Apple iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) vs Apple iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) compared with iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)
AppleiMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)AppleiMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2013June 2014
Performance
ProcessorIntel Core i5-4570R, Intel Core i5-4570S or Intel Core i7-4770SIntel Core i5-4260U
CPU cores42
CPU threads4 or 84
GraphicsIntel Iris Pro Graphics 5200 or NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M (1 GB GDDR5)Intel HD Graphics 5000
Memory8 GB or 16 GB (better)8 GB
Storage256 GB to 1 TB256 GB to 1 TB
CPU2.7 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 GHz1.4 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 2.7 GHz and 3 MB shared L3 cache; Ars Technica identifies the exact processor as Core i5-4260U
GPUIntegrated 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 configurationsIntegrated Intel HD Graphics 5000
Memory type1600 MHz DDR3; 8 GB (two 4 GB modules), configurable to 16 GB (two 8 GB modules) at purchase; memory is not user-accessible8 GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory; no memory configuration or upgrade option
Storage type1 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.500 GB 5400-rpm hard drive; configurable to a 1 TB hard drive, 1 TB Fusion Drive or 256 GB PCIe-based flash storage
Display
Screen size21.5″21.5″
Resolution1920 × 10801920 × 1080
PanelIPS LCDIPS LCD
Display typeLED-backlit display with IPS technology and support for millions of coloursLED-backlit display with IPS technology and support for millions of colours
Display featuresFully 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.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, 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 1Up to 1
Wi-Fi802.11ac802.11ac
Bluetooth4.04.0
CameraFaceTime HDFaceTime HD
Back portsFour 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.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 external display up to 2560 × 1600; extended desktop and video mirroringBuilt-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
MicrophonesDual microphonesDual microphones
Keyboard and mouseApple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse; optional Magic TrackpadApple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse; optional Magic Trackpad
Design and power
TypeAll-in-oneAll-in-one
Weight5.68 kg5.68 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 also 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's operator-position sound pressure: 12 dB at idle and during hard-drive accessApple's operator-position sound pressure is 11 dB at idle, during hard-drive seek and during its wireless-web test
MaterialsRecyclable aluminium and glass enclosure; arsenic-free display glass and mercury-free LED backlightRecyclable aluminium and glass enclosure; arsenic-free display glass and mercury-free LED backlight
In the boxiMac, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse and power lead; OS X Mountain Lion and iLife were included at launchiMac, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse and power lead; OS X Mavericks and the listed iLife apps were included

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