The PlayStation 5 is undoubtedly one of Sony’s most controversial designs. After a few years, I have to admit it’s growing on me. The only drawback is its gargantuan size, which made the PS5 Slim a welcome redesign. The upcoming PS5 Pro continues the emphasis on design, adding some welcome hardware upgrades. If you’re not sure which model is right for you, we have some insight.
Unlike previous midcycle refreshes like the PS4 Pro, the PS5 Slim is more of a replacement than an addition to the lineup. If the original inventory is sold out, you will only be able to get Slim. The Slim model does not upgrade any key features such as processor or RAM, although it does come with more 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 our midcycle refresh expectations. It features significant processing improvements, 2 TB of internal storage which is huge out of the gate, and a price to match. At $700, the sticker shock is real. Let’s get into the details.
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PS5 Slim: A Space-Saving Fan
The main difference between the PS5 and PS5 Slim is size. The original PS5 was a complete unit, easily one of the greatest consoles ever. The PS5 Slim is 30 percent smaller in volume than its big brother, and like the original, the discless versions take up much less space. Here are the ratings for all four models:
You can see a comparison of all four sizes here and rotate the models in 3D space to get an idea of ​​the difference. The reduction in size is significant, and your entertainment unit will appreciate the extra space, although we must point out that even the Slim models are still larger than, say, the Xbox Series X/S consoles.
Photo: Eric Ravenscraft