2019 Apple iMac with Retina 4K Display (21.5-inch, 8GB RAM, 1TB Storage) (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This renewed 2019 iMac with a 3 GHz Core i5, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 1TB storage is a 4K Retina display machine for light tasks, not demanding creative work.
This 2019 iMac is a situational fit, primarily because its 3 GHz Core i5 processor and 4K Retina display offer a solid foundation for visual tasks. However, the 8GB RAM and 1TB storage configuration severely limit its performance for anything beyond basic web browsing and media consumption, making it feel sluggish for more demanding use cases.
If this isn't enough, look for a renewed iMac with at least 16GB RAM and a true SSD (not Fusion Drive) for a noticeable performance boost.
Regret Score™
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Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- The 3840 x 2160 Retina 4K display delivers sharp picture quality and vibrant colors, making visuals pop for media consumption and light photo viewing.
- Features a variety of ports including four USB-A, two USB-C, an SD card slot, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack, offering broad connectivity options.
- macOS Mojave provides a smooth and user-friendly operating system experience for everyday computing.
- The all-in-one design reduces desktop clutter and offers a relatively compact footprint for a desktop computer.
Cons
- The 8GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB storage (likely a Fusion Drive or HDD in this model) lead to noticeable slowness and lag, especially when multitasking or using demanding applications.
- Upgrading internal components like RAM or storage on the 21.5-inch model is difficult and expensive, often requiring screen removal and specialized labor.
- The 720p FaceTime camera is outdated, delivering low-resolution video quality for modern video calls.
- The design, with its thick bezels and large chin, looks dated compared to contemporary all-in-one computers.
- Renewed units frequently ship with generic, low-quality wired or unreliable wireless keyboards and mice, not Apple's original peripherals.
Dimension Scores
The 3 GHz Core i5 processor provides sufficient power for basic tasks but is held back by limited RAM and integrated graphics for anything beyond light use.
RAM and storage upgrades are extremely difficult and costly on the 21.5-inch model, requiring screen removal and professional service.
For day-to-day use, the fan noise is not a significant issue, but it can run hot under sustained heavy loads.
The iMac maintains Apple's expected premium build quality, despite its aging design with thick bezels.
Best For
- Web browsing, email, and basic productivity tasks like word processing and spreadsheets.
- Streaming 4K video content and casual media consumption on its high-resolution display.
- A secondary family computer for light use in a common area.
- Users who prioritize the macOS ecosystem and a 4K display on a budget.
Not Recommended For
- Professional photo or video editing, graphic design, or 3D rendering due to integrated GPU and limited RAM/storage speed.
- Heavy multitasking with many applications open simultaneously.
- Gaming beyond very light, older titles.
Watch Out For
- The 8GB RAM is a bottleneck; users report the machine feeling slow from day one, especially with Adobe software.
- The 1TB storage is likely a Fusion Drive or traditional hard drive, not a true SSD, causing slow boot times and application loading.
- Upgrading RAM or storage requires disassembling the screen, a process that can cost around $350 in labor alone, plus parts.
- Many renewed units come with generic, wired keyboards and mice that users describe as 'garbage' and 'really horrible,' requiring immediate replacement.
- The 720p webcam is a significant downgrade from what's expected for video conferencing in 2024.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| ASIN | B08286RCLP |
| Brand | Apple |
| Color | Silver |
| Series | MRT42LL/A |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| CPU Speed | 3 GHz |
| Processor | 3 GHz core_i5 |
| Cache Size | 8 GB |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB |
| Model Name | MRT42LL/A |
| Item Weight | 15.86 pounds |
| Screen Size | 21.5 Inches |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ab |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | macOS Mojave |
| Flash Memory Size | 4 |
| Item model number | MRT42LL/A |
| Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Product Dimensions | 27 x 11 x 24 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Number of Processors | 4 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 4 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 27 x 11 x 24 inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 21.5 Inches |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding from user feedback is the consistent disappointment with the included generic keyboard and mouse in renewed units, often described as unusable and requiring immediate replacement. Many users also report significant performance bottlenecks due to the 8GB RAM and the slow 1TB storage, which is frequently a Fusion Drive or HDD rather than a true SSD. While the 4K Retina display is universally praised for its visual quality, the overall user experience for anything beyond basic tasks is often hampered by these hardware limitations. The difficulty and expense of upgrading internal components further compound these issues.
