PS5 Pro vs PS5 Slim
If you’ve already settled on this family, the last step is deciding between the PS5 Pro and the PS5 Slim. Scoring each area separately, the PS5 Pro comes out on top 2 times out of 2. Its lead is sharpest in performance. Then there’s the $200 question: that’s how much more the PS5 Pro launched at compared with the PS5 Slim.
At a glance
- Performance PS5 Pro wins
- Memory & Storage PS5 Pro wins
- Price PS5 Slim wins
- Performance10.0
- Memory & Storage10.0
- Performance5.4
- 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 Pro has 62% more GPU compute
On this line of the spec sheet, the PS5 Pro is in a different league: 16.70 TFLOPS, next to 10.28 TFLOPS for the PS5 Slim. Teraflops don’t capture everything (memory, upscaling and optimization matter too), but they’re a useful yardstick.
-
The PS5 Pro has 1,000 GB more built-in storage
For built-in storage, the PS5 Pro leads by a wide margin: 2,000 GB versus 1,000 GB. Check the expansion options in the table; extra storage can often be added later, at a cost.
-
The PS5 Pro has 29% more memory bandwidth
This is a headline difference. With 576 GB/s to the PS5 Slim’s 448 GB/s, the PS5 Pro has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the console can move data to its GPU, which matters for high resolutions.
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The PS5 Pro has a 10% faster CPU clock
Put simply, the PS5 Pro is far ahead here: 3.85 GHz compared with 3.50 GHz. CPU architectures differ between consoles, so clock speed is one piece of the performance puzzle.
Design & Size
- PS5 Pro 15.28 in × 3.50 in × 8.50 in
- PS5 Slim 14.09 in × 3.78 in × 8.50 in
Neither is the “big one” here; the PS5 Pro and the PS5 Slim are matched on size. Heft is not where these two differ.
Design & Size
| Spec | PS5 Pro | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 15.28 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 3.50 in | 3.78 in |
| Depth | 8.50 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 6.83 lb | 7.05 lb |
Performance
PS5 Pro leads
The PS5 Pro wins the performance section decisively. On the PS5 Pro, you get 62% more GPU compute. The PS5 Pro’s extra compute gives games more room for higher resolutions and richer effects. Net result: the PS5 Pro leads this part of the comparison.
GPU compute (FP32)
PS5 Pro: 16.70 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.
CPU max clock
PS5 Pro: 3.85 GHz PS5 Slim: 3.50 GHz The PS5 Pro’s higher clock gives developers more headroom for crowded scenes and higher frame-rate modes.
Memory & Storage
PS5 Pro leads
The PS5 Slim is outclassed on memory & storage; the PS5 Pro leads by a clear margin. The PS5 Pro comes with 1,000 GB more built-in storage. With the PS5 Pro, you can keep more games ready to play without deleting old favorites. If memory & storage is your priority, the PS5 Pro is the console to pick.
Built-in storage
PS5 Pro: 2,000 GB PS5 Slim: 1,000 GB Modern games are large, so more built-in storage means fewer installs to juggle.
Memory bandwidth
PS5 Pro: 576 GB/s PS5 Slim: 448 GB/s The PS5 Pro’s extra bandwidth helps keep its GPU fed in demanding scenes.
Features & Media
Names, not numbers: the features & media rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Performance
| Spec | PS5 Pro | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Zen 2, 8 cores / 16 threads | AMD Zen 2, 8 cores / 16 threads |
| CPU max clock | 3.85 GHz (winner) Fastest CPU clock | 3.50 GHz |
| GPU | AMD Radeon-based, up to 2.35 GHz | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based, up to 2.23 GHz |
| GPU compute units | N/A (not specified) | 36 |
| GPU compute (FP32)Manufacturer figure | 16.70 TFLOPS (winner) Most GPU power in class | 10.28 TFLOPS |
| Max output resolution | 8K output; 4K at 120 Hz | 8K output; 4K at 120 Hz |
| Max frame rate | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Hardware ray tracing | Yes | Yes |
| Upscaling | PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) | N/A (not specified) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | PS5 Pro | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| System memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory bandwidth | 576 GB/s (winner) Most memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s |
| Built-in storage | 2,000 GB (winner) Most storage in class | 1,000 GB |
| Storage type | Custom NVMe SSD | Custom NVMe SSD |
| Storage expansion | M.2 NVMe SSD slot; USB extended storage | M.2 NVMe SSD slot; USB extended storage |
Features & Media
| Spec | PS5 Pro | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Disc drive | None (detachable drive sold separately) | Ultra HD Blu-ray (detachable) |
| Handheld play | No | No |
| Built-in screen | None | None |
| Backward compatibility | Most PS4 games | Most PS4 games |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Design & Size
| Spec | PS5 Pro | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 15.28 in | 14.09 in |
| Height | 3.50 in | 3.78 in |
| Depth | 8.50 in | 8.50 in |
| Weight | 6.83 lb | 7.05 lb |
Price
| Spec | PS5 Pro | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $700 Priciest in class | $500 (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
A launch price gap of 40% is hard to ignore, and in this case it amounts to $200 in favor of the PS5 Slim. That $200 gap does buy something tangible: 62% more GPU compute and 1,000 GB more built-in storage.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of November 2024. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the PS5 Pro if…
- you want more GPU compute for sharper, smoother games (16.70 TFLOPS vs 10.28 TFLOPS)
- you want room for more games before juggling installs (2,000 GB vs 1,000 GB)
- you care about how fast the hardware can feed its GPU (576 GB/s vs 448 GB/s)
- you want the faster CPU clock (3.85 GHz vs 3.50 GHz)
Choose the PS5 Slim if…
- you want more value for your money ($200 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the PS5 Pro or the PS5 Slim?
For most people, the PS5 Pro is the stronger choice, unless paying $200 more feels hard to justify for you.
Is the PS5 Pro bigger than the PS5 Slim?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the PS5 Pro and the PS5 Slim is too small to matter.
Which is faster, the PS5 Pro or the PS5 Slim?
Going by the specs, the PS5 Pro comes out ahead: it offers 62% more GPU compute and a 10% faster CPU clock.
Is the PS5 Pro cheaper than the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Slim is the cheaper option, launching at $200 less than the PS5 Pro (launch prices as of November 2024).
Which weighs less, the PS5 Pro or the PS5 Slim?
Neither by much. The PS5 Pro and the PS5 Slim weigh almost the same.
Does the PS5 Pro have more storage than the PS5 Slim?
The PS5 Pro comes with more room: 2,000 GB versus 1,000 GB.
Executive Summary
Choosing between siblings is my favorite kind of puzzle. The PS5 Pro and the PS5 Slim share a lot, so the details decide. Practically speaking, the PS5 Pro’s biggest advantage is 62% more GPU compute. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the PS5 Pro has 1,000 GB more built-in storage.
I think of the PS5 Pro as the one for performance and the PS5 Slim as the one for price.
My pick: the PS5 Pro; the one scenario where I’d reach for the PS5 Slim is if your budget can’t stretch another $200.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.