ps5 vs ps4 pro

The PS5 has certainly shaken things up in the gaming world, but is it enough to push the PS4 Pro to the sidelines? If you’re on the fence about whether to stick with your current setup or make the leap to the next-gen, I’ve got you covered. The PS5’s faster load times, stunning graphics, and innovative DualSense controller bring plenty of excitement, but the PS4 Pro still offers solid performance at a more affordable price. In this article, I’ll walk you through what each console has to offer, so you can decide if upgrading is worth it or if your PS4 Pro still does the job. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!

PS5 vs PS4 Pro: Your Ideal Pick

The PlayStation 4 Pro hit the shelves in November 2016, priced at $399.99. This version of the PS4 gave gamers an upgraded experience with occasional 4K support, better graphics, and smoother performance compared to the base model. With a 1TB hard drive, 8GB of GDDR5 RAM, and a decent GPU, the PS4 Pro offers great value for anyone who wants to dive into 4K gaming without breaking the bank.

Fast forward to November 2020, and the PlayStation 5 arrived with a $499.99 price tag for the standard edition. With much faster load times, a custom SSD, 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a powerful GPU that supports ray tracing for lifelike lighting, I couldn’t help but crown the PS5 as the king of consoles.  

Not to mention the new DualSense controller, which introduces features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that let players experience an even deeper level of immersion. The PS5 supports 4K gaming at 120Hz and is ready for the next generation of games.

Now, which one should you go for? Let’s find out together.

Go for PS4 Pro if:Pick PS5 if:
PS4 Pro | Faster, more powerful & with 4K gaming | PlayStation
– You primarily play PS4 games and don’t need the PS5’s exclusive new titles.
– You’re on a budget and don’t want to pay significantly more for features like faster load times or ray tracing.
– You’re fine with sticking to 1080p gaming or occasional 4K at lower frame rates.
– You already have a library of PS4 accessories (controllers, VR headset) and don’t want to replace them.
– You don’t care about newer features like 3D audio or haptic feedback.
PlayStation 5 Console Images - PlayStation Universe
– You’re excited for exclusive games like Demon’s Souls, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, or Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
– You want features like ray tracing (realistic lighting and shadows), 4K at up to 120 FPS, and smoother frame rates in supported games.
– You want ultra-fast load times thanks to the PS5’s SSD, which loads games in seconds compared to the PS4 Pro (that at times takes forever).
– You’re interested in the DualSense controller, which adds haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive experience.
– You want future-proof features like 8K compatibility for when the technology becomes mainstream.
– You value 3D audio for a more realistic sound experience without needing expensive surround sound systems.

The Verdict: If you want the latest games, blazing-fast load times, and top-notch graphics, go for the PS5. But if you’re fine sticking to PS4 games and want to save some cash, the PS4 Pro is still a solid choice.

Curious to see how the specs of the PS5 and PS4 Pro stack up? Read on to find out.

PS5 vs PS4 Pro: Detailed Breakdown

FeaturePlayStation 4 ProPlayStation 5
CPU8-core AMD Jaguar at 2.1GHz8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.5GHz (variable frequency)
GPU4.2 TFLOPs, AMD Radeon10.28 TFLOPs, RDNA 2 architecture
Memory8GB GDDR516GB GDDR6
Storage1TB HDD825GB Custom SSD
Optical DriveBlu-ray4K UHD Blu-ray
Resolution SupportUp to 4KUp to 8K
Ray TracingNot supportedSupported
Backward CompatibilitySupports PS4 gamesSupports PS4 and select PS3, PS2, and PS1 games
Price at Launch$399$499
Release DateNovember 2016November 2020

PS4 pro vs PS5: Graphics and Performance

Winner: PS5

The PS4 Pro supports 1080p and occasional 4K, but the PS5 steps it up a level with 4K resolution at up to 120 FPS. That means smoother visuals and sharper details in games like Demon’s Souls or Spider-Man: Miles Morales. On PS5, you’ll see lifelike lighting and shadows thanks to ray tracing, something the PS4 Pro can’t do.

