Xbox Series X vs PS5 specs explained: Which is more powerful?

Looking to upgrade to a newer console but not sure which one to pick between Xbox vs Playstation? Whether you're new to the gaming scene or are debating a switch from your usual go-to console, we're breaking down the differences between these two consoles and answering the question on everyone's lips – what is better, Xbox Series X or PS5?


In this blog:


Specs

The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are the latest consoles from both Microsoft and Sony, leaving many gamers wondering which console is best. In terms of specs, the Xbox Series X vs PS5 battle is a close call. Here are all the specs to take note of for both consoles:

Specs Xbox X PS5
Storage 1TB internal SSD 825GB SSD
Dimensions 301 x 151 x 151mm 390 × 104 x 260 mm
Weight 4.4kg 3.2kg
CPU Custom Zen 2

8 cores 3.8GHz

x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen

8 cores 3.5GHz

RAM 16GB GDDR6 16GB GDDR6
Processing power 12 teraflops 10.3 teraflops
4K capability Yes Yes

 

Graphics

If graphics is the most important to you, you might struggle to pick a favourite. Whether you pick the PS5 or Xbox Series X, both consoles offer near identical graphics capabilities.

Both consoles offer up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and even support ray tracing making them worthy equals to the likes of PC graphics cards. Each console also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM).

Design

One of the most controversial aspects of these two consoles is the design. Let's face it, Microsoft dropped the ball on this one. The Xbox Series X is quite literally a box… Chunky and square, the Xbox Series X looks more like a PC tower than a games console.

The PS5 on the other hand looks like it's been plucked out of a sci-fi film. It's the tallest of all PlayStation consoles so far and is the first PlayStation to come in white as standard. The PS5 has two curved faceplates protecting the main console unit which is sandwiched in the middle.

Originally, the PS5 weighed 4.5kg but has since been cut down to 3.2kg. The Xbox Series X however has stayed at 4.4kg. Both consoles can be laid horizontally or stood on end, but whichever you choose, you'll likely need to get a bigger shelf for these huge consoles.

While it does depend on personal preference, for us the winner of PS5 vs Xbox Series X for design is definitely the PS5.

Storage

For those looking for lots of storage on their next console, the Xbox Series X just manages to beat the PS5 to first place. Each of these consoles have an adopted solid-state drive (SSD) for speedier loading times and the option to use expansion cards for extra storage.

Where the PS5 lacks when comparing PS5 vs Xbox Series X storage capabilities is its available storage space. While its SSD offers 825GB of storage, only 700GB of that is available to the user. The Xbox Series X has a massive 1TB of storage space, with 800GB available to users.

Processing and hardware

While there's no doubt that both of these consoles are significantly more powerful than their predecessors, many are left wondering which is more powerful – PS5 or Xbox Series X?

The Xbox Series X uses a customer Zen 2 eight-core processor that runs at 3.8GHz per core, while the PS5 uses a Zen 2 eight-core processor that runs at 3.5GHz per core. Both consoles have 16GB GDDR6 and run RDNA 2 graphics though.

GPU also puts the Xbox Series X in first place, with the PS5 having only 10.3 TFLOPS of power across 36 CUs compared to the Xbox Series X's 12 TFLOPS of power across 52 CUs.

Both consoles are definitely close in terms of power and hardware, but for us, the Xbox Series X has the edge!


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