PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Since its launch in November 2020, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) has set a new standard for console gaming with lightning-fast load times, high frame rates, and advanced hardware-accelerated ray tracing. In November 2024, Sony released the PlayStation 5 Pro, a mid-generation upgrade promising enhanced performance, visuals, and faster storage. This article breaks down the key differences, performance gains, and helps you decide if upgrading to the PS5 Pro is right for you.
Launch & Availability
- PS5: Released November 12, 2020 (North America, Japan, Australia), November 19, 2020 (rest of world).
- PS5 Pro: Released November 7, 2024, with preorders opening September 26, 2024.
Pricing
| Model | Introductory MSRP |
|---|---|
| PS5 (Disc) | $499 |
| PS5 (Digital) | $399 |
| PS5 Pro | $699 |
All prices exclude regional taxes.
Hardware Comparison
CPU
Both consoles share a custom 8‑core AMD Zen 2 CPU at up to 3.5 GHz.
GPU
- PS5: AMD RDNA 2, 36 CUs at up to 2.23 GHz (~10.28 TFLOPS)
- PS5 Pro: Enhanced RDNA 2 with extra ray‑tracing units, 60 CUs at up to 2.35 GHz (~18.05 TFLOPS)
Memory
- Both: 16 GB GDDR6 on a 256‑bit bus
- PS5 Bandwidth: 448 GB/s
- PS5 Pro Bandwidth: 576 GB/s + 2 GB DDR5 for system tasks (games see ~13.7 GB GDDR6)
Storage
- PS5: 825 GB custom PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- PS5 Pro: 2 TB custom PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Connectivity
- PS5: Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, Gigabit Ethernet
- PS5 Pro: Adds Wi‑Fi 7, same other ports
Design & Form Factor
The PS5 Pro is a digital‑only model (no disc drive), measuring 388 × 216 × 89 mm and weighing 3.1 kg. The disc edition PS5 measures 390 × 260 × 104 mm and weighs 4.5 kg. Removing the drive shaves size and weight but requires all games to be downloaded or run via external media.
Performance & Graphics
- Frame Rates: Many titles jump from 30 FPS quality modes on PS5 to 60 FPS on Pro without sacrificing visuals.
- Visuals: Improved ray tracing and higher native resolutions yield crisper lighting, shadows, and reflections.
- User Feedback: Enthusiasts praise the stability and fluidity; casual gamers on 1080p/4K without high refresh rates may see smaller gains.
Software & Upscaling
- Super Resolution: PS5 Pro’s AI‑driven upscaling boosts sub‑native render targets up to 4K (and in some cases 8K legacy titles).
- Enhanced Modes: Over 50 titles offer Pro‑exclusive performance or visual modes.
Value & Should You Upgrade?
- High‑End Displays: If you own a 4K 120 Hz or 8K display and want top-tier performance, the Pro’s extra GPU power and SSD speed justify the premium.
- Casual/1080p Users: The base PS5 already delivers excellent performance; the $200 upgrade may not be cost‑effective.
- Longevity: With PS6 anticipated in 2026–27, factor in how long you’ll keep your console before the next-generation leap.
Conclusion
The PS5 Pro offers a substantial mid‑generation boost in GPU performance, storage capacity, memory bandwidth, and AI upscaling. For enthusiasts with top‑tier displays or those seeking maximum future‑proofing, it’s a solid upgrade. However, most players on standard 1080p or 4K setups will find the base PS5 remains highly capable—making the Pro a niche upgrade rather than a necessity.