If you use your iMac for work and your work involves significant use of Zoom, then I would argue that looking and sounding much better on those calls is a very significant benefit on its own. If the M1-driven MB Air and Pro are any indication, this will also be the fastest iMac by a wide margin--probably the largest speed upgrade in iMac history. (And think of the speed when most apps are updated to run native on the M-chip.) Plus it adds Touch ID, WiFi 6, a better audio system, the latest bluetooth and a 24" screen in the same overall dimensions as the former 21.5 inch.) But yeah, what a DISAPPOINTMENT! 🤣
Unless you're working near the bleeding edge of video editing with a need for more speed and a bigger screen... or you just have to have the fastest toys out there... the 2021 iMac will handle what nearly anyone else needs it to do. I'm replacing my mid-2017 BTO iMac 27" that I spec'd with the fastest processor, upgraded graphics and SSD -- for less than 2/3 the price of what that cost me, I'll have a significantly faster and better iMac all-around. (Plus, Apple's trade-in deals are pretty generous.)