PlayStation 4 Pro vs PlayStation 5 – Which Should You Buy?

As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer

PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5 are both powerful consoles, but they have some core difference. The PlayStation®5 is Sony’s more advanced console with faster load times, higher resolutions, and modern features for next-gen gaming, while the PlayStation 4 pro remains a reliable and affordable option. Let’s explore what is the difference between ps4 pro and ps5.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • PlayStation®5 console features an 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor that runs at 3.5GHz to deliver smooth performance and faster load times.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro uses an 8-core AMD Jaguar processor, which is slower and less efficient.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

Disc Drive:

  • PlayStation®5 console supports a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray drive that allows playback of 4K physical media.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro has a standard Blu-ray drive that does not support 4K movie playback.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

GPU Performance:

  • PlayStation®5 console includes a 10.3 TFLOPS RDNA 2 GPU that enables 4K gaming and ray tracing for advanced visual effects.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro includes a 4.2 TFLOP GCN GPU with support for 4K upscaling.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

RAM:

  • PlayStation®5 console has 16GB of GDDR6 memory that handles large game assets for smoother multitasking and gameplay.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro includes 8GB of GDDR5 memory that supports basic gaming.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

Storage Capacity:

  • PlayStation 5 has an 825GB NVMe SSD that drastically reduces load times and enables faster game streaming.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro includes a 1TB HDD that provides more capacity but slower performance.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

Media Playback:

  • PlayStation®5 console supports 4K streaming and UHD Blu-ray playback to enhance visual media experiences.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro supports HD streaming and Blu-ray playback but not UHD content.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

Game Compatibility:

  • PlayStation®5 console supports backward compatibility with PS4 games to expand the playable library.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro runs only PS4 titles.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

Audio:

  • PlayStation®5 console supports Tempest 3D AudioTech that delivers spatial sound to enhance in-game awareness.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro supports basic surround formats like Dolby Digital and DTS.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

Connectivity:

  • PlayStation 5 supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and HDMI 2.1 to enable faster data transfer and better streaming.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.0, and HDMI 2.0.
Winner:

PlayStation 5

Specs at a Glance

FeaturePlayStation®5PlayStation 4 Pro
CPU8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.5 GHz8-core AMD Jaguar at 2.1 GHz
GPU10.3 TFLOPs RDNA 24.2 TFLOPs GCN
RAM16GB GDDR68GB GDDR5 + 1GB for background apps
Storage825GB NVMe SSD1TB HDD
Expandable StorageM.2 SSD slot, USB externalSATA HDD upgrade, USB external
Optical Drive4K UHD Blu-rayBlu-ray/DVD
Video OutputUp to 4K at 120Hz, 8K support4K at 60Hz upscaled
Backward CompatibilityPS4 games (most supported)PS4 games only
ControllerDualSense with haptics + triggersDualShock 4
DimensionsSmaller Slim Version: 358×96×216mm295×55×327mm
Power Consumption~200W during gaming~150W during gaming
AudioTempest 3D AudioTechDolby Digital, DTS

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the PlayStation®5 if you:

  • Want cutting-edge graphics and performance for the latest AAA games.
  • Prefer ultra-fast load times and smooth gameplay with SSD storage.
  • Need future-proof hardware with support for PS5 and PS4 games.
  • Enjoy immersive 3D audio and haptic feedback from the DualSense controller.
  • Plan to use a 4K or 120Hz display for enhanced visuals.

Check PlayStation 5 Best Price

Buy the PlayStation 4 Pro if you:

  • Want to play PS4 games at a lower price point.
  • Don’t need PS5-exclusive titles or next-gen features.
  • Prefer a physical disc-based console with strong legacy support.
  • Are looking for a gaming system that still performs well in 1080p or 4K upscaling.
  • Want a reliable console for casual gaming and media use.

Check PlayStation 4 Pro Best Price

Winner by Category

CategoryWinner
CPUPlayStation 5
GPUPlayStation 5
Disc DrivePlayStation 5
System MemoryPlayStation 5
Optical DrivePlayStation 5
SSDPlayStation 5
PS5 Game DiscPlayStation 5
Video OutputPlayStation 5
AudioPlayStation 5
DimensionsPlayStation 5
PowerPlayStation 5
Game Access FlexibilityPlayStation 5
Build FlexibilityPlayStation 5

What They Have in Common

  • 4K Output Support: Both the PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5 can output games and media in 4K resolution. This ensures players enjoy sharp, detailed visuals on modern 4K TVs.
  • HDR Compatibility: Each console supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), delivering richer colors, better contrast, and more realistic visuals for supported games and streaming content.
  • Blu-ray Disc Drive: Both consoles include a physical disc drive, allowing you to play Blu-ray discs, including physical game copies and 4K UHD movies (on PS4 Pro, standard Blu-ray only).
  • Backward Compatibility with PS4 Games: PlayStation 5 supports most PS4 titles, and PS4 Pro naturally runs them natively. This allows players to carry forward their library without losing access to favorite titles.
  • Online Multiplayer via PS Plus: Both systems rely on PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer gaming, cloud saves, and monthly free games, making the subscription essential for online play.
  • Streaming and Media Apps: Each console offers popular media apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, allowing users to turn their PlayStation into an all-in-one entertainment hub.
  • Wireless Controller Support: Both systems feature wireless DualShock/DualSense controllers, enabling untethered gameplay. While the PS5 uses the more advanced DualSense, both provide responsive and comfortable control experiences.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Is the PlayStation 5 backward compatible with PlayStation 4 games?
Yes, the PlayStation 5 is compatible with most PlayStation 4 games, both physical discs and digital downloads, allowing users to carry over their existing PS4 library.

Does the PlayStation 5 support 4K and 120Hz gaming?
Yes, the PlayStation 5 supports 4K resolution at up to 120Hz on compatible displays, delivering smoother and sharper visuals for supported titles.

Can you expand the storage on the PlayStation 5?
Yes, the PlayStation 5 includes an M.2 SSD slot for storage expansion and also supports external USB drives for PS4 game storage and playback.

Does the PlayStation 5 have a disc drive?
Yes, the standard PlayStation 5 includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drive that plays PS5 and PS4 game discs as well as UHD Blu-ray movies.

Is the PlayStation 5 more powerful than the PlayStation 4 Pro?
Yes, the PlayStation 5 is significantly more powerful, featuring a faster CPU, GPU, and SSD that support better graphics, quicker loading times, and enhanced performance.

Can the PlayStation 4 Pro play PS5 games?
No, the PlayStation 4 Pro cannot play PlayStation 5 game discs or digital PS5-exclusive titles. It is limited to PS4 games.

Does the PlayStation 5 come with a controller?
Yes, the PlayStation 5 comes with a DualSense wireless controller, which features adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and a built-in microphone.

What type of audio does the PlayStation 5 support?
The PlayStation 5 supports Tempest 3D AudioTech for immersive spatial sound on compatible headphones and home theater systems.

Is the PlayStation 4 Pro still a good choice in 2025?
The PlayStation 4 Pro is still useful for those who mainly want to play PS4 games and prefer a lower-cost console, though it lacks future support for newer titles.

Can you stream media on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 Pro?
Yes, both consoles support popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, though the PlayStation 5 supports higher-quality 4K UHD playback.

Leave a Reply

Back to top button