PS5 vs PS5 Pro: A Complete Technical Deep Dive

The gaming landscape is evolving with Sony’s latest hardware iteration – the PS5 Pro. But is this mid-generation upgrade worth the investment? Let’s dive deep into a comprehensive comparison between the standard PS5 and its more powerful sibling.

Price and Value Proposition

The pricing difference between these consoles is significant:

• PS5: $499.99 / £479.99
• PS5 Pro: $699.99 / £699.99 (Digital Edition)

What’s particularly noteworthy is that the PS5 Pro’s base price doesn’t include a disc drive or vertical stand. Adding these accessories pushes the total cost to approximately $820 / £825, representing a substantial 64% premium over the standard PS5.

Technical Specifications Face-Off

Processing Power and Graphics

PS5 Pro:

• GPU: 16.7 TFLOPs
• Enhanced ray-tracing capabilities
• PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) upscaling
• 67% more compute units than PS5
• 28% faster memory
• 45% faster rendering

PS5 (Standard):

• GPU: 10.28 TFLOPs
• Basic ray-tracing support
• Standard upscaling options
• Base compute units

The PS5 Pro’s enhanced GPU represents a significant leap forward, offering nearly 60% more raw graphical processing power than its predecessor. This translates to more detailed environments, improved lighting, and better overall visual fidelity.

Storage and Memory

PS5 Pro:

• Storage: Custom 2TB SSD
• Memory: 16GB GDDR6 + 2GB DDR5
• Expandable storage via M.2 NVMe slot

PS5:

• Storage: Custom 1TB SSD (Slim model)
• Memory: 16GB GDDR6
• Expandable storage via M.2 NVMe slot

The doubled storage capacity in the Pro model is a welcome upgrade, especially considering modern games’ increasing size requirements.

Connectivity

PS5 Pro:

• WiFi 7
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Ethernet
• 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A

PS5:

• WiFi 6
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Ethernet
• 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A

The upgrade to WiFi 7 in the Pro model promises faster downloads and more stable online gaming experiences.

Key Features and Innovations

PSSR Technology

The PS5 Pro introduces PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, a machine learning-powered upscaling technology that represents one of the biggest advantages over the standard PS5. This technology allows for:

• Higher resolution output without sacrificing frame rates
• Enhanced detail and image quality
• Better performance in both fidelity and performance modes

Backward Compatibility

Both consoles support PS4 games, but the Pro offers additional benefits:

• “PS5 Pro Game Boost” feature
• Enhanced performance for over 8,500 PS4 titles
• Improved stability and visual quality for legacy games

Physical Design and Dimensions

PS5 Pro:

• Dimensions: 15.2 x 3.5 x 8.5in (388 x 89 x 216mm)
• Weight: 6.8lbs (3.1kg)
• Design: Similar to PS5 Slim with distinctive black stripes

PS5 Slim:

• Dimensions: 14.1 x 3.8 x 8.8in (358 x 97 x 224mm)
• Weight: 7.1lbs (3.2kg)
• Design: Modern curved aesthetic

Who Should Upgrade?

Ideal for:

• Gaming enthusiasts with 4K 120Hz displays
• Players who prioritize visual fidelity
• Those who want the absolute best PlayStation experience
• Users who need more storage space

Maybe Skip if:

• Currently satisfied with PS5 performance
• Gaming on a 1080p or 60Hz display
• Budget-conscious gamers
• Casual players who don’t notice subtle visual improvements

Verdict

The PS5 Pro represents a significant technical leap over the standard PS5, offering substantial improvements in graphics processing, storage, and upscaling capabilities. However, the considerable price premium makes it a luxury purchase rather than a must-have upgrade.

For enthusiasts with high-end displays and a keen eye for visual fidelity, the Pro’s improvements in ray-tracing and PSSR technology make it an attractive proposition. The doubled storage capacity and WiFi 7 support add practical benefits beyond pure performance.

However, the standard PS5 remains an excellent gaming console that will continue to serve most players well. Its lower price point and solid performance make it the more sensible choice for casual gamers or those new to the PlayStation ecosystem.

The decision ultimately comes down to individual priorities and budget. The PS5 Pro is an impressive piece of hardware that delivers on its promises of enhanced performance, but the standard PS5 continues to offer exceptional value for most gaming scenarios.