M1 vs. M3 iMac Buyer's Guide: 15+ Differences Compared

[kazmac]

This iMac is an absolute joke.

• Terrible design with white bezels and pastel colors
• Odd screen size with only 60Hz and no local dimming/HDR support
• 8GB RAM in almost 2024?!
• 256GB base storage in almost 2024?!
• Accessories still have a Lightning port
• Very minor upgrade in a few years time where only the chip changed
• And despite all of the above, a starting price of EUR 1,560 (USD 1,660) in Europe.

It's a spec bump upgrade which is a shame. It's unfortunate.

I've spoken to several people want something like this but starting with more robust internals and in better colors. I'd like to continue being an iMac owner, but cannot justify the price considering the low RAM/Storage options to start. It just doesn't make sense to buy one.

 

[Natrium]

I have the iMac M1 256/16GB model and it's the best iMac I've ever owned. It handles my workflow perfectly and increased my productivity. Everything loads instantly and without any fan noise even during a Teams call, 100 Safari tabs, 20 large Word documents and 5 large Excel sheets open simultaneously. My previous Intel iMac couldn't handle even half as much before slowing down to a crawl and sounding like a jet engine. That said, I really hope Apple manages to keep increasing performance to keep up with increasingly demanding software while keeping the iMac as silent as it is now.

 

[Spock]

I too have many fond iMac memories. I had the iMac G4, among many others. Thank you Jony.

The iMac G4 was the best computer design that Apple has ever made, the G5 iMac was a step backwards and has been ever since.

 

[Agincourt]

The iMac line used to have reasonable specs and were comparable to the MacBook Pro of its respective year or better. I've got an old 2011 27 iMac and can max out its RAM to 32 GB (later intel models able to push 128 GB) and it's laughable that these new units can't compete with the Mini anymore. I cannot see anyone really wanting this as it stands. The terrible baseline configuration isn't worth the starting price to begin with, let alone the price gouging on upgrades which can't be changed later.

I wish that customers would take a stand and refuse to buy these monstrosities in order to force Apple to redesign these to include upgradable storage, 16 GB RAM standard, and a 27 inch display. That could justify a higher starting price, otherwise it makes more sense to buy an older intel version for a significant discount as of today.

 

[Velli]

For what it is worth, Chromebooks might be in vogue for primary and secondary schools, but they are pretty much nonexistent in higher ed.

Do you disagree that it will change to wifi in the future, though?

 

[Agincourt]

The iMac G4 was the best computer design that Apple has ever made, the G5 iMac was a step backwards and has been ever since.

Speak for yourself. While I do find that design rather charming even to this day, you can't deny the practical benefits of the 'all in one' design. Imagine trying to equip a 27 inch display on a comparable design to the G4 iMac and the base would have to be about as large around as the depth of the stand... otherwise it would fall on its face due to the weight distribution.

 

[Student of Life]

Waiting for the price floor to drop out on the M1 iMacs. Right now they are still selling for $900 but should be down to half that soon.

Your looking at nearly 2 grand just to get a base model with comparable to an older iMac with storage memory and features. Ethernet is an add on? Come on.

If they go down to half that or close enough, say 600 id buy one. Honestly I just want a 27 iMac but I one can get a new M1 iMac for 600ish it would be a steal.

 

[Trusteft]

I don't have money to buy even a mouse.
But here is my input anyway.

I don't like the pastel colors, the small RAM and SSD capacity for the base models. The price in Europe. If you upgrade even a bit over the ridiculously low specs, you are quickly approaching 2000 euros.

I have no problem with the white bezels or the overall design. A 27 inch version would be nice to have.


I like the extra performance, though I have no idea if it's in practice worth it. The prores enc and dec hardware level is fantastic.

Would I get it if I actually had money? I don't know, and that is down to one reason. The size of the monitor. I don't want to go below 27 inches. If there was a 27 inch model, even with the same negative things and if I had money, it's propable I would buy it, at 24...not sure.

