iMac 27” to 24” iMac M1?

[Aggedor]

For photo work a 4K screen does not scale as well as a 27" 5K in OS X. One has to run a display at either its native resolution or at 1:2, 1:4, etc. In the case of 4K, 1:2 is 1920x1080. Which means that a 24" 4K display could be run at 1920x1080 (the traditional resolution for 24" displays) for legible text and UI while still benefitting from the full 4K rez and proper 1:1 display of images when working on photos. However, on a 27" display, you have to choose between 4K for photos or a non-integer downscale for text & UI legibility, as 1920x1080 on a 27" display is uncomfortably large. I assume this is why Apple chose 5K for its 27" displays

Oh yeah, it's not as good as the Apple display, for sure. BUT, it's quite workable at a virtual res of 2560 x 1440, as the Mac renders the display up to 5k internally then scales it down. So yes, not as sharp as actual 5k, but to be honest unless you had the displays side by side, I doubt any user would really notice it. My 27" 4K display looks absolutely pinsharp with my M1 MBA.

 

[dimme]

I suppose I would get used to the 24", but the RAM issue concerns me. I do a lot of photography and when I have Lightroom, Photoshop, and Luminar open there is a pull on my system. I have 16 gig of Ram now which at the time I bought my 27" (late 2015) seemed like a major upgrade. Over the last 7 years RAW photos have gotten larger, applications have increased in size and power etc. I am afraid that shortly down the road I might regret not going the extra mile and wind up spending that money and more to fix the issue.

Nothing is easy anymore.

My 27" iMac had 40GBs of ram and now my 24" has 16gb of ram. The M1 handles ram a bit difference and I'm my usage case I really don't notice a difference in Lightroom and PS. Perhaps If I had the two side by side and timed each operation I would notice a difference.

 

[DSTOFEL]

I went from the 27" iMac 5K to the 24" iMac 4.5K. I'd compare the two like a queen and a king sized bed. The queen is big enough, sure, but you can't quite sprawl out the way you can on a king. When I had the bigger iMac, I could work on an Illustrator file with all the necessary palattes and whatnot, and still park another document next to it comfortably. Now I can fit both, but there's a bit more arranging and fitting involved. I don't regret the 24" iMac at all, but if I had the choice before me right now to get the Studio display + mini, or this iMac, I'd quite possibly go for the bigger screen just because I spend a ton of time on it.

I did the same, going from 2015 27 inch iMac to the 24 inch M1. The display for me was really the only concern. When I put them side by side and compare Lightroom, the 27 inch display is in another league. Pictures are large and easy to work on without enlarging, the display seems sharper, blacks seem deeper and the display has more contrast. The Mini/Studio Display combo would be a nice option. For me, the price difference would be: $1,250…that’s just too steep for me. Mini option: $1,000 (16GB, 512GB SSD), 1,600 SD, 150 (keyboard with Touch ID), 100 Magic mouse = $2,850 vs $1,609 I paid for the M1 iMac. If only the Studio display was $1,200 even ?

 

[ignatius345]

I did the same, going from 2015 27 inch iMac to the 24 inch M1. The display for me was really the only concern. When I put them side by side and compare Lightroom, the 27 inch display is in another league. Pictures are large and easy to work on without enlarging, the display seems sharper, blacks seem deeper and the display has more contrast.

I never did compare the M1 iMac screen directly next to my 2014 5K iMac's screen. I'd actually had the display panel replaced under AppleCare after some nasty image retention, and the replacement panel was showing a weird dark bruise patch on the lower left. Maybe I just had bad luck with my panels, but the 24" one looks nice and bright and crisp to me. I do wish it was a hair brighter sometimes, and extra pixels never hurt.

The Mini/Studio Display combo would be a nice option. For me, the price difference would be: $1,250…that’s just too steep for me. Mini option: $1,000 (16GB, 512GB SSD), 1,600 SD, 150 (keyboard with Touch ID), 100 Magic mouse = $2,850 vs $1,609 I paid for the M1 iMac. If only the Studio display was $1,200 even ?

That is a big difference, but subsequent Mac upgrades would be a bit cheaper since you can carry the display forward.

