2019 Apple iMac 27-Inch, 8GB RAM & 2TB Storage (Renewed) Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

2019 Apple iMac (27-inch, 8GB RAM, 2TB Storage) – Silver (Renewed)

Experience vibrant 27-inch 5K Retina clarity with 1 billion colors and 500 nits brightness on the renewed 2019 iMac. Powered by a 6-core Intel i5, 8 GB RAM, and a 2 TB Fusion Drive.
Enjoy smooth visuals with Radeon Pro 580X 8 GB GDDR5, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB 3 ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. macOS Mojave integrates seamlessly with your iPhone.

The renewed 2019 Apple iMac delivers high-end performance at a reduced cost.
Customers generally enjoy the 27-inch 5K display and reliable refurbished quality.
Common complaints include generic accessories and occasional software update issues.
No widespread rumors of catastrophic defects or recall concerns.

Table of contents

Product Overview
2019 Apple iMac 27″ (Renewed) Review: Honest Findings
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Who Should Consider 2019 Apple iMac 27″ (Renewed)?
Conclusion: Final Verdict

Product Overview

Official renewed condition with Amazon-backed 90-day guarantee.
High-performance specs including Intel Core i5 and Radeon Pro graphics.

The 2019 Apple iMac 27-inch (Renewed) combines a 5120-by-2880 Retina 5K display with a 6-core 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and a 2 TB Fusion Drive, delivering impressive performance for productivity, creative tasks, and entertainment. Amazon’s renewal process covers hardware testing, cosmetic refurbishment, and includes a 90-day warranty, ensuring buyers receive a machine that looks and functions like new. This model features Radeon Pro 580X graphics with 8 GB GDDR5, up to 4.6 GHz Turbo Boost, expandable 64 GB DDR4 memory, and essential ports such as Thunderbolt 3, USB 3, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The sleek 5-mm-thin design and seamless integration with macOS Mojave and later versions make this iMac a solid choice for long-term use.

When comparing renewed models to brand-new units, the price savings often reach 30 %–50 %. Amazon sources its renewed iMacs from certified refurbishers who replace worn components, test internal systems, and perform quality checks. Although the seller does not guarantee original Apple packaging, the machine itself arrives fully functional with genuine Apple hardware where specified. Buyers considering this renewed option should factor in that upgrades—such as memory expansions—are easily performed post-delivery thanks to Apple’s tool-less access panels, though opening the chassis can void existing warranties.

Packaging is typically a generic cardboard box with sufficient bubble wrap or foam padding to protect the machine. Buyers should expect generic power cables and sometimes off-brand keyboards and mice, which are easily replaced if needed. The renewed status also means the original Apple box may not be included, but Apple’s hardware certification process verifies full functionality before shipment. With macOS Mojave pre-installed—and upgradeable to the latest macOS editions—users gain access to features like Dark Mode, Stacks, and enhanced security updates.

Connectivity on this iMac covers both legacy and modern standards, with four USB-A ports for older peripherals, two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for high-speed data transfer up to 40 Gb/s, and a headphone jack. The built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi delivers reliable wireless internet, and Bluetooth 4.2 ensures easy pairing with AirPods, Magic Keyboard, or other peripherals. Notably, this model missed Apple’s T2 security chip introduction, which appears in later Intel iMacs; as a result, certain features like secure enclave-based encryption rely on firmware rather than dedicated silicon. Nonetheless, the raw hardware capabilities of the 2019 iMac provide a future-proof foundation for most creative and professional workloads for years to come.

2019 Apple iMac 27″ (Renewed) Review: Honest Findings

Combined analysis of genuine user experiences.
Balanced look at strengths and limitations.

Having surveyed dozens of user reviews on Amazon, the renewed 2019 iMac 27″ earns praise for its powerful multitasking capabilities and stunning display, though it’s not without imperfections. Positive feedback centers on the seamless setup process, “plug-and-play” nature, and like-new performance, while critical voices highlight inconsistent accessory quality and occasional software update hiccups. The preponderance of 4- and 5-star reviews confirms this iMac largely meets the expectations of those migrating from older Macs or Windows PCs, offering a cost-effective entry into Apple’s ecosystem.

An honest synthesis of buyer feedback reveals that most serious complaints relate to refurbishment variances rather than inherent design flaws. Some users encountered watermarks, stuck pixels, or minor dings on the casing—issues that fall within acceptable “renewed” conditions but may disappoint perfectionists. Others ran into difficulties when updating to the latest macOS, describing “stuck on checking for updates” or requiring recovery mode workarounds. In these cases, contacting Apple Support resolved the issues, yet it underlines the need to factor in potential troubleshooting time. Notably, there are no widespread rumors of catastrophic hardware defects or logic board recalls; reports of major hardware failures within the 90-day warranty window remain below 5 % of total reviews.

