PlayStation 5 vs PlayStation 5 Pro: Is It Time to Upgrade?

The PS5 vs PS5 pro debate is heating up among gamers. Sony’s mid-generation refresh, the PlayStation 5 Pro, promises sharper visuals, more powerful ray tracing, and faster speeds. 

But with a steep £200+ price jump compared to the standard PlayStation 5, is the upgrade really worth it? 

In this guide, we’ll break down the PS5 Pro specs, compare them to the PlayStation 5 hardware specifications, and explore whether the new console is a must-have for enthusiasts or if the regular PS5 still delivers unbeatable value. 

So, let’s dive right into it! 

PlayStation 5 vs PS5 Pro: Quick Comparison Table 

Before diving into details, here’s a head-to-head comparison of the two consoles: 

Feature	PlayStation 5	PlayStation 5 Pro	Winner
Price	~£480 (Disc version), ~£390 (Digital)	~£700 (all-digital model)	PS5
Ray Tracing	Yes	Advanced ray tracing with optimised titles	PS5 Pro
AI Upscaling	Standard upscaling	PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution)	PS5 Pro
Game Performance	Solid 4K performance, 60fps+	Higher frame rates & sharper visuals in PS5 Pro Enhanced games (limited to ~50 titles)	Tie
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6	Wi-Fi 7 (future-proof) - faster and more future-ready	PS5 Pro
Storage	1TB SSD (original PS5 = 825GB)	2TB SSD	PS5 Pro
Optical Drive	Built-in disc drive (Disc version)	No disc drive (needs a £70 add-on)	PS5

PlayStation 5 vs PS5 Pro: Feature Breakdown 

The PS5 vs PS5 Pro battle really comes down to a handful of key features: price, graphics, performance, storage, and extras. Here’s what those mean in real-world gaming terms. 

Design and Build 

At first glance, both consoles follow the same futuristic aesthetic. The PlayStation 5 Pro is bulkier than the slimmed-down PS5 models, mainly due to its upgraded cooling system. While Sony hasn’t reinvented the wheel here, the Pro is built to house extra GPU power and a larger SSD. 

Importantly, both consoles work seamlessly with official PS5 DualSense controllers. Whether you stick with the PS5 or upgrade to the Pro, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers remain some of the most immersive controller features in gaming today. 

Price 

• PlayStation 5 (Disc version): ~£470–£500 
• PlayStation 5 (Digital Edition): ~£380–£400 
• PlayStation 5 Pro (No Disc Drive): ~£690–£720 
• Winner: PS5 

The price gap is one of the biggest deciding factors in the PS5 vs PS5 Pro debate. The PS5 Pro comes in at around £700, making it at least £200 more expensive than the standard PlayStation 5. That’s before factoring in the optional external disc drive, which adds roughly another £70 if you want to play physical games. 

For most gamers, that extra money could easily go towards a PlayStation 5 bundle with accessories or several blockbuster releases. Unless you’re chasing the absolute best performance and cutting-edge visuals, the standard PS5 still offers better value for money. 

Ray Tracing 

• PlayStation 5: Yes 
• PlayStation 5 Pro: Advanced ray tracing with optimised titles 
• Winner: PS5 Pro 

Ray tracing is a fancy graphics feature that makes lighting, shadows, and reflections look far more realistic. Think of it as the difference between a shiny puddle in a game looking flat versus actually reflecting the neon lights around it. 

Both consoles can do ray tracing, but the PS5 Pro has the edge. Games optimised for the Pro will showcase more detailed reflections and natural-looking lighting, giving an extra layer of immersion. The catch? Only select games support this advanced mode right now. 

AI Upscaling 

• PlayStation 5: Standard upscaling 
• PlayStation 5 Pro: PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) 
• Winner: PS5 Pro 

Upscaling is all about boosting visuals to look sharper on your TV. The PS5 uses standard techniques, but the PS5 Pro introduces PSSR, Sony’s AI-powered upscaling tech. In plain English: it takes a game running at a lower resolution and intelligently boosts it to look like true 4K, while keeping the frame rate smooth. 

For gamers with a 4K or 8K TV, this makes a noticeable difference, especially in fast-paced action titles. 

 Game Performance 

• PlayStation 5: Solid 4K performance, 60fps+ 
• PlayStation 5 Pro: Higher frame rates & sharper visuals in Pro Enhanced games (around 50 titles) 
• Winner: Tie 

Both consoles are powerful, but the Pro squeezes out extra performance in games that support it. Expect smoother gameplay and crisper visuals when playing Pro-enhanced titles. However, since only about 50 games currently benefit, most titles will run about the same on both consoles. 

