When Sony released the PlayStation 4 console in the summer of 2013, it was hailed for its technical superiority and immersive gaming experience. For six years, this console continued to dominate the market and outsell its competitors, until it was forced into retirement by its successor the PlayStation 5. Boasting a sleek architecture, muscular performance, and a raft of new blockbuster video games from multiple independent developers, PS5 has continued the dominance streak, selling 7.8 million units by March 2021.
This then begs the question; Should you grab the new kid on the block? Or should you go with the older, already established machine?
In this article, we’re going to peel back each console’s exterior to reveal the tech hidden beneath it, as well as try and compare some of the exterior features.
PS4 Vs PS5 Release Date & Price
Starting us off is the PlayStation 4, which was released in the summer of 2013. It is currently available as the 1 TB Slim configuration. In terms of the price, the PS4 console costs $290, although you can also get it together with a bundle of a few different games. Then there’s the PlayStation 4 Pro with 4K capability and 1 TB of storage, which retails at $349.
As for the PS5, it hit the shelves in November 2020, with the normal version costing $499 and the Digital Edition retailing at $399.
PS4 Vs PS5: Design
The PS4, and in particular the Slim variant boasts of a black plastic body and a shrinking violet. And although the design doesn’t particularly have the wow factor, it still works great. The PS5, on the other hand, takes console design to the next level.
For starters, it reveals the adventurous side of Sony by departing from the traditional black color to a more lively white one. As if that’s not radical enough, Sony also introduced the curved body design in PS5, which is worlds apart from the straight lines that came with PS4 and all the other earlier versions.
Unfortunately, some people have complained of the relatively larger chassis and a few extra pounds, which makes it hard to squeeze under tight spaces, something that the PS4 Slim version doesn’t have a problem doing.
PS4 vs. PS5 Specs
Under the hood, the PS5 is fitted with an AMD Zen 2 processor, capable of 3D audio and up to 8K video output. PS4, on the other hand, dawns an AMD Jaguar chip, allowing it to produce 1080p HD video. What more could you ever ask for?
In terms of the storage capacity, PS5s torrent weapon is the 16 GB RAM against PS4s 8GB and a faster 2.23GHz GPU vs 0.8GHz for the PS4. The Playstation 5 also emerges as the winner in the storage war, all thanks to the custom-made 825GB Solid State Drive. With such huge storage, the console does an excellent job of shrinking loading times, allowing you to enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
The PS4 uses the relatively slower 500GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD), which is 19 times less fast compared to the PS5. With that said, however, you can purchase the 1TB PS4 Pro, which gives you more storage space compared to the default PS5 storage.
In the graphics department, the PS5 is fitted with a custom AMD Radeon Navi GPU, which is a significant improvement compared to PS4s AMD GCN Radeon GPU. Whether you’re personally playing or using us video game boosting website service, PS5s custom graphics card will let you enjoy significant graphical improvements.
Unfortunately, the PS5 Digital Edition doesn’t come with a disc drive, which limits versatility as you have to download the games.
PS4 vs. PS5 Controller
The PS4 is fitted with the traditional DualShock 4 controller, which is limited in terms of high-tech features. Its features, dual analog sticks, face buttons, and first trigger buttons. But after four generations, Sony now introduces a DualSense controller in PS5, which particularly focuses on haptic feedback and a new color scheme and design.
Along with the revised shapes and color scheme, the DualSense controller features an improved rumble feature and tactile triggers, letting you control your game easily. Still, it comes with a PS4 share button, a create button for capturing screenshots, and a built-in microphone. And with the introduction of a central touchpad, you should enjoy more versatile controls.
PS4 vs PS5: Games and Accessories
Perhaps what makes the PS5 truly unique is its backward compatibility with almost all the PS4 games. This means that you can migrate all your game catalogs when you upgrade, and some will even run better with the improved resolutions and frame rates.
Along with that, you get free upgrades on some titles like FIFA 21 and Cyberpunk 2077. On the other hand, if you buy the PS4 version first, you get the PS5 version at zero cost after upgrading.
Another important accessory that you’ll love is the reintroduction of the Media Remote. It acts as a dedicated control for PS5, and it helps in Blu-ray playback and navigating the streaming services.
PS4 Vs PS5: Sound Output
While neither of the two consoles supports Dolby Atmos, the PS5 is fitted with Tempest 3D, which helps deliver open, spacious, and 3D audio sounds. This combined with PS5s ray tracing, makes the games look and sound far more realistic compared to the PS4 listening experience. Better yet, you can enjoy the sounds via Sony’s Pulse 3D headset, DualSense controller, or any other standard wired headphones.
Final Verdict: PS4 Vs PS5
There’s no doubt or surprise that PS5 is comparably powerful compared to PS4 and PS4 Pro. whether it’s superior processing speeds, GPUs, SSD, or even output, the PS5 “owns” PS5, as gamers would put it. The only possible downside is that it has an unorthodox 825 GB storage, which is far less compared to the PS4 Pro, which has 1 TB storage.
