PS5 slim vs PS5: What the Difference Between Both of Them

Playstation’s invention in the field of video games was remarkable. As of March 31, 2024, there were 118 million monthly active members on the PlayStation Network. Combined sales of PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 software were 72.6 million units in the three months ending that day. PS5 shipments exceeded 59.3 million.

The PS5, which debuted with high expectations as a replacement for the PS4, promised an increase in gaming, graphics and speed. But with the arrival of the PS5 Slim, a thicker and simpler version of the original PS5, the conversation in the gaming community has changed. We will be comparing PS5 Slim and PS5 Original in this blog. This comparison examines the subtle differences between the PS5 Slim and its predecessor, highlighting the improvements and trade-offs made by the redesign. Let’s dive right into the details:

Overview of the PS5 and PS5 Slim Release

With the debut of the PlayStation 5 (PS5), a new era began in the gaming console business. The PS5 was made by Sony. PS5 released in November 2020. The PS5, which arrived in the same month as Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S, was the platform’s direct competitor as part of the ninth generation of video game consoles. Two models of the PS5 were released: the standard model, which included an optical disc drive that could play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, and the digital edition, which was designed to target the market for digital downloads and It lacked drive.

Compared to its predecessor, the November 2023 release of the PS5 Slim version has a more sophisticated and thicker appearance. Its glossy top and matte bottom surfaces give it a contemporary look that fits Sony’s goal of creating a stunning, forward-thinking console for the 2020s. Let’s compare both the gadgets side by side:

Side by Side Comparison of PS5 vs PS5 Slim

Features	PS5 Slim	PS5
Design & Aesthetics	The PS5 Slim adds a slimmer look while retaining the classic two-tone design of the original PS5.	The tall, narrow shape of the console forces it to stand vertically on a circular base for stability. There are two versions: the digital edition comes without an optical disc drive, and the other has one. The design symmetry of the console is slightly altered by the presence or absence of a disk drive.
Physical Dimension	95mm x 358mm x 216mm (DISC) 80mm x 358mm x 216mm(Digital)	104mm x 390mm x 260mm (Disc) 104mm x 390mm x 260mm (Digital)
Weight Dimensions	7.05 lbs / 5.7 lbs	8.6 lbs / 7.5 lbs
CPU	8x Cores @ 3.5 GHz (variable frequency)	8x Cores @ 3.5 GHz (variable frequency)
GPU	10.3 TFLOPS, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz (variable frequency)	10.3 TFLOPS, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz (variable frequency)
Memory & Storage	Comes with 1TB of SSD storage, providing more space for games and media	825 GB Custom NVME SSD
I/O Throughput & Expandable Storage Options	Offers 5.5GB/s (Raw), up to 8-9GB/s (Compressed) I/O throughput, with NVMe SSD slot for expansion	Offers 5.5 GB/s (Raw), up to 8-9GB/s (Compressed)With NVMe SSD Slot
Performance	Supports 4K at 60fps, up to 120fps, and 8K output for compatible games	4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS and 8K

Connectivity of PS5 Slim VS PS5 Original

1. Controller compatibility:

PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers work with both PS5 Slim and PS5 Original. But you can only play PS4 games on any console with PS4 controllers.

2. USB port differences:

The PS5 Original has one USB-A and one USB-C port on the front, while the PS5 Slim has two USB-C ports. The PS5 Slim has a front USB-C port, a recent addition that provides better data transfer speeds than the two previous USB-A SuperSpeed ports found on the console.

3. Network and Bluetooth Functionalities:

It has not been reported that the PS5 Slim and PS5 Original differ in terms of network or Bluetooth functionality. When it comes to network connectivity and Bluetooth pairing with the appropriate devices, both consoles must support the same protocol.

These adjustments preserve compatibility with existing controllers and network specifications while reflecting the PS5 Slim’s updated design and connection features.

Comparison: PS5 Slim Disc Vs Digital Edition

1. Disk Drive that Detaches

Unlike the Digital Edition, the PS5 Slim Disc Edition has a detachable disc drive that enables the use of physical media. However, the Slim Digital variant lets you install a 4K Blu-ray drive later.