 

[opeter]

I suppose I would get used to the 24", but the RAM issue concerns me. I do a lot of photography and when I have Lightroom, Photoshop, and Luminar open there is a pull on my system. I have 16 gig of Ram now which at the time I bought my 27" (late 2015) seemed like a major upgrade. Over the last 7 years RAW photos have gotten larger, applications have increased in size and power etc. I am afraid that shortly down the road I might regret not going the extra mile and wind up spending that money and more to fix the issue.

Nothing is easy anymore.

On the concurrent side it is. You just open the computer's case and you can insert additional RAM or storage (if needed).

 

[Fishrrman]

There seem to be many happy users who move from a smaller display to a larger one.
As for users who move from a larger display to a smaller one... not so much...

 

[icemantx]

There seem to be many happy users who move from a smaller display to a larger one.
As for users who move from a larger display to a smaller one... not so much...

That’s a big part of my struggle to decide what to do… 27” -> 24”. Today, I’m now leaning towards a mini plus SD as it’s midway between the iMac and SD + Mac Studio (for my preferred config). Can always upgrade the mini in the future as my needs evolve. Is the overpriced? Yes. But that’s the Apple tax we either accept or don’t. I can’t bring myself to a plastic monitor of inferior quality after so long with iMacs.

 

[wilberforce]

I suppose I would get used to the 24", but the RAM issue concerns me. I do a lot of photography and when I have Lightroom, Photoshop, and Luminar open there is a pull on my system. I have 16 gig of Ram now which at the time I bought my 27" (late 2015) seemed like a major upgrade. Over the last 7 years RAW photos have gotten larger, applications have increased in size and power etc. I am afraid that shortly down the road I might regret not going the extra mile and wind up spending that money and more to fix the issue.

Nothing is easy anymore.

I think you are right to be concerned. I have a 2020 iMac (Intel) and a 14" MBP M1 Pro with 16GB, and have discovered that LR and PS use a lot more RAM on M1 than on Intel - the extra is used for the GPU acceleration in LR and PS. Based on my experience I will not get 16GB again on Apple Silicon.
If you work with large files in LR and PS I suggest opt for 32GB if you can (which you currently cannot, on a 24" iMac)

 

[ignatius345]

I suppose I would get used to the 24", but the RAM issue concerns me. I do a lot of photography and when I have Lightroom, Photoshop, and Luminar open there is a pull on my system. I have 16 gig of Ram now which at the time I bought my 27" (late 2015) seemed like a major upgrade. Over the last 7 years RAW photos have gotten larger, applications have increased in size and power etc. I am afraid that shortly down the road I might regret not going the extra mile and wind up spending that money and more to fix the issue.

Nothing is easy anymore.

Anecdotally, my M1 iMac feels a LOT faster with 16GB of RAM than my 2014 iMac 5K i5 did with the 32GB of RAM I upgraded it to.

Just as an example of what I'm doing with it, I have two or even three user accounts logged in, and currently have different versions of Illustrator running in separate accounts (yes, I know this is inefficient but it makes my life easier) with tons of other ancillary applications and even with "just" 16GB, this thing manages it all with only occasional hiccups when I switch accounts. I think that's due to it reallocating resources to the account I'm changing over to. And whenever I open Activity Monitor, the memory pressure looks fine.

If I had a better workflow and just used everything in one user account, frankly I don't think this thing would ever break a sweat. By contrast the Intel iMac was just wheezing a lot of the time. I know, the 2014 iMac I had was one of the lower-spec'ed 5K iMacs, and a first-gen one at that -- but this M1 feels just massively, massively faster.

 

[twssas]

That’s a big part of my struggle to decide what to do… 27” -> 24”. Today, I’m now leaning towards a mini plus SD as it’s midway between the iMac and SD + Mac Studio (for my preferred config). Can always upgrade the mini in the future as my needs evolve. Is the overpriced? Yes. But that’s the Apple tax we either accept or don’t. I can’t bring myself to a plastic monitor of inferior quality after so long with iMacs.

