If you’re in the market for a new iMac or considering an upgrade, the debate between the M4 iMac vs M3 iMac is at the forefront. With the M4 chip making its way into Apple’s iconic 24-inch iMac, users are keen to understand how it stacks up against last year’s M3-powered version. In this detailed comparison, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the M4 iMac and M3 iMac, covering design, display, performance, memory, ports, and more to help you make an informed decision.
M4 iMac vs M3 iMac: What’s New?
The M4 iMac may look almost identical to the M3 iMac, but it packs several internal upgrades that could make a noticeable difference depending on your usage. Below, we’ll compare their specs and see what’s really changed.
M4 iMac vs M3 iMac: Design and Display
How does the design differ between the M4 iMac and M3 iMac?
When it comes to design, the M4 iMac vs M3 iMac offers little to no difference. Both models retain the sleek, ultra-thin 24-inch chassis that Apple introduced with the M1 iMac. At just 0.45 inches thick, the design remains consistent, with an all-in-one body that’s both compact and visually appealing. Both iMacs are available in the same color options: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, purple, and orange.
Display Overview:
| Feature | M4 iMac | M3 iMac |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 24-inch 4.5K Retina display | 24-inch 4.5K Retina display |
| Resolution | 4480 x 2520, 218 ppi | 4480 x 2520, 218 ppi |
| Nano-texture Glass | Optional ($200) | Not available |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| True Tone Support | Yes | Yes |
While the core display specifications remain unchanged, the M4 iMac now offers an optional nano-texture glass, which helps reduce glare and reflections, especially beneficial for users working near windows or in brightly lit spaces.
M4 iMac vs M3 iMac: Performance
How does the M4 chip compare to the M3 chip?
The most significant difference in the M4 iMac vs M3 iMac debate comes down to processing power. The M4 chip offers improved speed and efficiency, boasting a 10-core CPU with either a 9-core or 10-core GPU, while the M3 chip comes with an 8-core CPU and the option of a 9-core or 10-core GPU.
| Feature | M4 iMac | M3 iMac |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M4 (10-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU) | M3 (8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU) |
| RAM | 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB SSD | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB SSD |
The M4 chip also introduces a more efficient architecture, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and up to 25% higher performance in benchmarks like Geekbench compared to the M3 model. This makes the M4 iMac better suited for demanding tasks like photo and video editing, gaming, and AI-based applications.
M4 iMac vs M3 iMac: Memory and Storage
The M4 iMac starts with a base 16GB of RAM, double the base RAM of the M3 iMac, which started at 8GB. For power users, this increase in memory is significant, improving multitasking capabilities and handling larger datasets.
In terms of storage, both models offer the same options, ranging from 256GB to 2TB of SSD storage. However, early benchmarks suggest that the M4 iMac may have faster SSD performance due to the updated chip architecture.
M4 iMac vs M3 iMac: Ports and Connectivity
Do the ports differ on the M4 iMac and M3 iMac?
Both the M4 iMac and M3 iMac offer the same set of ports, with up to four USB-C ports, two of which support Thunderbolt 4. The base model includes two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, while higher-end versions add two more USB-C ports and optional Gigabit Ethernet integrated into the power adapter.
Connectivity Differences:
- Wi-Fi: The M4 iMac supports Wi-Fi 7, while the M3 iMac uses Wi-Fi 6E.
- Webcam: The M4 iMac now includes a 12MP Center Stage webcam, improving video call quality and tracking users during calls. The M3 iMac has a 1080p webcam.
M4 iMac vs M3 iMac: Price and Value
The price remains the same for the M4 iMac, starting at $1,299 for the base model with 256GB of storage. If you’re eyeing a fully upgraded M4 iMac with 32GB RAM and 2TB storage, it could cost up to $2,899. For users considering budget, the M3 iMac might be a good deal if found at a lower price, especially for non-intensive users who don’t need the enhanced speed of the M4.
| Configuration | M4 iMac Price | M3 iMac Price |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model | $1,299 | $1,299 |
| Maxed Out Spec | $2,899 | $2,899 |
M4 iMac vs M3 iMac: Should You Upgrade?
Deciding whether to upgrade to the M4 iMac vs M3 iMac depends on your current usage and performance needs:
- Upgrading from M1 or Intel iMac: Yes, the jump to M4 will offer a substantial performance increase in terms of speed, efficiency, and RAM capabilities.
- Upgrading from M3 iMac: It depends. If you need faster processing, better AI capabilities, or more RAM, the M4 iMac is worth considering. If your usage is more basic, sticking with the M3 iMac might be more economical.
Conclusion: M4 iMac vs M3 iMac
The M4 iMac vs M3 iMac comparison shows that while both models share many similarities, the M4 iMac delivers key upgrades, particularly in performance, memory, and connectivity. The decision to upgrade will depend on whether you need the increased speed, additional RAM, and better connectivity. If you’re coming from an older Intel or M1 iMac, the M4 iMac is an excellent choice for better performance and longer software support.
If you’re considering a new iMac or debating between the M4 iMac vs M3 iMac, feel free to share your thoughts below!
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