Apple's smaller 21.5-inch iMac All-In-One (AIO) finally gets a 4K resolution, as well as other upgraded specifications that make it more powerful.
The smaller iMac now boasts a better processor, faster RAM and improved graphics, but the highlight of this new refresh is the 4K display. The new resolution marks a monumental improvement over the 1080p display of the previous model, delivering sharp and stunning colors.
"With Retina display, text appears sharper than ever, videos are unbelievably lifelike and you can see new levels of detail in your photos," Apple boasts in a new press release.
The new Retina 4K 21.5-inch iMac now rocks a resolution of 4096 x 2304 and 9.4 million pixels, which 4.5 times more than the resolution of the standard 21.5-inch iMac, Apple points out.
The company also used new display technology on its latest 4K model so it can show 25 percent more colors, which should translate to stronger, more vibrant and more accurate colors.
When it comes to other specs, the new 21.5-inch iMac refresh also gets an upgrade to Intel's Broadwell processors. The cheapest iMac model currently comes with a 1.6GHz dual-core i5 processor, while the new 4K variant starts with a 3.1GHz quad-core i5. It may not boast the latest Intel Skylake, but it's nonetheless a notable improvement over the previous version.
The upgraded processors also mean Iris Pro graphics for the higher-end iMac versions, which should come in handy for maximizing that new 4K display. Apple also added Thunderbolt 2, a larger storage option, and improved RAM across the board, moving from 8GB of 1,600 MHz LPDDR3 to 8GB of 1,867 MHz LPDD3, upgradeable to 16GB.
In other words, Apple has upgraded virtually all of the core internal specs, making its 21.5-inch iMac more powerful all around. On the outside, meanwhile, the machine sports the same sleek design with a slim build and a stylish appearance overall.
The upgraded specs and those extra pixels, however, will also come at a higher price. The new 21.5-inch iMac now starts at $1,500, which may prompt some fans to pay slightly extra and get the 5K 27-inch model instead.
However, customers can still choose to purchase the base $1,099 iMac model with a 1080p resolution, as the 4K display comes as an option of the top-of-the-line 21.5-inch iMac model.
Lastly, Apple also updated its standalone keyboard, trackpad and mouse. Each new iMac AIO comes standard with the new Magic Keyboard, which got a design overhaul, and the Magic Mouse 2, while the new Magic Trackpad 2 is available as an option. Head over to Apple's website to learn more.
