M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac compared -- Apple's iconic Mac gets a speed boost

Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware

Apple's refreshed M4 24-inch iMac sports a fast chip, but that isn't the only reason to upgrade. Here's how the hot new model compares to the year-old M3 iMac that it replaces.

M3 iMac in yellow and M4 iMac in purple.
Apple's M4 iMac hasn't changed all that much.



Apple's launch of the new M4 iMac comes months after the chip first debuted in the 2024 iPad Pro. It also arrived in same week that the M4 Mac mini and M4 MacBook Pro were unveiled.

This refreshed M4 iMac replaces the M3 iMac that went on sale in October 2023. With a familiar design, it's fair to say that all the biggest changes are on the inside.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Specifications



Specifications24-inch iMac (2023, M3)24-inch iMac (2024, M4)
Starting launch price$1,299 (2-port), $1,499 (4-port)
Best M3 iMac prices
$1,299 (2-port), $1,499 (4-port)
Best M4 iMac prices
Processor8-core M3,
16-core Neural Engine
8-core M4,
10-core M4,
16-core Neural Engine
Graphics8-core M3 GPU (2-port),
10-core M3 GPU (4-port)
8-core M4 GPU (2-port),
10-core M4 GPU (4-port)
RAM8GB unified memory,
Configurable up to 24GB
16GB unified memory,
Configurable up to 24GB (2-port),
Configurable up to 32GB (4-port),
Internal storage256GB SSD
Configurable up to 1TB SSD (2-port)
Configurable up to 2TB (4-port)
256GB SSD
Configurable up to 1TB SSD (2-port)
Configurable up to 2TB (4-port)
Display4,480 x 2,520 Retina 4.5K LED display,
Wide color (P3),
True Tone,
500 nits
4,480 x 2,520 Retina 4.5K LED display,
Wide color (P3),
True Tone,
500 nits,
Nano-texture glass (Optional)
Connectivity802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth 5.3
Gigabit Ethernet (Optional on 2-port)
2x USB 4/Thunderbolt
2xUSB 3 (4-port)
3.5mm headphone jack with high-impedance headphone support
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
Gigabit Ethernet (Optional on 2-port)
2x USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 (2-port)
4x USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 (4-port)
3.5mm headphone jack with high-impedance headphone support
Camera and Audio1080p FaceTime Camera with M3 ISP
Studio Quality, three-mic array with directional beamforming
Six-speaker system with force-canelling woofers
12MP Center Stage camera with M4 ISP
Studio Quality, three-mic array with directional beamforming
Six-speaker system with force-canelling woofers
Video outputOne 6K display at 60HzOne 6K display at 60Hz (2-port)
Two 6K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display at 60Hz (4-port)
Special featuresHey Siri support
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (Optional on 2-port)
Hey Siri support
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (Optional on 2-port)

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Design, weight, size



Apple's refreshed M4 iMac is exactly the same size as the outgoing model, albeit a machine that is lighter by just 0.08 pounds. That's 9.79 pounds for the M4 iMac vs the 9.87 pounds of the M3 iMac.

With that in mind, it's no surprise that the two iMacs look identical on the outside.

While the two iMacs are offered in the same colors, that doesn't mean they look identical. Buyers will notice that the green, pink, silver, orange, yellow, blue, and purple have different hues compared to the previous model.

The M3 24-inch iMac.
The M3 24-inch iMac.



In terms of actual dimensions, the iMac measures 18.1 inches tall by 21.5 inches wide. The depth with the stand included comes in at 5.8 inches.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Display



This upgraded M4 iMac's identical design to the previous model also means that the display is the same as well. It's a 24-inch panel with a 4.5K resolution and a brightness of 500 nits.

As has become the norm for Apple's Mac displays the M4 iMac includes both P3 wide color and True Tone support.

Where things do differ is the option for a nano-texture finish on the M4 iMac's display. The finish diffuses light to minimize reflections but it does cost an additional $200 so it won't be for everyone.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Performance



The M4 chip is the big news here and it's offered in 8-core and 10-core CPU configurations. Four of those are performance cores regardless of which chip you choose, but the 10-core chip has two additional efficiency cores for a total of six compared to the 8-core's four.

Both of the M4 chips offered come with a 10-core GPU, matching the previous-gen M3 chip. The older chip is only available with eight CPU cores, however.

In terms of other key specifications, M4 iMac buyers can configure up to 32GB of RAM compared to the 24GB limit of the M3 iteration. The base configuration has also been doubled to 16GB for the M4 iMac, up from just 8GB in the M3 variant.

That memory is also faster with a memory bandwidth of 120GB/s topping the M3 chip's 100GB/s while both machines have the same 16-core Neural Engine. Apple's M-series Media Engine is unchanged and retains support for hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC support, among others.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Camera and audio



While the built-in camera might not be a key reason for many people to buy a new iMac, the M4 variant does offer a notable upgrade. While the M3 iMac has a FaceTime 1080p HD camera the M4 iMac features an upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage Camera.

The new camera means buyers can look forward to support for Desk View and 1080p video recording in an iMac for the first time.

A close-up of the display and webcam of the M3 24-inch iMac
A close-up of the display and webcam of the M3 24-inch iMac



The same six-speaker audio system with support for wide stereo sound and Dolby Atmos has made the switch from the M3 iMac to the M4 iMac.

