2012 Mac Mini QC for power, value and service is very compelling over the newer ones, mine has 16GB RAM and 2TB SSD but could even put 2x SSD with over 8TB of storage if needed, try pricing that on Apple site - well the MacMini 2021 doesn’t even offer a 4TB option. Downside for me of 2012 is lack of support for my 2x Apple 30inch Cinema Displays at native resolution. But even the 2014 - 2020 models need a number of adapters to do this. Also 2012 won’t do latest MacOS.
2012 MacMini HD/SSD - yes; RAM - yes
2014 MacMini HD/SSD - yes; RAM - no
2018 MacMini HD/SSD -no; RAM - yes
2020 (M1) MacMini HD/SSD -no; RAM - no
2012 Mac Mini QC for power, value and service is very compelling over the newer ones, mine has 16GB RAM and 2TB SSD but could even put 2x SSD with over 8TB of storage if needed, try pricing that on Apple site - well the MacMini 2021 doesn’t even offer a 4TB option. Downside for me of 2012 is lack of support for my 2x Apple 30inch Cinema Displays at native resolution. But even the 2014 - 2020 models need a number of adapters to do this. Also 2012 won’t do latest MacOS.