The iMac and Mac mini are a family of integrated Mac desktop computers created and produced by Apple Inc. Since their releases in August 1998 and November 2020, respectively, they have both been included in Apple’s consumer desktop products.
There’s no doubt that both the Mac mini and iMac are excellent devices. In both the consumer and corporate markets, they nevertheless aim for various audiences. One of these is a complete solution that doesn’t call for further accessories.
The alternative is far less expensive because it is predicated on the fact that you already own a monitor and other necessary computer components. It should therefore not be difficult to choose the finest option for your circumstance after analyzing your needs.
Key Takeaways
- iMacs are all-in-one computers with built-in displays, while Mac Minis are compact standalone desktops.
- iMacs offer higher performance and better graphics capabilities than Mac Minis.
- Mac Minis are more affordable and allow for more flexibility in choosing peripherals like monitors.
iMac vs Mac Mini
iMac is a device that comes with its known desktop screen and It is non-moveable. It comes in seven different colors and provides greater CPU speed and good graphics. Mac mini is a portable desktop device in which the user needs to bring his own screen, keyboard, and mouse. It has only one color.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | iMac | Mac Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Display spec | 4.5k Retina display | None |
| Color | comes in seven varieties of color —Pink, Sliver, yellow, Green, Orange, Purple and Blue | Silver |
| Port | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports Two USB 3 ports (some models) Gigabit Ethernet (some models) 3.5 mm headphone jack | Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Two USB-A ports 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Price | Starts from $1,299 to $1,699 on Apple store | Starts from $699 to $1,099 on Apple store |
| Cooling | Cool slower due to its tiny chassis | Cool faster than IMac |
What is iMac?
The all-in-one desktop computer, Apple iMac, is a monitor display and computer housed in a single unit. It’s known as Apple’s primary consumer desktop device. Since Apple Inc. introduced the iMac in 1998, it has gone through a number of iterations, with the most recent model including cutting-edge graphics, video, and audio technologies, high-bandwidth connectivity, and greater storage options.
The iMac desktop comes in 7 different vibrant colors — Blue, Pink, Silver, Green, Yellow, Purple and Orange.
Thanks to the M1 chip designed for Mac, it delivers faster CPU performance, good graphics quality and interestingly makes it thin and compactable. This makes it more attractive to customers and more wanted by some business organizations.
Also, the system-on-a-chip design makes it compatible with the most developed operating system in the world, mac OS Venture, which makes it easy to use and work effectively
Additionally, the iMac has a Solid-state-drive (SSD) storage which provides an effective speed performance that makes it easy to boot up your iMac, browse your photos or launch an app. Also, providing enough space for your iMac to accumulate all your music, photos, videos, documents and other files.
Again, with its unified inbuilt memory (RAM), the iMac performs better and at a higher speed especially when running apps. Hence, the more memory you choose, the higher the rate of performance.
Another great point is its thunderbolt port, which provides options for connecting displays, external drives, cameras, accessories, and more. It also comes with Two additional USB 3 ports which allows you to attach external devices for data transfer, syncing and charging.
What is Mac Mini?
The Mac Mini is a small form desktop computer developed by Apple Inc. Since its launch in 2022, it was positioned between the consumer all-in-one iMac, Mac Pro and the professional Mac Studio as one of four current Mac desktop computers.
Later on, it was given the brand name “Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard and Mouse” because it was always shipped alone without the other components. which was then used as a strategic pitch to encourage users to switch from PCs running operating systems such as Linux and Microsoft Windows.
For someone with a low budget and who has their own favorite monitor, the Mac Mini is considered to be the choice. Unlike the iMac, there isn’t much difference in terms of performance. Although the Mac mini only comes with only one color, which is silver, it’s still preferable by some consumers.
Like iMac, Mac Mini has a system-on-a-chip design which also makes it compatible with the Mac OS Venture. The inbuilt M1 chip improves the quality performance and function of the desktop.
Main Differences Between iMac and Mac Mini
- The iMac is an all-in-one desktop computer with a monitor display attached to it and its custom keyboard and mouse. While the Mac Mini is a small portable desktop without a screen, keyboard and mouse.
- The display specification for the iMac Operates on 4.5k Retina display and comes in two different screen sizes — 25in and 27in
- When it comes to cooling, the Mac Mini and iMac operate slightly differently, although they are both more than adequate for the incredibly efficient processor. The Mac Mini’s large chassis and one fan allow the processor plenty of room to breathe. The iMac’s thin-profile fans must drive air away from the processor in the meanwhile. The M1 processor is so effective in both scenarios that the fans nearly never make noise.
- The price for iMac ranges from $1.299 to $1,699 on Apple stores while the Mac Mini ranges from $699 to $1,099
Last Updated : 27 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