I'm like many others here. 27 vs 24. Have a 2015 27" Imac. (before that from 2008-2015 had a 24 inch Imac). I am sure the 24 inch Imac would take care of my needs, but really don't want the 24 inch screen. (want vs need). Mac Studio is too much computer for me to justify the expense. Although would love it, but I don't even use my current machine to its full potential.

So, I am looking hard at a mac mini at 16gb, and the studio display. Difference in cost between mac mini with studio display, and a fully loaded 24" mac is roughly about $300 more for the mac mini setup.

What is slowing me down, is I am still researching the issue regarding bluetooth drop outs on the mac mini that so many people seem to complain about. To this point, no one seems to know what the issue really issue, and many have not had the problem at all. If I can get over this bluetooth thing, I think the mini fits the bill for me with the studio display for sure.

 

[ZebedeeG]

I've been using my 24" M1 iMac as my daily driver since last July and I still own the 2015 27" iMac it replaces.

Loving my new iMac, hardly using the old machine, not missing the larger screen.

 

[DSTOFEL]

….So, I am looking hard at a mac mini at 16gb, and the studio display. Difference in cost between mac mini with studio display, and a fully loaded 24" mac is roughly about $300 more for the mac mini setup…..

I as well came from a 27 inch iMac and went for the 24 inch M1….but seriously considered the Mini/Studio Display option. I‘m curious how you figured the $300 difference? Keeping everything on an Apples to Apples basis (pun intended, here’s how I see the difference in price between the two options. I’ll assume the same size SSD in both…to keep things even:

• M1 Mac Mini (16GB, 512 SSD): $1,000, Studio Display: $1,600, Keyboard with Touch ID (must buy separately) $150, Mouse (must by separately): $100, TB cable to connect display to M1 Mini: $40 (I’m guessing this would be needed). Total Price: $2,890. Note: M1 Mac Mini not currently available on Apple Refurb…so $1,000 price best price currently available.
• M1 iMac (16GB, 512 SSD): $1,609. This is the current price on Apple Refurbished site.
• Difference in price: $2,890 - $1,609 = $1,281

As much as I love the 27 inch iMac (and new Studio) display, I just couldn’t justify the almost $1,300 difference in price over the 24 inch iMac.

 

[webbga]

On the concurrent side it is. You just open the computer's case and you can insert additional RAM or storage (if needed).

That is a consideration, but I do want to be able to keep current with the operating software etc. I generally keep my desktop computers for 7-8 years before replacing them. Hardware improvements and the ability to accept updates drives this decision. I find it a lot easier and smoother to run what I need to run if I am current with the software. It keeps compatibility problems to a minimum.

 

[twssas]

I as well came from a 27 inch iMac and went for the 24 inch M1….but seriously considered the Mini/Studio Display option. I‘m curious how you figured the $300 difference? Keeping everything on an Apples to Apples basis (pun intended, here’s how I see the difference in price between the two options. I’ll assume the same size SSD in both…to keep things even:

• M1 Mac Mini (16GB, 512 SSD): $1,000, Studio Display: $1,600, Keyboard with Touch ID (must buy separately) $150, Mouse (must by separately): $100, TB cable to connect display to M1 Mini: $40 (I’m guessing this would be needed). Total Price: $2,890. Note: M1 Mac Mini not currently available on Apple Refurb…so $1,000 price best price currently available.
• M1 iMac (16GB, 512 SSD): $1,609. This is the current price on Apple Refurbished site.
• Difference in price: $2,890 - $1,609 = $1,281

As much as I love the 27 inch iMac (and new Studio) display, I just couldn’t justify the almost $1,300 difference in price over the 24 inch iMac.

Here is a snapshot of my calculations:

24inch Imac 16gb, 2tb $1874. Includes trade in discount for existing 27inch imac, and veteran discount

mac mini, 16gp, 2tb $1154. Includes trade in discount for 27 inch mac, and veterans discount
Studio display $1439 Includes veteran discount
keyboard/mouse 0 using existing

Total $2593

So it is roughly a $700 differential for the mac mini set up. (I mispoke earlier when I said it was a $300 differential because i forgot to include trade in discounts for existing computer)

Same scenario applies to the Studio Max, 3400 for computer and display. About an $800 differential between the mac mini and it.