2. Style

Because there is no disc drive, the digital edition is lighter and thinner.

3. Flexibility

One feature missing from the original PS5 Digital Edition is the ability to later upgrade to a disc drive, which is offered by the Slim Digital Edition.

4. Storage

Compared to the original models, the slim disk and digital editions have larger 1TB solid-state drives.

Comparison: PS5 Disc Vs Digital Edition

Size & Weight:

Compared to the digital edition, the original PS5 with disc drive is bigger and heavier.

Usable:

Both versions have the same basic features, but the version with a disc drive can play Blu-ray movies and physical game discs.

Future flexibility:

An attachable disc drive option for the Digital Edition is available with most recent PS5 models, including slim variants. This option was not present with the initial digital edition.

How Does the PS5 Slim’s Appearance Differ from the Original?

While most slim models have undergone a dramatic change to be much smaller than their predecessors, the new PS5s are about 30% smaller and weigh 18% or 24% less than the original.

A detailed explanation of the size difference is as follows:

	PS5			PS5 Slim
	Height	Width	Depth	Height	Width	Depth
Disc Version	104mm	390mm	260mm	96mm	358mm	216mm
Digital Version	92mm	390mm	260mm	80mm	358mm	216mm

The Slim model adopts a modular design, typical of the digital edition of the system, and has four side plates instead of the traditional PS5’s two.

Should a player initially decide they want to go digital only but later decide they want the disc version, perhaps by getting less expensive second-hand disc versions of PS4 titles for the sake of backwards compatibility, the digital One of the four panels of the slim model. A detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive can be removed to add one.

In addition, the PS5 Slim has a smaller power supply and more USB connections. The slim version of the PS5 has two USB-C ports on the front, like the original PS5’s single USB-C and one USB-A port. One of them is rated for super speed (up to 10Gbps) on both consoles, and the other is rated for high speed (480Mbps on the original PS5). There are two rear USB-A Super Speed connectors on each console.

Examination of PS5 Slim vs. PS5 Original Gaming Performance

Let’s examine the PS5 and PS5 Slim’s gaming performance in terms of key factors such as cooling system, power consumption, and frame rate and resolution capabilities:

1. Frame rate and resolution capabilities

With the ability to handle 4K resolution at 60 frames per second and 8K at 120 frames per second, the PS5 Slim and PS5 Original are designed to achieve similar performance goals. This means players can expect the same level of visual quality and smooth gameplay from both systems.

2. Cooling System

To accommodate its smaller chassis, the PS5 Slim was designed with a redesigned cooling system. It has a smaller backplate and five heat pipes compared to the original four. Despite these modifications, the new cooling system is quiet enough and efficient enough to keep the console running at peak performance even under heavy loads.

3. Electrical Power Consumption

The PS5 Slim uses the same amount of power as the original model. When compared to its predecessor, this consistency guarantees that the reduced version does not sacrifice performance or energy efficiency.

Finally, the PS5 Slim offers a more compact design and an upgraded cooling system without increasing power consumption, all while maintaining the high standards of gaming performance set by the PS5 original.

Stock Availability

• Compared to the original PS5, which faced stock challenges as a result of component shortages due to the worldwide pandemic, the PS5 Slim is easier to find.
• The PS5 Slim variant, with or without a disc drive, will be the only one available once regular PS5 supplies run out.
• Due to strong demand during the Christmas shopping season, the PS5 Slim’s availability may be affected by its debut closer to Black Friday.
• It is expected that 67.3 million PS5 will have been sold by the end of 2024. Although the 5-million-unit target for 2020 was met, it looks like the 17.9-million-unit target for 2021 will not be met this year (unless they sell 3 million units in December).

Comparison of Game Library: PS5 Slim Vs PS5 Original

Two key features stand out when comparing the PS5 Slim’s and PS5 Original’s game libraries and exclusives: the backward compatibility of PS4 games and the unique game titles of each console version.

