Buzz
Sony has recently announced a new PlayStation 5 (PS5) model, slimmer and named PlayStation 5 Slim.
Sony has unveiled a new PlayStation 5 (PS5) model, slimmer and set to be officially released during the holiday season of 2023. Besides its sleeker design, the new variant also brings some hardware improvements compared to the current PS5 in various aspects.
The question arises: if you already own a PS5, should you upgrade to the Slim version? Let's explore the main differences between the two variants right away.
Size Difference
One of the most common complaints Sony has received about the PS5 product line since its launch is its bulky size. In fact, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X have similar internal volumes, but the vertical design, adorned with various decorative lines, makes the PS5 take up more space and be more selective in display placement.
PS5 Slim maintains the overall design similar to the standard PS5 but has been downsized. The interior volume of the PS5 Slim is smaller by 30%, and its weight is lighter by 18% - 24% compared to the standard PS5 (with or without a disc drive).
Connectivity Remains Largely Unchanged
Connectivity capabilities are essentially the same between the PS5 and PS5 Slim. The only real difference is that the USB Type A port on the front of the PS5 is now a USB Type C port. However, it still operates at USB 2.0 speeds.
Improved Base Memory
The new PS5 model now boasts a 1TB SSD instead of 850GB. While an additional 150GB may not seem significant, if additional storage is all you need, remember that you can install a multi-terabyte SSD into the current PS5's expansion slot for much less than the price of a brand new PS5.
No Performance Enhancement
When comparing the technical specifications of the old and new PS5 models side by side, you won't find any performance differences on paper. Both utilize the same chip running at the same speed. In other words, this is not a 'Pro' version of the PS5 like we had with the PS4 Pro. Therefore, there will be virtually no real-world performance differences between the PS5 and PS5 Slim.
Discontinuation of Standard PS5
The design of the PS5 Slim is considered the official replacement for the original PS5 model. According to Sony, once the standard PS5 inventory is depleted, the company will officially discontinue this version. Therefore, unless there's a compelling price reduction, there's no reason for you to opt for the old model.
