Comparison iMac 21.5 inches vs 24 inches of 2021

Specifications table: iMac 21.5 ″ vs iMac 24 ″

In every comparison we make, we usually say something similar about the raw specifications of the devices. Are they decisive? Not at all because there is a lot to tell about the day-to-day user experience. So, shouldn’t they be taken into account? Neither, since it is important to know what is offered on paper in these iMac. We must also say that the following table lists all the specifications and possible configurations that these computers have, despite the fact that in the case of the 2019 model some were withdrawn over the years.

Design differences more than obvious

It is enough to simply see one of the two photos that we have put in this article to appreciate that there are differences between both devices. Apple has maintained the same aesthetic line for this range of computers for almost a decade, so the change in the iMac of 2021 has been very celebrated. Although of course, in the end everyone will have their opinion and may like one or the other more, since it is a tremendously subjective point.

Elegant silver in front of an acoiris

Of the 21.5-inch iMac we can find only one main color: silver. Both on the back and on its base we see how it maintains that metallic color, with the distinction of the Apple logo on a considerable scale in the center with a color that will really depend on the light that affects it to make a certain mirror effect. On the front, what we find is mainly the screen surrounded by black bezels with a pronounced size and a lower chin in which the silver color is present again with another apple logo with the same mirror effect, but with a more discreet size. .

In the 24-inch iMac we find that in a way they share a front design idea, but it totally departs on the sides and rear. The seven colors in which it is available are not exactly the same, since in the back we find a more vivid color that is less intense in the front. Precisely on this front we find other changes such as that the bezels are reduced and are now white. The chin does maintain that duller color that we mentioned, but with a size smaller than the 21.5 model and with the non-existent Apple logo, which only appears on the back with a mirror effect that this time tends more to have the color chosen for the computer.

The thickness of the iMac 2021 surprises (for good)

If the new 24-inch iMac stands out for something, it is because it is completely flat in all its edges: front, back and completely straight sides with curved corners that emulate the design of the new iPad and iPhone. Its thickness of only 1.15 centimeters and taking into account that despite this it houses all the components in this unibody, it is seen as a highly advanced computer in design.

The classic style of the 21.5-inch model makes its front also flat, like its sides that are also flat and even thinner than those of the iMac of 24. Of course, this is tricky because in the back we do find a hump-like curve that ultimately increases the thickness of the device to 17.5 centimeters from its thickest part.

Also in weight improves the computer

It is true that an iMac is not a laptop that we carry everywhere and it is vital to have a balanced weight, but it is no less appreciable that the iMac launched in 2021 has a weight of only 4.48 kilograms. This is a difference of 0.96 kilograms that is noticeable when moving or transporting the computer. It is not something decisive as we say, but at least it is curious how this aspect has been optimized.

A multipurpose feeder in the new Mac

Another element that we consider relevant to the general design of these iMac is the power supply. In the older model we find it integrated into the CPU, behind the screen, being one of the culprits that this computer has a hump. However, in the most recent model this source has been included as an external transformer with a design in identical color to that of the iMac and with a certain resemblance to the power supply used to charge the MacBook.

Precisely this most modern iMac power supply is considered multipurpose because it is the one with the Ethernet port , since due to the design of the body of the computer it was impossible to add it in its back part along with the rest of the ports. From this, the braided cables will come out to the computer, these being another novelty that makes the durability of the cable greater than that of the previous model.

Overall performance with these computers

The computer has to enter through the eyes as we have seen in the previous design section, but there is no doubt that the fundamental factor is its performance in daily use. First of all, we advance that both are computers with good performance , since they are high-end equipment, although they are not focused on the highest demands of professional use.

About your RAM

A curious thing happens regarding the RAM capacities of both devices. The first thing we must say is that, unlike what happens in other models such as the 27-inch, in these you can not expand the RAM in a simple way. In the case of the 21.5-inch iMac, it is integrated into the motherboard and the computer would have to be disassembled to do so, so only authorized technicians can access it. In the case of the 24 iMac there is no possibility as it is already integrated into the device’s own M1 chip.

Now, why does one reach 32 GB and another only 16 GB? Well, the truth is that it can be misleading because they are not completely comparable. The fact that the 24-inch model has a processor developed by Apple itself and even this one integrates the RAM, makes the performance much more efficient than the 21.5-inch model that has an Intel processor and RAM separately. . Although we emphasize that they are not comparable, in a way we could say that the 16 GB of the 2021 model is comparable to the 32 GB of the 2019.

