Are you confused about purchasing a PlayStation 4 or the new one, PlayStation 5? You're not alone! The gaming world is changing rapidly. Thus, choosing the best PlayStation console specs in 2025 can be confusing because the PS4 and PS5 have compelling reasons to be part of the PlayStation family.
If you purchase a console for the first time as a casual gamer or an avid PlayStation user, this choice raises many questions and problems.
- Is the extra cost of the PS5 worth it for you?
- Will you lose access to the new big games if you keep playing the PS4?
- How significant are new PS4 vs. PS5 graphics and fast load times to your gaming experience?
- What has become of your existing PS4 titles? Do you have to reboot them?
With increasingly new models and packages available, how do you know you're getting the most bang for your buck?
The reality is that the "best" PlayStation console is not a one-size-fits-all. The then-iconic PS4 is more affordable than ever. It has many amazing games—perfect for those who want to try gaming without an astronomical price tag.
The PS5 is mighty. It has new features, terrific graphics, and groundbreaking technology, and it offers years of excellent entertainment.
There is a lot of fanfare on the internet and a lot of technical jargon, and it is easy to get lost. Finding the clear difference between PS4 and PS5 isn't easy. This guide covers everything you need to know—from PS5 vs. PS4 performance and specs to game libraries, design, and real user experience. It will help you pick the best PlayStation 5 console and games for you.
If you need the best bang for your buck, fantastic gameplay, or want to feel good about your buy, read on. We're here to guide you through your choices and select the best console for your gaming time in 2025!
What's The Difference Between PS4 and PS5?
So, let's start by examining the primary hardware and features that distinguish these two systems. Knowing these distinctions will let you know how each system delivers its gaming experience.
The fundamental difference between PS4 and PS5:
| Feature | PS4 Slim / PS4 Pro | PS5 (Standard & Digital) |
| CPU | 8-core AMD Jaguar (1.6-2.1GHz) | 8-core AMD Zen 2 (3.5GHz) |
| GPU | 1.84–4.2 TFLOPS, GCN Radeon | 10.3 TFLOPS, RDNA 2 |
| RAM | 8GB GDDR5 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 500GB–1TB HDD | 825GB–1TB NVMe SSD |
| Optical Drive | Blu-ray | 4K UHD Blu-ray (Standard only) |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p (Slim), 4K (Pro) | Native 4K, up to 8K (future support) |
| Frame Rate | Up to 60 FPS | Up to 120 FPS |
| Controller | DualShock 4 | DualSense (haptic feedback, adaptive triggers) |
| Backward Compatibility | No (except select classics) | Yes (most PS4 games) |
Key Points:
The PS5 represents a huge jump in CPU, GPU, and RAM, offering faster, more fluid, and more visually impressive experiences.
- PS5's SSD reduces loading times significantly compared to the PS4's HDD.
- The DualSense controller introduces new dimensions of feeling the game. It features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Graphics and Visual Quality
The graphical leap from the PS4 to the PS5 is mind-blowing. The 10.28 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU on the PS5 is over twice as powerful as the PS4 Pro and five times as powerful as the standard PS4, enabling a new level of realism and game immersion.
This significant hardware improvement means that PS5 games are built with native 4K resolution. Thus, they provide clear, high-definition graphics that can even output 8K on supported models.
Real-time ray tracing is another feature of the PS5. It brings realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows that construct more realistic worlds. PS4 doesn't have this feature to match.
Most games on the PS5 play at 60 frames per second, but some can do as high as 120 FPS for extremely smooth play. The PS4 Slim tops out at 1080p and 60 FPS, while the PS4 Pro can show 4K with a technique known as checkerboard rendering. However, it seldom actually gets 4K or high frame rates.
Though the PlayStation 4 games graphics are still stunning for the era, the PS5 establishes a new benchmark for visual fidelity in console gaming. This is happening, particularly in well-crafted games.
