PS4 vs. PS5: How Do They Compare?

Key Points:

• The PS5 trumps the PS4 in almost every category related to performance because it is a newer console and has more powerful components.
• While it’s currently challenging to find the PS5 units in stores, the remaining PS4 Pro units will likely be flying off the shelves with discounts.
• The PS4 and PS5 have relatively similar CPUs. However, the PS5’s CPU is designed to tackle a generation of gaming that is far more advanced than its predecessor.

Suppose you’ve been thinking about upgrading your gaming console or purchasing one for the first time. In that case, you might have had your eye on the PlayStation 5 console or its predecessor, the PlayStation 4.

However, while most seasoned gamers have weighed the pros and cons of each console and understand the metrics used to rate them, not everyone is as well-informed. So, let’s break down the main differences between the PS4 and PS5 so you can make the best decision for your household.

PS4 vs PS5: Side-By-Side Comparison

PS4 vs PS5: What’s the Difference?

Sony has stopped reporting the sale figure for the PS4, so the console has likely been discontinued. As a result, you might see retailers slowly start to get rid of any remaining PS4 and PS4 Pro stock. Here are the main differences you’ll want to consider when choosing between a PS4 and a PS5 unit.

Overall, you will find that the PS5 trumps the PS4 in almost every category related to performance because it is a newer console and has more powerful components. So, if your question is related solely to which system is more powerful, you should shell out for the PS5. It will last longer as it’s still a new-generation console that the manufacturer supports.

MSRP

PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console

$210.01

• Incredible games; Endless entertainment
• All new lighter slimmer PS4
• 1TB hard drive
• All the greatest, games, TV, music and more

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03/03/2023 09:55 am GMT

Price is one of the most important features to consider when choosing new entertainment gear. The PS5 retails for $499.99, $100 more than the PS4 Pro at launch. However, the price for the PS4 Pro will likely come down, as the manufacturer has discontinued the device.

Finding a PS5 unit priced at its MSRP can also be challenging. This is because the PS5 is one of the most coveted units by scalpers looking to resell the console at a higher price than MSRP.

Despite the console being around two years old at the time of writing this article, finding one of these units in stores can still be extremely challenging. Many stores still have protocols in place to keep scalpers from buying up all their stock in one go.

While more and more “sightings” of PS5 units in stores have cropped up, you’ll likely need to find a scalper online to purchase from. Conversely, remaining PS4 Pro units will likely be flying off the shelves with discounts.

But there are still plenty of excellent games for the PS4. As a result, you won’t be bored just because you don’t have the newest console. There are plenty of games from the previous generation to explore.

Central Processing Unit

You're Never Going to Look Back

PlayStation 5 Console

$499.00

• Model Number CFI-1215A01X
• Incredible graphics
• Support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio technology
• Custom CPU, GPU, and SSD with Integrated I/O

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05/11/2023 07:41 am GMT

The Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is typically considered essential by gamers everywhere. The CPU is responsible for basically everything the console does. In computers—a category to which game consoles belong—the CPU is responsible for all logic processing.

The PS4 and PS5 have relatively similar CPUs. However, the PS5’s CPU is notably beefier. Not just because the console is newer, but also because the console is designed to tackle a generation of gaming that is far more advanced than its predecessor.

Graphics Processing Unit

Perhaps more widely discussed, a console’s graphics processing unit, or GPU, is also crucial when deciding between two consoles. Many people regard the GPU as being more important than the CPU.

Neither the PS5 nor the PS4 Pro uses a dedicated GPU. Instead, both systems use internal graphics packaged into their CPUs. For PC gamers, this might be difficult to hear and may influence your choice to purchase a console at all.

The PS5 uses an integrated graphics processor based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture. It also has ray tracing cores for those who are fans of the graphics style produced by ray tracing. By contrast, the PS4 Pro uses a depreciated internal graphics chip based on the GNC 2.0 architecture.

4K Compatibility

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB Console - Black (PS4 Pro)

$258.99

• PlayStation 4 Pro - the super charged PS4 - take play to the next level with PS4 Pro: See every detail explode into life with 4K gaming and entertainment, experience faster, smoother frame rates and...
• 4K gaming and entertainment - games and movies shine with amazing 4K clarity
• graphics become sharper and more realistic, skin tones become warmer and more lifelike, while textures and environments burst into life like never before
• High dynamic range - With an HDR enabled TV, compatible PS4 games display an intensely vibrant range of colours, closer to the full spectrum that the human eye can see
• Enhanced games - PS4 Pro games burst into life with intensely sharp graphics, stunningly vibrant colours, textures and environments and smoother, more stable performance

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03/03/2023 11:29 am GMT

Both the PS4 Pro and the PS5 have 4K compatibilities. The PS4 Pro was introduced as a competitor for Microsoft’s Xbox One S and Xbox One X, which supported 4K gaming. 4K refers to an image with a resolution with a horizontal dimension of around 4,000 pixels.

4K support offers superior graphical quality with increased detail and better visual depth. One thing to note is that the PS4 Pro only supports 4K graphics up to 30 frames per second.

So for players who prioritize frame rates, the PS4 Pro’s graphical capabilities won’t be good enough for them since they won’t be able to play 4K games with at least 60 FPS. Conversely, the PS5 supports 4K gaming with up to 120 Hz and over 120 FPS capabilities, even when processing these graphically intensive games.

PS4 vs PS5: 5 Must-Know Facts

1. The PS5 features natively expandable storage.
2. The PS5 offers ray tracing support.
3. The PS4 featured a second processing chip dedicated to managing uploads and downloads.
4. Sony once created and auctioned a “Gaystation” to support LGBTQIA+ rights.
5. The PS4 was the fastest-selling console in the world for a few years before the Switch surpassed it.

PS4 vs PS5: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

Realistically, if you have the money to shell out for a PS5, this should be your choice. The system is current generation and receives regular updates. Most PS4 games are also backward compatible with the PS5, making it an excellent choice if you want to play PS4 and PS5-exclusive titles.

There are also merits to buying a PS4, especially during the holiday season. The PS4 might potentially be on its way out, but that doesn’t mean the system is gone for good.

There are many ways to enjoy the PS4 and its titles, especially if you’re doing it on native hardware. However, the PS5 is an excellent step up from the PS4.

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