> you can't fully compare their RAM to a loose DIMM stick
Why?
IIRC modern Apple devices integrate the memory into the whole SoC instead of making it separate on the board and replaceable. It's definitely not swappable like a DIMM or CAMM module would be. Can't find a photo of a decapped M4 chip to prove it, though...
https://macmagazine.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/18-tea...
This image shows it best.
The memory is on the same package as the SoC. (It's not on the motherboard.)