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Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are powerful consoles, but they have some core difference. The Xbox Series X is the more advanced model, offering true 4K gaming, more RAM, and a larger SSD. PlayStation 5 is smaller, more affordable, and still supports high frame rates with next-gen features. This article will compare the two consoles across all major features to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Xbox Series X features an 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor that delivers 3.8 GHz speeds to ensure faster load times and smoother gameplay.
- PlayStation 5 uses an 8-core AMD Zen 2 chip with 3.5 GHz speeds.
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GPU Performance:
- Xbox Series X features a 12 TFLOPS GPU with 52 compute units to support highly detailed visuals and stable 4K performance.
- PlayStation 5 has a 10.3 TFLOPS GPU with 36 compute units.
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Game Resolution Support:
- Xbox Series X supports up to 4K at 120fps that enhances visual clarity and frame consistency.
- PlayStation 5 supports up to 4K at 120fps using dynamic scaling and developer optimization.
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Storage:
- Xbox Series X comes with a 1TB NVMe SSD that provides more usable space and supports quick resume for multiple games.
- PlayStation 5 features an 825GB SSD.
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Backward Compatibility:
- Xbox Series X supports games from Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox to preserve past game libraries.
- PlayStation 5 supports most PS4 games but not PS3 or older generations.
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Game Access Flexibility:
- Xbox Series X supports Xbox Game Pass for allowing access to hundreds of games including day-one titles.
- PlayStation 5 has PlayStation Plus and PS Now.
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Media Playback:
- Xbox Series X supports 4K Blu-ray, Dolby Vision, and streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube.
- PlayStation 5 supports 4K Blu-ray, HDR10, and similar streaming apps.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Xbox Series X |
PlayStation 5 |
| Processor |
8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.8GHz |
8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.5GHz |
| GPU |
12 TFLOPS RDNA 2 |
10.3 TFLOPS RDNA 2 |
| RAM |
16GB GDDR6 |
16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage |
1TB NVMe SSD |
825GB |
| Optical Drive |
4K UHD Blu-ray Drive |
4K UHD Blu-ray Drive |
| Game Resolution |
Up to 4K at 120fps |
Up to 4K at 120fps |
| Backward Compatibility |
Extensive support for Xbox One, 360, and original Xbox |
Most PS4 titles supported |
| Design |
Tall, box-shaped tower |
Sleek curved vertical design |
| Dimensions |
15.1 x 15 x 30.1 cm |
35.8 x 9.6 x 21.6 cm |
| Weight |
9.8 lbs (4.45 kg) |
7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) |
| Controller |
Xbox Wireless Controller |
DualSense Wireless Controller |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Xbox Series X if you:
- Want the most powerful hardware for consistent 4K performance.
- Prefer access to a large, value-rich Game Pass library.
- Care about backward compatibility with older Xbox titles.
- Want a console with expandable storage and quiet cooling.
- Need Dolby Vision and Atmos for enhanced media playback.
Check Xbox Series X Best Price
Buy the PlayStation 5 if you:
- Prefer fast load times and a futuristic SSD architecture.
- Enjoy PlayStation-exclusive franchises and titles.
- Want immersive audio with Tempest 3D and DualSense haptics.
- Need Wi-Fi 6 support for better wireless performance.
- Plan to upgrade internal storage using off-the-shelf NVMe SSDs.
Check PlayStation 5 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| CPU |
Xbox Series X |
| GPU |
Xbox Series X |
| Storage |
Xbox Series X |
| Game Resolution |
Xbox Series X |
| Backward Compatibility |
Xbox Series X |
| Dimensions |
Xbox Series X |
| Power |
Xbox Series X |
| Game Access Flexibility |
Xbox Series X |
| Media Playback |
Xbox Series X |
FAQ
Is the Xbox Series X more powerful than the PlayStation 5?
Yes, the Xbox Series X is slightly more powerful in terms of raw GPU performance and CPU clock speed. It delivers up to 12 teraflops of graphical power, while the PlayStation 5 provides 10.3 teraflops.
Does the PlayStation 5 have better exclusive games than the Xbox Series X?
Yes, many gamers consider PlayStation 5 exclusives like Spider-Man 2, Demon’s Souls, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart to be strong system-sellers. Xbox has exclusives too, but PlayStation’s lineup often gets higher critical acclaim.
Which console loads games faster?
The PlayStation 5 loads games faster due to its ultra-high-speed SSD. Although the Xbox Series X is very fast as well, Sony’s SSD has a higher raw bandwidth for data transfer.
Can you play physical discs on both consoles?
Yes, both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 come with 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drives, allowing physical game discs and movie playback.
Is Xbox Game Pass better than PlayStation Plus?
Xbox Game Pass is widely considered better in value, as it includes hundreds of games and first-party titles on day one. PlayStation Plus has expanded, but its highest tier doesn’t consistently match Game Pass in new release access.
Do both consoles support 4K gaming?
Yes, both consoles support 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second when connected to a compatible display via HDMI 2.1.
Which console is easier to upgrade with more storage?
The PlayStation 5 allows internal SSD upgrades using standard M.2 NVMe drives. The Xbox Series X requires a proprietary Seagate Expansion Card, which is easier to install but more limited in options.
Which console is quieter during gameplay?
Both consoles are relatively quiet, but the Xbox Series X is often considered quieter under heavy load due to its large fan and vapor chamber cooling system.
Do both consoles support backward compatibility?
The Xbox Series X supports games from Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even original Xbox. The PlayStation 5 only supports most PS4 games and does not natively support older generations.
Which console is better for online multiplayer?
Both consoles require a subscription for online play. Xbox Live Gold (included with Game Pass Ultimate) and PlayStation Plus both provide stable multiplayer experiences, though Xbox is known for slightly more consistent network reliability.