PS5 vs PS5 Slim: A Detailed Comparison of Specs and Features
Sony recently announced the PlayStation 5 Slim, a revised and slimmed down version of their popular PS5 console first released in 2020. The PS5 Slim boasts a smaller footprint and profile compared to the original chunky PS5 design. But how do the specs and features compare? Let’s take a detailed look.
Size and Weight
The most obvious difference between the original PS5 and PS5 Slim is in size and weight. The PS5 Slim is much more compact, with dimensions of approximately 390mm x 104mm x 260mm based on the video tear down. That’s around 30% less volume than the original PS5 which measured 358mm x 216mm x 96mm.
In terms of weight, the disc version of the PS5 Slim weighs only 3.2kg, compared to 4.5kg for the original disc version PS5. That’s nearly 30% less weight. The all-digital versions are even lighter, with the PS5 Slim digital edition weighing only 2.6kg versus 3.9kg for the original.
| Console | Weight (Disc Version) | Weight (Digital Version) |
| Original PS5 | 4.5kg | 3.9kg |
| PS5 Slim | 3.2kg | 2.6kg |
- Vertical stand for both PS5 Slim models is sold separately
Design and Styling
Along with the reduction in size, the PS5 Slim also sports a revised exterior styling. The signature white and black color scheme remains, but the PS5 Slim has a two-tone aesthetic. The top portion of the casing has a glossy black finish, while the bottom half has a matte black finish.
The signature curved “fins” along the sides have been scaled down appropriately as well. And while the original PS5 had a small circular stand included for vertical orientation, the PS5 Slim lacks this stand. Owners will have to purchase a stand separately if they want to orient it vertically.
Overall, the styling of the PS5 Slim is more subdued and muted compared to the very prominent and attention-grabbing design of the original. The two-tone finish in particular helps reduce the imposing appearance of the massive fins.
Power Consumption
Despite the smaller size, the PS5 Slim does not appear to be more power efficient than the original PS5. Testing revealed the power draw is nearly identical between the two models. At idle the PS5 Slim uses around 4W, while gaming loads draw approximately 225W, the same as the original PS5. This suggests the PS5 Slim utilizes the same 7nm fabrication process for the AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, rather than shrinking to a smaller transistor node. While some may be disappointed the PS5 Slim doesn’t offer lower power draw, maintaining compatibility and performance was likely the priority for Sony.
Hardware Specs
Despite the slimmed down size, the PS5 Slim does not appear to include any changes or upgrades to the internal hardware, according to the video analysis. Key specs like the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and more seem to remain unchanged.
- CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.5GHz
- GPU: 10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz, AMD RDNA 2 architecture
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Internal Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (825GB on original PS5)
- Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray (optional add-on module)
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1
The production process for the PS5 Slim’s custom processor remains at 7nm as well, rather than shrinking to a smaller node. Power draw remains nearly identical too.
One storage difference is that the all-digital PS5 Slim model now includes 1TB of internal SSD storage rather than 825GB on the original.
Cooling and Acoustics
With the reduced size, how does the PS5 Slim handle cooling and acoustic performance? According to audio measurements, the PS5 Slim performs very similarly to the original PS5 in this regard.
Both consoles are extremely quiet at idle or while navigating system menus, virtually silent in fact. During intense gaming sessions, the noise level reached up to 35 dB, but the characteristics of the fan noise differ slightly.
The original PS5 seems to emit an even spread of fan noise from the back, while the PS5 Slim exhibits slightly louder noise localized around the optical drive side. Gamers who position their console behind their viewing position may notice this difference. However, for most players, the acoustic signature should be indistinguishable between the two models.
Sony achieved this similar cooling and acoustic performance thanks to an efficient airflow path design, with ample ventilation on the sides and strategic placement of the internal heatsink, fans, and heat pipes.
Backwards Compatibility
Sony also made it clear that the PS5 Slim retains full backwards compatibility with PS4 games, unlike some past console “slim” models that removed backwards compatibility. This is essential, as the immense PS4 game library will help drive adoption of the PS5 Slim.
Other Changes
Aside from the drastically smaller footprint, the PS5 Slim brings a few other subtle changes and improvements:
- The front USB-A port has been replaced with a USB-C port, better suited for VR accessories.
- The power and eject buttons have been split apart rather than integrated into one button.
- The rear IO has 2x USB-A ports, providing 10Gbps connectivity.
- The warranty seal has been moved to a less conspicuous location, no longer covering a screw.
Price and Release Date
Sony has confirmed the PS5 Slim will launch on November 10, 2023. Pricing is set at:
- PS5 Slim (Disc Version): $499
- PS5 Slim (Digital Version): $449
How the regular PS5 Stacks Up Against the PS5 Slim
Specs | Original PS5 | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 12, 2020 | November 10, 2023 |
| Price (Disc Version) | $499 | $499 |
| Price (Digital Version) | $399 | $449 |
Dimensions (Disc Version) | 390 x 104 x 260 mm | 358 x 96 x 216 mm |
Dimensions (Digital Version) | 390 x 92 x 260 mm | 358 x 80 x 216 mm |
| Weight (Disc Version) | 4.5 kg | 3.2 kg |
| Weight (Digital Version) | 3.9 kg | 2.6 kg |
| CPU | 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.5GHz | Same |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 2 @ 10.28 TFLOPs | Same |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 | Same |
| Storage (Disc Version) | 825 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD |
| Storage (Digital Version) | 825 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD |
| Optical Drive | 4K Blu-ray Drive (optional) | Same |
| Ports | 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 | 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 |
| Power Consumption | Idle: ~4W, Gaming: ~225W | Same |
| Backwards Compatibility | PS4 games | Same |
| Cooling and Acoustics | Quiet but noticeable fan noise under load | Very similar noise profile |
Conclusion
The PS5 Slim delivers improved aesthetics and a dramatically smaller footprint while maintaining full compatibility and similar performance to the original PS5. While some may have hoped for upgrades like a new processor on a smaller fabrication node, the PS5 Slim focuses solely on refinements rather than pushing technological boundaries. For new adopters who found the original PS5 too large and unwieldy for their entertainment centers, the svelte PS5 Slim will likely be a very attractive option.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The new PS5 Slim has a much slimmer and more compact design that is 30% smaller than the original PS5. This was achieved through a redesigned disc drive that can be detached, as well as a new split side plate design with a hatch to access the drive bay. The smaller size results in a lighter weight too – the PS5 Slim Digital Edition weighs 2.6 kg, 24% less than the original.
The internal specifications like CPU, GPU, and performance remain the same between the PS5 Slim and original PS5. The main hardware upgrade is the storage – PS5 Slim models now come with 1TB of SSD storage, versus 825GB in the original PS5. This provides about 175GB of extra storage space.
The PS5 Slim adds two USB-C ports on the front of the console for easier access. There is also a new optional vertical stand with a metallic ring design.
The PS5 Slim Digital Edition costs $449, which is $50 more expensive than the original PS5 Digital Edition. The standard PS5 Slim with disc drive stays the same $499 starting price. Sony is also selling the vertical stand accessory separately for $29.
Yes, the PS5 Slim is fully compatible with all PS5 games, just like the original console. You’ll be able to enjoy the same great PS5 game library on the new slimmer hardware.
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