 

[1984 Mac Guru]

I have the iMac M1 256/16GB model and it's the best iMac I've ever owned. It handles my workflow perfectly and increased my productivity. Everything loads instantly and without any fan noise even during a Teams call, 100 Safari tabs, 20 large Word documents and 5 large Excel sheets open simultaneously. My previous Intel iMac couldn't handle even half as much before slowing down to a crawl and sounding like a jet engine. That said, I really hope Apple manages to keep increasing performance to keep up with increasingly demanding software while keeping the iMac as silent as it is now.

I was fortunate enough to get a maxed-out M1 iMac (4-port 16/2T) for only $400 from a client that upgraded to a Studio with a fancy, self-calibrating monitor. I likely won’t need to upgrade for a decade!

It’s the world’s best AIO; the difference between M1 and M3 is mostly pointless. You don’t need a Ferrari if you already have a Porsche.

 

[TimB21]

I don't buy all the complaining and whining however I think a 27" model will go a long way.

 

[Bodhitree]

For what it is worth, Chromebooks might be in vogue for primary and secondary schools, but they are pretty much nonexistent in higher ed.

What I’m hearing about Chromebooks is that they are a bit of a false economy, that the cheap Chromebooks often tend to need repairs after a couple of years and that for a school to manage a fleet of Chromebooks is still a pretty intensive burden despite Googles custom tools for this.

 

[GermanSuplex]

M1 iMac still plenty fast for my needs. Perfect screen size as well. I think its good when upgrades don't always blow the previous model out of the water, that often results in compatibility issues and spending more money not out of speed or computing necessity, but just to have the ports and interoperability you need. New buyers can get the latest and fastest model, and those with the previous gen won't be left in the dust.

It's been the perfect machine for ripping/encoding/organizing digital media, and I'm glad I don't need to upgrade after only a couple years.

 

[Student of Life]

Speak for yourself. While I do find that design rather charming even to this day, you can't deny the practical benefits of the 'all in one' design. Imagine trying to equip a 27 inch display on a comparable design to the G4 iMac and the base would have to be about as large around as the depth of the stand... otherwise it would fall on its face due to the weight distribution.

Honestly it wouldn't be that hard. Remember the G4 came in a 20 inch version which was beautiful.

That reminds me they were able to insert an M1 chip into an old G4 iMac.
G4 Imac updated to M1 chip.

 

[spcopsmac21]

Something else for the 24 iMac haters to consider: Apple also put the M3 chip from the iMac in their new base model MacBook Pro. That means Apple considers it a Pro level processor for a lot of people given the base model 14 Pro could well outsell the M3 Pro and M3 Max Models.

And if tech bench and real world tests affirm M3 outperforms M1 Pro and is about the same as M2 Pro that makes the M3 iMac a very respectable machine.

It now makes sense Apple skipped M2 for the iMac and went straight to M3. Just as M1 was a game changer for Apple’s computers in moving away from Intel the M3 takes it to another level where M2 really was a stopgap move.

Big picture: in two years Apple has gained 20-50 percent performance improvement over their 2019-2920 computers and with each upgrade using successively less power to achieve it.

This is truly quite something.


So if you take performance considerations away the haters’ real criticisms boil down to: colours beyond black and grey, white bezels and not being a 27in. display.

The “ haters “ seem to be 90% of the target demographic for this machine. When the haters outnumber the fan boys there is a serious issue.
This iMac doesn’t justify its pricing or existence. These machines are not selling the way apple would like.
My local Best Buy still has an entire cage full of M1 iMacs that have set there for the last two years. Our local apple authorized reseller doesn’t even keep the IMac in stock anymore. When the previous intel iMacs were their best selling computers.

 

[Student of Life]

M1 iMac still plenty fast for my needs. Perfect screen size as well. I think its good when upgrades don't always blow the previous model out of the water, that often results in compatibility issues and spending more money not out of speed or computing necessity, but just to have the ports and interoperability you need. New buyers can get the latest and fastest model, and those with the previous gen won't be left in the dust.

It's been the perfect machine for ripping/encoding/organizing digital media, and I'm glad I don't need to upgrade after only a couple years.

