Sony has finally ushered in the PS5 Pro, an upgraded iteration of its PlayStation 5 console. While not a completely new generation, the Pro version arrives with a slew of enhancements and enhancements. The question naturally arises: Should you upgrade? Fret not, for in this article, we shall dissect the nuanced differences in specs, performance, and features between the standard PS5 and its Pro counterpart.
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PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Overview of Key Differences
The PlayStation 5 has been an impressive console, loved by gamers for its fast load times, crisp visuals, and solid performance across various game titles. However, with the introduction of the PS5 Pro, there’s now a more advanced version, designed to cater to those seeking enhanced performance. Let’s briefly explore the differences before diving into the details.
PS5 Overview
The PlayStation 5, released in late 2020, has garnered praise for its powerful hardware. It boasts a custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU, a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU, and a lightning-fast SSD. It offers up to 4K gaming at 60Hz and is equipped with ray tracing capabilities, bringing lifelike lighting and reflections to games.
PS5 Pro Overview
The PlayStation 5 Pro steps things up with better processing power, an enhanced GPU, and a new AI-powered upscaling technology (PSSR). Designed to handle more demanding games and higher resolutions, the Pro is aimed at gamers who demand the best performance and visual quality available.
Specifications Breakdown
The specs are where we can see the difference between these two consoles. While both have solid performance, the PS5 Pro edges ahead in several key areas.
| Module | PS5 | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU. Running @ 3.5GHz. | Custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU. Running @ 3.5GHz. Boost mode up to 3.85GHz. |
| GPU | Custom AMD GPU, based on RDNA 2 architecture, and running at 10.23 TFLOPs. | Custom AMD GPU based on the normal variant with better computing speed |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 SDRAM | NA |
| Storage | Custom-built 825 GB SSD with 12-channel interface and 5.5 GB/s | Custom-built 2 TB SSD with 12-channel interface and 5.5 GB/s |
| Resolution support | 1080p @ 60, 1440p @ 60, 4K @ 30/60 | Up to 4K@ 60Hz. Better performance through proprietary upscaling technology. |
| Raytracing Support | Yes | Yes (Advanced) |
| Upscaling support | No | Yes, through proprietary PSSR solution |
PS5 vs PS5 Pro: A Close Look at the CPU
Both consoles feature the same base CPU, a custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 processor clocked at 3.5GHz. However, the PS5 Pro introduces a Boost Mode, increasing the clock speed to 3.85GHz. This added power results in smoother performance and faster load times, especially during resource-heavy tasks like rendering complex game environments.
(Also see: Xbox Series S vs Series X: Ultimate Buying Guide)
PS5 vs PS5 Pro: GPU Powerhouse
The real distinction between the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro lies in their GPUs. The standard PS5 comes with a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU delivering 10.23 teraflops of graphical performance. The PS5 Pro, on the other hand, utilizes a custom RDNA 3 GPU, which brings a substantial improvement with up to 45% faster rendering speeds. For gamers who crave the best visual quality and ray tracing, this upgrade is pivotal.
PSSR AI Upscaling Technology
The PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) is Sony’s proprietary AI-based upscaling technology, designed to optimize game visuals on the PS5 Pro. The PSSR technology can downsample lower-resolution images and then upscale them to near-native 4K quality. This results in sharper visuals and more detailed textures, without straining the GPU as much as native 4K rendering would.
Ray Tracing Capabilities
Both the PS5 and PS5 Pro support ray tracing, but the Pro’s enhanced GPU brings improved ray tracing performance. With more computing units and advanced algorithms, the Pro can render more realistic lighting and reflections, making a noticeable difference in visually intensive games.
Game Performance: 1440p and 4K Resolution
The PS5 can handle 1440p gaming without issue, with some titles even running in 4K at 30Hz. The PS5 Pro, however, can manage native 4K at 60Hz consistently, thanks to its advanced upscaling and improved hardware. This makes a significant difference for gamers using 4K TVs or monitors.
PS5 Pro Enhanced Games
One of the exciting features of the PlayStation 5 Pro is the lineup of “PS5 Pro-Enhanced” games. These games are specifically optimized for the Pro, taking full advantage of the advanced hardware and PSSR technology. Expect better frame rates, crisper textures, and smoother gameplay in these titles.
Backward Compatibility
Thankfully, both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro are fully backward compatible with PS4 games, and they support most PS5 titles. If you have a large library of PS4 games, you can rest easy knowing they’ll work on either console.
Is the PS5 Pro Future-Proof?
While no console is truly future-proof, the PS5 Pro’s enhanced hardware and upscaling technology give it a solid edge in staying relevant for years to come. With games increasingly demanding higher performance, the Pro’s extra power may future-proof your gaming experience for longer than the standard PS5.
Pricing Comparison
The standard PS5 is priced at around $450, while the PS5 Pro is expected to retail at $699. With this price difference, you’re paying for better visuals, smoother frame rates, and a more immersive gaming experience. Whether the price hike is justified depends on how much you value these features.
Is the PS5 Pro Worth the Upgrade?
It’s clear the PS5 Pro brings notable upgrades over the standard PS5, especially in GPU performance, ray tracing, and upscaling technology. If you’re someone who values the best graphics, performance, and future-proofing, the Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you already own a PS5 and are content with its performance, the Pro may not offer enough of a leap to warrant an upgrade right away.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing between the PS5 and PS5 Pro depends on your gaming preferences. If you’re an enthusiast who needs the best visuals and performance, the PS5 Pro is worth considering. For casual gamers or those who already own a PS5, sticking with the standard model might be the more budget-friendly option.
