The PlayStation 5 Pro launches in November 2024 at $699.99. It packs stronger CPU/GPU performance, AI-powered upscaling (PSSR), advanced ray tracing, expanded storage, and Wi-Fi 7. In this blog, we compare the PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 5 Pro in specs, performance, and value so you’ll know if it’s worth upgrading—or if your current PS5 is still the smarter buy.
Introduction: Should You Stick With the PlayStation 5 or Upgrade to the PlayStation 5 Pro?
If you’ve been gaming on the PlayStation 5, you already know it delivers incredible performance for its price. But now, Sony is rolling out the PS5 Pro this November for $699.99—a mid-gen refresh built to boost visuals, frame rates, and new tech like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) and Wi-Fi 7. Think of it as the PS5’s bigger sibling—same family, but sharper graphics and smoother gameplay. The real question is whether this upgrade feels like a leap forward in your living room—or just a bigger price tag.
As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we deeply analyze each product based on real-world performance, durability, and value for money. Our goal is to help you find the best product in every category—budget, performance, reliability, and long-term usage. And since many of our readers are everyday gamers, tech enthusiasts, or competitive players weighing their next big purchase, our recommendations are based on extensive research, component analysis, real-world usability, and industry expertise.
Why this matters: spec sheets and flashy marketing don’t tell the whole story. What gamers really want to know is whether the PlayStation 5 Pro’s AI upscaling, advanced ray tracing, and extra storage deliver enough to justify the higher cost over the standard PlayStation 5. This blog gets into those details—clear, direct, and with the practical takeaways other comparisons leave out.
If you’re torn between holding onto your PS5 or shelling out for the Pro, this guide is written for you.
What You’ll Learn
- A clear PlayStation 5 specifications PlayStation 5 Pro specs comparison (CPU, GPU, memory, and storage).
- How PlayStation 5 Pro AI upscaling and advanced ray tracing change the gaming experience.
- The real-world benefits of PlayStation 5 Pro storage upgrades and Wi-Fi 7
- Whether the PlayStation 5 Pro PlayStation 5 cost is justified for casual gamers and hardcore players.
- Where to find the best PlayStation 5 Pro deals and purchase
1. Overview: Understanding the PlayStation 5 Pro’s Purpose
The PlayStation 5 Pro is Sony’s mid-cycle refresh, designed to enhance the PlayStation 5 specifications with better graphics, PlayStation 5 Pro ray tracing performance, and a beefy PlayStation 5 Pro SSD storage.
Unlike the PS4 Pro, which addressed the base PS4’s shortcomings, the PS5 Pro feels like a premium upgrade for enthusiasts chasing PlayStation 5 Pro 8K gaming or smoother PlayStation 5 Pro game boost performance.
Priced at $699.99 without a disc drive or stand, it’s a significant investment compared to the base PS5 ($499.99-disc, $449.99 digital). Let’s dive into the PlayStation 5 Pro vs. PlayStation 5 hardware differences to see if the upgrades justify the PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 5 Pro price gap.
The PlayStation 5 Pro offers superior PlayStation 5 Pro GPU performance, PlayStation 5 Pro storage capacity, and PlayStation 5 Pro AI upscaling, but its $699.99 price (no disc drive) targets gamers with 4K/8K TVs. Casual players gaming at 1080p will find the base PS5 more than enough.
2. Why Compare PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 5 Pro?
Choosing between the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro isn’t just about specs—it’s about your gaming priorities. Are you after the best PlayStation 5 Pro games with enhanced visuals? Do you need the PlayStation 5 Pro storage expansion for a growing digital library? Or is the base PS5’s performance enough for your 1080p setup? This PS5 Pro specs comparison highlights upgrades like ray tracing, cooling improvements, and storage—helping you make a smart choice without overspending.
3. Hardware Breakdown: PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 5 Pro Performance
Let’s dissect the PlayStation 5 Pro vs. PlayStation 5 hardware differences, focusing on CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and connectivity. Each section includes a table for clarity and practical insights into how these upgrades impact gameplay.
3.1Â CPU: PlayStation 5 Pro CPU Comparison
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 cores, 16 threads | Same as PS5 |
| Clock Speed | Up to 3.5 GHz | Up to 3.85 GHz (High CPU Frequency Mode) |
| Performance Impact | Baseline | ~10% boost in CPU-heavy tasks |
 Trade-offs |  None | 1.5% GPU downclock in High CPU Mode (~1% performance drop) |
 The PlayStation 5 Pro CPU comparison reveals a modest upgrade. Both consoles use the same AMD Ryzen Zen 2 processor, but the PS5 Pro’s PlayStation 5 Pro high CPU frequency mode boosts clock speed by 10% to 3.85 GHz. This mode slightly reduces PlayStation 5 Pro GPU performance by 1%, a minor trade-off.
