Apple iMac (21.5-inch, 2017) vs Apple iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iMac (21.5-inch, 2017) compared with iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)
AppleiMac (21.5-inch, 2017)AppleiMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)
Overview
ReleasedJune 2017September 2013
Performance
ProcessorIntel Core i5-7360UIntel Core i5-4570R, Intel Core i5-4570S or Intel Core i7-4770S
CPU cores24
CPU threads44 or 8
GraphicsIntel Iris Plus Graphics 640Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200 or NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M (1 GB GDDR5)
Memory8 GB or 16 GB8 GB or 16 GB
Storage256 GB to 1 TB256 GB to 1 TB
CPU2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz; Geekbench identifies the exact processor as Core i5-7360U2.7 GHz quad-core Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz, or 2.9 GHz quad-core Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz; the upper configuration supports a 3.1 GHz quad-core Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz
GPUIntel Iris Plus Graphics 640; no discrete graphics optionIntegrated Intel Iris Pro graphics on the 2.7 GHz configuration; NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1 GB GDDR5 on the 2.9 GHz and optional Core i7 configurations
Memory type8 GB of 2133 MHz DDR4, configurable to 16 GB1600 MHz DDR3; 8 GB (two 4 GB modules), configurable to 16 GB (two 8 GB modules) at purchase; memory is not user-accessible
Storage type1 TB 5400-rpm hard drive, configurable to 1 TB Fusion Drive or 256 GB SSD1 TB 5400-rpm hard drive; optional 1 TB Fusion Drive or 256 GB or 512 GB flash storage on either base processor. Apple's launch notice confirms PCIe flash storage.
Display
Screen size21.5″21.5″
Resolution1920 × 10801920 × 1080
Panel–IPS LCD
Display type21.5-inch LED-backlit display; 1920 × 1080 with support for millions of colours. Apple does not identify the panel technology, native refresh rate or brightness in its specification sheet; Retina model display figures do not apply.LED-backlit display with IPS technology and support for millions of colours
Display features–Fully laminated glass and anti-reflective coating; Target Display Mode via a separately sold Thunderbolt cable. Apple does not publish brightness or refresh rate in the model's specification sheet.
Connections
Ports2 × Thunderbolt 3, 4 × USB-A, SD card slot, Ethernet, headphone jack2 × Thunderbolt, 4 × USB-A, SD card slot, Ethernet, headphone jack
Ethernet1 Gb/s1 Gb/s
External displaysUp to 2 (better)Up to 1
Wi-Fi802.11ac802.11ac
Bluetooth4.24.0
CameraFaceTime HDFaceTime HD
Back portsFour USB-A ports, two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, SDXC card slot, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5 mm headphone jack and Kensington lock slot. Thunderbolt 3 supports DisplayPort, up to 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt and up to 10 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 2; Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI and VGA require adapters.Four USB 3 ports, two Thunderbolt ports with Mini DisplayPort output, SDXC card slot, Gigabit Ethernet, headphone and optical digital audio output; Kensington lock slot. DVI, VGA and dual-link DVI need separately sold adapters.
External displaysBuilt-in display at native resolution alongside one 5120 × 2880 display at 60 Hz with one billion colours, two 3840 × 2160 displays at 60 Hz with one billion colours, or two 4096 × 2304 displays at 60 Hz with millions of coloursBuilt-in display at native resolution alongside one external display up to 2560 × 1600; extended desktop and video mirroring
SpeakersStereo speakers; supports Apple iPhone headset with microphoneStereo speakers; supports Apple iPhone headset with microphone
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphoneDual microphones
Keyboard and mouseMagic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Lightning to USB cable and polishing cloth; configurable with Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad or Magic TrackpadApple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse; optional Magic Trackpad
Design and power
TypeAll-in-oneAll-in-one
Weight5.44 kg (better)5.68 kg
Width × depth × height528 × 175 × 450 mm528 × 175 × 450 mm
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Size and weight detailDimensions include the stand; weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process. A built-in VESA mount version was available.Dimensions include the stand; weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process. A built-in VESA mount version was also available.
Power supply100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, single phase100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, single phase
NoiseApple reports operator-position sound pressure of 11 dB at idle and during wireless web, and 12 dB during hard-drive seek, tested on the Core i5 with 8 GB memory and 1 TB hard driveApple's operator-position sound pressure: 12 dB at idle and during hard-drive access
MaterialsAluminium enclosure; arsenic-free display glass; mercury-, BFR- and beryllium-free with regional exceptions for PVC-free power leadsRecyclable aluminium and glass enclosure; arsenic-free display glass and mercury-free LED backlight
In the boxiMac, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Lightning to USB cable, polishing cloth and power lead. Apple's current support page describes the later macOS Big Sur release.iMac, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse and power lead; OS X Mountain Lion and iLife were included at launch

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