Xbox Series X vs PS5 Digital Edition
Same class, different makers. The Xbox Series X (Microsoft) and the PS5 Digital Edition (Sony) are built for the same kind of buyer. On balance, the Xbox Series X is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 2 areas, most clearly in performance. There’s also a launch price gap of $99 in favor of the PS5 Digital Edition.
At a glance
- Performance Xbox Series X wins
- Memory & Storage Xbox Series X wins
- Price PS5 Digital Edition wins
- Performance8.2
- Memory & Storage7.3
- Performance5.3
- Memory & Storage6.2
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 Xbox Series X has 18% more GPU compute
Not a close call. The Xbox Series X lists 12.15 TFLOPS and the PS5 Digital Edition lists 10.28 TFLOPS. That’s a substantial gap. 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 Xbox Series X has 175 GB more built-in storage
Among all the differences on this page, 1,000 GB against 825 GB is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Xbox Series X. Modern games are large, so more built-in storage means fewer installs to juggle.
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The Xbox Series X has 25% more memory bandwidth
The PS5 Digital Edition gives up a lot on memory bandwidth: 448 GB/s, compared with 560 GB/s on the Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series X’s extra bandwidth helps keep its GPU fed in demanding scenes.
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The PS5 Digital Edition has
Numbers like 10.24 in against 5.94 in only tell you which is larger (here, the PS5 Digital Edition), not which is better. Leave a little room behind the console for airflow and cables whichever one you choose.
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The Xbox Series X has
The Xbox Series X and the PS5 Digital Edition differ on height (5.94 in vs 3.62 in), and this is one to judge by personal preference. Taller consoles are harder to tuck into media cabinets; shorter ones blend in more easily.
Design & Size
- Xbox Series X 11.85 in × 5.94 in × 5.94 in
- PS5 Digital Edition 15.35 in × 3.62 in × 10.24 in
In overall size, the Xbox Series X is ahead, which is good news only if a bigger console is what you want. The Xbox Series X weighs in 1.21 lb above the PS5 Digital Edition.
Design & Size
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.85 in | 15.35 in |
| Height | 5.94 in | 3.62 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 10.24 in |
| Weight | 9.81 lb | 8.60 lb (winner) |
Performance
Xbox Series X leads
The Xbox Series X dominates the performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. On the Xbox Series X, you get 18% more GPU compute. The Xbox Series X’s extra compute gives games more room for higher resolutions and richer effects. For performance, the Xbox Series X is the one to beat.
GPU compute (FP32)
Xbox Series X: 12.15 TFLOPS PS5 Digital Edition: 10.28 TFLOPS Teraflops don’t capture everything (memory, upscaling and optimization matter too), but they’re a useful yardstick.
CPU max clock
Xbox Series X: 3.80 GHz PS5 Digital Edition: 3.50 GHz A faster CPU clock helps with game logic, physics and busy open worlds, where frame rates often depend on the processor.
Memory & Storage
Xbox Series X leads
No contest in memory & storage: the Xbox Series X is the stronger of the two. The Xbox Series X wins here with 175 GB more built-in storage. With the Xbox Series X, you can keep more games ready to play without deleting old favorites. If this section decides it for you, choose the Xbox Series X.
Built-in storage
Xbox Series X: 1,000 GB PS5 Digital Edition: 825 GB Check the expansion options in the table; extra storage can often be added later, at a cost.
Memory bandwidth
Xbox Series X: 560 GB/s PS5 Digital Edition: 448 GB/s Bandwidth works hand in hand with GPU power; one without the other can become a bottleneck.
Features & Media
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Xbox Series X and the PS5 Digital Edition row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Performance
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD Zen 2, 8 cores | AMD Zen 2, 8 cores / 16 threads |
| CPU max clock | 3.80 GHz (winner) | 3.50 GHz |
| GPU | Custom AMD RDNA 2, 1.825 GHz | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based, up to 2.23 GHz |
| GPU compute units | 52 Most GPU compute units | 36 |
| GPU compute (FP32)Manufacturer figure | 12.15 TFLOPS (winner) | 10.28 TFLOPS |
| Max output resolution | 8K output; 4K at up to 120 fps | 8K output; 4K at 120 Hz |
| Max frame rate | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Hardware ray tracing | Yes | Yes |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| System memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory bandwidth | 560 GB/s (winner) | 448 GB/s |
| Built-in storage | 1,000 GB (winner) | 825 GB |
| 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 X | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Disc drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray | None |
| 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 X | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.85 in | 15.35 in |
| Height | 5.94 in | 3.62 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 10.24 in |
| Weight | 9.81 lb | 8.60 lb (winner) |
Price
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $499 | $400 (winner) |
“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
Compare the launch prices and they sit 25% apart, or $99 in real money. The extra $99 for the Xbox Series X buys 18% more GPU compute and 175 GB more built-in storage.
Based on US launch pricing as of November 2020. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Xbox Series X if…
- you want more GPU compute for sharper, smoother games (12.15 TFLOPS vs 10.28 TFLOPS)
- you want more built-in storage (1,000 GB vs 825 GB)
- you care about how fast the hardware can feed its GPU (560 GB/s vs 448 GB/s)
- you want the faster CPU clock (3.80 GHz vs 3.50 GHz)
Choose the PS5 Digital Edition if…
- you move your console between rooms or take it on trips (8.60 lb vs 9.81 lb)
- you’d rather keep $99 in your pocket
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Xbox Series X or the PS5 Digital Edition?
For most people, the Xbox Series X is the stronger choice, unless having a 1.21 lb lighter body matters more to you than the rest.
Is the Xbox Series X bigger than the PS5 Digital Edition?
Going by the official dimensions, the Xbox Series X is the bigger of the two at 11.85 × 5.94 × 5.94 in. The PS5 Digital Edition measures 15.35 × 3.62 × 10.24 in.
Which is faster, the Xbox Series X or the PS5 Digital Edition?
The Xbox Series X should be the quicker of the two, with 18% more GPU compute and an 8.6% faster CPU clock on its side.
Is the Xbox Series X cheaper than the PS5 Digital Edition?
The PS5 Digital Edition is the cheaper option, launching at $99 less than the Xbox Series X (launch prices as of November 2020).
Which weighs less, the Xbox Series X or the PS5 Digital Edition?
Going by the official figures, the PS5 Digital Edition weighs 1.21 lb less than the Xbox Series X.
Does the Xbox Series X have more storage than the PS5 Digital Edition?
The Xbox Series X comes with more room: 1,000 GB versus 825 GB.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Xbox Series X from Microsoft and the PS5 Digital Edition from Sony. To me, the standout is that the Xbox Series X offers 18% more GPU compute. And the Xbox Series X doesn’t stop there; it also offers 175 GB more built-in storage. On the other side, the PS5 Digital Edition brings a 1.21 lb lighter body, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Match the strength to your habits (performance for the Xbox Series X, portability for the PS5 Digital Edition), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Xbox Series X gets my vote, but the PS5 Digital Edition is the right call if you’d rather have a 1.21 lb lighter body on the PS5 Digital Edition.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.