The issue with the iMac's isn't speed, its screen size. Sorta like the issue with iPads isn't speed, it's the software being written to get the most out of the chip. Here its just a waiting game which is frustrating, eventually they will release something over 24 inches. I have no interest in a studio display + Mac mini combo at all.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Why? I see it as an advantage not to have to run a seperate wire from the floor up to the computer (although I don't have one, so it's theoretical for me personally). I don't like cable clutter.

So you endorse moving the other ports to the power supply too? I can get your point but it should also apply to the ports still back there if you feel that way.

Some have made the argument of a redesign to put the computer in a stand base almost like stacking ASD on top of a Mac mini. That would shift all ports down to the desktop level without having to resort to anything in a power brick.

 

[MBAir2010]

I could have sworn that lady saying:
"..and we almost sold over a million of these things..."

the iMac is still a great computer insides for the usage and price.
I would get on in Blue but really don need one.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Still feeling great about the upgraded/8GPU model M1 I got via Costco deal for $999 in April. Hellova computer for the price and I expect to last a long time. Very solid machine and I'd recommend the Apple Silicon iMacs to anyone who is seriously considering one.

 

[MBAir2010]

Waiting for the price floor to drop out on the M1 iMacs. Right now they are still selling for $900 but should be down to half that soon.

Your looking at nearly 2 grand just to get a base model with comparable to an older iMac with storage memory and features. Ethernet is an add on? Come on.

or just find one on a curbside in 2024 -27 as in 2004-07 were the G3-iMac colors were deemed absolute.
that would be a nice surprise!

I kept min until 2010 to a deserving art student.

 

[spcopsmac21]

The issue with the iMac's isn't speed, its screen size. Sorta like the issue with iPads isn't speed, it's the software being written to get the most out of the chip. Here its just a waiting game which is frustrating, eventually they will release something over 24 inches. I have no interest in a studio display + Mac mini combo at all.

I suspect they don’t make a 27” or larger iMac because it would eat into their display sales.
its insane how popular the 30” Cinema Display was. Just give people what they want and stop driving customers to third party display manufacturers.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

This iMac is an absolute joke.

• Terrible design with white bezels and pastel colors
• Odd screen size with only 60Hz and no local dimming/HDR support
• 8GB RAM in almost 2024?!
• 256GB base storage in almost 2024?!
• Accessories still have a Lightning port
• Very minor upgrade in a few years time where only the chip changed
• And despite all of the above, a starting price of EUR 1,560 (USD 1,660) in Europe.

Well, based on your expectations, this may not be the Mac for you.
If you maxed it out and still doesn't have the specs you want, just move to the next available product in their line.
Most regular users don't need anything above 60hz refresh rate, even if you explain to them what the differences and advantages are to have a higher refresh rate, they would not understand it.
Many only use a computer for web browsing and e-mails, hence buying a modern looking 256GB SSD model within their budget becomes very appealing.

 

[skitidetdu]

Get rid of the chin already

Won't be (recognized as) an iMac without it.

 

[Jaymes]

Do you disagree that it will change to wifi in the future, though?

No; I think WiFi will be the future for labs in higher ed for all but the heaviest needs. That being said, it doesn't help now when the WiFi infrastructure in most places wouldn't be able to handle the load compared to the ethernet infrastructure, so in most places ethernet is still the default for a desktop system. Maybe in like 5-10 years, if universities make the investment in the WiFi infrastructure and reduce expense on wired infrastructure, that will flip, but it is going to take awhile and a lot of money.

 

[Jaymes]

Is the ethernet address actually determined by the brick?

I don't have one but the iFixit teardown shows the Ethernet controller on the main logic board, suggesting that the brick/magsafe assembly is really just a patch cable.

You are correct; I verified the controller is in the iMac as well. I just learned something new - thanks for letting me know!

 

[Mr.Mozi]

The only thing that bothers me about the new devices (both iMac & MacBook Pros) is that literally everyone is comparing them with M2 & more specifically M1 where M1/M2 owners are so unlikely to upgrade and Apple themselves insists on saying that these devices are targeted towards old Intel Mac owners, yet no one, absolutely no one is talking about the performance boost of the M3 family from the old potato Intel