It's colorful, thin and full of power, which is exactly what you'd expect from Apple's latest iMac computer. It also comes with the most efficient and powerful chip. With the 21.5-inch iMac no longer available, the question is whether to get the latest iMac or the 27-inch 2020 refresh. Is the latter worth the extra cost? Let's see why a template might be the best choice for you.
ContentsDisplayPerformancePortsAccessoriesPersonalizationColorsLast ThoughtsOne of the most immediate differences between the 2021 iMac and the 2020 27-inch Mac is the screen size. With the 21.5-inch model gone, both options will give you a boost in screen real estate. At 24 inches, the 2021 iMac comes with 4480 x 2520 pixels and a nice resolution. However, there is no support for a 5K display. The 27-inch iMac has a 5120 x 2880 display, so 5K is standard.
Things are a little darker when you look at the 2020 27-inch iMac. The latter still offers stronger multi-core performance, which makes it a little more difficult to decide based on your needs. If power is your greatest need and you are doing tasks that require encoding or rendering for content/media production, the 27″ iMac is still your best bet. For everyone else, unless you absolutely need the extra three inches of screen space, the M1 chip has a huge advantage.
The 27-inch iMac is the best option if you need a variety of ports, including USB-A, SD card, Thunderbolt, and more. Apple's move to a strict USB-C only allocation for the new 2021 iMac is likely to lead to some confusion with first-time buyers. Anyone who frequently uses their iMac to charge the iPhone or iPad (non-Pro and older models) may find themselves unable to do so.
Ultimately, the 27-inch iMac is the way to go if port compatibility is high on your must-have list. That said, if you need more ports on the 2021 iMac, picking up a hub online is easy and relatively inexpensive. Given the cost difference between the two sizes, adding an extra port hub can be much, much cheaper than upgrading to the 27-inch iMac.
In addition to your 2021 iMac purchase matching your keyboard colors, the latest model also has Touch ID. This extra level of security that is currently not available in the default Magic Keyboard 2020 provides a great security advantage. Not having to consistently enter a password, but simply using your fingerprint instead, can prevent anyone from using your iMac without your permission. Looking over your shoulder and memorizing a password is much easier than forging a fingerprint.
It should be noted that the base 2021 iMac does not come with the Touch ID keyboard. Instead, you must level up to receive it as part of the package. Alternatively, buyers of the base 2021 model can spend an extra $50 and order it as a separate accessory. You also get the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad in the same color scheme as the new iMac, which makes it even more appealing. If you choose the 2021 iMac specifically for its color range, that only reinforces that it's the right buy for you.
With the latest 2021 iMac, what you see is what you get. After your purchase, there is no possibility to add more RAM. It's one of the reasons millions love the 27-inch iMac. Having the ability to add RAM months or years after purchase is an option that cannot be overemphasized.
The (incredibly) thin new design of the 2021 iMac doesn't allow for that level of customization, so you need to make sure your initial purchase is exactly what you need now and in the future. When you're wondering if the 2021 iMac is right for you, you have to ask yourself if 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage is enough for all your needs. Those maximum options compare to the 128GB of RAM and 8TB of storage available in the 27-inch iMac. Yes, it will cost you much, much more, but depending on your needs, it may be worth the cost.
The range of colors available on the 2021 iMac should not be underestimated. Apple has gone back to the future from previous iMac generations and introduced a rainbow that has something for everyone. To some, a non-gray computer might seem awkward in a home office, but the reality is that these colors are fun and look great in any environment. Do you want something with personality or the standard Apple grey?
With all the options to consider, it's hard to know which iMac is right for you. For most people, the 2021 iMac is more than enough computer, and the base and high-end options are still cheaper than the 2020 27-inch iMac. The fact that you can't customize too much is probably the biggest factor most users need to consider, while the average user should focus more on price and have a future-proof computer. time. Adding the M1 chip almost guarantees that Apple will support this computer in the future.