Storage and Loading Times
One PS5 internal storage that stands out from the PS5 is its proprietary NVMe SSD, which comes in 825GB or 1TB sizes. The SSD dramatically cuts loading time, and fast travel and game install times are instant.
Players can now jump into large open worlds or reload checkpoints quickly. This drastically differs from the PS4's dependence on old hard disc drives. The HDDs would lead to longer loading and slower installations.
The PS4's 500GB or 1TB HDDs can be upgraded, but even after upgrades, they still cannot compare with the speed and swiftness of the PS5's SSD.
Audio and Immersion
Audio immersion is significantly better on the PS5. The console's Tempest 3D AudioTech provides spatial audio so players can hear objects from all directions. This improves immersion and keeps players more connected to what's happening in games.
This technology creates game worlds that feel more real and responsive. The PS4, as much as it has standard surround sound, can't match the depth and realism of the PS5's 3D audio.
Controller Experience
The controller experience is also different from the PS5. The DualSense controller has adaptive triggers and enhanced haptic feedback. It gives gamers a sense of tension, resistance, and slight vibrations that mirror what happens in the game.
This type of touch feedback adds to the game's realism and playability. PS4's DualShock 4 controller feels comfortable and nicely designed to hold. However, it does not have any sophisticated feedback or features like DualSense.
Game Libraries and Compatibility
PS4 Games Collection
The PS4 has an extensive and mature catalog of over 2,500 games in its library. Its classic exclusives are God of War, Uncharted 4, Bloodborne, and The Last of Us Part II, with a decade of best-in-class gaming experiences.
Most PS4 games are discounted or bundled, so it is an appropriate option for users who prefer to pay less.
PS5 Game Collection
Numerous new games are out for the PS5, some special ones like Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Demon's Souls. These showcase the console's capabilities.
Also, most of the greatest PS4 games have received PS5 updates. The PS4 games on PS5 updates offer enhanced graphics, performance, and faster load times when played on the new console.
Backward Compatibility
Backward compatibility is a valuable advantage of the PS5. The console can play most PS4 games, and due to the superior hardware of the PS5, such games are enhanced visually and in terms of performance.
In return, the PS4 does not support playing PS3 or previous-generation PlayStation games. Only a few classic games make the exceptions supported on PlayStation Now or PlayStation Plus.
Future-Proofing
With more developers focusing on PS5-exclusive games, the PS4 will see fewer new releases in the next few years. The PS5 is the better choice for future-proofing your purchase. It fits the bill if you want access to upcoming blockbusters and the most current gaming experiences.
Difference between PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5: Design, Storage, and Other Features
Design and Build
The PS5 has a futuristic, slim design with an enormous footprint in Standard (disc drive) and Digital Editions (no disc drive). The 2023 "slim" versions are around 30% smaller than but as powerful as the original edition.
The PS4 and PS4 Pro are slender, compact, and sleek, making them easier to incorporate into most entertainment centers.
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Storage Options
Storage capacity varies significantly between the two consoles. The PS4 features a 500GB or 1TB HDD, which the user can upgrade but has slower read/write speeds.
The PS5 has either an 825GB or 1TB NVMe SSD. You also have an M.2 slot to upgrade it with more rapid storage. External USB drives will work to store PS4 games, but PS5 games need to be loaded from the internal SSD to be fast. -
Disc Reader
The PS5 Standard edition contains a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive for obvious films and physical games. The Digital edition lacks a disc drive and is for digital-only store purchases. The PS4 and PS4 Pro contain a standard Blu-ray drive, which only plays 1080p. -
User Interface and Features
Sony has overhauled the PS5 user interface. It has a control center that makes it easier to access friends, notifications, and game sessions. This speeds up navigation and enhances social features. The original PlayStation UI of the PS4 is still functional but not as streamlined as the new PS5 interface. -
Streaming and Entertainment
Both support leading streaming platforms such as Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube. The PS5, though, can play and stream media in 4K, while the PS4 can stream at only 1080p—except the PS4 Pro, which can stream in 4K. -
VR Support
For VR enthusiasts, the PS5 has backward support for the original PSVR and the new PSVR2 (you will need an adapter for older titles). The PS4 is only compatible with the original PSVR headset.
