PS5 vs. PS5 Slim vs. PS5 Pro: What’s the Difference, and Which Console Should You Get?

The PlayStation 5 was arguably one of Sony’s most controversial designs. After a few years, I have to admit it’s growing on me. The only downside is its gargantuan size, which made the PS5 Slim a welcome redesign. The upcoming PS5 Pro further iterates on the design, adding some welcome hardware upgrades. If you’re unsure which model is for you, we have some insight.

Unlike past midcycle refreshes like the PS4 Pro, the PS5 Slim is more of a replacement than an addition to the lineup. When inventory of the original sells out, you’ll only be able to find the Slim. The Slim model doesn’t upgrade any of the core specs like processor or RAM, though it does come with a bit of extra storage; the original PS5 came with 825 GB of internal storage, while the PS5 Slim bumps that to a full 1 TB.

Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro is more in line with what we expect from a midcycle refresh. It features significant processing upgrades, a relatively large 2 TB of internal storage right out of the gate, and a price to match. At $700, the sticker shock is real. Let’s dive into the details.

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PS5 Slim: A Space Saving Successor

The biggest difference between the PS5 and the PS5 Slim is the size. The original PS5 was an absolute unit, easily one of the biggest consoles ever. The PS5 Slim is about 30 percent smaller by volume than its big brother, and like the original, the discless versions take up even less space. Here are the dimensions of all four models:

You can see a comparison of all four sizes here and rotate the models around in 3D space to get a sense of the difference. The drop in size is significant, and your entertainment unit will appreciate the extra space, though it’s worth pointing out that even the Slim models are still substantially bigger than, say, the Xbox Series X/S consoles.

Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft

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