Review: The iMac M4 looks great, but who is it for?

Apple iMac M4 Review: Beautiful, Capable and Increasingly Obsolete

L’Apple iMac M4 arrives with the elegance and flair that Apple's design philosophy is known for, boasting vibrant colors, solid performance, and an all-in-one form factor that harkens back to a time when desktop computers ruled the world of computer science. But in 2024, the iMac increasingly seems like a product out of step with modern user needs.

Design & Construction: Aesthetics Always Shine

The design of the iMac M4 remains iconic, with its slim aluminum chassis available in a variety of cheerful colors. It's as much a statement piece as a computer, as impressive from the back as it is from the front. For those who prioritize aesthetics, especially in reception areas, creative studios or minimalist workspaces, it's difficult to find a competitor that would match the visual appeal of the iMac.

But with this beauty comes compromises. The stand lacks height adjustment, meaning users are stuck with the default angle unless they're willing to elevate the machine on books. For ergonomic setups, Apple offers a VESA mounting option – but this completely sacrifices support and relies on third-party arms, many of which don't have the sleek design to match the iMac.

Port selection is another aesthetic compromise. The base model only has four USB-C ports, only two of which are Thunderbolt compatible. The lack of legacy ports like USB-A or an SD card slot means users in “dongletown” will likely stay there, juggling adapters for older devices.

Under the hood, the iMac M4 is powered by Apple's latest M4 chip, offering configurations ranging from 8 cores to 10 cores for both CPU and GPU. Even the base model, with its 16GB of RAM, offers reliable performance for general productivity tasks, media consumption, and light creative work.

For daily users, the M4 chip ensures a smooth experience in tasks such as browsing, video calls and document editing. Video conferencing is particularly successful thanks to the iMac's 12 MP Center Stage camera, excellent speakers and high-quality noise-reducing microphones. These features make the iMac a great choice for professionals who value seamless communication.

However, compared to Apple's other M4 devices, the iMac struggles to justify its premium price. Performance tests reveal that the M4 Mac Mini and M4 MacBook Pro offer comparable or even better performance at lower prices.

Points forts des benchmarks :

The iMac M4's limitations become more apparent for demanding users who need robust multitasking or some durability. Without HDR support, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a screen that can't detach from the computer, users with growing needs may feel limited.

The screen: A double-edged sword

The iMac's 24-inch Retina display remains one of its most polarizing features. On the one hand, the 4480 × 2520 resolution, True Tone technology and optional nano-texture coating provide excellent color accuracy, glare reduction and vibrant visuals. For basic productivity or casual media consumption, the screen is a pleasure to use.

On the other hand, its 23.5-inch size seems small in the face of today's multitasking demands, especially for users accustomed to 27-inch or larger monitors. Reducing the resolution to fit more apps on the screen often results in text and UI elements becoming uncomfortably small, requiring adjustments that hurt usability.

Perhaps the main drawback is the fixed relationship between the screen and the computer itself. The iMac's screen cannot be used as a standalone monitor, making it a single-use device. This design choice is difficult to reconcile in a world where modular configurations—like pairing a Mac Mini with an external monitor—offer much greater flexibility.

Value: High Price, Limited Flexibility

Starting at $1,299, the iMac M4 is positioned as an aspirational product, but its base model seems deliberately under-equipped. Stepping up to a more reasonable configuration with a 10-core CPU and GPU, 512GB of storage, and essential features like Touch ID bumps the price to $1,899. Adding options like the nano-textured screen blows the cost past $2,300.

For comparison:

• The Mac Mini M4 offers the same processing power as the top-of-the-line iMac model for just $799, leaving plenty of room in the budget for a quality monitor, keyboard, and speakers.
• The MacBook Pro M4 provides comparable performance, along with portability, an excellent display, and a full suite of integrated peripherals, starting at $1,599.

For most users, these alternatives represent better investments.

Who is the iMac M4 for?

The iMac M4 is a niche product in 2024. It's ideal for situations where aesthetics trump versatility, like a home office, showroom, or minimalist workspace. In these environments, the iMac's sleek design and vibrant colors create a sophisticated, uncluttered look that few competitors can match.

However, for the majority of users, the iMac's compromises—fixed screen, limited port selection, and high price—make it difficult to recommend over more flexible configurations.

Conclusion: A beautiful object in a modern world

The iMac M4 is an undeniably beautiful machine, with solid performance and features that appeal to certain niche scenarios. But in a world dominated by laptops, tablets and modular desktops, the all-in-one form factor seems increasingly irrelevant.

For those who value aesthetics above all else, the iMac remains a compelling choice. For everyone else, Apple's Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, or even a third-party PC setup offers better value and flexibility.

Verdict : 6/10 – Great for aesthetics, less so for versatility.