Which One Do You Have To Buy - PS4 Or PS5?
Reasons to Pick PS4
PS5 is the strongest next-gen choice. It has native 4K gaming, 120 FPS, ray tracing, and swift load times. It is built to last through numerous years of new releases and tech refreshes.
The PS5 can play nearly all PS4 games, typically with enhancements, and more games are being developed as exclusives for the PS5. The DualSense controller, 3D audio, and the new interface make the PS5 the best PlayStation experience.
Reasons to Choose PS5
PS5 is the strongest next-gen choice. It has native 4K gaming, 120 FPS, ray tracing, and swift load times. It is built to last through numerous years of new releases and tech refreshes.
The PS5 can play nearly all PS4 games, typically with enhancements, and more games are being developed as exclusives for the PS5. The DualSense controller, 3D audio, and the new interface make the PS5 the best PlayStation experience.
Considerations: PlayStation 4 vs. PlayStation 5
So you've had your reliable old PS4 for a while now, but the temptation of a shiny new PS5 finally wins you over. Is it worth switching? Let's consider whether it's worth switching to the PS5.
Price is something to consider when deciding whether to upgrade to the PS5. The PS5 is pricier than the PS4 but has some pretty neat new features and enhancements. Think about how much you feel the new features are important to you and if they are worth the extra cost for the PS5.
One of the best things about playing games on PlayStation is how it unites people and makes them a single entity.
With the PlayStation 5 console, gamers can experience a world of online gaming. Plus, they can enjoy socialization and sharing in a new and different way. It brings people together in ways we never thought possible.
As you consider purchasing a PS5, consider what you'll be leaving behind from your trusty PS4. Consider the games you love playing on the PS4, the memories you've created, and how integral it has become to you.
It is worth weighing these emotional considerations against the thrill of discovering the PS5's new possibilities. The future of PlayStation gaming is not just playing games. It's about connecting and making friends based on a common passion for gaming.
When you choose, consider how much you have and what kind of games you like. The PS5 Standard is $500, and the Digital Edition is $450, but these prices show what new technology and features are worth.
If you want to be capable of playing the latest exclusive titles or care about performance and graphics, the PS5 is the best option. PS5 availability is now more consistent, but it's still worth looking around at local stores.
Ready to Boost Your Fun?
The PS5 demonstrates a significant leap forward in nearly all categories, including performance, graphics, loading, and future-proofing. If you desire the ultimate PlayStation experience and are ready for the future of gaming, the PS5 is the obvious choice.
It is backward compatible, so you will still be able to game with your PS4 games, and its new technologies set a new benchmark for play and immersion.
The PS4 is still viable for those who must budget and for new players. People who want to play many older games and do not have to spend much money can also try it.
As more games are released on the PS5 and the price lowers, the gap between PS5 vs. PS4 will grow. However, by 2025, both systems will still play a significant role in gaming. You must ideally have a complete idea of the difference between PS4 and PS5 before making any investment.
Whether you play on the widely used PS4 or upgrade to the new PS5, Play and Talk has all the gear you need to take your play to the next level. They have an extensive roster of consoles, peripherals, games, and gizmos. Don't think about it—jump in.
Play and Talk opened in 2012 as a locally owned video games and collectibles shop. It became a name that gamers on the Gulf Coast could rely on. The industry has three stores: Mobile, AL; Gulfport, MS; and Foley, AL. It provides gaming, pop culture, and repair, all with less than one roof.
At Play and Talk, you can rent a library of new and used video games and gaming consoles, from retro to the newest PS5 titles.
But the games are only half the story. Fans of anime, trading cards, and collectibles will find their shelves groaning under the weight of Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Funko Pops, and more. Get gaming!