Apple has released the first update for its all-in-one desktop computer, which comes after the 2021 launch of the original Silicon iMac with M1 chip. Explore our comprehensive analysis comparing the M3 vs. M1 iMac in terms of performance, display, features, I/O, and other aspects.
M3 iMac vs M1 iMac
CPU, GPU, memory, neural engine:
Beyond just the M3 chip CPU's speed and efficiency, improvements include up to 24GB of memory, a more powerful media engine, and a GPU with up to 10 cores.
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M3 iMac
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M1 iMac
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CPU
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8-core
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8-core
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GPU
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8 or 10-core
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7 or 8-core
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Media
engine
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Hardware-accelerated H.264,HEVC,ProRes,and ProRes RAW, ProRes encode and decode engine, Video encode engine, Video decode engine, AV1 decode
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Hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC, Video encode engine, Video decode engine
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Storage
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UP to 2TB SSD
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UP to 2TB SSD
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Memory
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UP to 24GB
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UP to 16GB
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Memory bandwidth
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100GB/s
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66.67GB/s
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Neural Engine
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16-core
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16-core
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The iMac switches from the M1 to the M3 chip, whereas many Macs have both the M1 and M2 chips. Apple claims that translates to two times the performance of the M1.
Furthermore, you should experience 4 times faster overall performance if you're switching from a 21.5-inch Intel iMac (2019 and earlier).
Additionally, according to Apple, the M3 iMac is up to 2.5 times faster "than the most popular Intel-based 27-inch iMac models."
The statements above refer to overall performance. Apple claims that the 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU in the M3 chip are up to 35% and 65% faster than those in the M1 chip, respectively, in terms of CPU and GPU performance.
When we first looked at the M3 iMac benchmarks, the multi-core and single-core results were close to that 35% threshold.
Display:
The display on the M3 iMac is identical to that on the M1 iMac. That's not a criticism, though, as you get an amazing 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide colour, True Tone, and a Retina display with 4.5K resolution.
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M3 iMac
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M1 iMac
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Size
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24-inch
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24-inch
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Resolution
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4480 x 2520 (4.5k)
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4480 x 2520 (4.5k)
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Aspect Ratio
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16:9
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16:9
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Brightness
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500 nits
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500 nits
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Retina Display
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Yes
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Yes
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P3 wide colour
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Yes
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Yes
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True Tone
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Yes
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Yes
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LED-backlit
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Yes
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Yes
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M3 iMac vs M1 I/O
It appears that the M3 iMac will see minor I/O adjustments such as Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E.
Depending on the model you choose, there are either two or four ports in the overall Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 layout. Additionally, the speaker and microphone setup remains unchanged.
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M3 iMac |
M1 iMac |
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Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 |
2 on All models |
2 on All models |
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USB 3 Type-C |
2 on mid- and high-end models, 0 on entry-level models |
2 on mid- and high-end models, 0 on entry-level models |
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Gigabit Ethernet |
1 on mid- and high-end models, 0 on entry-level models |
Optional on base models, standard on mid and high-end models. |
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WiFi |
WiFi 6E |
WiFi 6 |
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Bluetooth |
5.3 |
5.0 |
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Touch ID |
Optional with base models, included with mid models and up |
2 on mid and high-end models (0 on base models) |
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‘Hey Siri’ support |
Yes |
Yes |
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Webcam |
FaceTime 1080p HD + M3 ISP |
FaceTime 1080p HD + M1 ISP |
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Video output |
One external display up to 6K at 60Hz |
One external display up to 6K at 60Hz |
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6-speaker system |
Yes |
Yes |
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Wide stereo sound |
Yes |
Yes |
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Dolby Atmos support |
Yes |
Yes |
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Studio-quality 3-mice array |
Yes |
Yes |
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3.5 mm headphone jack |
Yes |
Yes |
Similar to the M1 iMac, the M3 iMac is constrained in that it can only accommodate a single external display. Given that you already have a 24-inch built-in display, though, that might not be as big of a problem as it is with MacBooks.
Colours and Size:
The M3 iMac's colours are identical to those of the M1. For the 4-port models, that means 7 options, and for the 2-port models, 4 colours.
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M3 iMac |
M1 iMac |
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Colours |
Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, Yellow, Orange, Purple (All w/ White bezels ) |
Blue, Green, Pink, Silver, Yellow, Orange, Purple (White bezels ) |
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Weight |
9.87 pounds(4.48 kg) |
9.88 pounds(4.48 kg) |
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Height |
18.1 in (46.1 cm) |
18.1 in (46.1 cm) |
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Width |
21.5 in (57.7 cm) |
21.5 in (57.7 cm) |
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Depth and Stand |
5.8 in (14.7 cm) |
5.8 in (14.7 cm) |
The M3 iMac's ultra-thin 11.5 mm depth (14.7 cm when the stand is included) physical design is identical to that of the M1 build. The remaining weight and size specifications remain unchanged as well.
Price:
With the new iMac, Apple also maintained the same pricing structure: ₹134900 for the base model, ₹154900 for the middle model, and ₹174900 for the top model.
Since 24GB memory is a new option this time around, the M3 iMac maxed out costs a little more than the M1.
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M3 iMac |
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2 port base 256/8GB |
1.35 Lacs |
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4 port 256/8GB |
1.55 Lacs |
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4 port 512/8GB |
1.75 Lacs |
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4 port 2TB/24GB |
2.75 lacs |
M3 iMac vs M1 iMac Conclusion
Why to purchase:
If you've outgrown your Intel or M1 iMac and prefer an all-in-one design, the M3 iMac is a fantastic, albeit iterative, upgrade. The M3 iMac, which starts at $1,299 and has a sharp display and modern Apple silicon, is a good deal.
The latest WiFi and Bluetooth, a more potent chip, and the option for more memory are the main upgrades.
You can pick up the M3 iMac at QuickTech.in.