Apple’s New M3 iMac vs M1 iMac: A Comprehensive Comparison
Following the highly successful launch of the Apple Silicon iMac with M1 chip in 2021, Apple has now introduced the first update to its all-in-one desktop, the M3 iMac. In this article, we will delve deep into the details and compare the M3 iMac with its predecessor, the M1 iMac, with regards to performance, display, features, I/O, and more.
CPU, GPU, Memory, Neural Engine
The M3 chip offers significant improvements beyond just speed and efficiency. These include memory options of up to 24GB, a more capable media engine, and a 10-core GPU. On the other hand, the M1 iMac features an 8-core CPU and a 7 or 8-core GPU. The M3 chip also boasts hardware acceleration for various video formats, such as H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW, and AV1 decode. The M1 chip supports hardware acceleration for H.264 and HEVC video formats.
Performance
According to Apple, the M3 iMac offers 2x faster performance than the M1 iMac. For users transitioning from a 21.5-inch Intel iMac from 2019 or earlier, the M3 iMac delivers a staggering 4x faster overall performance. Apple also claims that the M3 iMac is up to 2.5x faster than the most popular Intel-based 27-inch iMac models. Specifically, the M3 chip’s 8-core CPU is up to 35% faster than the M1, while its 10-core GPU is up to 65% faster.
Display
The M3 iMac boasts the same stunning display as the M1 iMac. This includes a 4.5K resolution Retina display, P3 wide color gamut, True Tone technology, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. The only feature missing from the M3 iMac that is present in Apple’s Studio Display and Pro Display XDR is the low-reflective nano-texture glass.
I/O
The M3 iMac introduces minor I/O updates, such as WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 layout remains the same, with two or four ports depending on the model. The speaker and microphone systems are unchanged from the previous version.
Colors and Size
In terms of colors, the M3 iMac offers the same options as the M1 iMac. There are 7 choices available for the 4-port models and 4 colors for the 2-port models. The dimensions and weight of the M3 iMac are identical to the M1 iMac.
Price
The pricing for the M3 iMac remains consistent with its predecessor. The base model starts at $1,299, while the mid-range and high-end models are priced at $1,499 and $1,699, respectively. The fully upgraded M3 iMac, which includes 24GB of memory, is slightly more expensive than the M1 iMac.
Conclusion
If you are a user of the M1 iMac or an older Intel iMac and are in need of an all-in-one desktop, the M3 iMac is a worthwhile upgrade. With a stunning display and the power of modern Apple Silicon starting at $1,299, it offers excellent value. The main improvements include increased memory options, a more powerful chip, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. However, if your M1 iMac or current Mac is still functioning well, the upgrades offered by the M3 iMac may not be compelling enough. In that case, you might consider exploring options like the Mac mini or MacBook for more flexibility in terms of form factor and hardware upgrades.
If you decide to purchase an M3 iMac, it is important to note that the chip, memory, and storage cannot be upgraded later on. Therefore, it is advisable to customize your purchase according to your exact requirements. The M3 iMac will soon be available for purchase from retailers such as Apple and Amazon.
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