Apple 2019 iMac with Retina 4K Display (21.5-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage)- Silver (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This 2019 iMac with a 3.6 GHz Core i3, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD is for light daily tasks and media consumption, not demanding creative work.
This renewed iMac is a situational fit because its 4K Retina display and 16GB RAM are appealing for media consumption and light tasks, but the 3.6 GHz Core i3 processor and aging Intel architecture limit its performance and long-term software support. It's a compromise for those prioritizing the Apple ecosystem and display quality over raw power and future-proofing.
If you need more processing power or longer software support, look for an iMac with an M1 chip or a higher-tier Intel Core i5/i7 processor from a newer generation.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- The 21.5-inch 4096x2304 Retina 4K display offers sharp picture quality and rich, detailed colors, covering P3 wide color gamut.
- Includes four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, an SD card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and Gigabit Ethernet.
- The integrated speakers produce loud, full sound with bass, suitable for filling a room without external monitors.
- macOS provides a user-friendly experience and integrates smoothly with other Apple devices.
- The 16GB of RAM and 256GB SSD configuration avoids the performance bottlenecks of base models with 8GB RAM and Fusion Drives.
Cons
- The 3.6 GHz Core i3 processor is considered underpowered for anything beyond basic tasks and is 'comically slow' compared to newer M1 Macs.
- The design, dating back to 2015, features thick bezels and a large chin, making it look outdated.
- RAM and internal storage upgrades are 'needlessly difficult,' requiring specialized tools and potentially removing the screen and power supply.
- Intel Macs have a limited lifespan for macOS updates and third-party software support, with an estimated expiration around 2026-2027.
- Not suitable for heavy video editing, music production, or 3D rendering due to the i3 processor and integrated Radeon Pro 555X graphics with 2GB GDDR5.
Dimension Scores
The 3.6 GHz Core i3 processor is a base-level CPU from 2019 and is considered 'comically slow' compared to current standards, struggling with anything beyond basic tasks.
Upgrading RAM or storage is 'needlessly difficult,' requiring extensive disassembly including removing the screen and power supply, making user upgrades impractical.
The i3 base model generally operates quietly, with fans rarely noticed during daily use, avoiding thermal throttling issues seen in some other Apple products.
The physical design, while aging, is a time-tested aluminum chassis with a high attention to detail, maintaining a premium feel despite its outdated aesthetics.
Best For
- Web browsing, email, and productivity apps.
- Media consumption, like watching 4K video.
- Light photo editing.
- Users with limited desk space who prefer a compact all-in-one.
Not Recommended For
- Heavy video editing or 3D rendering.
- Users expecting performance comparable to newer Apple Silicon Macs.
- Anyone needing easy internal component upgrades.
Watch Out For
- The 3.6 GHz Core i3 processor can feel 'comically slow' for anything beyond basic web browsing and productivity, even with 16GB RAM and an SSD.
- Upgrading RAM or internal storage requires 'tearing away the screen' and removing the power supply, a complex process needing adhesives for reassembly.
- The Intel platform means this iMac has an 'expiration date for security updates and 3rd party software support' within a few years (around 2026-2027).
- Some renewed units, even with SSDs, have been reported by users as 'so slow it hangs opening the most basic app' and 'lags' in common applications like Excel.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 16 GB DDR3 |
| ASIN | B0B5FNBKHC |
| Brand | Apple |
| Color | Silver |
| Series | Apple |
| CPU Model | Core i3 |
| CPU Speed | 3.6 GHz |
| Processor | 3.6 GHz core_i3 |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD |
| Model Name | Apple |
| Item Weight | 17.86 pounds |
| Screen Size | 21 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | iOS |
| Flash Memory Size | 16 GB |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Item model number | MRT32LL/A |
| Screen Resolution | 4k |
| Package Dimensions | 27 x 24 x 11 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive Interface | ATA |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 16 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 4 |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Specific Uses For Product | Business |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 3 |
| Standing screen display size | 21 |
What Buyers Say
Many users on Reddit are blunt about the 2019 Intel iMacs, often calling the i3 model 'ewaste' and 'comically slow' compared to newer M1 Macs, even with upgraded RAM and SSDs. The primary draw remains the 4K Retina display, which is consistently praised for its clarity and color. However, the outdated design with thick bezels and the challenging upgrade path for internal components are frequent points of contention. The limited future software support for Intel Macs is also a significant concern for potential buyers.