What This Means for Gamers: The PlayStation 5 Pro’s high CPU frequency mode helps CPU- intensive games like Elden Ring, which struggle with frame-rate dips on the base PS5. However, most games rely more on PlayStation 5 Pro GPU performance, so the CPU boost is situational.
Future titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, with complex AI and physics, may benefit, but the PlayStation 5 Pro CPU comparison shows incremental gains, not a leap.
The PS5 Pro’s high-frequency CPU mode gives a slight edge in CPU-heavy games, but it won’t transform performance. Focus on PlayStation 5 Pro GPU performance for broader impacts.
3.2Â GPU: PlayStation 5 Pro GPU Performance and Architecture
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Architecture | AMD Radeon RDNA 2 | AMD Radeon RDNA 2 (advanced features) |
| Compute Units | 36 | 60 (PlayStation 5 Pro GPU compute units) |
| Teraflops | 10.28 TFLOPS | 33.5 TFLOPS |
| Rendering Speed | Baseline | 45% faster |
| Ray Tracing | Standard | 2-3x faster (PlayStation 5 Pro advanced ray tracing) |
| PC Equivalent | ~AMD Radeon RX 6700 | ~AMD Radeon RX 6800 |
The PlayStation 5 Pro GPU architecture is the cornerstone of its upgrades, with 60 PlayStation 5 Pro GPU compute units (vs. 36) and 33.5 TFLOPS. Sony claims 45% faster rendering, enabling PlayStation 5 Pro 8K gaming and PlayStation 5 Pro advanced ray tracing. Custom AMD features enhance PlayStation 5 Pro ray tracing performance, doubling or tripling ray-casting speeds.
Real-World Impact:
- Gran Turismo 7: Real-time car reflections at 60 FPS, with PlayStation 5 Pro 8K gaming support (rare for most households).
- Horizon Forbidden West: Improved lighting, detailed hair, and richer environments, leveraging PlayStation 5 Pro ray
- Hogwarts Legacy: Enhanced shadows and reflections, making Hogwarts more
The PS5 Pro’s GPU is a big leap, built for 4K/8K displays with advanced ray tracing. The payoff depends on how well games are optimized—and whether your TV can show it.
3.3Â Memory: PlayStation 5 Pro Memory Upgrade
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Memory Bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 576 GB/s (PlayStation 5 Pro memory upgrade) |
| Memory Size | 16 GB GDDR6 | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Performance Impact | Baseline | 28% faster bandwidth |
The PlayStation 5 Pro memory upgrade boosts bandwidth by 28% to 576 GB/s, supporting faster loading and complex environments. Both consoles have 16 GB GDDR6, but the Pro’s efficiency shines in high-resolution gaming.
What This Means for Gamers: The PlayStation 5 Pro memory upgrade reduces texture pop-in in open-world titles like Horizon Forbidden West and speeds up loading in the best PlayStation 5 Pro games targeting 4K/8K.
The PlayStation 5 Pro memory upgrade enhances fluidity in graphically demanding games, a subtle but valuable improvement for high-end setups.
3.4Â Storage: PlayStation 5 Pro SSD Storage and Expansion
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 Pro |
| SSD Capacity | 825 GB (667 GB usable) | 2 TB (PlayStation 5 Pro storage capacity, ~1.8 TB usable) |
| Read Speed | 5.5 GB/s | 5.5 GB/s |
| Disc Drive | Optional (disc version) | Not included, optional add-on |
The PS5 Pro doubles storage to 2TB (about 1.8TB usable), compared to just 667GB on the standard PS5. The read speed remains 5.5 GB/s, but the PlayStation 5 Pro storage upgrade means more room for games and captures.
Practical Benefits:
- Store the best PlayStation 5 Pro games without constant
- Support for 4K/8K gameplay recordings, ideal for content
- The optional disc drive ($79.99) caters to PlayStation 5 Pro backward compatibility but adds cost.
The PlayStation 5 Pro SSD storage is a major quality-of-life upgrade, especially for digital-only gamers, but the disc drive omission may irk physical media fans.
3.5Â Connectivity: PlayStation 5 Pro Wi-Fi 7
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 (PlayStation 5 Pro Wi-Fi 7) |
| Bandwidth Support | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz |
| Max Speed | ~9.6 Gbps (theoretical) | ~46 Gbps (theoretical) |
 PlayStation 5 Pro Wi-Fi 7 supports the 6 GHz band, offering up to 46 Gbps theoretical speeds. This improves downloads, cloud streaming, and online gaming stability.
What This Means for Gamers: Faster patch downloads and smoother multiplayer, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi 7 router and high-speed internet to maximize PlayStation 5 Pro Wi-Fi 7 benefits.
Wi-Fi 7 makes the Pro ready for faster networks, but you’ll only notice a difference if you’ve got a compatible router and high-speed internet.
