Apple‘s newly released Studio Display marks the company‘s return to the monitor market after several years. Pitted against Apple‘s popular 27-inch iMac all-in-one desktop, the Studio Display brings impressive specs in a more flexible standalone form factor.
But how exactly do these two premium displays compare, and which one is the better buy? This in-depth feature gives you all the details.
Display Specs and Performance
Resolution, Size and Pixel Density
Both displays offer identical 5K resolutions of 5120 x 2880 pixels, with a pixel density of ~218 PPI. This results in an extremely sharp, detailed image. The 27-inch diagonal size provides ample screen real estate for immersive viewing and multitasking.
Resolution and Screen Size
| Display | Resolution | Screen Size | Pixel Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Display | 5120 x 2880 | 27-inch | 218 PPI |
| iMac 27 | 5120 x 2880 | 27-inch | 218 PPI |
Brightness and Contrast
The Studio Display puts out 600 nits peak brightness compared to 500 nits on the iMac 27. Both are very bright, but the Studio Display has a slight edge.
Contrast ratio is equally impressive at 1300:1. This delivers deep blacks and excellent dynamic range.
Brightness and Contrast
| Display | Peak Brightness | Contrast Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Display | 600 nits | 1300:1 |
| iMac 27 | 500 nits | 1300:1 |
Color Performance
Both displays cover the wide P3 color gamut used in photo and video work. The Studio Display touts support for over 1 billion colors.
Expect excellent, accurate colors from both. The iMac 27 is factory color calibrated while the Studio Display supports on-screen color calibration.
Color Performance
| Display | Color Gamut | Factory Calibrated | Supports Hardware Calibration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Display | P3 Wide Color | No | Yes |
| iMac 27 | P3 Wide Color | Yes | No |
Refresh Rate
The 60Hz refresh rate is identical for both displays. Fine for general use, creative work and video watching. But a higher 120Hz+ rate preferred for gaming.
Refresh Rate
| Display | Refresh Rate |
|---|---|
| Studio Display | 60Hz |
| iMac 27 | 60Hz |
Viewing Angles
Both displays use IPS panel technology with 178° extra-wide viewing angles. Image remains accurate when viewing the screen off-center.
Responsiveness
Response time is similar, around 4-8ms for gray-to-gray transitions. Decent results, though not blazing fast.
Display Quality and Uniformity
In real-world testing, both displays live up to their specs in delivering exceptional image quality:
- Sharp, highly detailed image
- Accurate, vibrant colors
- Excellent off-angle viewing
- Very bright for HDR content
The Studio Display boasts slightly better out-of-the-box uniformity though. Some iMac 27 units suffer from subtle brighter spots along the edges. Still, uniformity is generally excellent on both.
Verdict: The Studio Display offers the highest peak brightness. But otherwise display performance and quality is practically identical. Both are fantastic.
Webcam, Speakers and Microphone
The vaunted Studio Display webcam doesn‘t quite measure up to the expectations set. It features the same 12MP sensor as the latest iPad models.
But image quality is noticeably poorer than iPad webcam shots under side-by-side scrutiny. It does support Apple‘s Center Stage auto-framing though.
The iMac 27‘s 1080p FaceTime webcam produces surprisingly better detail and image quality overall.
Webcams
| Display | Webcam Megapixels | Center Stage Support |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Display | 12MP | Yes |
| iMac 27 | 1080p | No |
For audio, both displays feature high-quality six-speaker sound systems and studio quality 3-mic arrays. Audio quality is excellent whether listening to music or on video calls. Dolby Atmos support allows amazing positional audio when viewing supported content.
Verdict: Surprisingly the older iMac 27 webcam delivers better still image quality and sharpness compared to the Studio Display‘s flagship webcam. But audio performance is equally great from both.
Design, Ports and Ergonomics
The Studio Display sports an attractive all-screen design with slim bezels. The aluminum and glass construction looks and feels premium.
Ports include 1 Thunderbolt 3, 3 USB-C and compatibility with 96W host charging over Thunderbolt. This allows delivery of power, data and video over a single cable when connected to a MacBook.
The adjustable stand feels sturdy yet allows for tilt adjustment. An expensive $400 tilt-and-height adjustable stand is also offered.
The iMac 27 follows Apple‘s familiar all-in-one desktop design. The chin area houses a 1080p FaceTime camera.
Port selection is far more expansive including Thunderbolt 3, USB-A, SD card reader, Ethernet and a headphone jack.
The iMac 27 stand only offers tilt functionality however. You need to purchase Apple‘s VESA mount adapter for mounting flexibility.
Verdict: The Studio Display offers a sleeker, more modern design. But port selection and ergonomic adjustability is more limited unless you splurge on upgrades. The iMac 27 provides a wider array of connectivity options straight out of the box.
Performance With Different Macs
A key strength lies in the Studio Display‘s universal compatibility with the latest Apple silicon Macs as well Intel-based Mac models. This ensures you can use it as an external display regardless of your Mac‘s processor generation.
The iMac 27 conversely only officially supports connection to other Intel-based Macs. Its Thunderbolt 3 port may support video-out to another display. But it likely won‘t work as a monitor for say an M2 MacBook Air or Mac mini.
This makes the Studio Display the better choice if you plan to upgrade to Apple‘s silion chips down the road. It offers excellent future-proofing to work with both current Intel models and Apple‘s transition to its own silicone.
Pros and Cons Comparison
Apple Studio Display
Pros
- Brighter display
- More modern slim-bezel design
- Works with Apple silicon and Intel Macs
- Tilt-adjustable stand included
Cons
- Disappointing webcam quality
- Limited port selection
- Expensive stand upgrade for height adjustment
27-inch iMac
Pros
- Better webcam
- More display calibration and color management options
- More ports included
- Packed with desktop-class performance
Cons
- Stand only offers tilt functionality
- Stuck with older Intel processors
- Likely lacks compatibility with Apple silicon Macs
- More expensive than Studio Display
Verdict – Which Display Is Better?
The Apple Studio Display delivers a brighter screen and sleeker aesthetics compared to the venerable 27-inch iMac. Connectivity is limited out of the box though unless you pay extra for upgrades.
Surprisingly the years-old webcam in the iMac 27 still outshines Apple‘s much touted Studio Display camera. And the all-in-one iMac provides a more versatile selection of ports builtin.
Ultimately though, the Studio Display‘s support for both Intel and Apple silicon Macs is a pivotal advantage. This ensures its ability to work seamlessly as an external display no matter which Mac ecosystem you‘re invested in both now and for the foreseeable future.
If your priority is a display tailored specifically for the latest M1/M2 Macs, the Studio Display is the best fit and a clear long-term winner.
For those still standardized on Intel Macs though, the iMac 27 remains a compelling choice. It packs desktop-level performance and features into an appealing one-piece design. Just be prepared for a potential dead-end once Apple silicon Macs take over completely.
So in summary:
- Apple Studio Display – Best for Apple silicon Mac users
- iMac 27 – Best for still running Intel Macs
I hope this detailed comparison helps you pick out the best display for your needs! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
