Are you looking for complete comparison between Mac mini vs iMac?
| iMac | Mac mini | |
| Price: | Starts from $1,299 | Starts from $699 |
| Display Sizes | 4k: 21.5 inches5k: 27 inches | none |
| Availability of Apple Silicon: | No | yes |
| Processor | 21.5 inches: up to 6core intel core i7 Processor27 inches: upto 10core intel core i9 Processor | Apple M1 SoCFrom 3.0GHz, 6core intel core i5 |
| Storage: | Up To 8TB SSD storageStarts at 256GB SSD | Up to 2TB SSD StorageStarts at 256GB SSd |
| Memory: | 8GBUp to 128GB | 8GB or 16GBIntel 8GBUpto 64GB |
| Ports: | Headphones jack: 3.5 mmUHS-II: SDXC card slotsUSB-C: Two thunderbolt 3 | Headphone jack: 3.5 mmUSB-A ports: TwoUSB-C: Four Thunderbolt 3 |
iMac.
- iMac 4K/5K
When you wish to purchase that one computer that will not require any extra accessories, then this is the best one for you. The Apple iMac includes Keyboards, Display, Mouse. But the thing to note here is, it is without Apple silicon. Yet! It has a fancy display.
Pros:
There are following Pros of iMac.
- On the 27-inches models, the memory is upgradeable.
- Just updated 27 inch model
- It is a solution that doesn’t need any extras.
Cons:
Here are the following cons of iMac for you;
- It is less mobile.
- Until now, it also didn’t have Apple silicon.
- It is expensive.
Mac mini.
For anyone, who is small on budget, or for those who already got other necessary accessories and a brilliant monitor, this Mac is best for them. But, some of the Mac mini models come up with Apple silicon chips.
But before buying this model, you have to ensure that this model gives you enough storage you need.
Pros:
Here are following pros of Mac mini for you;
- It is easy to move.
- It is light weighted.
- It is one of the cheapest ways for experiencing Apple M1.
- It has a less expensive entry point.
Cons:
Here are following cons of Mac mini for you;
- It has memory limitations.
- It offers you fewer storage options.
- No monitor is included in it.
You should make no mistakes, the iMac vs Mac mini are both terrific machines. But both of these models target the specific audience both in the business market and consumer. One of them is actually the all in one solution for you because it does not require any extra accessories. The other ones assume that you already got a monitor and other essential accessories. Because of this reason, this one is less expensive than the others. It can be really difficult for determining which one is the best for you and your situation after examining your needs.
So that’s why we have given you the comparison on these devices, so you should not face difficulty in choosing your devices.
No doubt, there is a lot to consider when you are deciding to purchase Mac mini vs iMac. For several users, especially if they are looking for at-home situations, then no doubt that iMac is the best choice for you. Keep it in mind that iMac 5K models are the best Mac desktop of the year.
iMac’ the best choice.
The Apple’s all in one, is the iMac. Its GPU, Processor and other internals are fantastically hidden behind its smart and skinny display. You will also find a Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboards that is Bluetooth connected in the box.
You can also swap your Magic Mouse 2 with Magic trackpad 2 while ordering.
Currently, There are two Primary models and iMac sizes;
- 21.5 inches: 4K P3 color display and 4096 x 2304 Retina.
- 27 inches: 5K P3 display and 5120 x 2880 display.
There is also a 1920 x 1080 sRGB display model that is 21.5 inches for $1,099. It is typically a model for education, but anyone can buy it if they want. Both of the 4K and 5K iMac models support 500 nits brightness ratings and a billion colors.
You can have a choice between the nano-textured glass and a standard glass if you will purchase a 27- inches iMac Pro. it is best in controlling lighting environments.
Configuration:
Once you get past the display size, you’ll know that each of the iMac models is different in speed, graphics, processing power, storage and memory.
21.5 inches 4K model:
It starts at 3.6GHz quad core 8th-gen, intel core i3 Processor. You can upgrade it to the 3.2GHz, 6Core, 8th Gen, Intel core i7.
27 inches 5K model:
It starts at 3.1GHz, 6Core, 10th Gen, Intel Core i5 Processor. It continues up to 3.6GHz, 10Core, 10th Gen, Intel Core i9 Processor.
As the model changes, graphic cards also change.
21.5 inches 4K Model:
It comes up with Radeon Pro 555X card, with 2GB video memory OR Radeon Pro 560X with 4GB video memory.
You can also figure it up to Radeon Pro Vega 20, 4GB.
27 inches 5K model:
It comes with a Radeon Pro 5300 Card, with 4GB of GDDR6 vide memory standard.
On the most expensive model of iMac, you will find a Radeon Pro 5500 XT standard. Or, you can also see the option of Radeon Pro 5700. Both of these offer you 8GB video memory.
One of the final choices can be Radeon Pro 5700 XT with a 16GB of GDDR video memory.
In i/mac versions, memory options vary. You can purchase a 21.5 inch model that has up to 32GB or the 27 inch variety. As for storage, on the smaller version 1TB is maximum and on larger, it is 8TB.
New Monitors.
As you know, Apple also gives up its best, so the iMac has the ability for connecting other monitors with it.
Its 4K models supports;
- One 5120 by 2880, 60Hz external display and support 1 billion colors.
- Two 3840 by 2160, 60Hz external displays, also support 1 billion colors.
- Two 4096 by 2304, 60Hz external displays, also support millions of colors.
Its Thunderbolt 3 digital video output supports native DisplayPort output Thunderbolt 2, DVI, USB-C, VGA and USB-C output supported using adapters.
Its 4K model supports;
- One 6016 by 3384, 60Hz external Display and support billions of colors.
- Two 6016 by 3384, 60HZ external displays also support billions of colors.
- One 5120 by 2880, 60Hz display and support for billions of colors.
- Two 3840 by 2160, 60Hz external display and support 1 billion colors.
- Two 4096 by 2304, 60Hz External displays and support millions of colors.
Its Thunderbolt 3 digital video supports native DisplayPort output over HDMI, USB-C, VGA, Thunderbolt 2 and DVI output supported by using adapters.
Apple Silicon.
When it comes to iMac, as I mentioned above, it lacks Apple silicon. Until now, both of the models available with the intel processor. Only the 27 inch version was updated in 2020. It is a rumor that smaller models may have Apple silicon refresh in the coming years.
But, on the other hand, the iMac may be the terrific choice for many users. It is very expensive.
Mac mini is not a niche.
This one is Apple’s least expensive computer and it is least expensive for a good reason. Unlike MacBook, Mac Pro lineups, or iMac, the Mac mini features the brain. You have to provide a compatible Mouse, Monitor and Keyboards.
It has been shown that the M1 Mac mini is three times faster in comparison with the Intel Based Mac mini. It also offers six times faster graphic performance.
In comparison with PCc, the M1 Mac mini is five times faster. The model’s machine learning and neural engine can also perform up to 15x faster than the Mac mini previous models.
Mac mini vs iMac: why should you buy Mac mini?
Mac mini is a way to go for the users who want to explore Apple Silicon for the least amount of cash.
The new Mac mini is actually a way to go. This assumes that of course you have an extra mouse, keyboard and a mouse ready to use.
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We hope you find this article helpful. Let us know if you have any further query or comment regarding this topic. Looking forward to your reviews.