I really enjoy my 27" screen. I am sure I could get used to the 24" (had a 24inch imac 2008-2015), but it is a want/need type of thing. My only hangup with the mac mini as I have mentioned earlier, is all the compaints regarding bluetooth drop outs. Some have it, some dont. The studio is too much computer for me. I dont use the full capability of my existing computer.

I am going to have to keep pondering.

 

[icemantx]

Here is a snapshot of my calculations:

24inch Imac 16gb, 2tb $1874. Includes trade in discount for existing 27inch imac, and veteran discount

mac mini, 16gp, 2tb $1154. Includes trade in discount for 27 inch mac, and veterans discount
Studio display $1439 Includes veteran discount
keyboard/mouse 0 using existing

Total $2593

So it is roughly a $700 differential for the mac mini set up. (I mispoke earlier when I said it was a $300 differential because i forgot to include trade in discounts for existing computer)

Same scenario applies to the Studio Max, 3400 for computer and display. About an $800 differential between the mac mini and it.

I really enjoy my 27" screen. I am sure I could get used to the 24" (had a 24inch imac 2008-2015), but it is a want/need type of thing. My only hangup with the mac mini as I have mentioned earlier, is all the compaints regarding bluetooth drop outs. Some have it, some dont. The studio is too much computer for me. I dont use the full capability of my existing computer.

I am going to have to keep pondering.

I’m right there with you. I may end up just holding out until the fall in hopes of a mini refresh that addresses Bluetooth issues, m2 (m2 pro?) and adds in an SD card slot - I can dream, right?

 

[DSTOFEL]

Here is a snapshot of my calculations:

24inch Imac 16gb, 2tb $1874. Includes trade in discount for existing 27inch imac, and veteran discount

mac mini, 16gp, 2tb $1154. Includes trade in discount for 27 inch mac, and veterans discount
Studio display $1439 Includes veteran discount
keyboard/mouse 0 using existing

Total $2593

So it is roughly a $700 differential for the mac mini set up. (I mispoke earlier when I said it was a $300 differential because i forgot to include trade in discounts for existing computer)

Same scenario applies to the Studio Max, 3400 for computer and display. About an $800 differential between the mac mini and it.

I really enjoy my 27" screen. I am sure I could get used to the 24" (had a 24inch imac 2008-2015), but it is a want/need type of thing. My only hangup with the mac mini as I have mentioned earlier, is all the compaints regarding bluetooth drop outs. Some have it, some dont. The studio is too much computer for me. I dont use the full capability of my existing computer.

I am going to have to keep pondering.

gotcha! Thanks for laying that out. I stopped by Apple Store today to see the 27 inch Studio display in action. Really nice! I've still got about 5 days remaining for my 15 day return window on the 24 inch M1 iMac I bought....but I think I'm going to stick with the iMac. As much as I love that new display, I just can't justify the extra cash layout. I don't have your Veteran discounts

A thought I'll pass along to consider. Why not consider getting a 2TB NVMe SSD and a TB3 enclosure (ie to use as external storage) and get the Mini with 256 or 512 Internal SSD? That's what I did. With the external NVMe (2TB Sabrent Rocket M.2), I'm getting >2,000 Mb/s Read/write speeds. I've got my Lightroom Catalog and photos on it (around 1TB).

 

[Student of Life]

I want a 27 imac so i can hold out for a bit. For those with the 24 iMac, can one open up two word documents at full size? I can’t remember if that screen size allows that.

 

[NeonIbis]

I want a 27 imac so i can hold out for a bit. For those with the 24 iMac, can one open up two word documents at full size? I can’t remember if that screen size allows that.

The screen is almost exactly the height of an A4 page and wider than 2 A4 pages. In word, I often work with two documents at 200%. With track changes things get wider, but that's also an issue on my 27" work iMac.

Edit to add: I should say that '100%' zoom in Word is much smaller than the printed page. But 200% is a good size.

 

[Student of Life]

The screen is almost exactly the height of an A4 page and wider than 2 A4 pages. In word, I often work with two documents at 200%. With track changes things get wider, but that's also an issue on my 27" work iMac.

