Sony has finally upgraded the PS5 with the introduction of PS5 Pro. While it is not a generational shift, we can see tons of modifications and additions in the Pro edition. And with that, you might be confused if you should upgrade your PS5 now. Well, worry not. In this guide, let us look at the differences in specs, performance, and features between the PS5 and the PS5 Pro.
PS5 and PS5 Pro: Specifications
| Module | PS5 | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU. Running @ 3.5GHz. | Custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU. Running @ 3.5GHz. Boost mode up to 3.85GHz. |
| GPU | Custom AMD GPU, based on RDNA 2 architecture, and running at 10.23 TFLOPs. | Custom AMD GPU based on the normal variant with better computing speed |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 SDRAM | NA |
| Storage | Custom-built 825 GB SSD with 12-channel interface and 5.5 GB/s | Custom-built 2 TB SSD with 12-channel interface and 5.5 GB/s |
| Resolution support | 1080p @ 60, 1440p @ 60, 4K @ 30/60 | Up to 4K@ 60Hz. Better performance through proprietary upscaling technology. |
| Raytracing Support | Yes | Yes (Advanced) |
| Upscaling support | No | Yes, through proprietary PSSR solution |
PS5 vs PS5 Pro: CPU
Let’s first look at what pure CPU changes we are getting between a PS5 and the Pro variant. A big takeaway from the specifications is that both systems use the same processor: a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU running at 3.5GHz. However, the PS5 Pro comes with system memory that is 28% faster and naturally results in faster loading times when combined with the GPU.
However, while the CPU front remains the same, the PS5 Pro comes with a Boost Mode. This boosts the clock speed to 3.85GHz, effectively giving better performance.
Existing PS5 owners can rest easy knowing their base performance should be good enough. Nonetheless, the PS5 Pro’s Boost Mode gives a slight performance boost because of the added CPU frequency. With the base performance being the same, it might turn off the urge to upgrade from PS5 to a Pro variant.
PS5 vs PS5 Pro: GPU
While the CPU stays similar between both systems, the PS5 Pro’s GPU packs the biggest upgrade.
The original PS5 has a custom AMD GPU based on the RDNA 2 architecture. It runs on 10.2 Teraflops and allows the console to run games in two modes – Performance and Resolution mode. While the former lets games run at a smooth 60 FPS, the resolution mode amps things up but scales the FPS down to 30. Some say it is similar to an AMD RX 5700XT or a NVIDIA RTX 3060.
However, the PS5 Pro, on the other hand, comes with a custom AMD GPU based on the RDNA 3 architecture. Moreover, it has 67% more computing units than the current PS5 console. Compared to the original, the PS5 Pro gives you a 45% faster rendering.
Due to the GPUs’ upgraded raw power, the PS5 Pro delivers up to 2-3 Ray Tracing performance. While this upgrade alone sounds good, the PS5 Pro has more in store with the PSSR tech.
PSSR AI Upscaling Technology
Possibly one of the biggest advantages of the PS5 Pro over the base model is the proprietary upscaling technology. Aptly titled PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling, this tech will use the PS5 Pro’s GPU to downsample and then upscale the image. This will also replace any other antialiasing solutions.
The PS5 Pro console will be able to seamlessly upscale because of the AI Accelerator. This will result in PS5 Pro supporting 4K@ 60Hz. On the other hand, the PS5 base variant relies on the scaling solutions provided in the games itself. This is one of the biggest additions in the Pro variant.
PS5 Pro Enhanced Games
Besides the GPU upgrades and upscaling tech, there will be plenty of games enhanced for the PS5 Pro console. PS5 Pro Enhanced games will be titles specifically beefed up for the pro variant console.
However, to qualify for that check, they must pass some requirements. As mentioned above, games must support PSSR to provide 4K resolutions, a constant 60FPS, and Advanced Ray Tracing Effects. This means that the games from PS5 will perform better on the Pro if they come with the enhanced label.
PS5 Pro: Enough of an Upgrade?
While it’s a bit too soon to ultimately decide which console you should get, it’s very clear the PS5 Pro has many well-deserved improvements over the base PS5. Although the CPU itself remains mostly the same, the RDNA 3 GPU on the PS5 packs some massive boosts.
Currently, you can purchase a PS5 for $450. If you consider buying it during sales, you can get it even lower. That console will easily give you 1440p and even 4K gameplay, but at 30FPS if you want the latter.
On the other hand. PS5 Pro will cost $699. This means you will have to spend a lot of extra bucks to get more frames and a performance boost with similar fidelity. While the AI Upscaling PSSR will significantly boost your performance, the CPU being the same is a major concern to be an upgrade. Overall, if you have a big wallet and you do not have a PS5 already, PS5 Pro can be your next console. But calling it a big upgrade can be a bit of a stretch.
With all the differences and upgrades, it is evident that the PS5 Pro is definitely not a big upgrade to the PS5 console. Are you getting the PS5 Pro when it comes to the market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
