Apple's redesigned iMac starts at $1,299 with Apple's M1 processor. The new model replaces the old 21.5-inch screen with a 24-inch Retina display and boasts an 11-millimeter profile. That's thinner than the MacBook Air.
The 2021 iMac is the first Apple all-in-one to have the fast and efficient M1 chip, but it's the second Mac desktop to equip it. The 2020 Mac Mini, announced alongside an updated MacBook Air and Pro, was the first desktop with Apple's M1 processor inside.
Apple's new 24-inch iMac and the 2020 Mac Mini target the same mainstream Mac shopper looking for a powerful, yet affordable, desktop. The iMac bundles everything, including a beautiful display and powerful sound system, into one svelte package, while the 2020 Mac Mini provides more choice at a lower price.
iMac 2021 vs. Mac Mini 2020: which is best?
Apple's Mac Mini 2020 is the better desktop for most people.
Though it starts at just $699, the 2020 Mac Mini has an Apple M1 chip with eight CPU and GPU cores. That's slightly better than the base $1,299 iMac for 2021, which has eight CPU cores but just seven GPU cores. You must spend $1,499 for the upgraded iMac to see performance on par with the base Mac Mini. The base 2021 iMac also lacks wired Ethernet.
The Mac Mini is more versatile because the display and sound system aren't permanently attached to the device. The iMac is a good value when these peripherals are factored into its price, but they shorten the iMac's long-term appeal. Upgrading to a new display is easy with the Mac Mini. With the iMac, it means buying an entirely new Mac.
Connectivity also swings in favor of the Mac Mini. It has USB-A ports and an HDMI jack, so you can further shave costs by reusing older peripherals. The iMac only provides Thunderbolt and USB-C ports.
Design and feel
Apple's new iMac is an all-in-one computer. The display, speakers, and all internal hardware are bundled into one device, which leads to less clutter and fewer cords. Despite this, the iMac has a dramatic, thin profile that will look striking on your desk.
The Mac Mini, though small, is a traditional desktop. It's designed for use alongside numerous standalone peripherals including an external display and speaker system. You'll have to manage more cords and find a place for the Mac Mini on, or below, or your desk. It's a handsome desktop, however, and won't attract much attention.
Apple's 2021 iMac is available in eye-catching colors like yellow, red, and green; there are seven color choices in total. The iMac comes with a color-coordinated Magic Keyboard and Mouse, too. The Mac Mini is classic Apple with rounded edges, smooth surfaces, and one classic color: silver.
Setup and interface
The iMac 2021 and Mac Mini 2020 have a virtually identical setup process and, since both run MacOS, they're identical in built-in software and third-party app compatibility. You can expect any app that works on the iMac to work on the Mac Mini, and vice-versa.
The iMac bundles the display, sound system, and webcam into the desktop. It also ships with Apple's Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse in the box. That makes the iMac a little easier to setup and use.
There's one small perk to the iMac's bundled peripherals; the Magic Keyboard can be configured with TouchID. This is not available with the standard Magic Keyboard sold for all Macs, so Mac Mini owners can't snag these features. TouchID provides one-touch login and payment when shopping online or accessing secure apps.
Performance and features
Apple's M1 chip powers the iMac 2021 and the Mac Mini 2020. Its feature set and app compatibility is identical on both.
However, every Mac Mini 2020 with an Apple M1 chip has eight CPU and GPU cores, while the base iMac 2021 has just seven GPU cores. The eight-core GPU is found only in the more expensive $1,499 iMac. The base Mac Mini has an edge over the base iMac in graphically demanding applications, like games or 3D rendering software.
Connectivity is different, too. The Mac Mini has a more versatile split of high-tech and old-school connections, providing two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4 ports, two USB-A 3.1 ports, a headphone jack, Ethernet, and HDMI 2.0.
The 24-inch iMac is more limiting: the base model has just two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4 ports and a headphone jack. The upgraded $1,499 iMac adds two more USB-C 3.1 along with an Ethernet jack in the power adapter. USB-A is not available on the new iMac.
The Mac Mini offers an optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, while the 24-inch iMac doesn't. This is a niche feature for people with ultra-fast Internet connections that exceed Gigabit speeds.
Wireless connectivity, however, is the same. Both the iMac and Mac Mini support Wi-Fi 6 and
Bluetooth 5.
While the Mac Mini 2020 arrived with Apple's M1 chips, Apple still sells older models based on Intel hardware. Nearly all owners are better off with an M1-powered Mac Mini, but the Intel version offers more RAM (up to 64GB), which may matter if you use an unusually memory-intensive application. Intel models also have a different selection of ports. The new 24-inch iMac is not available with Intel hardware.
The bottom line
The iMac 2021 and Mac Mini 2020 are excellent computers that will please Mac fans and newcomers, but the Mac Mini takes the win.
Price swings in the Mac Mini's favor. Just $699 is an affordable price for any premium desktop, and a true bargain for one packing Apple's fantastically quick M1 chip.
Fans of the 24-inch iMac may argue that buying peripherals for the Mac Mini that equal the quality of those in the iMac will even out pricing. This is a valid point, but the Mac Mini provides options. Mac fans who don't care about display quality can hook up a $100 budget monitor, if they'd like.
Versatility and connectivity also favor the Mac Mini. Want a budget Mac with a 32-inch screen? You can have it and, if you change your mind later, you can downscale to a 27-inch monitor, or any size that MacOS supports. The Mac Mini also has two USB-A ports while the new 24-inch iMac has none.
The iMac 2021 works for those who want a desktop that makes a design statement and reduces clutter. Everyone else should save money and buy the affordable Mac Mini.
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