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PS5 vs. PS5 Slim vs. PS5 Pro: What’s the Difference and Which Console Should You Buy?

Vaseline September 26, 2024

The PlayStation 5 was probably one of Sony’s most controversial designs. After a few years, I have to admit I’m starting to get used to it more and more. The only downside is its gargantuan size, which made the PS5 Slim a welcome redesign. The upcoming PS5 Pro further iterates on the design while adding some welcome hardware upgrades. If you’re not sure which model is best 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. When stock of the original sells out, you’ll only be able to find the Slim. The Slim model doesn’t upgrade any of the core specs like processor or RAM, though it does come with a bit of extra storage; the original PS5 came with 825GB of internal storage, while the PS5 Slim bumps that up to a full 1TB.

Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro is more in line with what we’d expect from a midcycle refresh. It features significant processor upgrades, a relatively hefty 2TB of internal storage right out of the gate, and a price to match. At $700, the sticker shock is real. Let’s dive into the details.

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PS5 Slim: a space-saving successor

The biggest difference between the PS5 and PS5 Slim is size. The original PS5 was an absolute unit, easily one of the largest consoles ever. The PS5 Slim is around 30 percent smaller by volume than its big brother, and like the original, the disc-less versions take up even less space. Here are the dimensions of all four models:

You can see a side-by-side comparison of all four sizes here, and you can rotate the models in 3D space to get a sense of the difference. The drop in size is significant, and your entertainment unit will appreciate the extra space, though it’s worth noting that even the Slim models are still significantly larger than, say, the Xbox Series X/S consoles.