In more common and simple uses

Both the M1 chip of the 24-inch model and any of the Intel of the 21.5-inch are more than enough for the execution of tasks that we consider as simple. Here are some of the most common:

• Use office applications
• Surfing the Internet
• Play multimedia content (audio, photo or video)
• Manage agenda and calendar
• Sending and receiving emails

Taking into account that these tasks require little from the computer, we could say that any of them will serve perfectly if those are going to be the main tasks that are going to be carried out. In the model with an M1 chip, they will be done in a faster way, but it is not a very obvious difference and one that completely changes the experience. Of course, we must make a special mention in video playback in favor of the 2021 model, since its 4.5K panel shows a better quality than the 4K of the 2019 (although it is not a huge difference either).

In heavier tasks

This is where we already find the most important differences between these teams. Right off the bat, the Intel chips eligible for the 21.5 iMac are not the most focused on continuous use of demanding tasks, although they can handle it and more if a RAM of at least 16 GB is chosen. Now, the difference with the efficiency of the M1 chip is quite remarkable. Some of the tasks we refer to are these:

• Professional level video editing
• Rendering of graphic elements
• Photo retouching with apps focused on it
• Use of several powerful applications at the same time
• Processing very large documents
• Using virtual machines

If the use to be made of the Mac includes those or some other tasks that require good processor power, surely the difference between the M1 chip and the Intel chips will tip the balance in favor of the first one. The iMac of 2021 is a team that, without being focused on the most professional public, accepts a good percentage of demanding users who seek to carry out these processes in a very dynamic way, without cuts and in the fastest possible way. The 2019 iMac with Intel fall very short in the performance they offer in these tasks, although they can also sporadically be useful for that purpose.

Ventilation and temperature control

This is another point where the difference between one and the other becomes really great. Surprisingly, the 24-inch iMac’s plate takes up only a small space just behind your chin. There we also find two small fans that help control the temperature. While in the 21.5-inch model we find a plate that occupies a large part of the body of the device, with a large fan in the center that helps control the temperature.

The fact that the fans of the newer model are smaller and less operational (and are also extremely quiet) speaks more good than bad for the device. Its processor is highly efficient and stays at more than acceptable temperatures even when running large tasks. This is something that cannot be said for Intel, which tend to heat up more easily, making even their largest fan not capable of lowering the internal temperature at times.

Both share software, although with nuances

Both Macs are compatible with the latest versions of macOS and will in fact remain so for years to come. On average, Apple usually ends up supporting its Macs via software with an average of up to 7-8 years. We do not know if in the case of those with their own processors such as the 24-inch iMac it will be even larger, but in any case it does not seem to be a problem for anyone.

Regardless of how both computers run the applications, it must be said that today not all applications are optimized for the M1 , something that does not happen in the Intel model. This is due to the type of ARM architecture that Apple’s processor mounts, although the truth is that more and more developers have adapted their applications. And to alleviate the absence of those who have not yet adapted, Apple integrates a code translator under the name Rosetta 2 that makes most of them run well, although in terms of video games it is where there is the greatest incompatibility even through this system.

Something similar happens if you want to install Windows , something essential for many professionals who need to make use of some of the tools only available in the Microsoft operating system. Precisely this company has not yet adapted its software to the ARM architecture, so it is not possible to install it on a disk partition using Boot Camp as it is the case with the 21.5-inch iMac with an Intel chip. The virtualization of this system in the M1 has recently begun through some well-known apps such as Parallels, but it is still not the most optimal.

If you have the 2019 iMac, is the 2021 one worth it?

This decision depends on many factors. The economy is important, since the 24-inch iMac starts at 1,449 euros in its most basic version (the 21.5 ″ is no longer officially sold). However, there are other aspects to take into account in relation to the demand you make of your team. If you are happy with the 21.5 iMac and it helps you with the tasks you already perform, it is probably not worth the change to be in front of a computer that still has a long useful life ahead of it.

However, if you notice that your team is already short for some actions or you plan to start a more demanding activity, the 24-inch model will cover most of those needs much better than the other. If you also like the changes made at the design level, it will be a successful purchase and it will also provide you with equipment for professional and personal use for many years.