Mac mini vs imac, Though it starts at $699, the 2020 Mac Mini has an Apple M1 chip with eight CPU and GPU cores. That’s slightly better than the bottom $1,299 iMac for 2021, which has eight CPU cores but just seven GPU cores. you want to spend $1,499 for the upgraded iMac to ascertain performance on par with the bottom Mac Mini. The bottom 2021 iMac also lacks wired Ethernet.
The Mac Mini is more versatile because the display and audio system aren’t permanently attached to the device. The iMac may be a good value when these peripherals are factored into its price, but they shorten the iMac’s long-term appeal. Upgrading to a replacement display is straightforward with the Mac Mini. With the iMac, it means buying a completely new Mac.
Connectivity is also in favor of the Mac Mini. it’s USB-A ports and an HDMI jack, so you’ll further shave costs by reusing older peripherals. The iMac only provides Thunderbolt and USB-C ports.
Mac Mini vs Imac: Specifications and Dimensions
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| 24-inch iMac 2021 | Mac Mini 2020 | |
| Price | $1299 | $699 |
| Display | 24-inch 4.5K Retina Display | Not Included |
| Processor | Apple M1 with 8 CPU cores and seven GPU cores | Apple M1 with 8 CPU cores and eight GPU cores |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Camera | 1080p Face Time HD camera | Not Included |
| Speakers | Six-speaker system with subwoofer | Single speaker |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth-5 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth-5 |
| Colors | Blue, Silver, Green, Yellow, Pink, Orange, Red, Purple | Silver |
Mac Mini vs Imac: Design and Feel
Apple’s new iMac is an all-in-one computer. The display, speakers, and every one internal hardware are bundled into one device, which results in less clutter and fewer cords. Despite this, the iMac features a dramatic, thin profile which will look striking on your desk.
The Mac Mini, though small, may be a traditional desktop. It’s designed to be used alongside numerous standalone peripherals including an external display and loudspeaker . you will have to manage more cords and find an area for the Mac Mini on, or below, or your desk. it is a handsome desktop, however, and won’t attract much attention.
Apple’s 2021 iMac is out there in eye-catching colors like yellow, red, and green; there are seven color choices in total. The iMac offers a color coordinated Magic Keyboard and Mouse, too. The Mac Mini is more classic Apple having rounded edges, smooth surfaces, and one classic color that is silver.
Mac Mini vs Imac: Setup and interface
The iMac 2021 and Mac Mini 2020 have an identical setup process and, both run MacOS, they are identical in built-in software and third-party app compatibility. you’ll expect any app that works on the iMac to figure on the Mac Mini, and vice-versa.
The iMac bundles the display, audio system , and webcam into the desktop. It also ships with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse within the box. that creates the iMac a touch easier to line up and use.
There’s one small perk to the iMac’s bundled peripherals; the Magic Keyboard is often configured with TouchID. This is often not available with the quality Magic Keyboard sold for all Macs, so Mac Mini owners can’t snag these features. TouchID provides you one touch login and also a payment when shopping online or accessing secure apps.
Mac mini vs imac: Performance and Features
Apple’s M1 chip powers the 2021 iMac therefore the Mac Mini 2020.
However, every Mac Mini 2020 with an Apple M1 chip has eight CPU and GPU cores, while the bottom iMac 2021 has just seven GPU cores. The eight-core GPU is found only within the costlier $1,499 iMac. The bottom Mac Mini has a foothold over the bottom iMac in graphically demanding applications, like games or 3D rendering software.
Connectivity is different, too. The Mac Mini features 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 bottom 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 alongside an Ethernet jack within the power adapter. USB-A isn’t available on the new iMac.
The Mac Mini offers you an optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet port but the 24-inch iMac doesn’t. This is often a distinct segment feature for people with ultra-fast Internet connections that exceed Gigabit speeds.
Wireless connectivity, however, is the same.
While the Mac Mini 2020 arrived with Apple’s M1 chips, Apple still sells older models supported by Intel hardware. Nearly all owners are more happy with an M1-powered Mac Mini, but the Intel version offers more RAM (up to 64GB), which can matter if you employ a strangely memory-intensive application. Intel models even have a special selection of ports. The new 24-inch iMac isn’t available with Intel hardware.
The bottom line
The iMac 2021 and Mac Mini 2020 are excellent computers which will please Mac fans and newcomers, but the Mac Mini takes the win.
Price swings within the Mac Mini’s favor. Just $699 is a reasonable price for any premium desktop, and a real bargain for one packing Apple’s fantastically quick M1 chip.
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Fans of the 24-inch iMac may argue that purchasing peripherals for the Mac Mini that equal the standard of these within the iMac will even out pricing. This is often a legitimate point, but the Mac Mini provides options. Mac fans who don’t care about display quality can attach a $100 budget monitor, if they’d like.
Versatility and connectivity also favor the Mac Mini. need a budget Mac with a 32-inch screen? you’ll have it and, if you modify your mind later, you’ll downscale to a 27-inch monitor, or any size that MacOS supports.
The iMac 2021 works for those that need a desktop that creates a design statement and reduces clutter. Everyone else should economize and buy the affordable Mac Mini.
