The Ultimate Showdown: PlayStation 4 vs PlayStation 5
Having graced the gaming world for several years now, securing a Playstation 5 from retailers has become a less daunting task. With never-before-seen performance, the upgraded powerful next-gen console has much better performance compared to the previous generation console, the PlayStation 4. Improved graphics and reduced loading times, coupled with the new DualSense controller, are what you get in the redesigned console.
The question then arises: “What if one has to decide on buying one of these two consoles, either PS4 or PS5?” This article covers prices, available games, storage sizes, and resolutions to cover that overview.
PS5 vs. PS4 vs. PS4 Pro: A Technical Comparison
A quick look at the specs and the PS5 is far ahead of the PS4 and PS4 Pro: more rapid storage solutions, far more processing power, and better support for higher resolution during your playtime.
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8-core, 16-thread, up to 3.5Ghz (variable frequency) | 8 Jaguar Cores, 1.6GHz | 8 Jaguar Cores, 2.1GHz |
| GPU | 36 CUs at 2.23GHz, 10.3 TFLOPs (variable frequency) | 18 CUs at 800MHz, 1.84 TFLOPS | 36 CUs at 911Mhz, 4.2 TFLOPS |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR5 | 8GB GDDR5 |
| Storage | Custom 825GB SSD | 500GB, 1TB HDD | 1TB HDD |
| Optical Drive | Ultra HD Blu-ray | Blu-ray | Blu-ray |
| Output | 8K | 1080p | 4K |
Graphics Comparison: PS4 vs. PS5
The leap from PS4 to PS5 in graphics is quite huge. In literal terms, the PS5’s GPU jumps to exceptional performance with a substantial TFLOPs increase—around 8x that of the PS4 and 2.5x that of the PS4 Pro.
This has made it possible with high clock speeds in the new PS5 and better architecture, giving one some of the richest gaming experiences ever.
Resolution: Pushing the Boundaries
As for the resolution, the PS5 makes new inroads: It will support 4K gameplay at 120Hz and even 8K resolution through the compatibility of HDMI 2.1. That looks really good against the PS4 Pro’s 4K and even more so when compared to the PS4’s 1080p output.
Price Considerations
As for the price, these superior specs of PS5 make the cost certainly fair. The Standard Edition goes for $499.99, with the Digital Edition available for $399.99. But the PS4 still is a rather low-cost alternative, taking into account that the 1TB PS4 Slim model goes for around $299.99.
However, for a slight price difference between the PS4 and the PS5 Digital Edition, the latter positions itself as a more futurist investment, able to play most PS4 titles with enhanced performance.
Storage Solutions
Where the PS5 differentiates in a huge way from the PS4 Pro is the storage and speeds. It looks set to revolutionize storage performance with a custom 825GB SSD, boasting a raw read bandwidth of 5.5GB/s.
This leads to not only faster game load times but also facilitates more dynamic streaming of in-game assets to make the gaming experience fuller.
Game Library and Backward Compatibility
Where the PS5 truly finds its stride is in its backward compatibility: it supports almost all PS4 games and has a thrilling slate of next-gen games. From breathtaking remakes like Demon’s Souls to expectation-filled sequels like Horizon Forbidden West and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the PS5 is positioned to redefine gaming landscapes.
The fact that PS5 supports backward compatibility and therefore ensures that beloved PS4 classics will be playable on the new console, probably with better fidelity, feels like the icing on the cake.
The Evolution of Controllers: DualShock 4 vs. DualSense
DualSense finally boasted adaptive triggers and haptic feedback to have a much more nuanced and involving game reality compared to DualShock 4. While the form factor is going to remain the same, advancements in battery life and sensory feedback with the new DualSense will set a new bar for gameplay immersion.
Choosing the Right Edition: Disk vs. Digital
The PS5 Standard differs from the PS5 Digital Edition only when you would either appreciate physical discs or be comfortable with downloading the game. The Digital Edition has a more reduced design since there is no disk drive, but both editions present the same groundbreaking performance and gaming features that have come to define the new generation of PlayStation consoles.
In conclusion, the PS5 stands as a testament to Sony’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology. With all these great specs, a wide game portfolio, and innovative controllers in mind, it’s little wonder that the PS5 makes such a good argument to be an upgrade over the PS4 and bring the gamer into the next era of video gaming. Whether it is the sharpness of the PS5 or the lasting charm of the PS4, fundamentally, they are meant to play a part in defining the surroundings of digital entertainment.
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Akilesh Kj is a Technical Content Specialist with a solid 2 years of experience in the field. He primarily crafts informative and engaging tech guides for Tech Hub Digital, with a keen focus on gaming, smartphones, and gaming consoles. Outside of his professional pursuits, Akilesh is an avid stock market analyst, and a sports enthusiast, with a particular love for football and cricket, enjoying both watching the games and a cricketer who has played division matches for his school and college.