Edit to add: I should say that '100%' zoom in Word is much smaller than the printed page. But 200% is a good size.

Awesome, thats great to know.

 

[ADGrant]

I as well came from a 27 inch iMac and went for the 24 inch M1….but seriously considered the Mini/Studio Display option. I‘m curious how you figured the $300 difference? Keeping everything on an Apples to Apples basis (pun intended, here’s how I see the difference in price between the two options. I’ll assume the same size SSD in both…to keep things even:

• M1 Mac Mini (16GB, 512 SSD): $1,000, Studio Display: $1,600, Keyboard with Touch ID (must buy separately) $150, Mouse (must by separately): $100, TB cable to connect display to M1 Mini: $40 (I’m guessing this would be needed). Total Price: $2,890. Note: M1 Mac Mini not currently available on Apple Refurb…so $1,000 price best price currently available.
• M1 iMac (16GB, 512 SSD): $1,609. This is the current price on Apple Refurbished site.
• Difference in price: $2,890 - $1,609 = $1,281

As much as I love the 27 inch iMac (and new Studio) display, I just couldn’t justify the almost $1,300 difference in price over the 24 inch iMac.

It is interesting that the Studio display costs the same as a 24" iMac. It does contain an A13 SoC which is only one generation older than the A14 based M1. It runs iOS and with some RAM added, it could run MacOS. It's almost an iMac.

Unlike any recent iMac though, you can hook it up to any recent Mac. The cable is included and will charge a MBP giving you a single cable hookup. I think this Display may be popular with MBP owners.

Don't you already have a keyboard and mouse (or Magic Trackpad)? The keyboard for my iMac is in a drawer somewhere because I prefer a mechanical keyboard to the laptop style keyboard Apple provides.

For me the difference would be $1000 which is worth it given the larger screen size, greater flexibility and better looks provided by the Studio Display (black bezels yay).

 

[DSTOFEL]

It is interesting that the Studio display costs the same as a 24" iMac. It does contain an A13 SoC which is only one generation older than the A14 based M1. It runs iOS and with some RAM added, it could run MacOS. It's almost an iMac.

Unlike any recent iMac though, you can hook it up to any recent Mac. The cable is included and will charge a MBP giving you a single cable hookup. I think this Display may be popular with MBP owners.

Don't you already have a keyboard and mouse (or Magic Trackpad)? The keyboard for my iMac is in a drawer somewhere because I prefer a mechanical keyboard to the laptop style keyboard Apple provides.

For me the difference would be $1000 which is worth it given the larger screen size, greater flexibility and better looks provided by the Studio Display (black bezels yay).

Ah…that’s interesting about the cable included for the Studio Display. I was curious about that.

So, I’m going to sell my 2015 iMac with the keyboard and magic mouse that came with it. With the 24 M1 iMac, I get a new keyboard and mouse included. If I went the Mini/Studio Display combo, I’d have to purchase those separately for roughly $250. So, for me, the difference between the Mini/Studio combo and the 24 inch iMac is just below $1,300

 

[cinder]

I went from an i5 17" iMac 5K with 64GB of RAM to an M1 24" iMac "maxed" (16GB/2TB) temporarily until an M1 27" iMac was released.

Speed-wise, the "low end" M1 is effortlessly fast, but memory-wise . . . I'm hurting.
I get a lot of reloads when I switch back to a Chrome window I haven't looked at in a little while.
The screen being smaller is definitely annoying, but I can manage for now . . .

I use both Slack and Figma daily for work both of which are gross, sloppy memory-hog Electron applications along with 2 instances of Chrome (one for personal, one for work) and I am constantly running at yellow/red memory pressure.

If you have to abuse your Mac with a bajillion bloated Chrome instances like I do, the 24" iMac is a bad fit.

If I want to jump into Lightroom, all of my other apps will get dumped out of memory instantly. But it did make Lightroom usable again, no thanks to Adobe . . .

I am not happy about the lack of an M1 27" iMac, to put it lightly. The Mac Studio + Studio Display is the guts of the 27" iMac I expected, split up into two uglier devices and about 35% more expensive.