Backwards compatibility with PS4 titles

The majority of PS4 titles are backwards compatible with PS5 Slim and PS5 Original. This means that users can enjoy these games on disc (for PS5 models equipped with a disc drive) or digitally on any platform while using their PS4 game library.

Unique Titles for Every Console Edition

In terms of exclusive game titles, the PS5 Slim and PS5 Original share the same titles. PS5 platform only games and other exclusive titles are available on both consoles. Players can enjoy the entire library of games on both PS5 Slim and PS5 Original, regardless of which version they choose, as all PS5 exclusives are compatible with both devices.

In summary, the PS5 Slim and PS5 Original have similar game libraries and exclusives. They both support the extensive PS4 game library and have the same exclusive PS5 games.

How Much Does the PS5 Slim Cost Compared to the PS5?

The digital-only PS5 Slim costs $449.99, while the model with a built-in disc drive costs $499.99. Over time, the price of PS5 has changed a lot. However, when compared to the launch prices of the original consoles, the PS5 Slim disc drive version is the same as the PS5 disc console, while the PS5 Slim Digital version is more expensive than the PS5 model that was only available digitally. This is probably because the PS5 digital version has additional functionality that allows players to attach a disc drive to it later.

It’s important to note that the additional disk drive extension for the Digital Edition costs $79.99, so those who buy the Digital Edition exclusively and then decide to add a disk drive later on may end up paying more than those. Those who bought the version already included a disc drive. It seems like an unnecessary extra expense and a way to punish those who later had second thoughts about physical media.

Below is a summary of the various PS5 prices:

	PS5	PS5 Slim
Disc Version	$499	$499
Digital Version	$399	$449
Digital Version (with additional disc drive	N/A	$528.99

The new PS5 Slim models come with a horizontal stand, but a new vertical stand that works with both the original and new PS5 models is available for separate purchase for $29.99. Another modification from the original is this extra, less practical stance that seems to be just another way to fleece gamers with more money. The original included a single versatile stand that could be quickly moved between horizontal and vertical use.

As mentioned earlier, the original PS5 model will eventually be phased out once its remaining inventory is sold, and the new, slimmer model will be the only model available on the market—that is, until the PlayStation 5 Pro is not announced, which makes this point seem likely. It’s not known how long it will take to go through old stock, or if Sony will start offering more sales and discounts in the future to get through the original console inventory more quickly.

Final Verdict: PS5 Slim Vs PS5

As the original PS5 consoles become less available, players may be forced to purchase the PS5 Slim. However, there will always be a supply of reconditioned and used older consoles, and potential customers will still be curious about how the latest system stacks up against the original. It turns out that the PS5 Slim and the original PS5 are almost identical, except for a slight size reduction and a slightly more interesting exterior.

The PS5 Slim has smaller proportions, but also has a split, multi-textured casing and more curves. It’s less sleek, however, because its disk drive protrudes from its side despite its smaller width. A more modular architecture is the result of this redesign, and PS5 Slim Digital owners can purchase an easy-to-install disc drive as an add-on.

Unless space is at a severe premium, early-generation PS5 owners have little reason to upgrade to the Slim. Most users aren’t convinced to switch devices by the addition of a USB-C port and a small amount of storage, especially considering that a vertical stand will cost more. To make matters worse, the PS5 Slim Digital costs more than previous disc-less systems. Even so, the PS5 Slim overcomes bulkiness concerns and should offer years of gaming pleasure before the PS6 debuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PS5 Slim taller than the PS5?

As to whether the PS5 Slim is superior to the original version of the console, gamers are divided. Although the disc drive has a noticeable increase in noise, many users have reported that the PS5 Slim is overall quieter when loading files and games from its internal storage.

Is the PS5 Pro on the horizon?

According to most industry sources, the PS5 Pro is being developed with a possible holiday release date in 2024. The prospect of increased CPU or GPU power, which could result in 8K graphics, excites gamers.

Does the PS5 perform better than the PS4 Pro?

The PS5 represents a notable, if not revolutionary, improvement over the PS4 Pro. The latest PS5 and PS5 Slim maintain smooth frame rates at 4K resolutions while introducing the latest graphical technologies like ray tracing.