Xbox Series X vs PS5 Slim
The Xbox Series X and the PS5 Slim sit in the same home console class, but Microsoft and Sony don’t always agree on what matters most. This one has a front-runner. The Xbox Series X wins 2 of 2 compared areas, and performance is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Performance Xbox Series X wins
- Memory & Storage Xbox Series X wins
- Price Xbox Series X wins
- Performance8.2
- Memory & Storage7.3
- 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 Xbox Series X has 18% more GPU compute
Put simply, the Xbox Series X is far ahead here: 12.15 TFLOPS compared with 10.28 TFLOPS. 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 has a 2.76 lb lighter body
The PS5 Slim’s 7.05 lb leaves the Xbox Series X’s 9.81 lb well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. For home consoles, weight mostly matters when moving them; for handhelds, it matters every minute you play.
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The Xbox Series X has 25% more memory bandwidth
Not a close call. The Xbox Series X lists 560 GB/s and the PS5 Slim lists 448 GB/s. That’s a substantial gap. The Xbox Series X’s extra bandwidth helps keep its GPU fed in demanding scenes.
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The Xbox Series X has
The PS5 Slim has the lower figure on height (3.78 in), while the Xbox Series X reaches 5.94 in. Neither is better in general; check it against the space you have.
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The PS5 Slim has
For depth, the figures are 8.50 in for the PS5 Slim and 5.94 in for the Xbox Series X. Treat it as a question of preference, not quality. A deeper body needs more shelf space, while a shallower one is easier to place.
Design & Size
- Xbox Series X 11.85 in × 5.94 in × 5.94 in
- PS5 Slim 14.09 in × 3.78 in × 8.50 in
The Xbox Series X simply takes up more room than the PS5 Slim, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space. The PS5 Slim undercuts the Xbox Series X by 2.76 lb on weight.
Design & Size
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.85 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 5.94 in | 3.78 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 9.81 lb | 7.05 lb (winner) |
Performance
Xbox Series X leads
The Xbox Series X clearly takes the performance round. The Xbox Series X steps ahead thanks to 18% more GPU compute. The Xbox Series X’s extra compute gives games more room for higher resolutions and richer effects. In short, the Xbox Series X is the better-equipped console for performance.
GPU compute (FP32)
Xbox Series X: 12.15 TFLOPS PS5 Slim: 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 Slim: 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
This area is close, with the Xbox Series X just ahead of the PS5 Slim. Point to the Xbox Series X for 25% more memory bandwidth. Bandwidth works hand in hand with GPU power; one without the other can become a bottleneck. For memory & storage, the Xbox Series X is the one to beat.
Memory bandwidth
Xbox Series X: 560 GB/s PS5 Slim: 448 GB/s Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the console can move data to its GPU, which matters for high resolutions.
Features & Media
We don’t score this area directly, because the features & media specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Performance
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| System memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory bandwidth | 560 GB/s (winner) | 448 GB/s |
| Built-in storage | 1,000 GB | 1,000 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 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Disc drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray | 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 X | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.85 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 5.94 in | 3.78 in |
| Depth | 5.94 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 9.81 lb | 7.05 lb (winner) |
Price
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $499 | $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 difference was a modest $1, with the Xbox Series X slightly more affordable. The Xbox Series X is both $1 cheaper and ahead on more of the specs we compared.
These are US launch prices, recorded November 2023; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Xbox Series X if…
- you care about graphics horsepower (12.15 TFLOPS vs 10.28 TFLOPS of GPU compute)
- 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)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $1 matters
Choose the PS5 Slim if…
- you want the lighter console (7.05 lb vs 9.81 lb)
- you value compactness over sheer size
- you prefer staying with Sony
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Xbox Series X or the PS5 Slim?
The Xbox Series X makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you value a 2.76 lb lighter body above everything else.
Which is larger, the Xbox Series X or the PS5 Slim?
Size goes the other way: the Xbox Series X is larger (11.85 × 5.94 × 5.94 in), and the PS5 Slim is the smaller option (14.09 × 3.78 × 8.50 in).
Does the Xbox Series X perform better than the PS5 Slim?
Going by the specs, the Xbox Series X comes out ahead: it offers 18% more GPU compute and an 8.6% faster CPU clock.
Which costs less, the Xbox Series X or the PS5 Slim?
At launch, the Xbox Series X undercut the PS5 Slim by $1. These figures are as of November 2023, and street prices can change.
Is the Xbox Series X lighter than the PS5 Slim?
The Xbox Series X is the heavier of the two; the PS5 Slim saves 2.76 lb.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Xbox Series X versus the PS5 Slim shows that nicely. I keep coming back to one thing: the Xbox Series X gets 18% more GPU compute. Less flashy, but still real: the Xbox Series X brings 25% more memory bandwidth. In fairness to the PS5 Slim, a 2.76 lb lighter body is a genuine strength.
A quick self-test: do you care more about performance or portability? The first answer means the Xbox Series X, the second means the PS5 Slim.
My pick: the Xbox Series X, unless you specifically want a 2.76 lb lighter body, where the PS5 Slim has the edge, in which case the PS5 Slim earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.