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PS5 Digital and PS5 Disc are both powerful consoles, but they have some core difference. The PlayStation®5 Disc is a feature-rich system with physical media support and flexible game access, while the PlayStation®5 Digital is a slimmer, more affordable option for gamers who prefer an all-digital experience. Let’s explore difference between PS5 Disc and Digital edition.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- PlayStation®5 Disc features an AMD Ryzen Zen 2 processor that delivers fast performance for smooth gameplay and multitasking.
- PlayStation®5 Digital uses the same AMD Ryzen Zen 2 processor.
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Disc Drive:
- PlayStation®5 Disc comes with a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive that allows access to physical game discs and media.
- PlayStation®5 Digital does not include a disc drive and supports only digital content.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Disc
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GPU Performance:
- PlayStation®5 Disc includes an RDNA 2 GPU that enables real-time ray tracing and high-frame-rate 4K gaming.
- PlayStation®5 Digital has the same RDNA 2 graphics architecture.
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Design:
- PlayStation®5 Disc has a modular design that supports disc drive removal to reduce bulk.
- PlayStation®5 Digital is slimmer due to the lack of a disc drive.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Disc
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Storage Capacity:
- PlayStation®5 Disc includes a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD that speeds up game loading and transfers.
- PlayStation®5 Digital features the same 1TB SSD for fast internal storage.
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Media Playback:
- PlayStation®5 Disc supports playback of physical Ultra HD Blu-ray movies which expands entertainment options.
- PlayStation®5 Digital does not support disc-based media playback.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Disc
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Game Access Flexibility:
- PlayStation®5 Disc compatible with physical and digital game libraries that gives you freedom to build a collection, resell used games, download games from the PlayStation Store and access titles even without an internet connection.
- PlayStation®5 Digital only supports digital games and content.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Disc
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Build Flexibility:
- PlayStation®5 Disc supports a detachable disc drive that allows you to remove or replace it for easier upgrades or a cleaner setup.
- PlayStation®5 Digital does not include a modular drive without additional purchase.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Disc
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
PlayStation®5 Disc |
PlayStation®5 Digital |
| Optical Drive |
Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive included |
No Disc Drive (digital only) |
| Removable Disc Drive |
Yes, user-removable and re-attachable |
Optional, sold separately |
| Dimensions |
Approx. 358 × 96 × 216 mm |
Slightly slimmer without disc bulge |
| Weight |
Approx. 3.2 kg |
Approx. 2.6 kg |
| SSD Storage |
1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD |
1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD |
| RAM |
16GB GDDR6 |
16GB GDDR6 |
| CPU |
AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8-core, 3.5 GHz) |
AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8-core, 3.5 GHz) |
| GPU |
AMD RDNA 2 (10.3 TFLOPs, 36 CUs) |
AMD RDNA 2 (10.3 TFLOPs, 36 CUs) |
| Video Output |
HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 120Hz, 8K supported) |
HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 120Hz, 8K supported) |
| Audio Support |
Tempest 3D AudioTech |
Tempest 3D AudioTech |
| Networking |
Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1 |
Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| USB Ports |
2x USB-A, 2x USB-C |
2x USB-A, 2x USB-C |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the PlayStation®5 Disc if you:
- Want to play both digital and physical PS5 game discs.
- Prefer collecting or reselling physical game copies.
- Watch 4K Blu-ray movies using a disc-based media player.
- Like the flexibility of a removable disc drive for future use.
- Don’t mind spending a little more for wider functionality.
Check PlayStation 5 Disc Best Price
Buy the PlayStation®5 Digital if you:
- Are committed to a digital-only game library.
- Prefer a slimmer, cleaner-looking console design.
- Want to save money on the console upfront.
- Don’t plan to use physical game discs or movies.
- Like a lighter and slightly more power-efficient setup.
Check PlayStation 5 Digital Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Disc Drive |
PlayStation®5 Disc |
| Design |
PlayStation®5 Disc |
| Storage |
Tie |
| Connectivity |
Tie |
| Video Output |
Tie |
| Audio |
Tie |
| Media Playback |
PlayStation®5 Disc |
| Game Access Flexibility |
PlayStation®5 Disc |
| Build Flexibility |
PlayStation®5 Disc |
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FAQ
Does the PlayStation®5 Digital support physical game discs?
No, the PlayStation®5 Digital does not support any physical game discs. All games and media must be downloaded digitally.
Can I add a disc drive to the PlayStation®5 Digital?
Yes, the PlayStation®5 Digital supports an optional detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, which is sold separately and can be installed later.
Are both versions of the PS5 equal in performance?
Yes, both the PlayStation®5 Disc and the Digital use the same CPU, GPU, RAM, and SSD, so performance is identical.
How much storage is available on the PS5 models?
Both the disc and digital versions of the PS5 include a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, which provides fast load times and storage capacity for games.
Is the PS5 Slim quieter than the original PS5?
Yes, both versions of the PS5 Slim have improved internal design for better thermal management and quieter operation compared to the original launch model.
Do both PS5 models support 4K and 120Hz gaming?
Yes, both versions support 4K resolution up to 120Hz via HDMI 2.1 and are also capable of 8K output for compatible content.
Which PS5 is better for collecting physical games?
The PlayStation®5 Disc is the better choice for physical game collectors since it includes a disc drive for Blu-ray and physical PS5 games.
Can I upgrade storage on the PS5 models?
Yes, both PS5 versions include an expandable M.2 SSD slot that supports compatible NVMe drives for additional storage.
Is there a price difference between the two PS5 versions?
Yes, the PlayStation®5 Digital is generally priced lower than the standard disc version because it does not include the optical drive.
Do both PS5 models support the same accessories?
Yes, both support the same range of accessories including DualSense controllers, Pulse 3D headsets, and PlayStation VR2.