PS4 vs. PS5: Key Differences and Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Got a PlayStation 4 (PS4) and wondering if you should upgrade to the PlayStation 5 (PS5)? Are there enough advances to make it worth the investment? Read on the find out.

The release of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) marked a significant milestone in gaming technology, offering advanced features and hardware capabilities that aim to elevate the gaming experience. For PS4 owners (like me!), however, the question remains: Is upgrading to the PS5 worth it? Let’s delve into the differences between the PS4 and PS5 and assess whether the upgrade is justified.

PS4 vs PS5 Hardware and Performance

The PS5’s hardware is a massive leap forward compared to the PS4. Powered by a custom AMD Ryzen processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, the PS5 boasts clock speeds up to 3.5 GHz. This is a substantial improvement over the PS4’s AMD Jaguar processor, which operates at 1.6 GHz.

The PS5 also features a custom RDNA 2 GPU, offering 10.28 teraflops of graphical power—a considerable upgrade from the PS4’s 1.84 teraflops. This means smoother frame rates, more detailed graphics, and better overall performance. (Click here to read what a teraflop is.)

Additionally, the PS5 comes with a lightning-fast SSD, which virtually eliminates load times for games. In contrast, the PS4 relies on a traditional hard drive, which can result in longer loading times. I can tell you from experience, it does take the games a while to load on my PS4!

The difference is particularly noticeable in open-world games, where seamless transitions between areas are now possible on the PS5.

As a side note, my son is always complaining about the game “lagging,” so I’m sure he’d be impressed with the upgrade.

Graphics and Visuals

The PS5 supports 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second (fps), delivering a visually stunning and immersive experience. It also features ray tracing, a technology that simulates realistic lighting and reflections, adding depth and realism to in-game environments. The PS4, while capable of 1080p resolution and up to 60 fps, lacks the hardware to support ray tracing or consistent 4K gaming.

For gamers with a 4K TV, the PS5’s visual enhancements are a game-changer. However, for those still using 1080p displays, the improvements may be less apparent, potentially diminishing the appeal of upgrading.

Backward Compatibility

One of the PS5’s standout features is its backward compatibility with most PS4 games. This means you can play your existing library on the new console, often with performance improvements such as higher frame rates and faster loading times.

While the PS4 offers no such compatibility with older PlayStation games (which is always super annoying), this feature ensures that upgrading to a PS5 does not mean leaving your favorite PS4 titles behind. This is a major selling point if you have invested in a lot of PS4 games already.

Exclusive Games

The PS5 has a growing library of exclusive titles designed to take full advantage of its advanced hardware. Games like Demon’s Souls, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Horizon Forbidden West showcase stunning visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics.

While the PS4 has an impressive catalog of exclusives, including The Last of Us Part II and God of War, many new releases are now being developed exclusively for the PS5 or with enhanced features for the newer console.

However, it’s worth noting that several games continue to launch on both PS4 and PS5, ensuring that PS4 owners can still access new titles, albeit with reduced performance and graphical fidelity.

DualSense Controller vs. DualShock 4

The PS5’s DualSense controller is a significant improvement over the PS4’s DualShock 4. The DualSense features adaptive triggers that provide variable resistance depending on in-game actions, such as drawing a bowstring or firing a gun. It also includes advanced haptic feedback that simulates textures and sensations more realistically.

While the DualShock 4 is comfortable and functional, it lacks the immersive features of the DualSense, which can enhance gameplay and make the experience more engaging. However, these features are only fully utilized in games designed for the PS5.

The DualSense also has a microphone that will activate whenever you’re playing a game that supports voice chat, so there’s no need to connect a headset and microphone.

Storage and Expandability

The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, of which approximately 667GB is usable for games and apps. While this may seem limited, the console supports storage expansion via compatible NVMe SSDs, allowing gamers to add more space as needed.

In comparison, the PS4 offers models with 500GB or 1TB hard drives, which can feel restrictive given the size of modern games. While external hard drives are supported on both consoles, the PS5’s SSD technology ensures faster loading times and better performance for games installed on the internal drive.

We are currently running our PS4 with an external hard drive attached and are still running out of space!

Design and User Interface

The PS5’s bold, futuristic design is a departure from the more understated look of the PS4. While aesthetics are subjective, the PS5’s larger size and unique shape can make it challenging to fit into some entertainment setups. The user interface has also been revamped, offering a smoother and more responsive experience with features like instant game switching and enhanced activity cards.

The PS4’s interface, while functional, can feel dated compared to the PS5’s modern UI. However, it remains simple and intuitive, making it accessible to new users.

Price and Availability

The PS5’s price point is higher than the PS4’s, with the standard edition retailing at $499 and the digital edition at $399. In contrast, the PS4 is more affordable, especially on the second-hand market. Availability has been a major challenge for the PS5 since its launch, with stock shortages persisting due to high demand and supply chain issues. This has made it difficult for some gamers to upgrade, even if they want to.

Amazon currently has the PS5 Slim for $486. Click here to check it out on Amazon.

Is It Worth the Upgrade to the PlayStation 5?

Whether upgrading to the PS5 is worth it depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and current setup. If you prioritize cutting-edge graphics, faster performance, and the latest exclusive titles, the PS5 offers a transformative gaming experience. Gamers with a 4K TV or those who value immersive features like ray tracing and adaptive triggers will benefit the most from the upgrade.

However, if you’re content with the PS4’s performance or primarily play games that are available on both consoles, you may find less urgency to upgrade. The PS4 remains a capable gaming platform with a robust library of games, and ongoing support ensures it’s still a viable option.

Ultimately, the PS5’s advancements make it a compelling choice for those ready to level up their gaming experience. I really want to upgrade now after doing the research for this article! And when I do, I’ll post an update about whether I think it was really worth it.

For those still on the fence, waiting for a price drop, increased availability, or a larger library of exclusives might be the best option. Either way, both consoles deliver exceptional gaming experiences, ensuring there’s no wrong choice.