The iMac as we know it today only began to be marketed in 2021. But a more prestigious edition - equipped with a Pro suffix evoking its very premium nature - arrived on the market a few years later early. The first notable difference between the two, striking from the first glance, is the design: where the iMac (in short) is offered in several colors and with a millimeter thickness, the iMac Pro is much darker and takes on the codes of the traditional iMac range during the 2010s. But the elements which allow us to compare the two computers do not stop there…
Format: each has its own size
Indeed, where the iMac is available with a diagonal of twenty-four inches, the iMac Pro is offered intwenty-seven inches. The design is also very different, with dimensions which are therefore logically more imposing with the larger screen: count 65 x 51.6 cm compared to 54.7 x 46.1 cm for the smallest. Furthermore, the mass to be transported during each installation also changes: where the iMac Pro is (on average and depending on the choice of components) 9.7 kg, the 24″ iMac with M1 chip sticks to less than 5 kg on the scale.
© Apple
Not the same accessories
It is especially the exterior appearance that allows the iMac Pro to stand out from the iMac, and for good reason: it targets a much wider audience.easy, a fan of the high prices charged by Apple compared to the competition, even if the performance sometimes remains comparable to that of the M1.
A strategy also implemented for accessories, since the keyboard - with integrated numeric keys -Magic Keyboard, the Magic TrackPad touchpad and the Magic Mouse are sold in the same black shade characteristic of the iMac Pro but only with this model. Where those who opt for the iMac are entitled to colors corresponding to that of their computer.
© Apple
Which is the most powerful?
No need to beat around the bush:the iMac Pro can perform betterthan the 24″ iMac. Indeed, it is equipped with an eighteen-core Intel 666 MHz in its maximum configuration. This also includes a Radeon Pro Vega 64X graphics card with 16 GB of HBM2 memory as well as a 4TB SSD.
The 2021 iMac, on the other hand, sticks to the M1 processor, which has since its release been succeeded by a new generation which has still not seen the light of day on this model. But according to the benchmarks, this motherboard can also win against that of the iMac Pro, with for example 2,329 points on Geekbench 5 compared to 1,361 points with the iMac Pro in single core.
Note that in terms of RAM, there are also some differences, with 8 or 16 GB on the iMac M1 compared to 32 to 256 GB on the iMac Pro.
iMac 2023 © Apple
Screen: the iMac generally performs worse
Where the 27-inch diagonal panel of the iMac Pro offers definition5Kstandard (5,120 x 2,880 pixels) with support for a billion colors, the basic iMac is “limited” to 4.5K (4,480 x 2,520 pixels for 218 ppi). To tell the truth, apart from graphic designers or cinema enthusiasts who care about detail, few will see this as a disadvantage and the difference is not that noticeable, especially at this scale. For the rest, no real difference: the two machines support at least a billion colors each, and the brightness reaches 500 nits which should allow you to work without a hitch regardless of the lighting.
macOS
Just like the iMac M1, the iMac Pro runs on the macOS operating system. Its latest version,Ventura, aims to be particularly versatile and multitasking. Here, in the manner ofportables iPhone 14 Pro et iPhone 14 Pro Max, each device has access to the same features. Please note, however, that as the iMac Pro dates from 2017, it will not be supported for much longer, while the more recent iMac M1 still has many days ahead of it.
iMac 2023 © Apple
Audio
Let's say it clearly: if you appreciate round and powerful bass, the most wise thing will be to equip yourself with a quality speaker orwireless headphones like the second generation AirPods Pro also designed by Apple. But in case of troubleshooting, the iMac range obviously comes withspeakers: there are six on the original model, and four on the iMac Pro. The subcontractor responsible for their production is not specified, but the sound of Apple computers is generally reliable and clear. As for themicrophones, there are only three on the iMac but the iMac Pro has four: conversations with several people, such as during video conferences, will be made easier.
Fewer connections with the classic iMac
Another major advantage of the iMac Pro compared to the iMac concerns the number of sockets it offers on the back of its recyclable aluminum shell: a quartet of USB 3 ports, the same number of plugsUSB-C(Thunderbolt 3), an Ethernet port, an SDXC card reader and a 3.5 mm jack. The iMac only integrates two or four USB-C depending on the configuration chosen: complex installations will therefore require the purchase of a hub, but the MFi certification implemented by an Apple labeling program around fifteen years ago guarantees finding compatible solutions. And without danger.
iMac 2023 M1 © Apple
Network: better speed (barely) with the iMac Pro
The iMac and iMac Pro are obviously sold with a Wi-Fi chip, but the sixth generation of which is only offered on the iMac M1. The wired flow achieved for its part10 Gigabit with the iMac Pro, compared to only 1 Gb per second with the iMac M1. This is a crucial point for those who are used to regularly sending large files via the web. Otherwise, note that Bluetooth is offered in 5.0 edition on our two devices, with no major difference here.
Conclusion : iMac vs iMac Pro
So, which of the iMac or the iMac Pro is the model for you? The characteristics of the two products are similar at first glance, but thedesignof the iMac Pro as well as its unique accessories allow it to stand out from the crowd, particularly among the public who love continuity for whom this aspect, emblematic of the Apple brand, is an argument for selection.
Otherwise, thetechnical sheetalso knows how to decide between the duo: the iMac Pro in its most expensive configuration thus becomes a monster of power capable of measuring up to the Mac Pro, while the iMac, simpler, is also intended for individuals: families will appreciate it for its more affordable cost which does not skimp on technological details. And inside, regardless of the edition, we always count on high-performance processors and expandable RAM.
However, we must not forget that the iMac M1 is more recent and has a proprietary chip, perfectly suited to macOS. Other technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6, can make a difference and remind us that the iMac Pro is lagging behind in many areas.
As for the price, it starts at around4,500 euros for the iMac Pro(available only in reconditioned form today) but can go up to almost 15,000 euros by choosing the Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro X licenses and the best parts.
Finally, theiMac24 inch is the most economical option: it is soldfrom 1,549 euros, which is cheaper than some laptops of the same brand.
