Xbox Series S vs PS5 Slim
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Xbox Series S from Microsoft or the PS5 Slim from Sony. The spec sheets tilt toward the PS5 Slim, which leads in 2 of 2 areas and opens its biggest gap on memory & storage. Then there’s the $201 question: that’s how much more the PS5 Slim launched at compared with the Xbox Series S.
At a glance
- Performance PS5 Slim wins
- Memory & Storage PS5 Slim 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 has 157% more GPU compute
Among all the differences on this page, 10.28 TFLOPS against 4 TFLOPS is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the PS5 Slim. The PS5 Slim’s extra compute gives games more room for higher resolutions and richer effects.
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The PS5 Slim has 488 GB more built-in storage
The Xbox Series S gives up a lot on built-in storage: 512 GB, compared with 1,000 GB on the PS5 Slim. Check the expansion options in the table; extra storage can often be added later, at a cost.
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The PS5 Slim has 6 GB more memory
Few buyers will miss this one. The PS5 Slim brings 16 GB to the table; the Xbox Series S brings 10 GB. The PS5 Slim’s extra memory is a form of future-proofing for more demanding games.
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The Xbox Series S has a 2.80 lb lighter body
When it comes to weight, the Xbox Series S wins comfortably with 4.25 lb against 7.05 lb. Extra weight often reflects bigger cooling or batteries, so the PS5 Slim may be heavier for a reason.
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The PS5 Slim has 100% more memory bandwidth
It’s a lopsided result (448 GB/s for the PS5 Slim, 224 GB/s for the Xbox Series S) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. 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 14.09 in × 3.78 in × 8.50 in
If compact matters to you, the Xbox Series S is the one to look at. The PS5 Slim is physically larger all round. Pick the Xbox Series S and you save 2.80 lb.
Design & Size
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 10.83 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 2.52 in | 3.78 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 4.25 lb (winner) Lightest in class | 7.05 lb |
Performance
PS5 Slim leads
No contest in performance: the PS5 Slim is the stronger of the two. Point to the PS5 Slim for 157% more GPU compute. Teraflops don’t capture everything (memory, upscaling and optimization matter too), but they’re a useful yardstick. If this section decides it for you, choose the PS5 Slim.
GPU compute (FP32)
Xbox Series S: 4 TFLOPS PS5 Slim: 10.28 TFLOPS GPU compute is a headline figure for graphics power, and more of it usually means sharper images or smoother frame rates.
Memory & Storage
PS5 Slim leads
The PS5 Slim is the clear pick if memory & storage is what you care about most. The PS5 Slim delivers 488 GB more built-in storage. Modern games are large, so more built-in storage means fewer installs to juggle. So if memory & storage tops your list, lean toward the PS5 Slim.
Built-in storage
Xbox Series S: 512 GB PS5 Slim: 1,000 GB With the PS5 Slim, you can keep more games ready to play without deleting old favorites.
System memory
Xbox Series S: 10 GB PS5 Slim: 16 GB Consoles share memory between CPU and GPU, so this figure covers both game logic and graphics.
Features & Media
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Xbox Series S and the PS5 Slim row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Performance
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Disc drive | None | Ultra HD Blu-ray (detachable) |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 10.83 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 2.52 in | 3.78 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 4.25 lb (winner) Lightest in class | 7.05 lb |
Price
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 (winner) Lowest price in class | $500 |
“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
At launch, the PS5 Slim cost $201 more than the Xbox Series S. In percentage terms, that’s 67%. The extra $201 for the PS5 Slim buys 157% more GPU compute and 488 GB more built-in storage.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked November 2023. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Xbox Series S if…
- you move your console between rooms or take it on trips (4.25 lb vs 7.05 lb)
- you’d put the $201 saving toward something else
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
Choose the PS5 Slim if…
- you want more GPU compute for sharper, smoother games (10.28 TFLOPS vs 4 TFLOPS)
- you want more built-in storage (1,000 GB vs 512 GB)
- you want more memory headroom for demanding games (16 GB vs 10 GB)
- you care about how fast the hardware can feed its GPU (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?
We’d point most buyers to the PS5 Slim. The main exception is if you care more about a 2.80 lb lighter body than anything else.
Which is larger, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim?
It’s the PS5 Slim that is larger: 14.09 × 3.78 × 8.50 in, versus 10.83 × 2.52 × 5.94 in for the Xbox Series S.
Which is faster, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim should be the quicker of the two, with 157% more GPU compute on its side.
Which costs less, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim launched at $201 more than the Xbox Series S, based on prices as of November 2023.
Is the Xbox Series S lighter than the PS5 Slim?
On the scale, the Xbox Series S comes out ahead at 2.80 lb lighter than the PS5 Slim.
Which has more storage, the Xbox Series S or the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim offers more, with 1,000 GB against 512 GB.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Xbox Series S and the PS5 Slim feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. It’s hard to argue with 157% more GPU compute, which is exactly what the PS5 Slim brings. A second reason: the PS5 Slim comes with 488 GB more built-in storage. The Xbox Series S isn’t without merit: a 2.80 lb lighter body is a real advantage.
I’d steer portability fans toward the Xbox Series S and performance fans toward the PS5 Slim.
My pick: the PS5 Slim is the one I’d buy, unless having a 2.80 lb lighter body matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.