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PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X are both powerful consoles, but they have some core difference. PlayStation 5 Pro is newer, more advanced model with enhanced graphical performance, AI upscaling, and potential support for 8K resolution. While the Xbox Series X remains a powerful and popular console with strong performance. Let’s explore what’s the difference between PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- PlayStation 5 Pro features a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU that runs up to 4.4GHz to deliver faster processing during complex game scenes.
- Xbox Series X uses an AMD Zen 2 CPU capped at 3.8GHz, which handles games well but at lower peak speeds.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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Display Outputs:
- The PlayStation 5 Pro supports Native 8K output for providing higher resolution and detail visual experience.
- Xbox Series X supports up to 4K output.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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GPU Performance:
- PlayStation 5 Pro has a custom RDNA 3 GPU that enables up to 33.5 TFLOPS for high-fidelity rendering and AI-enhanced visuals.
- Xbox Series X uses an RDNA 2 GPU with 12 TFLOPS.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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AI Upscaling:
- The PlayStation 5 Pro includes AI upscaling technology that boosts lower-resolution images to near-native 4K quality for better clarity.
- Xbox Series X does not support AI-based visual enhancement.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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Storage:
- PlayStation 5 Pro comes with a 1TB NVMe SSD that supports faster game load times and native M.2 SSD upgrades.
- Xbox Series X has a 1TB NVMe SSD with proprietary expansion options.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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Ray Tracing:
- PlayStation 5 Pro supports advanced ray tracing with AI-driven acceleration to improve lighting and reflections.
- Xbox Series X supports standard ray tracing based on RDNA 2 architecture.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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Networking:
- PlayStation 5 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E to enable faster and more stable wireless connections.
- Xbox Series X includes Wi-Fi 5, which is slower on high-bandwidth networks.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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Connectivity:
- PlayStation 5 Pro includes front-facing USB-C and high-speed USB-A ports to connect accessories quickly.
- Xbox Series X features USB-A ports and proprietary expansion ports.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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Controller:
- PlayStation 5 Pro includes the DualSense controller which adds adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback to improve gameplay immersion.
- Xbox Series X includes the standard Xbox Wireless Controller with refined ergonomics.
Winner:
PlayStation 5 Pro
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
Xbox Series X |
| CPU |
Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 at up to 4.4GHz |
Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.8GHz |
| GPU |
Custom RDNA 3 with AI acceleration |
AMD RDNA 2 with 12 TFLOPS |
| RAM |
16GB GDDR6 |
16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage |
1TB NVMe SSD |
1TB NVMe SSD |
| Expandable Storage |
Yes, M.2 SSD slot |
Yes, proprietary expansion card |
| Ray Tracing |
Advanced Ray Tracing |
Ray Tracing supported |
| Game Resolution Support |
Up to 8K, 4K at higher FPS |
True 4K, up to 120 FPS |
| Backward Compatibility |
PS4 games |
All Xbox One and select 360 games |
| Game Loading Speed |
Improved SSD architecture |
Xbox Velocity Architecture |
| Audio Support |
Tempest 3D AudioTech |
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X |
| Design |
Larger, sharper chassis |
Boxy, vertical-friendly design |
| Dimensions |
Slightly larger than PS5 |
15.1 × 15 × 30.1 cm |
| Networking |
Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet |
Wi-Fi 5, Ethernet |
| Game Access Flexibility |
PS Plus and digital library |
Game Pass, Cloud Gaming |
| Controller Included |
DualSense with haptics and adaptive triggers |
Xbox Wireless Controller |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the PlayStation 5 Pro if you:
- Want the most advanced GPU and higher frame rates for future-ready gaming.
- Prefer better visual fidelity with AI-enhanced ray tracing and 8K support.
- Use Wi-Fi 6E for faster online multiplayer and smoother downloads.
- Enjoy the immersive feel of the DualSense controller with adaptive triggers.
- Plan to expand your storage with standard M.2 SSDs.
Check PlayStation 5 Pro Best Price
Buy the Xbox Series X if you:
- Prefer wide backward compatibility including Xbox 360 and original Xbox games.
- Want access to Game Pass for a vast and evolving library of games.
- Like compact, clean hardware design with consistent power draw.
- Use Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for home theater audio.
- Prefer a more affordable price for strong current-gen performance.
Check Xbox Series X Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| CPU |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
| GPU |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Ray Tracing Support |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Storage |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Video Output |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Game Resolution Support |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Networking |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Connectivity |
PlayStation 5 Pro |
FAQ
Is the PlayStation 5 Pro backward compatible with older PlayStation games?
The PlayStation 5 Pro supports backward compatibility with most PlayStation 4 games but does not natively run titles from PS3, PS2, or PS1.
Does the Xbox Series X support 4K gaming at 120 frames per second?
Yes, the Xbox Series X can run supported games at 4K resolution with up to 120 frames per second, depending on the game and display.
Can I use external storage with the PlayStation 5 Pro?
Yes, the PlayStation 5 Pro allows users to add an M.2 NVMe SSD for internal expansion and use external USB drives for PS4 games or media.
What is the main graphical advantage of the PS5 Pro over the Xbox Series X?
The PS5 Pro includes a more powerful GPU using RDNA 3 architecture with AI upscaling that enhances 4K and 8K rendering performance over the Xbox Series X’s RDNA 2 GPU.
Is Xbox Game Pass available on PlayStation consoles?
No, Xbox Game Pass is only available on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and supported mobile/cloud devices. It is not available on PlayStation platforms.
Which console is better for playing physical disc games?
Both the PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X include 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drives, making them equally capable for physical disc-based games and media playback.
Do either consoles support Dolby Vision or HDR?
The Xbox Series X supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, while the PlayStation 5 Pro supports HDR10 but does not support Dolby Vision for gaming.
Can I play the same games on both consoles?
Some games are cross-platform and available on both consoles, but each system also has exclusive titles. PlayStation offers exclusives like Spider-Man and The Last of Us, while Xbox features titles like Halo and Forza.
Which console has the better controller features?
The PlayStation 5 Pro comes with the DualSense controller that features adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, which provides a more immersive gaming experience compared to the more traditional Xbox controller.
Is one console quieter or more energy-efficient than the other?
The Xbox Series X is generally quieter and slightly more power-efficient under load compared to the PlayStation 5 Pro, which may run hotter and louder due to its higher performance output.