PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro: Which Should You Buy?

The PlayStation 4 Slim (PS4) and PlayStation 4 Pro are two different versions of Sony’s popular console that will be available in the market for purchase. Each model is designed for a different type of audience and this is also reflected in their price. The PlayStation 4 Slim, which is now identified as PS4, can be found for prices like $360, while the PlayStation 4 Pro has more powerful configurations and reaches at least $405.

PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro Datasheet

PS4 SlimPS4 Pro
LaunchSeptember 15, 2016November 10th, 2016
Price$360$405
CPUAMD Jaguar octa-core at 1.6GHzAMD Jaguar octa-core 2.1GHz
GPUAMD Radeon 18 UCs at 800 MHzAMD Radeon 36 UCs at 911 MHz
Computational performance1.84 Teraflops4.2 Teraflops
Storage500GB to 1TB1TB to 2TB
RAM8 GB8GB + 1GB extra
Disc playerBlu-RayBlu-Ray
Ports and interface2x USB 3.1, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x PS Camera, HDMI 1.43x USB 3.1, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x PS Camera, Optical Audio Output, HDMI 2.0
Dimensions and weight288 x 265 x 39 mm; 2.1 kg327 x 295 x 55 mm; 3.3 kg

Design

The PlayStation 4 Slim was the second PlayStation 4 model released. Sony’s intention with the device was to offer the same experience as the regular console in a slimmer, smaller, and cheaper device. While the standard PS4 had dimensions of 305 x 275 x 53 mm and weighed 2.8 kg, the PS4 Slim measures 288 x 265 x 39 mm and weighs 2.1 kg. For comparison purposes, the PS4 Pro measures 327 x 295 x 55 mm and weighs 3.3 kg.

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Visually the three console models are very similar, except for size and weight. The original PS4 had a line at its center that “divides” the console into two parts. You can see that on the PS4 Slim the top part is smaller in height, while on the PS4 Pro there are three parts instead of two. It is worth noting that the Pro version has the problem of noisy cooler that existed in the original PS4 model, while the Slim has no such complication.

Specifications

Both PlayStation 4 models run the same types of games and there are no games exclusive to one of them. The basic specifications are the same, the difference is that the PS4 Pro has extra power in its hardware. Because of this, it can run some titles with extra features, such as higher-resolution or a more stable frame rate.

According to Sony, the PS4 Pro offers 30 percent more processing power with a 2.1 GHz CPU compared to the PS4 Slim’s 1.6 GHz CPU. Its graphics card is also reasonably more powerful, a Radeon with 36 processing units capable of reaching 4.2 Teraflops, compared to the PS4 Slim’s 18 units and 1.84 Teraflops. The Pro version also features 1 GB of extra memory that takes care of all out-of-game requests, thus leaving 8 GB free to be used as the player wishes.

Storage Options

PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro

When the standard PS4 was released, it featured 500 GB storage versions, something that was repeated on the PS4 Slim. However, over time, Sony replaced these models with PS4 Slim models with 1 TB of storage, a size that was also the standard for the release of the PS4 Pro. Despite this, it is possible to purchase some editions with 2 TB.

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The original 500GB models can be found in older or used stocks for lower prices, however, they can offer many limitations to gamers. For example, fans of the Call of Duty franchise can no longer keep all the major games of the series installed on these models, as there is not enough space.

It is also possible to expand the console storage later on via an external hard drive, but it is worth checking our guide to make sure that the chosen hard drive can be used in the console. It needs to have at least 250 GB of storage, a maximum size of 8 TB, and a USB 3.0 connection to be compatible.

Features

PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro

The PlayStation 4 Slim is just a smaller and cheaper model. Because of this it has no extra features compared to the base model and has a resolution limit of 1080p. With the PlayStation 4 Pro, the story is quite different. The Pro version was created as a deluxe edition for hardcore gamers who would like to play PS4 games in higher resolutions, such as 4K, and at a higher frame rate, such as 60 fps (most games run at 30).

These extra features are leveraged most effectively when the game publishers themselves update their games to support PS4 Pro. There are a few hundred games optimized especially for the console, among them famous series like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Call of Duty, and Sony exclusives like God of War and Horizon: Zero Dawn. For games that are not specifically supported, the PS4 Pro uses a “Boost Mode” that usually increases the frame rate and improves overall performance.

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The PS4 Pro also offers a better experience for users who own the PlayStation VR virtual reality display. With a higher frame rate and resolution, the device helps the user experience immersion within the virtual universe.

Prices

The prices of consoles are very high in the domestic market and the PlayStation 4 is no exception. The consumer can more easily find the PlayStation 4 Slim in Sony’s “mega pack”, which offers the console and three more varied games for $360. There are packs that include titles such as God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone, among others, which guarantee a good deal for the user.

The PS4 Pro can be found for $405 and, because it is aimed at more demanding players, it is worth the user’s while to consider whether a PlayStation 5 (PS5) could not be a better investment. Sony’s next-generation console opens doors for new games that the PS4 is not able to run and is still backward compatible with existing titles.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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