The last Intel-based iMac
The 27-inch iMac (2020) may look the same as its predecessor on the outside, but it has a lot of upgrades and difference in the inside. And before we dive into the details, here's a glance of its 27-inch base specification.
Highlight 1 - Camera and Mic
Camera - 1080 resolution
With a progressively high demand on webcam quality, especially now, the 27-inch iMac features a higher resolution of 1080p FaceTime HD camera. An improved version as compared to its predecessors, which has a 720p low resolution.
Camera - T2 Security chip
Besides the boosting process and providing data and file security stored on the SSD, the T2 security chip also enables new features with speakers and cameras. The Image Signal Processor in the T2 chip brings features such as tone mapping, exposure control, and face detection for a higher quality camera experience. However, the face detection feature does not unlock iMac, instead it is to ensure proper exposure of face in video calls only.
Audio - T2 Security chip
The T2 chip also works with the speakers to enable variable EQ for better balance, higher fidelity, and deeper bass. Also, there is a new studio-quality three-mic array, which captures high-quality audio.
Highlight 2 - Faster Performance
CPU Processor
The 27-inch iMac offers the latest 6- and 8-core 10th gen Intel processor, with an option to upgrade to a 10-core, with Turbo Boost speed reaching 5.0GHz, for up to 65% faster CPU performance. As claimed by Apple, it has a higher capability to sail through heavy tasks, such as dozens of audio track layers or compiling and code testing.
Memory - RAM
Double the capacity of its predecessor, the 27-inch iMac can be configured up to 128GB RAM, which speeds up major processing or memory-intensive application, up to twice as fast.
Graphic Processor (AMD)
With the AMD Radeon Pro 5000 series graphics, and up to 16GB of GDDR6 memory, the 27-inch iMac delivers up to 55% faster graphic performance, such as running graphics-intensive games or workflows like editing UHD videos or developing a simulated game environment.
Storage (SSD)
Unlike its predecessor or even the current 21.5-inch iMac (2020), the 27-inch iMac (2020) offers only SSD storage with no Fusion Drive storage option. It has a standard storage space of 256GB and 512GB SSD and can be upgraded at an additional $3,600 to a maximum of 8TB SSD with 3.4GBs sequential read and write speed. Meaning, accessing photos and video libraries or even massive files and pro apps will all be at lightning speed.
Highlight 3 - Display
True Tone Technology
The 27-inch iMac 5K Retina display has a 14.7million pixels, 1 billion colors, 500 nits of brightness, and support for P3 wide color, which means, photos, and text on the screen is sharper and more detailed. Also, it can edit 4K video at full resolution and, for the first time, has True Tone Technology, which automatically adjusts display color temperature to match the user's ambient lighting.
Nano Texture Display
It can be irritating to have a glare on your 27-inch iMac screen, especially when you need to work on photo editing or to play your favorite game. With an additional SGD$750, you can get the nano texture display for a better view under various lighting conditions.
Instead of the typical matte-coating added to the screen surface to scatter light, it is etched to the glass display at a nanometer level. And despite a low reflectivity and glare, it still maintains stellar image quality and contrast. However, pointed out by The Verge, such a nano texture display finish does have its concern, which is durability. And only time can tell.
Overall
Although it has the same exterior as the previous model, which seems outdated, the 27-inch iMac is still a powerful all-in-one machine with all the upgrades and features going on. It has an improved camera and audio, a performance boost in graphic and speed, double storage capacity, a nano texture display option, and a "Hey Siri" function.
Aside, Apple will be using its ARM processor instead of Intel's but is assumingly sometime in a year or two. Meaning, this is one of the most powerful all-in-one desktops you can buy right now.