As a gaming enthusiast I’m often asked about Sony’s latest console iterations. What’s the difference between a Ps5 and a Ps5 slim has generated quite a buzz since its release making many gamers wonder how it differs from the original PS5.
While both consoles deliver the same gaming performance I’ve noticed several key differences between these two models. The PS5 Slim lives up to its name with a sleeker design and reduced footprint compared to its predecessor. My experience with both consoles has shown that choosing between them isn’t just about aesthetics – there are practical considerations like storage options and power consumption that might influence your decision.
- What’s the difference between a Ps5 and a Ps5 slim is 30% smaller in volume than the original PS5, measuring 358mm × 96mm × 216mm compared to the original’s 390mm × 104mm × 260mm
- Both consoles offer identical gaming performance with the same CPU (3.5GHz), GPU (10.28 TFLOPs), and storage capacity (825GB usable), ensuring consistent 4K gaming at up to 120fps
- The PS5 Slim consumes 30W less power than the original PS5, operating at 270W versus 300W, resulting in improved energy efficiency and lower electricity costs
- The Slim model features a detachable disc drive ($79.99) that can be added to the Digital Edition later, offering more flexibility for users
- While maintaining the same core connectivity features, the PS5 Slim adds an extra USB-C port and includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support
- The PS5 Slim is priced slightly higher at launch ($499.99 disc version, $449.99 digital) compared to the original PS5’s initial pricing ($449.99 disc version, $399.99 digital)
What’s the Difference Between a Ps5 and a Ps5 Slim
The PS5 Slim features substantial physical modifications compared to its predecessor, marking a significant evolution in Sony’s console design philosophy.
Size and Weight Comparison
The PS5 Slim achieves a 30% reduction in volume compared to the original PS5. The specific measurements show the Slim model stands at 358mm × 96mm × 216mm, while the original PS5 measures 390mm × 104mm × 260mm. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Specification | PS5 Original | PS5 Slim | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (Disc) | 4.5kg | 3.2kg | 29% |
| Weight (Digital) | 3.9kg | 2.6kg | 33% |
| Volume | 10.5L | 7.4L | 30% |
- Separated top panels with a visible seam in the middle
- Modified curved edges creating a more streamlined profile
- Integrated stand for horizontal placement
- Detachable optical drive unit with a removable cover plate
- Textured PlayStation symbols embedded in the side panels
- Refined LED light strip with enhanced brightness control
Hardware and Performance
What’s the Difference between a Ps5 and a Ps5 Slim Models maintain identical core hardware specifications, ensuring consistent gaming performance across the standard and Slim versions.
Technical Specifications
The PS5 Slim retains the same AMD Zen 2 CPU clocked at 3.5GHz and custom RDNA 2 GPU capable of 10.28 teraflops. I’ve confirmed that both consoles feature:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD |
| GPU | 10.28 TFLOPs |
| CPU Clock Speed | 3.5GHz |
| Ray Tracing | Yes |
The primary hardware difference lies in power consumption, with the Slim model using 30 fewer watts during operation.
Gaming Experience
The gaming capabilities remain identical between both PS5 models, delivering:
- 4K resolution output at 120fps
- Ray tracing support for enhanced lighting effects
- 3D audio processing through Tempest Engine
- Quick loading times via the custom SSD architecture
- HDR gaming with deep color reproduction
I’ve tested multiple games on both systems, confirming zero differences in frame rates, loading times or visual quality. The reduced power consumption in the Slim model doesn’t impact gaming performance or graphical fidelity.
Storage Capacity Options
What’s the Difference between a Ps5 and a Ps5 Slim include substantial storage options while maintaining distinct configurations. The standard PS5 and PS5 Slim feature a 1TB NVMe SSD, providing 825GB of usable storage space after system files.
Key storage features include:
- Built-in PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD with 5.5GB/s read speeds
- Expandable storage slot supporting additional M.2 SSDs up to 4TB
- Compatible with external USB hard drives for PS4 game storage
- Quick Resume feature utilizing dedicated storage partitions
Storage comparison metrics:
| Feature | PS5 Original | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 825GB (usable) | 825GB (usable) |
| NVMe Expansion | Up to 4TB | Up to 4TB |
| USB Storage Support | Yes | Yes |
| Read Speed | 5.5GB/s | 5.5GB/s |
The PS5 Slim incorporates an identical storage architecture to its predecessor, maintaining consistent data transfer speeds. Both consoles support the same storage expansion options through the NVMe slot or external USB drives, preserving compatibility across the platform ecosystem.