4. Exclusive Features: PlayStation 5 Pro Enhancements
The PS5 Pro sets itself apart with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) and much faster ray tracing.
4.1Â PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)
PlayStation 5 Pro AI upscaling via PSSR enhances image clarity, upscaling lower resolutions to 4K/8K with minimal performance cost.
Examples:
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Sharper distant details at 60 FPS, surpassing PS5’s Performance RT
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Fidelity mode visuals with 60 FPS
Why It Matters: PSSR bridges the gap between resolution and frame rate, making best PlayStation 5 Pro games look stunning without sacrificing performance.
PlayStation 5 Pro AI upscaling is a standout feature for 4K/8K gaming, enhancing clarity in optimized titles.
4.2Â PlayStation 5 Pro Advanced Ray Tracing
With 2-3x faster ray-casting, PlayStation 5 Pro ray tracing performance delivers dynamic reflections and realistic lighting.
Examples:
- Gran Turismo 7: Real-time reflections at 60 FPS, a leap for PlayStation 5 Pro 8K
- Hogwarts Legacy: Enhanced shadows and reflections for deeper PlayStation 5 Pro’s ray tracing performance is a major draw for cinematic visuals, especially in patched games.
5. PlayStation 5 Pro Cooling System and Dimensions
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 Pro |
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 in (disc version) | Same height, matches PS5 Slim width |
| Cooling System | Large fan, liquid metal TIM | Enhanced PlayStation 5 Pro cooling system (details TBD) |
| Power Consumption | ~340W max (PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 5 Pro power consumption) | Likely similar, possibly higher due to GPU |
 The PlayStation 5 Pro is similar in size to the standard PlayStation 5, with its width being the same as the PS5 Slim.
The PS5 Pro is expected to have a better cooling system to handle its more powerful graphics chip. While Sony hasn’t released specific details, this could involve upgraded fans or improved heat dissipation. Because of the more powerful hardware, the PS5 Pro’s power consumption will likely be slightly higher than the standard PS5.
Essentially, the PS5 Pro should maintain stable performance thanks to its new cooling system, but it will have a similar size and slightly higher power consumption compared to the PS5.
6. Who Should Buy the PlayStation 5 Pro?
The PlayStation 5 Pro vs. PlayStation 5 performance comparison highlights its niche appeal:
- Enthusiasts: 4K/120Hz or 8K TV owners will love PlayStation 5 Pro 8K gaming and PlayStation 5 Pro ray tracing.
- Content Creators: PlayStation 5 Pro storage capacity supports high-res
- Future-Proofers: PlayStation 5 Pro Wi-Fi 7 and GPU prep for titles like Grand Theft Auto
- Casual Gamers: The base PS5 suffices for 1080p/60Hz
For gamers who want the best performance at 4K or 8K, especially with advanced ray tracing, the PlayStation 5 Pro is the ideal choice. Casual gamers, however, will be perfectly happy with the standard PlayStation 5.
7. PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 5 Pro Cost: Is It Worth It?
At $699.99, the PlayStation 5 Pro vs. PlayStation 5 cost is a sticking point, especially without a disc drive ($79.99 extra) or stand. The PS4 Pro launched at $399, making the PS5 Pro a premium choice. Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls predicts 1.3 million PlayStation 5 Pro sales in 2024, driven by enthusiasts and scalpers.
The PlayStation 5 vs. PlayStation 5 Pro price gap suits gamers prioritizing PlayStation 5 Pro enhancements, but budget-conscious players may prefer the PS5.
Best PlayStation 5 Pro Deals:
- PlayStation 5 Disc Version (US)
- PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (US)
- PlayStation 5 Pro (US) (Check pre-order availability)
- PlayStation 5 Disc Drive Add-On (US)
8. Conclusion: PlayStation 5 Pro vs. PlayStation 5—Your Choice
The PS5 Pro brings meaningful upgrades—faster GPU, double the storage, and AI upscaling—but it’s not a must-have for everyone. PlayStation 5 Pro backward compatibility ensures all PS5 games work, but the $699.99 price targets enthusiasts. The base PS5 remains a stellar choice for most gamers.
Final Recommendation:
- Choose PlayStation 5 Pro for PlayStation 5 Pro 8K gaming, PlayStation 5 Pro ray tracing, or PlayStation 5 Pro storage expansion.
- Stick with PlayStation 5 for cost-effective, high-quality gaming on 1080p/4K
Share Your Thoughts: Are you upgrading to the PS5 Pro for its Game Boost and advanced ray tracing, or sticking with the standard PS5?
***Disclaimer***
This blog post contains unique insights and personal opinions. As such, it should not be interpreted as the official stance of any companies, manufacturers, or other entities we mention or with whom we are affiliated. While we strive for accuracy, information is subject to change. Always verify details independently before making decisions based on our content.
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