The original PlayStation 5 arrived to much fanfare when it launched two years ago, but now there is a new kid on the block — the PS5 Slim. The latter may well be a much sleeker product, and although it has only just been recently released, demand could well soar through the roof.
But how do the PS5 and the PS5 Slim fare when put to the test and which one is better? We will address the key performance metrics, such as size and core specs, before giving our overall verdict. Join us on a whistle-stop tour.
PS5 Slim vs PS5: Size
Size really does matter. It may come as no surprise that the PS5 Slim is smaller; in truth, it is 30% smaller in volume than the PS5, and it is also considerably lighter in terms of weight. It will either be 24% lighter or 18% lighter depending on whether you have gone for the version that comes with a disc drive, although as a reminder, this will be an optional extra that is thrown in.
Yes, the PS5 Slim is very much in keeping with the previous Slim incarnations. The PS4 Slim, for example, was 40% smaller than the original PS4, while the PS3 Slim was 33% lighter than the normal PS3, but it was also more power efficient. The PS5 Slim therefore looks far more refined compared to its chunkier sibling.
Nevertheless, the PS5 Slim is great for gamers who don’t have much leeway with their gaming set-up, and it will also appease other family members who don’t wish to see a bulky console sitting around in the house.
PS5 Slim vs PS5: Specs
Here, there is a bit more overlap between the two consoles. However, it is worth pointing out there are a couple of fundamental differences. Firstly, the PS5 Slim boasts 1TB (terabyte) of onboard storage, surpassing that of the PS5 (825GB), although you can expand the storage if your gaming library takes up too much space.
Also, there is a discrepancy in the USB ports. The Slim model comes with two USB-C ports on the front, whereas the original PS5 has one USB-C and one USB-A port. Nevertheless, both consoles are high-performing and have two USB-A SuperSpeed ports.
Generally speaking, the specs are superb across both consoles. They mainly deliver 4K resolution gaming titles at 60Hz. This can also be raised to 120Hz for some titles, and this will delight most fans as the gameplay will be both incredibly smooth and vibrant.
PS5 Slim vs PS5: Gaming choice
Things are always moving at a relentless pace on the gaming front, and there is a slew of titles that have rolled off the production line. Among the recently released games include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Evil Diary, and with the former, there are usually deals advertised where gamers can collect this game as part of a specially packaged PS5 Slim bundle.
This year we have also seen more VR releases, such as the Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, although it is currently a Meta Quest exclusive. But those who are keen on a VR experience on PS5 or PS5 Slim have a wide variety of other choices. Demeo, Vader Immortal, and Vegas Infinite are just a few of the popular titles to choose from.
PS5 Slim vs PS5: Our Verdict
The results are now in! Having pored over the finer details and assessed the merits of both, it’s fair to assert that the PS5 Slim has plenty going for it, at least from a design perspective. Indeed, the PS5 Slim is likely to become the default version once the original console sells out, and that will be either with or without a disc drive.
Ultimately, it depends on what you are seeking from a PS console. If you are happy to compromise on gaming storage, then the PS5 will be up your street. However, if you wish to take things to the next level, then the PS5 Slim will become the go-to option, and we are convinced you will feel the same way as we do.