A built-in 3.5mm headphone jack and a studio-quality microphone array are also present, too.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Storage, connectivity, peripherals



Those buying the M4 iMac can choose up to a 2TB SSD which is the same as the previous model -- albeit only if you choose the four-port model. The base 256GB model also remains with 512GB and 1TB options also available.

Accessories provided include a Magic Keyboard and a Magic Mouse, with a Magic Trackpad are also available. All of these accessories offer USB-C connectivity and charging.

The rear port selection of the four-port M3 24-inch iMac variant.
The rear port selection of the four-port M3 24-inch iMac variant.



Connectivity options are also the same across the board, with the M4 iMac featuring Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) wireless networking and Bluetooth 5.3 support.

Around the back, the two-port M4 iMac has a pair of Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports that are upgraded to four Thunderbolt 4 ports when choosing the upgraded model.

Gigabit Ethernet is a configurable option on the two-port model while it's standard on the four-part iMac. This all closely mimics that of the M3 iMac although the older model is limited to two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports when buyers choose the four-port configuration.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Pricing



Apple has stuck to the $1,299 starting price for the M4 iMac while upgrading to the four-port model means paying an additional $200.

Green and white keyboard and mouse on a light green background.
M4 24-inch iMac vs M1 24-inch iMac - The Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse



Upgrading to 24GB of RAM costs $200 while a 512GB SSD costs the same $200. A larger 1TB option is available for an additional $400.

Those looking for the most storage can choose the 2TB model for an additional $600 but, again, this option is only available on the $1,699 four-port M4 iMac.

Apple ships the M4 iMac with a Magic Keyboard as standard but an extra $30 can be handed over to receive a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keyboard instead.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Which to buy?



The simplest approach to choosing a new iMac is to buy the newest model wherever possible. The M4 iMac comes with some nice upgrades, not least that new chip with more cores and improved performance.

Apple's decision not to increase the price of the iMac with this refresh also makes the M3 version less appealing. There are instances where things might not quite be that simple, however.

Third-party retailers often sell older models at a discount to make space in their warehouses. That means you might find a great deal on an M3 iMac while stocks last.

While the M4 iMac is undoubtedly the better model we would recommend checking M3 iMac sale prices before placing your order. Especially if you don't find the new upgrades compelling.

M4 24-inch iMac vs M3 24-inch iMac - Where to buy



The M4 iMac 24-inch can now be preordered at Apple Authorized Reseller B&H Photo, with Payoo cardholders eligible for an sales tax refund if you happen to live in a qualifying state.

You can of course also buy direct from Apple but we do expect that other retailers will begin to offer special prices during the upcoming Black Friday sales. Be sure to check out our collection of the best iMac deals and our M4 iMac Price Comparison Guide before placing any orders.



Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    zeus423zeus423 Posts: 272member
    The 27” iMac is iconic. This one, not so much. 
    williamlondonMacProwatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 7
    blastdoorblastdoor Posts: 3,580member
    zeus423 said:
    The 27” iMac is iconic. This one, not so much. 
    It really does seem like Mac mini + Studio Display is the replacement for the 27" iMac. The Mac Studio + Studio Display is the replacement for the 'iMac Pro'
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 7
    Okay, so where are the benchmark data?  Benchmarks were the ONE aspect of the M4 iMac that I wanted to see, and they were implied to be here by the article title "...iconic Mac gets a speed boost"
    edited November 5 watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 7
    The 27 inch iMac was iconic. So why waste any more time and release the M4 27 inch iMac!!!
    Other then that, do you find any M3 24 inch iMac owner who finds his machine so slow that he needs to upgrade to a M4 model? Don’t think so. So what’s the point in releasing an M4 iMac anyway as there is no other differentiator.
    edited November 6 williamlondon
  • Reply 5 of 7
    dutchlord said:
    ...do you find any M3 24 inch iMac owner who finds his machine so slow that he needs to upgrade to a M4 model? Don’t think so. So what’s the point in releasing an M4 iMac anyway as there is no other differentiator.
    Other differentiators: Slightly changed color hue of chassis; Option of antireflective screen; Thunderbolt 4 (and all four ports offer USB 4 with 20Gb/s)

    But yeah, as an M3 owner, what I mainly want to know is the real-world speed boost.  Alas, that is the one differentiator that is mainly missing from the comparison (benchmark speed ratings).  5% faster? 50% faster?  5X faster?  Going to TB5 would have been nice, but is N/A on this model.
    edited November 6 watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 7
    Earlier today I wrote:
    ...But yeah, as an M3 owner, what I mainly want to know is the real-world speed boost.  Alas, that is the one differentiator that is mainly missing from the comparison (benchmark speed ratings).  5% faster? 50% faster?  5X faster?....

    Aha!  My answers are essentially found in another article published later in the day, for which I am grateful:
    https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/11/06/generation-gaps-how-much-faster-apple-silicon-gets-with-each-release
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 7
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,851member
    blastdoor said:
    zeus423 said:
    The 27” iMac is iconic. This one, not so much. 
    It really does seem like Mac mini + Studio Display is the replacement for the 27" iMac. The Mac Studio + Studio Display is the replacement for the 'iMac Pro'
    Exactly,  the Studio and Apple Display as I went for after a 27" i9 iMac.  The addition I'd like is a 32" 6K Apple Display that was prosumer level and around $2,500.
    edited November 8 watto_cobra
Sign In or Register to comment.