Apple iMac 24″ 2021 Retina Display PC – M1 Chip (MGPJ3 AB/A) Review
Welcome to our in-depth review of the Apple iMac 24″ 2021 Retina Display PC with the powerful M1 chip. This all-in-one desktop computer is a popular choice for professionals and casual users alike, thanks to its sleek design, vibrant display, and impressive performance. We’ve put this iMac through its paces to give you a comprehensive look at its features, performance, and overall value.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Apple iMac 24″ 2021 is a significant update to the iMac line, featuring a new design with a thinner profile, a stunning 24-inch Retina display, and the powerful Apple M1 chip. It’s packed with features that make it ideal for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants a reliable and stylish all-in-one computer. This model (MGPJ3 AB/A) specifically comes with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, making it a solid mid-range option.
Key Features
Here are some of the standout features of the Apple iMac 24″ 2021 (MGPJ3 AB/A):
- Apple M1 Chip: The heart of this iMac is the powerful M1 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU for blazing-fast performance. This chip delivers significant speed improvements compared to previous iMac models, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- 24-inch Retina Display: The iMac boasts a stunning 24-inch Retina display with a 4.5K resolution, offering incredibly sharp and vibrant visuals. The wide color gamut ensures that colors are displayed accurately, making it perfect for photographers and graphic designers.
- Sleek and Compact Design: The iMac 24″ 2021 features a minimalist design with a slim profile and a range of vibrant colors. The redesigned stand offers a more elegant and modern look.
- 1080p FaceTime HD Camera: The iMac’s 1080p FaceTime HD camera delivers clear and sharp video calls, perfect for remote meetings and video conferencing.
- Six-Speaker Sound System: The iMac is equipped with a six-speaker sound system that delivers rich and immersive audio, perfect for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games.
- Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6: The iMac offers fast and reliable connectivity with Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse: The iMac comes bundled with the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience and intuitive navigation.
Performance
The Apple M1 chip truly shines in this iMac. I was impressed by how quickly apps launched and how smoothly multitasking worked. I had multiple applications open, including photo editing software, video editing software, and web browsers, and the iMac handled everything effortlessly. Even demanding tasks like exporting large video files completed significantly faster than on previous iMac models.
The graphics performance is also excellent. The 8-core GPU handles demanding games and video editing with ease. The 4.5K Retina display truly comes alive with stunning graphics and visuals. The combination of powerful processing and a beautiful display makes the iMac a joy to use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful M1 chip delivers exceptional performance
- Stunning 24-inch Retina display with vibrant colors and sharp visuals
- Sleek and compact design with a variety of color options
- Excellent audio quality with six-speaker sound system
- Fast and reliable connectivity with Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6
- Includes Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse
- High-quality 1080p FaceTime HD camera
Cons
- Limited upgrade options: RAM and storage are soldered to the motherboard, making future upgrades impossible.
- No Thunderbolt 4 ports: While the iMac has four USB-C ports, only two support Thunderbolt 3, which may be limiting for some users.
- Price: Compared to other desktop computers, the iMac is relatively expensive, especially for the base configuration.
Final Verdict
The Apple iMac 24″ 2021 with M1 chip (MGPJ3 AB/A) is an excellent all-in-one computer that offers stunning visuals, powerful performance, and a beautiful design. It’s perfect for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants a reliable and stylish desktop computer. However, the limited upgrade options and high price tag might be a deterrent for some. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality iMac with a stunning display and powerful performance, this model is worth considering.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M1 chip |
| CPU | 8-core CPU |
| GPU | 8-core GPU |
| Memory | 8GB Unified Memory |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 24-inch (diagonal) Retina 4.5K display |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
| Audio | Six-speaker sound system with support for spatial audio |
| Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, Two USB-C ports, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Operating System | macOS Monterey |
| Dimensions | 21.5 inches (W) x 18.1 inches (H) x 6.3 inches (D) |
| Weight | 9.1 lbs (with stand) |