PS5 Pro vs PS5: which console should you buy?

With the release of Sony’s PS5 Pro making waves in the gaming world, there’s one question on every gamer’s lips: “Should I go for the new PS5 Pro or stick with the regular PS5 console?”

Whether you’re debating upgrading from the PS5 or you’re jumping up from an older model, we’ve broken down all the differences to help you decide which PS5 to choose. From PS5 Pro specs to PS5 price comparisons, keep reading to find it all out!


In this blog:


Overview

Want a quick snapshot of the key differences between the PS5 Pro and PS5 consoles? This table highlights the main specs and features that set the two models apart.

Specs PS5 PS5 Pro
CPU 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.5GHz 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ up to 3.85GHz
Graphics Standard Ray Tracing Improved Ray Tracing & AI Upscaling
Resolution 4K at 120fps Up to 8K support
Storage 1TB SSD (expandable) 2TB SSD (expandable)
Video output 4K at 120Hz, 8K 4K at 120Hz, 8K
WiFi Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 7
Price £479.99 £699

Performance and specs

When it comes to performance, the PS5 Pro specs bring a significant boost in processing power. The PS5 Pro features an upgraded GPU with 67% more Compute Units than the PS5 and 28% faster memory, delivering smoother and faster gameplay.

Additionally, the new PS5 Pro Game Boost stabilises and enhances performance across more than 8,500 backwards-compatible PS4 and PS5 games, and rendering speeds are up to 45% faster for an overall enhanced gaming experience.

Design

If you’re not a huge fan of the current PS5 and PS5 Slim design, it’s unlikely that the PS5 Pro design will bowl you over. Like the PS5, the PS5 Pro has the same black and white design and curved rectangular shape.

You’ll notice that the PS5 Pro has four removable faceplates for customisation, just like the PS5 Slim model. There are two USB-A ports,  an Ethernet port on the back and two USB-C ports on the front. As this console doesn’t have a built-in disc drive, there is no eject button.

The PS5 Pro is the same height as the PS5, however it is slightly narrower and has a top fanned finish. Since the two models are pretty similar in design, there really isn’t a clear winner between the two consoles.

Graphics and ray tracing

With enhanced ray tracing capabilities, the PlayStation 5 Pro delivers improved graphics you never knew you needed. The new PS5 Pro console offers more dynamic reflection and refraction of light, making graphics appear even more life-like.

The PS5 Pro also introduces PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which Sony describes as “AI-enhanced resolution.” This tech scales games up to 4K while maintaining high frame rates, ensuring top-notch clarity without sacrificing performance.

For gamers eager to experience the latest titles at their best, the PlayStation 5 Pro might be the better choice.

Storage

The PS5 Pro includes 2TB SSD, which is a nice upgrade from the PS5’s 1TB SSD. While both consoles can use external storage, this extra storage is a welcomed boost, especially with today’s massive game file sizes.

One thing worth noting is that, while the PS5 is marketed to have 1TB SSD, it actually has 825GB once you factor in system files, updates and other features – so whether the PS5 Pro actually has 2TB SSD is yet to be determined.

Regardless of the actual storage sizes, if you’d rather use internal storage than external storage, then the PS5 Pro will be the better games console for you.

Optical drive

While the PS5 includes an optical drive, the pricier PS5 Pro does not. For those who want one, you’ll need to purchase a Sony Disc Drive separately for an additional £99.99, racking up the cost of the PS5 Pro to over £800!

If you’re not concerned about a disc drive and prefer digital games, this likely won’t be an issue. However, if you plan to play physical games, you might want to consider the regular PS5 instead.

Price

The PS5 Pro is set to launch on the 7th of November, with a price tag of £699.99 – a notable jump from the PS5’s £479.99 price and the digital PS5 console’s £389 price.

For this almost £700 investment, the PS5 Pro offers a spacious 2TB SSD and includes a DualSense wireless controller. By comparison, the regular PS5 comes with the same DualSense wireless controller, a smaller 1TB SSD and a built-in disc drive.

While the PS5 Pro price is significantly higher than the regular PS5, it’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth the cost.

Final verdict

If you’re a PS5 owner debating an upgrade, the Sony PS5 Pro offers enhanced features worth considering, especially if you’re looking for top-tier performance and cutting-edge graphics. But if you’re upgrading from a PS4, both consoles will be leaps ahead in performance, so your choice boils down to budget versus future-proofing your console for years to come.


Whether you’ve decided on a PS5 or PS5 Pro, shopping for refurbished consoles is a great choice to save money and be more environmentally friendly! Head to the musicMagpie Store and check out our amazing deals on refurbished game consoles including refurbished PS5 models.