Compare the Apple iMac 24 inches and Apple iMac 27 inches
Please note: iMac 27 inches is no longer available
The 27-inch Apple iMac is an older model, so it's no longer being produced. On 31 October 2023, Apple announced a new 24-inch iMac. Unlike its predecessor, this model has the powerful M3 chip.
Apple iMac 24 inches vs Apple iMac 27 inches
Apple iMac 24 inches
- With powerful M1 or M3 chip
- Thinner bezels
- Choose from 7 colors
- The RAM isn't expandable
- Only Thunderbolt connectors (USB-C)
Apple iMac 27 inches
- Less powerful Intel Core processor
- Thicker bezels
- Available in 1 color
- Expandable RAM
- Thunderbolt (USB-C), USB-A, and Ethernet connectors and memory card reader
Comparison Apple iMac 24 inches and Apple iMac 27 inches
Apple iMac 24 inches | Apple iMac 27 inches | |
---|---|---|
Processor | Apple M1 or M3 chip | 10th generation Intel Core processor |
RAM | 8 or 16GB, not expandable | 8 up to 128GB, expandable |
Video card | Apple M1 chip: shared video card | AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series: dedicated video card |
Screen | 24-inch 4.5K screen with thin bezels | 27-inch 5K screen with wide bezels |
Size and weight | 54.7x46.1x14.7cm, 4.46kg | 65x51.6x20.3cm, 8.92kg |
Connectors basic model | 2x Thunderbolt and 1x AUX | 2x Thunderbolt, 4x USB-A, 1x Ethernet, 1x memory card reader, and 1x AUX |
Design and screen
Apple iMac 24 inches: thinner, more modern, and more colors
The iMac 24 inches is the latest generation of this all-in-one computer from Apple. You can tell by the design. With its thin bezels and casing of just 11.5mm thick, the Apple iMac 24 inches looks modern and sleek. On the super clear 24-inch 4.5K screen, you can edit photos and videos down to the smallest details. Do you want a pop of color in your workplace? The latest generation Apple iMac is available in no less than 7 different colors.
Apple iMac 27 inches: larger and 1 color
The design of the Apple iMac hasn't changed for over 10 years. The sleek aluminum casing is available in 1 color. Due to the wide bezels, the Apple iMac 27 inches is relatively large. This is especially noticeable if you work with an external monitor. The Apple iMac 27 inches has a stylish design, but it looks less modern than the newer generations. It does have a larger and sharper 27-inch 5K screen. This allows you to easily open different windows side by side and work in an organized way.
Processor and RAM
Apple iMac 24 inches: everything in one chip
The Apple Silicon chip is the heart of the new generation Apple Mac. The processor, the RAM, and the video card are all combined in a single chip. It's faster and more energy-efficient than the Intel Core processors of the previous generations. You can effortlessly open different applications side by side and run demanding programs like Final Cut Pro. Unlike the earlier generations, you can't install extra RAM in this latest generation iMac.
How do you install more RAM?
The Apple iMac 27 inches is available in different configurations with a 10th generation Intel Core processor. Even though these processors are powerful, they can't compete with the performance of the Apple M1 chip. In addition, they heat up more quickly and use more energy. The Apple iMac 27 inches does have a dedicated video card and room for extra RAM. This is mainly useful for demanding graphic-design applications, such as 4K video editing and 3D designs.
Connectors
Apple iMac 24 inches: multifunctional Thunderbolt ports
With the latest generation Apple iMac models, Apple goes all in on USB-C. The basic model has 2 Thunderbolt (USB 4) ports with DisplayPort support and a speed up to 40GB/s. You can connect only 1 external monitor with a resolution up to 6K with 60Hz to these ports. Do you want to connect more monitors? You'll need a docking station with DisplayLink support. If you want to connect accessories like a USB-A mouse or HDMI monitor, you can use a USB-C cable converter.
Apple iMac 27 inches: more connectors for accessories
Just like the 24-inch model, the Apple iMac 27 inches has 2 Thunderbolt ports with DisplayPort support and a speed up to 40GB/s. The 4 USB-A ports offer enough room to connect your USB accessories, like your mouse, keyboard, and external hard drive. You can also easily plug in an Ethernet cable and read SD cards via the memory card reader. The Apple iMac doesn't have HDMI or DisplayPort connectors. You can connect up to 2 external USB-C monitors with a resolution up to 4K with 60Hz via the Thunderbolt ports.
Conclusion
Conclusion The Apple iMac 24 inches and Apple iMac 27 inches both have their advantages and disadvantages. Which one you should choose depends on what's more important to you. For the best performance and a modern and sleek design, you choose the Apple iMac 24 inches. If want a model with a large screen, many connectors, and a dedicated video card, the Apple iMac 27 inches is a better choice.