personalised Siri responses, and its built-in temperature and humidity sensor — only within Apple’s ecosystem. For Android users, the experience is constrained and not officially supported in any meaningful way.
The Nest Mini works with both Android and iOS via the Google Home app. Its ecosystem boundaries are less restrictive, even if its audio performance is.
Pricing In Malaysia
The Apple HomePod mini is officially sold in Malaysia at RM529 through Apple’s local online store and authorised resellers, with a one-year warranty and a six-month Apple Music trial for eligible new subscribers.
The Google Nest Mini has no official Malaysian retail channel. It is available through Shopee, Lazada and independent sellers at RM130 to RM299 as parallel-import units without Google-backed warranty coverage. The original US launch price was USD49, roughly RM220 at current exchange rates.
At the lower end of that grey-market range, the Nest Mini represents strong value. Above RM200, the lack of warranty and ageing hardware become harder to justify.
The Verdict
Choose the HomePod mini if you are firmly within the Apple ecosystem and prioritise sound quality. At RM529 with official warranty support, its audio performance and HomeKit hub functionality justify the price for the appropriate user.
Choose the Nest Mini at RM130 to RM180 from a reputable reseller if you are an Android user or your home already runs on Google services. Beyond that price band, waiting may be prudent.
Both devices are ageing, and successors are widely expected. Neither current model is improving with time.
