2021 iMac vs. 2019 iMac (What’s Different? Is It Worth the Upgrade?)
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This month, Apple announced a brand new iMac with more changes than most would’ve imagined. All of them for the better. From the new and powerful M1 processor to an astonishing design that’s the thinnest you’ll see in any other desktop computer, there isn’t much to dislike about the 2021 iMac.
This iMac will clearly become the number one choice for many people who want to try an iMac for the first time. But what about people who already have the 2019 iMac? Are the new features in the 2021 iMac enough to justify an upgrade from the older model?
If you’re asking yourself these same questions, here’s what you need to know before you make a decision.
2021 iMac vs. 2019 iMac | Major Design Changes
The first thing you’ll notice when looking at the new iMac is how different it looks, especially compared with the design on the 2019 iMac that, to be frank, was getting old. Apple completely changed the way the 2021 iMac looks.
Even though the 2021 iMac is basically the same size as the 2019 model, Apple reduced the bezels on the new iMac to fit a larger 24-inch screen, which beats the 21.5 inches on the 2019 iMac by just a few inches.
And what’s exciting is just how thin the 2021 iMac is. At just 11.5mm thin, the 10th-generation is so lean Apple had to move the headphone jack to the side.
Now There Are Colors Too!
Additionally, Apple decided to bring back colored iMacs this year. Instead of the same old silver color, you can now choose from up to seven colors, including blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple. And yes, there’s still silver in case you don’t want to switch.
One thing to note is that not all the colors are available on every 2021 iMac model. The base model, which goes for $1,299, only features blue, green, pink, and silver, whereas the $1,499 and the $1,699 models come in all seven colors listed above. Still, whether you’re going for the cheaper 2021 iMac or the most expensive one, you’ll have a few colors to choose from, which is always welcomed.
2021 iMac vs. 2019 iMac | Display
As mentioned before, the 2021 iMac has a bigger 24-inch display, but it’s more about the resolution than the size. And fortunately, the 2021 iMac beats the 2019 model in resolution, too, by a landslide. The 2021 iMac features a 4.5K Retina display that supports over 1 billion colors. The 2019 model, on the other hand, has a 21.5-inch display with a resolution of 4096 X 2304 pixels, which isn’t bad, but you’ll definitely notice the difference.
The 2021 iMac Is Also the Best For Remote Meetings
Apple also boosted the 2021 iMac microphone, camera, and stereo system, making it the best one yet. While the 2019 iMac only has a 720p FaceTime Camera in the front, the 2021 model comes with a 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, perfect for Zoom calls or FaceTime with your friends and family.
The newest iMac also features a three-microphone array with beamforming innovations that helps the mics pick up your voice instead of background noise. Combine that with a new six-speaker system with a studio-quality sound that supports Spatial Audio, and the 2021 iMac becomes the clear choice if you’re still working from home most of the time.
Connectivity | The Older the Better?
Strangely enough, the 2019 iMac offers better connectivity options. On second thought, maybe it isn’t strange at all since Apple has a knack for removing ports.
This time, the 2021 iMac comes with up to four ports, two Thunderbolt or USB 4 ports across all iMac models, and two extra USB 3 ports for the $1,499 and the $1,699 models. Although, they all come with a new magnetic power adapter with an ethernet port.
The 2019 iMac, on the other hand, has more ports than you’ll probably use in your everyday life. Not only that, but it also offers a wider variety of ports across the board, including USB A, USB-C, and an SD card reader.
If you’re looking to upgrade, but you don’t want to lose all the ports it comes with, you’ll need to stick with the 2019 model or buy an additional USB Hub.
Performance | There’s an Absolute Winner
There’s no doubt that every new Apple product is faster and more powerful than the last, but this year Apple took the iMac to the next level. This year marks the first time Apple added its now-famous M1 chip in the iMac.
The M1 chip is the first Mac processor created by Apple itself. Instead of relying on Intel-based processors, Apple decided to create its own, which lets the iMac be thinner and more powerful than ever.
According to Apple, the 2021 iMac has an 85% faster CPU and up to twice as fast GPU than the 2019 iMac. Granted, those numbers can be achieved through really specific situations. What is definitely true is that the M1 chip has turned the iMac into a performance beast compared to other iMacs and computers in the market, and it beats the Intel Core processor the 2019 iMac has by a longshot.
Plus, the M1 chip allows newer Macs to install iPhone and iPad apps and games, which is a fantastic capability.
If you also need more storage, the 2021 iMac is the best choice. The 2019 iMac comes with a base storage of 256GB. And while the base 2021 iMac also has the same storage, you can configure the storage up to 2TB on the higher-end models.
Is It Time to Upgrade to the 2021 iMac?
If you have the 2019 iMac and you’re looking for a reason to upgrade, this is it. The 2021 iMac is a clear winner, and it beats every other iMac, no matter where you look at it.
The 2021 iMac is perfect for both work and leisure time. If you’re doing heavy work, the iMac won’t let you down, thanks to the M1 chip. And if you’re trying to watch a show, the new iMac has some amazing studio-quality speakers that’ll make you feel like you’re part of the movie.
Not only that, but you can also choose an iMac in your favorite color, and you can also get a colored Magic Keyboard or Magic Mouse to match. Plus, if you go for the $1,499 model, you’ll also get the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID right out of the box.
You don’t necessarily have to go and buy the 2021 iMac right now, but if you’re looking to upgrade your iMac, this is the perfect chance to do so.