When comparing professional refurbishers, Amazon’s Renewed program tends to provide quicker shipping but less consistency in accessory matching. Customers who received genuine Magic Keyboards and Magic Mice often cited an “exceptional value,” whereas those who got third-party or wired peripherals expressed mild frustration. Despite these accessory disparities, the core hardware usually performs in line with factory specifications. Gaming benchmarks, heavy photographic edits in Adobe Lightroom or Final Cut Pro projects run smoothly, showing no significant throttling under sustained loads.

One caveat for enterprise or educational deployments is the 90-day Amazon Renewed guarantee, which contrasts with Apple’s standard one-year warranty on new products. Organizations requiring extended coverage may opt for AppleCare after setup, though pricing can approach that of a new lower-tier iMac. Nonetheless, the cost differential remains substantial, making the renewed option especially attractive for individual buyers or small studios needing a premium desktop solution on a tighter budget.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

High user satisfaction with performance and display quality.
Seamless setup and reliable long-term operation.

Many buyers emphasize the seamless setup experience, describing “plug-and-play readiness” straight out of the box. Unpacking typically involves a generic shipping container filled with foam and bubble wrap, yet the iMac itself almost always arrives free of scratches or dents, reflecting the thorough refurbishment process. The integrated macOS setup assistant walks users through account creation, Wi-Fi connectivity, and data migration via Time Machine or direct cable. Within minutes, customers report being fully operational and often marvel at how “like-new” everything feels.

The stunning visual quality of the 27-inch 5K Retina display garners widespread praise. Professionals working in photography, video editing, and graphic design note the sharpness of text, vibrant color accuracy, and the sheer desktop real estate that simplifies multitasking. With one billion colors and 500 nits of brightness, users find editing high-resolution images in Lightroom and Premiere Pro an absolute pleasure. Gamers experimenting with casual titles like Overwatch or Portal 2 also appreciate the smooth frame rates and vivid visuals, thanks to the Radeon Pro 580X graphics chipset.

Long-term stability is another positive highlight. Multiple reviewers confirm uninterrupted performance for six months to a year, with only routine macOS updates and negligible downtime. The reliable hardware—including the 6-core Intel Core i5, 8 GB of DDR4 memory, and the 2 TB Fusion Drive—provides a balanced blend of speed and storage capacity. Some users recommend a RAM upgrade for professional video timelines, but the default configuration suffices for most office tasks, web development, and streaming. Heat dissipation under heavy loads remains within acceptable parameters, and fan noise only becomes noticeable during extended rendering or compression jobs.

Versatility is also a major draw, with many customers repurposing the iMac as an external monitor for MacBooks, a home theater centerpiece, or a networked media server. The multiple USB-A and Thunderbolt 3 ports accommodate external drives, audio interfaces, and other peripherals without hassle. Paired with AirPods or Bluetooth headphones, the built-in speakers deliver clear, well-rounded sound for calls and multimedia. Overall, the positive consensus underscores that, when refurbished properly, the 2019 iMac retains the hallmark Apple qualities of reliability and user-friendly design.

Some lucky buyers even received original Magic Keyboards and Magic Mice from Apple, elevating the perceived value. Those who started with generic wired peripherals often opted to upgrade to Bluetooth versions, but Apple’s two-year-old Magic accessories seamlessly paired with the renewed iMac. The wireless keyboard’s low-profile keys and the multi-touch Magic Mouse match the machine’s sleek aesthetic, prompting many users to say the deal felt “too good to be true.”

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

Accessory inconsistencies and generic peripherals reported by some users.
Software update hurdles and rare hardware failures under warranty.

A notable theme in negative feedback is the presence of generic peripherals. Several buyers received wired, off-brand keyboards and mice that lacked the build quality and convenience of Apple’s Magic accessories. Complaints ranged from uncomfortable typing feel to batteries dying quickly on allegedly “wireless” models. While these peripherals do not impact the core iMac performance, they tarnish the unboxing experience and often incur extra replacement costs.

Beyond accessories, a handful of customers encountered software update issues when upgrading from macOS Catalina to Monterey or later versions. Reports describe the system freezing at “Checking for updates” or looping during installation without clear progress. In these cases, users often resorted to macOS Recovery Mode—holding Option-Command-R during boot—to perform a clean install. While Apple Support could resolve the majority of update failures, the process consumed an hour or more and added complexity for those expecting a turnkey experience.

More serious complaints involve occasional hardware failures. A small percentage of users reported corrupted Fusion Drives, faulty SSD modules, or mismatched graphics cards (e.g., a 4 GB GPU instead of 8 GB). In rarer instances, the stand hinge gradually drooped, necessitating physical readjustment every few hours of use. A few refurbished units also presented scuff marks around the casing or unresponsive FaceTime cameras. Although these defects fall within refurbished tolerance levels, they underscore the variability inherent in third-party rebuild processes.

