Renewed 2019 Apple iMac 21.5-inch Retina 4K – 8GB RAM 1TB Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

2019 Apple iMac with Retina 4K Display (21.5-inch, 8GB RAM, 1TB Storage) (Renewed)

Enjoy vivid Retina 4K resolution on the 21.5-inch iMac, backed by 8GB RAM and a spacious 1TB HDD for smooth multitasking and ample storage in a sleek, renewed design.
Professionally refurbished under Amazon Renewed to look and perform like new, complete with a generic USB keyboard and mouse, plus backed by the Renewed Guarantee for peace of mind.

While the 2019 Apple iMac (21.5-inch Retina 4K) under Amazon Renewed often arrives in excellent cosmetic condition, its performance varies depending on internal components and seller practices.
Customers praise the Retina display and build quality, but frequently note generic accessories and slower Fusion drives compared to SSDs.
Serious complaints focus on defective units, port/camera issues, misrepresented OS versions and storage configurations, though Amazon’s return policy usually resolves most problems.
Consider this model if you need a budget-friendly Mac desktop and are willing to upgrade to an SSD for smoother performance and replace generic peripherals.

This refurbished iMac is inspected by Amazon-qualified suppliers under the Renewed Guarantee.
It typically includes a generic keyboard and mouse and may ship with varying macOS versions.

Table of contents

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

Product Overview

The 2019 Apple iMac with Retina 4K Display (21.5-inch, 8GB RAM, 1TB Storage) offered as an Amazon Renewed item comes from returned or traded-in units that have been professionally inspected and tested. Amazon Renewed products promise to “work and look like new,” backed by a 90-day guarantee allowing for replacement or refund if you’re not satisfied. In most listings, the package includes a generic wired keyboard and mouse instead of Apple’s originals. Buyers should note that while the external condition is often pristine—free of scratches or dents—internal specs can vary slightly from the advertised listing, including RAM, storage type, or pre-installed macOS version. Packages arrive in an Apple-branded box inside a larger brown carton with protective inserts to minimize shipping damage. Overall, this product targets shoppers seeking the iconic iMac display and Apple ecosystem at a reduced price point, balanced against the unpredictability of refurb processes and third-party sellers.

Performance and real-world usage can diverge from advertised specs.
Sellers and buyers report mixed experiences with renewals under Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee.

2019 Apple iMac Review: Honest Findings

In analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, the honest findings reveal a pattern: most users receive an iMac that looks like new and boots quickly, but compare performance to similar-priced new SSD-equipped machines or older MacBooks with solid-state drives. Many purchasers found that the included 1TB Fusion Drive exhibited noticeable lag at startup and when launching apps, especially heavier programs like video editors or virtual meeting software. Packaging quality was consistently praised for careful boxing, while shipping speed impressed buyers who received devices earlier than expected. However, incidents of misrepresented OS versions—Catalina instead of Monterey—and swapped internal drives have fueled stories of inconsistency in seller quality control. Amazon’s swift return and refund process mitigates risk, but several customers noted downtime and inconvenience while exchanging defective units. Overall, this Renewed iMac is a mixed bag: a visually stunning, budget-friendly desktop when everything aligns, but potentially underpowered or glitchy straight out of the box.

Retina 4K screen and build remain major selling points.
Many users report plug-and-play setup with minimal learning curve.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

Across multiple five-star reviews, customers rave about the vibrant Retina display that brings images, videos and text into crystal-clear focus. Users transitioning from smaller monitors found the 21.5-inch panel “plenty big,” enhancing productivity for tasks like bill payments, web browsing, and streaming. The aluminum body and edge-to-edge glass deliver the classic Apple aesthetics—and many buyers confirm that “it looks brand new” with “no scratches anywhere.” Setup is described as “quick and easy,” with macOS pre-loaded and reset to factory settings. Even Windows veterans noted a surprisingly straightforward learning curve and higher reliability compared to years of self-diagnosing PC issues. Typical comments include “works flawlessly,” “boots up in no time,” and “wife loves it.” Package contents—though generic—are deemed adequate for immediate use, and those who invested in higher-quality peripherals still appreciated the included accessories. In essence, for buyers availing themselves of Amazon Renewed, this iMac delivers on the core promise of a refurbished Apple experience that feels “just like new.”

Widespread complaints of slow Fusion Drive and lag.
Numerous reports of defective ports, camera failures, and mis-shipped OS versions.

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

Despite glowing endorsements, a sizable number of negative reviews uncover serious complaints and persistent rumors about defect rates. Users report machines arriving with non-functional FaceTime cameras, unreliable USB ports that disconnect at the slightest bump, and Bluetooth modules that refuse to recognize keyboards or mice. Some customers discovered they had received only 320GB of usable storage rather than the advertised 1TB, or found the Fusion Drive unmounted and unformatted. A few accounts even suggest opportunistic sellers swapping genuine drives for cheaper equivalents, profiting off the original drives sold separately. Others decried the slow performance compared to a decade-old iMac, attributing it to the inherent limitations of HDD plus small flash in Fusion drives. Rumors of OS mismatches are widespread: machines listed as Monterey-ready arriving with Catalina, causing immediate vulnerability to missing features or incompatible apps. While Amazon’s customer service often stepped in—issuing full refunds or replacements—several buyers lamented the lost time and frustration of repeated returns. In the worst cases, users described opaque seller policies, charging restocking fees for transit damage claims and effectively stranding them with non-functional desktops.

Best for budget-minded users who value screen size and design.
Upgrade-minded buyers should plan for SSD installation and peripheral replacements.

Who Should Consider 2019 Apple iMac?

This Renewed 2019 iMac appeals to those seeking a balanced price-to-performance ratio in the Apple ecosystem without paying full MSRP. Ideal candidates include home offices focusing on web-based tasks, media consumption, and light productivity. Students and casual users will appreciate the large, high-resolution display for multitasking and creative projects. However, if you require pro-level video editing, software development, or heavy multitasking, expect to invest further in an internal SSD or external NVMe drive to alleviate Fusion Drive lag. Tech-savvy buyers comfortable with opening the chassis—or paying a professional—can squeeze the most value by customizing RAM (though the 21.5-inch model is harder to upgrade) and installing an SSD. Cautious shoppers should compare this Renewed desktop with entry-level new Macs or other refurbished iMacs offering explicit SSD configurations. And if high-quality Apple peripherals matter, budget for genuine Apple keyboards and mice to replace the generic ones.

Solid choice when backed by Amazon Renewed guarantee.
Weigh the trade-offs: cost savings versus potential downtime and upgrades.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

In summary, the 2019 Apple iMac with Retina 4K Display (21.5-inch, renewed) stands as a compelling offer for those aiming to join the Mac desktop world affordably. Its striking display and near-new appearance deliver genuine Apple appeal. Yet, the prevalence of slow Fusion drives, generic peripherals, and sporadic quality control issues underscore the gamble inherent in any refurbished purchase. While Amazon Renewed’s 90-day guarantee softens the blow of unlucky units, prospective buyers should factor in possible exchanges, OS mismatches, and the need for SSD upgrades. Ultimately, you’ll find a budget-friendly gateway into macOS—so long as you’re prepared for minor headaches, time spent on returns or upgrades, and the DIY spirit required to optimize performance. If these caveats feel manageable, this iMac can be a highly rewarding, cost-effective addition to your workspace.