The PlayStation 5 is an undisputed titan in modern gaming, packing cutting-edge performance and breathtaking visuals into a sleek, futuristic design. But, like clockwork, gaming brands eventually roll out mid-generation upgrades, and Sony has followed suit with the PlayStation 5 Pro. Gamers and tech enthusiasts alike are abuzz with one big question: is the PS5 Pro worth the upgrade, or should you stick with the standard PS5?

This article pits the PS5 against the PS5 Pro in a side-by-side comparison, breaking down the key differences in performance, graphics, storage, design, and price. We’ll also help you decide who will benefit most from upgrading and when sticking with the standard PS5 makes the most sense.

A Quick Overview of the PS5 and PS5 Pro

Before we dig into specifics, here’s a quick look at each system:

  • PS5 (Original): Released in 2020, this console became a benchmark for next-gen gaming with features like ray tracing, SSD-powered fast loading, and support for 4K resolution at 60 FPS.
  • PS5 Pro: Launching as the PS5’s more powerful sibling, the Pro model steps up hardware performance for an upgraded experience, particularly for gamers seeking enhanced graphics and higher frame rates.

Both consoles provide access to the same library of PS5 games and backwards compatibility for PS4 titles, but there’s a lot to unpack beyond that.

1. Performance and Hardware

PS5 Hardware

The original PS5 delivers excellent performance with its custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU, capable of 10.28 teraflops. It is paired with an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU clocked at 3.5 GHz. Thanks to these specs, the PS5 supports 4K gaming at 60 FPS with ray tracing and upscaling to 120 FPS for certain games. For most gamers, this level of performance is more than sufficient.

PS5 Pro Performance Boost

The PS5 Pro takes this a step further. While exact hardware specs vary depending on leaks and Sony’s official announcements, the Pro utilizes an upgraded AMD RDNA 3 GPU, promising closer to 20 teraflops of processing power. This results in highly improved performance, including native 4K gameplay at 120 FPS, better ray tracing, and even support for 8K gaming on compatible titles. Additionally, the PS5 Pro’s CPU is faster, with clock speeds rumored to break the 4 GHz mark.

Verdict: While the standard PS5 performs brilliantly for most current games, the PS5 Pro shines for gamers looking to unlock the absolute best in visuals and performance, especially at higher resolutions and frame rates.

2. Graphics and Visual Fidelity

PS5 Graphics

The PS5 introduced ray tracing and dynamic 4K visuals to the PlayStation ecosystem, which brought lifelike lighting, shadows, and reflections to flagship games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Demon’s Souls. For players using 1080p TVs or monitors, the PS5 is overachieving in its support for downscaled 4K graphics.

PS5 Pro’s Visual Leap

The PS5 Pro is designed for more graphics-oriented advancements, especially for players with high-end 4K or 8K TVs. Sony has improved rendering technology, allowing for greater detail in textures and environments. Advanced ray tracing is expected to offer even more realistic lighting interactions, enabling deeper immersion in visually intensive games.

Verdict: If you already own a 4K TV or are planning on upgrading to 8K, the PS5 Pro ensures you’ll get the most out of every pixel. Otherwise, the original PS5 still delivers stunning visuals at 4K-60 FPS in most scenarios.

3. Storage Capacity and Speed

PS5 Storage

The standard PS5 includes an ultrafast 825 GB SSD, drastically cutting down loading times compared to past consoles. While the speed is excellent, players quickly discovered how fast that 825 GB fills up given the size of modern games (with some titles exceeding 100 GB).

PS5 Pro Storage Boost

The PS5 Pro leans into this feedback by offering a larger SSD right out of the box. Most rumors point to a 1 TB or 2 TB SSD, giving gamers more breathing room. Like its predecessor, the Pro also supports expandable storage using NVMe SSDs for further customization.

Verdict: If managing storage on your PS5 feels like a constant juggling act, the added capacity of the PS5 Pro could make everyday gaming more seamless.

4. Design and Form Factor

PS5 Design

The futuristic design of the PS5 made waves with its dual-tone aesthetic and sculpted side panels. However, it’s also a behemoth, standing 15.4 inches tall and weighing a hefty 9.9 pounds, making it a snug fit in smaller setups.

PS5 Pro Updates

The PS5 Pro keeps much of the original’s physical identity but is expected to slim down slightly while maintaining a distinctive, modern design. Improved cooling mechanisms are also likely to help the Pro handle its hardware upgrades without significant noise or overheating.

Verdict: If space is limited or noise levels are a priority, the PS5 Pro may feel like a polished enhancement.

5. Price

Price is one of the biggest factors when deciding if an upgrade is worth it. The PS5 originally launched at $499 for the disc version and $399 for the Digital Edition. Prices for the PS5 Pro are rumored to start around $599 or higher depending on the configuration, making it a sizeable investment.

Verdict: While the Pro offers impressive upgrades, its higher price means the standard PS5 remains a more budget-friendly option for gamers not chasing top-tier performance.

Who Should Upgrade to the PS5 Pro?

While both consoles share a core gaming library, the PS5 Pro appeals to a specific audience. Here’s who will get the most out of upgrading:

  1. Hardcore Gamers and Tech Enthusiasts: If you demand the highest graphical fidelity, native 4K at 120 FPS, and cutting-edge performance, the PS5 Pro is an obvious choice.
  2. 8K TV Owners: The Pro is built to shine on 8K displays, offering future-proof capabilities if your home entertainment system supports this technology.
  3. Competitive Players: Esports players and FPS fans will benefit from smoother performance at higher frame rates.

Who Should Stick with the PS5?

The standard PS5 is still an incredible machine that more than holds its own. Here’s why it might still be the better choice:

  1. Casual Gamers: If you game for fun and don’t care about technical perfection, the standard PS5 offers more than enough power.
  2. 1080p and Basic 4K TV Owners: If your display isn’t high-end, you won’t fully benefit from the PS5 Pro’s upgrades.
  3. Budget-Conscious Players: With a $100-$200 difference, the PS5 Pro might not be worth it for those prioritizing affordability.

Practical Advice for Making the Decision

If you’re still undecided, ask yourself these questions:

  • How important are graphics and frame rates to me? If they’re critical, the PS5 Pro is worth considering.
  • Am I planning to upgrade my display? If you’re investing in 4K or 8K TVs, the Pro will maximize their potential.
  • What fits my budget? If stretching your finances for the Pro is a concern, the standard PS5 is a more economical option.

Final Thoughts

The PS5 remains a powerhouse that’s well-suited for most gamers. However, the PS5 Pro offers tempting upgrades in performance, graphics, and storage, making it an excellent choice for those who want to elevate their gaming experience further.