Shipping and logistics remain another pain point. While Amazon’s heavy packaging generally protects the iMac, isolated incidents of dropped shipments caused cracked screens or damaged stands. Additionally, returns require a UPS pickup, which some buyers found inconvenient, especially in apartment complexes or high-rise buildings. Support channels—whether through Amazon or seller-specific lines—were sometimes slow to respond or diverted customers to Apple directly, leaving users juggling multiple support tiers.

Regarding rumors, no evidence supports widespread catastrophic defects, regulatory recalls, or coordinated consumer class actions. Discussion forums occasionally mention potential security concerns due to the missing T2 chip, which disables some “Apple Intelligence” features, but these remain minor considerations rather than critical vulnerabilities. Overall, while negative experiences do occur, they are scattered rather than systemic, with many resolvable through standard replacement or support procedures.

Who Should Consider 2019 Apple iMac 27″ (Renewed)?

Creative professionals seeking cost savings on high-end hardware.
Budget-conscious buyers comfortable with minor refurb variances.

For photographers, video editors, and graphic designers craving a powerful desktop without the retail premium, the renewed 2019 iMac offers an enticing blend of specs and price. The 27-inch 5K display ensures color-accurate editing, while the Radeon Pro 580X and 6-core Intel i5 tackle rendering, encoding, and multi-track timelines with ease. If your workflow involves Adobe Creative Cloud or Final Cut Pro, this iMac can accelerate export times significantly compared to older machines, making it ideal for small studios or freelance creatives.

Similarly, home office users and remote learners benefit from the iMac’s all-in-one design and ample screen real estate. Zoom calls, spreadsheets, and web research feel more immersive when spread across a high-resolution panel. Multi-monitor setups are still possible via Thunderbolt 3 daisy-chaining, but many find the built-in display sufficient for productivity. With its OEM-like performance and Amazon’s 90-day Renewed guarantee, this iMac suits students or small business owners operating on tighter budgets.

That said, prospective buyers should be comfortable with the possibility of slight variances in cosmetic condition or peripheral quality. If you prioritize factory-sealed packaging and AppleCare’s standard warranty, purchasing a brand-new or Apple-certified refurbished iMac may align better with your expectations. However, if slight blemishes, generic accessories, or brief software setup tasks don’t deter you, the cost savings—often 30 %–50 % off retail—can make the renewed option highly attractive.

Organizations requiring extended warranty coverage, volume purchasing, or standardized setups may opt for direct Apple channels, but independent contractors and personal users often find the Renewed program’s value proposition compelling. Users willing to apply simple fixes—like swapping out a third-party keyboard for a Magic Keyboard—can tailor the setup to their preferences. In essence, this renewed iMac is best suited for those who value budget-friendly upgrades and robust performance over flawless unboxing perfection.

Finally, if long-term support and continuous OS upgrades are critical, note that the 2019 model remains compatible with current macOS releases, but may eventually lose some advanced features reserved for T2-equipped Macs. Buyers should factor in this roadmap when planning multi-year investments, especially if they intend to leverage cutting-edge Apple Intelligence capabilities in the future.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

Renewed iMac delivers premium performance at a reduced price.
Trade-offs include cosmetic variances and accessory inconsistencies.

In closing, the 2019 Apple iMac 27-inch (Renewed) stands out as a cost-effective route to acquiring powerful Apple desktop hardware. With its 5K Retina display, 6-core Intel Core i5 processor, and Radeon Pro graphics, it meets the demands of professionals and home users alike. Amazon’s Renewed program offers a 90-day warranty and quality checks, ensuring that most buyers receive a machine in excellent working condition.

Considering both glowing endorsements and isolated complaints, the renewed 2019 iMac emerges as a solid middle ground between brand-new and third-party refurbished options. Users praising its effortless performance and “like-new” feel far outnumber those citing minor nuisances related to generic peripherals or macOS upgrades. Moreover, no substantial rumors or recalls mar the reputation of this model, suggesting that most concerns are limited to individual refurb batches rather than design-wide defects.

Ultimately, if you’re seeking a premium Apple desktop with exceptional cost savings and are prepared to accommodate slight variances in cosmetic condition or accessories, this renewed iMac is a compelling choice. For perfectionists demanding immaculate packaging and factory-original peripherals, purchasing directly from Apple or authorized refurbishers may better align with your standards. However, the price differential and robust hardware configuration provide strong justification for selecting the Amazon Renewed option, especially when factoring in Amazon’s customer service and return policies.

We found no credible evidence of widespread malfunctions or untold rumors about this refreshed model. Instead, measured expectations and due diligence—such as verifying accessory compatibility and updating macOS via Recovery Mode if needed—can mitigate most concerns. In the end, the renewed 2019 iMac offers a nearly identical user experience to a new unit, making it an excellent value-driven solution for those who crave Apple’s renowned quality without the full price tag.