Classic iMac Design with 4K Retina Brilliance
The 2019 Apple iMac 21.5-inch (Renewed) brings together Apple’s elegant design with a 4096 × 2304 Retina 4K display that transforms your workspace into a vibrant canvas. With razor-sharp detail, deep contrast, and wide colour support, it’s ideal for creative professionals, students, or anyone who values exceptional visuals.
Under the hood, this iMac is powered by an 8th-generation Intel Core processor — with configurations including a 3.0GHz 6-core i5 or quad-core i3. Paired with Radeon Pro 555X or 560X dedicated graphics, it delivers smooth performance across creative apps, photo editing, 4K video playback, and even light gaming.
The system includes 8GB RAM and a 1TB Fusion Drive, balancing storage capacity with quicker responsiveness than traditional HDDs. It comes with Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2, ensuring a seamless out-of-the-box Apple experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Gorgeous 21.5-inch 4K Retina display with 4096 × 2304 resolution
Dedicated Radeon Pro 555X / 560X graphics for better creative performance
Sleek aluminium body with 5mm thin edge design
Fusion Drive balances speed and capacity
Includes Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2
macOS Mojave with Dark Mode and pre-installed apps
Cons:
Fusion Drive is slower than modern SSDs
8GB RAM is modest for creative professionals (upgrade recommended)
21.5-inch screen smaller than newer 24-inch iMacs
Being a renewed model, battery/cosmetic condition may vary
What This Product Is Used For
This iMac is designed for creatives, students, and professionals who need a compact, stylish system with excellent display quality. It’s ideal for graphic design, media streaming, productivity, and light creative editing.
Why We Like This Product (YPC Team Review)
At YPC, we trialled the renewed 2019 iMac in our design suite. The Retina 4K screen was the star of the show, making colours pop and text look incredibly sharp. While its Fusion Drive felt slower compared to today’s NVMe SSDs, the combination of Radeon Pro graphics and macOS Mojave kept creative workflows smooth. For buyers wanting an affordable entry into Apple’s ecosystem, this renewed iMac is a strong option.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Apple iMac 24-inch (M3, 2023) – Modern Apple silicon with faster performance and 4.5K Retina display.
HP OmniStudio X 27 (Ultra 7, Intel Arc) – Windows alternative with FHD display and more raw CPU power.
Lenovo Yoga AIO 3 32ILL10 (Ultra 7, RTX 4050) – A larger 31.5-inch 4K AIO with discrete graphics.
Tips on How to Use Correctly
Upgrade to SSD storage for faster performance if possible.
Increase RAM to 16GB for smoother performance in creative apps.
Enable True Tone and adjust display scaling for optimal viewing comfort.
Keep macOS updated for security and feature improvements.
Comparisons with Alternatives
Compared to the iMac 24-inch (M3, 2023), this model is more affordable but slower, with Intel processors instead of Apple Silicon.
Against the HP OmniStudio X 27, Apple wins on Retina 4K visuals but loses out on raw CPU performance.
Versus the Lenovo Yoga AIO 3 32-inch, the iMac is sleeker and more compact, while Lenovo offers a larger 4K display and RTX graphics.
Full Technical Specification
Display: 21.5-inch Retina 4K (4096 × 2304), P3 wide colour, 500 nits brightness
Processor: Intel Core i5-8500 6-core 3.0GHz (turbo up to 4.1GHz) or quad-core i3 (8th Gen)
Graphics: Radeon Pro 555X or Radeon Pro 560X with 2GB / 4GB VRAM
Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradeable)
Storage: 1TB Fusion Drive (HDD + SSD hybrid)
Connectivity: 2 × Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 4 × USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, SDXC card slot
Wireless: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
Camera: 720p FaceTime HD webcam
Audio: Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
Operating System: macOS Mojave (upgradeable to newer macOS versions)
Accessories Included: Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2
Colour: Silver (aluminium enclosure)
Dimensions: 45.0 × 52.8 × 17.5 cm (with stand)
Weight: 5.48kg
FAQs
Q1: Is this model brand new?
No, it is a renewed model — tested and restored for resale.
Q2: Does it have a Retina display?
Yes, a 21.5-inch 4K Retina display with 4096 × 2304 resolution.
Q3: Can I upgrade the RAM?
Yes, but upgrades may need professional installation.
Q4: How fast is the Fusion Drive?
It’s faster than HDDs but slower than SSDs.
Q5: Does it support macOS updates?
Yes, it can be upgraded beyond Mojave to newer macOS versions.
Q6: Which graphics card does it have?
It includes Radeon Pro 555X or 560X, depending on configuration.
Q7: Does it include accessories?
Yes, Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard are included.
Q8: What Wi-Fi does it use?
802.11ac Wi-Fi (not Wi-Fi 6).
Q9: Can it handle gaming?
Yes, light gaming is possible, but it is not built for AAA gaming.
Q10: Who is this best for?
Users wanting an affordable way into Apple’s ecosystem with 4K visuals and solid creative performance.
Buyer’s Guide – YPC Recommendation:
The 2019 Apple iMac 21.5-inch (Renewed) is a great option if you want a 4K Retina display and the Apple macOS experience at a lower cost. While not as fast as newer Apple Silicon iMacs, it remains stylish, reliable, and ideal for home creatives and students.
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