“I bought this renewed iMac and it's just so slow, like my old laptop from 2015 is faster, I'm so mad I wasted money on this thing, it barely opens apps without freezing.”
Common Praise
- The 4096x2304 Retina 4K display offers sharp visuals and rich colors.
- macOS is intuitive and integrates well with other Apple devices.
- The built-in speakers deliver loud and clear audio with noticeable bass.
- The array of ports, including USB-A, Thunderbolt 3, and an SD card slot, is convenient.
Common Complaints
- The 3.6 GHz Core i3 processor is slow for anything beyond basic tasks.
- The design with thick bezels and a large chin looks dated.
- Upgrading RAM or storage is extremely difficult, requiring screen removal.
- Intel Macs have a limited remaining lifespan for macOS updates.
- Some renewed units exhibit persistent slowness, even after attempted fixes.
Ownership Tips
- The included Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse might be aftermarket and of questionable quality, unlike original Apple peripherals.
- Despite having an SSD, the i3 processor can still cause noticeable lag and slow application loading in daily use.
- The physical size is comfortable for smaller desks, but the thick bezels are more noticeable on the 21.5-inch screen than on larger iMacs.
- Expect to use external storage for larger files or applications, as the 256GB SSD fills up quickly, especially with macOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM on this 2019 21.5-inch iMac?
While the RAM is technically upgradeable, it's 'needlessly difficult' and requires specialized tools to open the machine and remove the power supply to access the RAM slots.
Is the 3.6 GHz Core i3 processor sufficient for video editing?
The 3.6 GHz Core i3 processor and Radeon Pro 555X graphics are not recommended for heavy video editing or 3D rendering; it's suitable for light video editing and daily computing.
How long will this Intel iMac receive macOS updates?
Intel Macs have a finite lifespan for macOS updates; this 2019 model is expected to lose official software support around 2026-2027.
Does this renewed iMac come with a keyboard and mouse?
The product description does not specify inclusion of a keyboard and mouse. Renewed products may come with aftermarket peripherals, which some users have found to be of low quality.
What kind of ports does this iMac have?
It features four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, an SD card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
Is the 4K display color accurate for creative work?
The 4K Retina display supports P3 wide color gamut and is considered suitable for most creative professionals without niche, very high-end color calibration needs.
Buying Guide
When looking at a renewed 2019 iMac, you're primarily buying into the Apple ecosystem and its 4K Retina display. Understand that the Intel Core i3 processor, while functional for basic tasks, is significantly slower than newer Apple Silicon chips. This means you shouldn't expect blazing speeds for demanding applications. Also, consider the longevity; Intel Macs have a finite support window for macOS updates, so this machine won't be receiving the latest software indefinitely.
3.6 GHz Core i3 processor
This is the brain of the computer. A Core i3 is a basic processor, like a compact car engine. It's fine for getting around town (web browsing, email), but it won't win any races (heavy video editing, complex software) and will feel sluggish compared to newer, more powerful engines.
16GB RAM
RAM is like your computer's short-term memory or workspace. 16GB is a decent amount, allowing you to have multiple browser tabs and applications open without immediately slowing down. Think of it as a large desk where you can spread out many documents at once.
256GB SSD Storage
This is where your operating system, applications, and files live. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is much faster than old-school hard drives, making the computer boot up and load apps quickly. However, 256GB is a relatively small amount of space, like a small closet; it fills up fast, so you'll likely need external storage for photos, videos, or many large programs.
Retina 4K Display (4096x2304)
This is the screen, and 'Retina 4K' means it has a very high pixel density, making text and images appear incredibly sharp and detailed, like looking at a printed magazine. It also supports P3 wide color, meaning it can display a broader range of colors, which is important for accurate photo and video work.
Alternatives
If this iMac doesn't fit your needs, consider searching for models with Apple Silicon (M1 or newer) for significantly improved performance and longer software support, or Intel iMacs with Core i5/i7 processors and dedicated graphics for more demanding tasks.
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