Xbox Series S vs PS5 Slim Digital
The Xbox Series S and the PS5 Slim Digital are two different answers to the same home console brief, each with its own set of priorities. Look at the scorecard and the PS5 Slim Digital stands out, ahead in 2 of 2 areas. The memory & storage numbers explain a lot of that. One more thing to weigh: a launch price difference of $151, with the Xbox Series S as the lower-priced option.
At a glance
- Performance PS5 Slim Digital wins
- Memory & Storage PS5 Slim Digital wins
- Price Xbox Series S wins
- Performance2.9
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Performance5.3
- Memory & Storage6.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The PS5 Slim Digital has 157% more GPU compute
The Xbox Series S gives up a lot on gpu compute (fp32): 4 TFLOPS, compared with 10.28 TFLOPS on the PS5 Slim Digital. GPU compute is a headline figure for graphics power, and more of it usually means sharper images or smoother frame rates.
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The PS5 Slim Digital has 488 GB more built-in storage
Few buyers will miss this one. The PS5 Slim Digital brings 1,000 GB to the table; the Xbox Series S brings 512 GB. Modern games are large, so more built-in storage means fewer installs to juggle.
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The PS5 Slim Digital has 6 GB more memory
When it comes to system memory, the PS5 Slim Digital wins comfortably with 16 GB against 10 GB. Consoles share memory between CPU and GPU, so this figure covers both game logic and graphics.
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The Xbox Series S has a 1.48 lb lighter body
It’s a lopsided result (4.25 lb for the Xbox Series S, 5.73 lb for the PS5 Slim Digital) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Extra weight often reflects bigger cooling or batteries, so the PS5 Slim Digital may be heavier for a reason.
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The PS5 Slim Digital has 100% more memory bandwidth
The spread here is large: 448 GB/s on the PS5 Slim Digital versus 224 GB/s on the Xbox Series S. Expect to notice it. Bandwidth works hand in hand with GPU power; one without the other can become a bottleneck.
Design & Size
- Xbox Series S 10.83 in × 2.52 in × 5.94 in
- PS5 Slim Digital 14.09 in × 3.15 in × 8.50 in
By the manufacturer’s measurements, the Xbox Series S is the more compact console, and the PS5 Slim Digital the larger one. There’s 1.48 lb between them, and the Xbox Series S is on the lighter side.
Design & Size
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 10.83 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 2.52 in | 3.15 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 4.25 lb (winner) Lightest in class | 5.73 lb |
Performance
PS5 Slim Digital leads
When it comes to performance, the PS5 Slim Digital is comfortably ahead. The PS5 Slim Digital takes this one with 157% more GPU compute. Teraflops don’t capture everything (memory, upscaling and optimization matter too), but they’re a useful yardstick. So if performance tops your list, lean toward the PS5 Slim Digital.
GPU compute (FP32)
Xbox Series S: 4 TFLOPS PS5 Slim Digital: 10.28 TFLOPS The PS5 Slim Digital’s extra compute gives games more room for higher resolutions and richer effects.
Memory & Storage
PS5 Slim Digital leads
The PS5 Slim Digital wins the memory & storage section decisively. Choose the PS5 Slim Digital and you get 488 GB more built-in storage. Check the expansion options in the table; extra storage can often be added later, at a cost. If this section decides it for you, choose the PS5 Slim Digital.
Built-in storage
Xbox Series S: 512 GB PS5 Slim Digital: 1,000 GB With the PS5 Slim Digital, you can keep more games ready to play without deleting old favorites.
System memory
Xbox Series S: 10 GB PS5 Slim Digital: 16 GB The PS5 Slim Digital’s extra memory is a form of future-proofing for more demanding games.
Features & Media
The Xbox Series S and the PS5 Slim Digital differ on features & media in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Performance
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim Digital |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD Zen 2, 8 cores | AMD Zen 2, 8 cores / 16 threads |
| CPU max clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.50 GHz |
| GPU | Custom AMD RDNA 2, 1.565 GHz | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based, up to 2.23 GHz |
| GPU compute units | 20 Fewest GPU compute units | 36 |
| GPU compute (FP32)Manufacturer figure | 4 TFLOPS | 10.28 TFLOPS (winner) |
| Max output resolution | 1440p target; 4K upscaled output | 8K output; 4K at 120 Hz |
| Max frame rate | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Hardware ray tracing | Yes | Yes |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim Digital |
|---|---|---|
| System memory | 10 GB | 16 GB (winner) |
| Memory bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 448 GB/s (winner) |
| Built-in storage | 512 GB | 1,000 GB (winner) |
| Storage type | Custom NVMe SSD | Custom NVMe SSD |
| Storage expansion | Storage Expansion Card slot; USB 3.1 external drive | M.2 NVMe SSD slot; USB extended storage |
Features & Media
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Disc drive | None | None (detachable drive sold separately) |
| Handheld play | No | No |
| Built-in screen | None | None |
| Backward compatibility | Xbox One and select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games | Most PS4 games |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
Design & Size
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 10.83 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 2.52 in | 3.15 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 4.25 lb (winner) Lightest in class | 5.73 lb |
Price
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 (winner) Lowest price in class | $450 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Xbox Series S launched at $151 less than the PS5 Slim Digital, a gap of 50%. The PS5 Slim Digital asks for $151 more and delivers 157% more GPU compute and 488 GB more built-in storage in return.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of November 2023. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Xbox Series S if…
- you want the lighter console (4.25 lb vs 5.73 lb)
- you’d rather keep $151 in your pocket
- you want the more compact console
Choose the PS5 Slim Digital if…
- you care about graphics horsepower (10.28 TFLOPS vs 4 TFLOPS of GPU compute)
- you want room for more games before juggling installs (1,000 GB vs 512 GB)
- you want more system memory (16 GB vs 10 GB)
- you want more memory bandwidth (448 GB/s vs 224 GB/s)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim Digital?
The PS5 Slim Digital makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you specifically want a 1.48 lb lighter body, where the Xbox Series S has the edge.
Which is larger, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim Digital?
It’s the PS5 Slim Digital that is larger: 14.09 × 3.15 × 8.50 in, versus 10.83 × 2.52 × 5.94 in for the Xbox Series S.
Does the Xbox Series S perform better than the PS5 Slim Digital?
Going by the specs, the PS5 Slim Digital comes out ahead: it offers 157% more GPU compute.
Which costs less, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim Digital?
At launch, the Xbox Series S undercut the PS5 Slim Digital by $151. These figures are as of November 2023, and street prices can change.
Is the Xbox Series S lighter than the PS5 Slim Digital?
The PS5 Slim Digital is the heavier of the two; the Xbox Series S saves 1.48 lb.
Which has more storage, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim Digital?
On storage, the PS5 Slim Digital leads: 1,000 GB compared with 512 GB.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Xbox Series S and the PS5 Slim Digital. I just have opinions about the numbers. The biggest reason I lean toward the PS5 Slim Digital is simple: it has 157% more GPU compute. There’s more, too: the PS5 Slim Digital offers 488 GB more built-in storage. I don’t want to sell the Xbox Series S short, though: it has a 1.48 lb lighter body.
The Xbox Series S makes sense for anyone who values portability; the PS5 Slim Digital for anyone who values performance.
My pick: if it were my money, the PS5 Slim Digital, unless you value a 1.48 lb lighter body above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.