PS4 pro VS PS5: Load Times

Winner: PS5 (obviously)

The PS5’s SSD loads games in seconds, while the PS4 Pro’s hard drive can take minutes. This huge difference alone might be enough to convince you to go for the PS5. When I played Hogwarts Legacy on my PS4 Pro, the apparition—transporting from one place to another—would take forever, and I’d get so frustrated I’d quit playing. If you’re like me and can’t stand slow load times, spending that extra $200–$300 is totally worth it. Trust me, you’ll thank me later if you decide to go for the PS5. 

PS4 pro vs PS5: Controller Features

Winner: PS5 

The PS5’s DualSense controller introduces haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that make games feel more immersive. You can actually feel different textures and sensations as you move through the game, like the resistance when drawing a bow. The adaptive triggers adjust the tension based on in-game actions, making things like shooting a weapon or driving a car feel more lifelike. In Call of Duty, you’ll feel the tension in the trigger when firing a weapon. The PS4 Pro’s DualShock 4 doesn’t have these features, so it feels less dynamic.

PS4 pro vs PS5: Audio and Sound

Winner: PS5

If you love immersive sound, the PS5’s 3D audio creates a surround-sound experience without fancy speakers. In games like Returnal, you can pinpoint enemy positions just by sound. The PS4 Pro’s audio is good but lacks this next-level precision.

PS4 pro vs PS5: Backward Compatibility

Winner: PS5

The PS5 lets you play almost all PS4 games, often with better performance. For example, The Last of Us Part II runs at 60 FPS on PS5, compared to 30 FPS on PS4 Pro. This means smoother gameplay without needing to buy a new version of the game.

PS4 pro vs PS5: Future-Proof Features

Winner: PS5

The PS5 supports 8K resolution, even though most games don’t use it yet. This means when 8K becomes mainstream, the PS5 will be ready. The PS4 Pro, on the other hand, maxes out at 4K, so it’s already reaching its limit for future games.

PS4 pro vs PS5: Game Library and Exclusives

Winner: PS5

The PS5 has exclusive titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Demon’s Souls, which are designed to take full advantage of its hardware. The PS4 Pro can’t run these games at all, which makes it feel outdated if you want to play the latest and greatest.

Top 2 Accessories for PS5/PS5 Pro

If you want to get the most out of your PS5 or PS5 Pro, here are a few accessories that will go the distance.

PS5™ Console Covers (slim) – Chroma Teal

PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller

    Link to Product: Prelaunch

    Price (Pre-Order): $64.99

    Release Date: January 23, 2025

    These official PlayStation console covers are simple to install. Just remove your old PS5 covers and snap the new ones into place for a stunningly vivid gaming experience. 

    Want to explore groundbreaking products? Visit Prelaunch Marketplace for cutting-edge projects and exclusive deals. Find the latest trends and one-of-a-kind items all in one place!

    Pulse 3D Wireless Headset

    Pulse 3D Wireless Headset

      Link to Product: Pulse 3D Wireless Headset

      Price: $109

      The Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, designed for the PlayStation 5, delivers 3D audio that makes games feel more realistic. Dual microphones reduce background noise for clearer voice chat. The headset connects easily and complements the PS5 perfectly. It’s a great choice for gamers seeking better sound quality.

      Conclusion

      When you compare the PS4 Pro VS PS5, it’s clear the PS5 offers a much better experience with faster load times, stunning graphics, and cool features like the DualSense controller. That said, the PS4 Pro is still a solid choice, especially if you’re on a budget and don’t mind skipping the latest upgrades. It really comes down to what you need—if you’re looking for cutting-edge performance, the PS5’s got you covered. But if you’re happy with great gaming with slower load times on a more affordable system, the PS4 Pro still delivers. Happy Gaming!