“I bought this renewed and it's okay for emails and watching YouTube, but man, this thing is slow with just 8GB RAM and the keyboard they sent is total junk, had to buy a new one right away.”
Common Praise
- The 4K Retina display offers sharp text and vibrant colors for media consumption and casual browsing.
- macOS provides a smooth and intuitive operating system experience.
- The all-in-one form factor saves desk space.
- Good selection of external ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and an SD card slot.
Common Complaints
- Performance is sluggish with 8GB RAM and the 1TB storage, especially for multitasking or creative applications.
- The generic keyboard and mouse included with renewed units are low quality and often replaced by users.
- The 720p FaceTime camera is outdated for modern video conferencing.
- The thick bezels and overall design look visually dated.
- Upgrading RAM or storage is a difficult and expensive process requiring professional intervention.
Ownership Tips
- The 8GB RAM quickly becomes a bottleneck, even with just a few browser tabs and an application open.
- Boot times and application loading are noticeably slow due to the non-SSD 1TB storage.
- The screen quality is genuinely fantastic for viewing photos and videos, making up for some performance woes.
- The included peripherals are almost certainly not Apple-branded and will likely need to be replaced for a comfortable experience.
- Expect to be limited to older macOS versions sooner than newer Apple Silicon Macs due to the Intel processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on this 2019 21.5-inch iMac?
While technically possible, upgrading the RAM or storage on the 21.5-inch 2019 iMac is difficult and costly. It requires removing the screen to access internal components, and professional labor can cost around $350.
Is the 1TB storage a fast SSD?
The 1TB storage in the 21.5-inch 2019 iMac is often a Fusion Drive (a small SSD paired with a traditional hard drive) or a standard hard drive, not a full SSD. This significantly impacts overall system speed and responsiveness.
What kind of keyboard and mouse come with the Amazon Renewed unit?
Many users report receiving generic, low-quality wired or unreliable wireless keyboards and mice with renewed units, not the original Apple Magic Keyboard and Mouse. Some even received Windows keyboards.
Is this iMac suitable for video editing or graphic design?
No, the 8GB RAM and integrated GPU are insufficient for professional video editing or graphic design. Users report slowness with Adobe software, and it will struggle with 4K footage or complex projects.
How does the 3 GHz Core i5 processor perform?
The 3 GHz Core i5 processor is adequate for everyday tasks like web browsing and email. However, when paired with only 8GB RAM and a slow 1TB storage, it can feel sluggish under heavier loads or multitasking.
Buying Guide
When looking at renewed iMacs, you need to understand that 'renewed' means it's been inspected, but the peripherals might not be original Apple ones. Pay close attention to the RAM and storage type, as these are the biggest performance factors. An Intel-based iMac from 2019 with 8GB RAM and a 1TB non-SSD drive will feel significantly slower than newer machines, especially if you're used to modern speeds. The 4K screen is a highlight, but the internal components are what really dictate your daily experience.
8GB RAM
RAM is like your computer's short-term memory. 8GB is the bare minimum for macOS today; it means you can't open many apps or browser tabs simultaneously without the system slowing down, like trying to juggle too many things at once.
1TB Storage
This refers to how much space you have for files, but more importantly for this model, it often indicates a slower Fusion Drive or HDD. Think of it as the difference between a fast highway (SSD) and a winding country road (HDD) for accessing your data.
Integrated GPU
An integrated GPU shares memory with the main system and isn't designed for demanding visual tasks. It's fine for web browsing and video, but it's like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops if you attempt serious gaming or video editing.
3840 x 2160 Resolution (4K Retina)
This is the screen's sharpness. A 4K Retina display means incredibly crisp images and text, making everything look smooth and detailed, similar to how a high-definition photo looks much clearer than a blurry one.
Alternatives
If this iMac doesn't fit, look for renewed models with at least 16GB of RAM and a dedicated SSD for storage, or consider newer Apple Silicon models for significantly improved performance and longevity.
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