Price and Value Proposition
What’s the difference between a Ps5 and a Ps5 slim structure differentiates it from the original PS5 through strategic market positioning. The disc version of the PS5 Slim retails at $499.99, while the digital edition costs $449.99. These prices represent a $50 increase from the original PS5’s launch prices of $449.99 for the disc version and $399.99 for the digital edition.
Several value-added features justify the PS5 Slim’s pricing:
- Detachable disc drive available separately for $79.99
- Enhanced power efficiency saving 30 watts during operation
- Streamlined design occupying 30% less space
- Increased durability with separated top panels
- Additional USB-C port for expanded connectivity
The cost-benefit comparison between models reveals distinct advantages:
| Feature | PS5 Original | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Price (Disc) | $449.99 | $499.99 |
| Launch Price (Digital) | $399.99 | $449.99 |
| Power Consumption | 350W | 320W |
| Volume | 100% | 70% |
| Detachable Drive | No | Yes |
The modular design of the PS5 Slim creates additional value through flexibility. Digital edition owners can upgrade to a disc version by purchasing the optical drive separately, avoiding the need to buy a new console. This feature provides long-term cost savings for users who initially choose the digital edition but later want disc functionality.
The PS5 Slim’s reduced power consumption translates to lower electricity costs over time. Based on average gaming usage of 3 hours daily, the 30-watt reduction saves approximately $15-20 annually on electricity bills, partially offsetting the higher initial cost.
Connectivity Features
The PS5 Slim maintains identical core connectivity features as the original PS5 while introducing subtle enhancements. Both consoles include:
- One front USB Type-C port (10Gbps)
- One front USB Type-A port (5Gbps)
- Two rear USB Type-A ports (10Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility
The PS5 Slim adds an extra USB-C port, offering enhanced connectivity options for modern peripherals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the wireless capabilities:
| Feature | PS5 Original | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Speed | Up to 9.6 Gbps | Up to 9.6 Gbps |
| Bluetooth Range | 30+ feet | 30+ feet |
| USB Ports Total | 4 | 5 |
| HDMI | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Both models support:
- HDMI 2.1 output for 4K@120Hz displays
- 3D audio through compatible headsets
- DualSense wireless controller connectivity
- PlayStation VR2 headset compatibility
- Remote Play functionality on mobile devices
- PlayStation App integration
The wireless connectivity in both consoles enables seamless online gaming with low latency connections through Wi-Fi 6 technology. The Bluetooth capabilities support simultaneous connections for multiple controllers peripherals such as headsets media remotes keyboards.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
What’s the difference between a Ps5 and a Ps5 slim demonstrates significant improvements in power efficiency compared to the original PS5. The new model operates at 30W less power consumption, drawing 270W versus the original’s 300W rating.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of power consumption:
| Activity | PS5 Original | PS5 Slim | Power Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming | 300W | 270W | 30W |
| Rest Mode | 2W | 0.5W | 1.5W |
| Standby | 0.4W | 0.3W | 0.1W |
The enhanced efficiency comes from three key improvements:
- Refined 6nm manufacturing process for the AMD chipset
- Optimized internal component layout reducing thermal output
- Updated power supply unit with improved voltage regulation
These power savings translate into practical benefits:
- Reduced electrical costs for long gaming sessions
- Lower heat output during intensive gaming
- Quieter operation due to decreased cooling requirements
- Extended component lifespan from reduced thermal stress
The PS5 Slim incorporates advanced power management features:
- Dynamic frequency scaling to adjust power based on game demands
- Selective component shutdown during rest mode
- Enhanced thermal monitoring for optimal performance
- Variable fan speed control for efficient cooling
This improved efficiency maintains identical gaming performance while consuming less energy across all operating modes.
After comparing What’s the difference between a Ps5 and a Ps5 slim. While the gaming performance remains identical the Slim’s streamlined design reduced power consumption and enhanced connectivity make it an attractive option for new buyers.
I believe the choice between these consoles ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a more compact energy-efficient console with future-proofing options like the detachable disc drive the Slim is worth considering despite its higher price tag.