The battle of the consoles is heating up again with the arrival of Sony’s upgraded version – the PS5 Pro. But how does it truly stack up against the original PS5? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the PS5 Pro vs PS5 debate and reveal the top 10 differences you need to know before upgrading or purchasing.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a performance enthusiast, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.
The PS5 Pro retains the signature futuristic design of the standard PS5 but adds a touch of bulk and refinement. Sony has made the Pro version slightly larger to accommodate better cooling and upgraded internals. While both models are visually striking, the Pro’s build feels more robust, hinting at the powerhouse inside.
2. Performance and Processing Power
At the heart of the PS5 Pro vs PS5 comparison is performance. The PS5 Pro boasts a custom AMD chipset with higher clock speeds and a rumored triple-density GPU offering up to 23 TFLOPs, compared to the PS5’s 10.28 TFLOPs.
This means smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and more detailed visuals, especially in demanding titles like Horizon Forbidden West or Spider-Man 2.
3. Ray Tracing and Visual Enhancements
One of the standout features in the PS5 Pro is improved ray tracing performance. Gamers can expect 4K resolution with enhanced lighting effects and shadows, delivering a more immersive experience.
The standard PS5 does support ray tracing, but the Pro version handles it with far better efficiency and consistency, making this a crucial difference.
4. 8K Gaming Support – More Future-Proofing
While both consoles technically support 8K output, the PS5 Pro is much more capable of delivering 8K content thanks to its beefed-up GPU and improved cooling.
If you’re investing in 8K televisions or plan to future-proof your setup, the Pro version clearly has the edge.
5. Storage and Expandability
The original PS5 includes an 825GB SSD, with about 667GB usable. The PS5 Pro reportedly bumps that up to 1TB, providing extra room for modern AAA games, which are becoming increasingly storage-heavy.
Both models allow for expandable storage via NVMe SSD slots, but the PS5 Pro also features faster read/write speeds, reducing load times significantly.
6. AI Upscaling and Graphics Boost
Thanks to the inclusion of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) – Sony’s AI upscaling tech – the PS5 Pro can render lower resolution frames and upscale them intelligently. This results in sharper images without compromising performance.
This feature is absent in the base PS5, giving the Pro a serious edge for gamers focused on visual fidelity.
7. Price and Value for Money
When it comes to price, the PS5 Pro is expected to launch at $599, compared to the PS5’s current price of $499. While the $100 difference may seem substantial, the performance and graphical upgrades make the Pro worth considering for enthusiasts and competitive gamers.
However, for casual users or those on a budget, the base PS5 still provides a great next-gen experience.
8. Backward Compatibility and Game Library
Both consoles offer the same level of backward compatibility. You can play your favorite PS4 games and access the same PlayStation Plus game catalog. There’s no difference in game availability or access.
However, upcoming titles may begin to optimize specifically for the Pro version, potentially phasing out full parity in the future.
9. Cooling and Noise Levels
Thanks to an enhanced internal cooling system, the PS5 Pro runs quieter and stays cooler under load compared to the PS5. If you’ve ever heard the PS5’s fan ramp up during intense gaming sessions, you’ll appreciate the improvements in the Pro.
The revised cooling also contributes to maintaining peak performance without thermal throttling.
10. Should You Upgrade?
In the PS5 Pro vs PS5 showdown, your choice comes down to your gaming needs:
Go for the PS5 Pro if you want top-tier performance, 8K support, better ray tracing, and future-ready specs.
Stick with the PS5 if you’re happy with excellent 4K performance and want to save money.
If you’re still undecided, check out this official PlayStation blog for more announcements and updates about both consoles.
Final Thoughts – PS5 Pro vs PS5
The PS5 Pro vs PS5 battle reveals just how much Sony is investing in long-term console power. While the base PS5 remains a strong contender in 2025, the Pro model offers a substantial upgrade in performance and visuals.
For serious gamers and content creators, the PS5 Pro is a worthwhile investment. But for casual players, the PS5 still delivers excellent gaming without breaking the bank.