For now, the performance win is a tie unless you mainly play the enhanced library. 

Wi-Fi 

• PlayStation 5: Wi-Fi 6 
• PlayStation 5 Pro: Wi-Fi 7 (future-proof) 
• Winner: PS5 Pro 

Wi-Fi matters more than you might think, especially for multiplayer fans. The PS5 supports Wi-Fi 6, which is already quick and reliable. The Pro steps it up with Wi-Fi 7, a brand-new standard offering even faster speeds and lower latency. 

This means quicker downloads and smoother online play, provided your home router supports Wi-Fi 7. It’s a nice future-proofing touch, but not a must-have for everyone just yet. 

Optical Drive 

• PlayStation 5: Built-in disc drive (Disc version available) 
• PlayStation 5 Pro: No disc drive (requires approx. £70 add-on) 
• Winner: PS5 

This one’s huge for physical collectors. The PS5 Disc Edition lets you play physical copies straight out of the box. The PS5 Pro doesn’t include a drive, so you’ll need to spend extra for an add-on. That pushes the cost above approx. £70, making it the priciest PlayStation ever. 

If you buy all your games digitally, this might not matter. But if you’ve already invested in a big disc library, the standard PS5 is much more convenient. 

PS5 Specs vs PS5 Pro Specs: Hardware Breakdown 

CPU and GPU Power 

The PlayStation 5 hardware specifications already pack a punch, but the Pro takes it up a notch. The PS5 Pro GPU upgrade delivers better rendering and sharper visuals, particularly noticeable in Pro-enhanced games. Advanced PS5 Pro ray tracing technology creates more realistic shadows and reflections, giving blockbuster titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and Monster Hunter Wilds an extra layer of graphical fidelity. 

Memory and Storage 

Storage is another big leap. The base PS5 storage capacity sits at 1TB (825GB on launch models), while the PS5 Pro doubles it to 2TB. That’s a huge benefit for gamers who prefer going digital, especially since titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War can swallow up over 300GB with all add-ons installed. Both consoles still support expandable SSDs for future-proofing. 

Cooling and Efficiency 

The Pro’s beefier hardware requires a more advanced cooling solution, helping it sustain higher frame rates without overheating. Long gaming sessions should feel smoother on the PS5 Pro compared to the original PS5 launch model. 

PlayStation 5 Pro Performance in Games 

Performance is where the PS5 vs PS5 Pro debate really matters. On paper, the PlayStation 5 Pro performance is superior, with sharper 4K graphics, higher frame rates, and advanced ray tracing. 

However, the catch lies in game optimisation. Only PS5 Pro Enhanced titles benefit from the full performance upgrade, currently around 50 games. While these look incredible, many others perform the same on both consoles. For example, competitive multiplayer titles like Fortnite or Call of Duty won’t always see drastic improvements outside of resolution and frame rate consistency. 

Still, if you own a 4K TV with VRR, or are planning for 8K gaming in the future, the Pro is the console that keeps you ahead of the curve. You’ll also want to check out the Latest PlayStation 5 consoles on Box for the best availability and bundles. 

Shop Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Slim

PlayStation 5 vs PS5 Pro: Gaming Experience 

When it comes to the feel of gameplay, both consoles are lightning fast thanks to SSD loading times. The Pro does edge out slightly with smoother frame pacing and sharper image quality, but the difference isn’t night and day for casual players. 

Both supports Immersive PlayStation VR headsets, but the Pro delivers a slightly cleaner image, especially for VR titles with Pro patches. For VR enthusiasts, this could be a deciding factor. 

Accessories and Ecosystem Compatibility 

The good news is that both consoles are fully compatible with Essential PlayStation gaming accessories. This means you won’t need to rebuy your favourite gear if you upgrade. 

From DualSense controllers to headsets and charging docks, everything works across the PS5 family. Both consoles also slot neatly into Sony’s broader ecosystem, including the All PlayStation console models for fans who like to collect. 

Should You Upgrade from PlayStation 5 to PS5 Pro? 

Upgrade to PS5 Pro if you	Stick with the PS5 if you
Own a 4K or 8K TV with VRR: The Pro’s sharper visuals and smoother frame pacing really shine on high-end TVs.	Are a casual gamer: The standard PS5 already delivers excellent 4K performance and smooth frame rates.
Play Pro-enhanced titles: Games like Doom: The Dark Ages and others benefit from higher frame rates, advanced ray tracing, and improved detail.	Don’t want to pay extra: The PS5 Pro is the priciest PlayStation ever, while the PS5 offers great performance at a lower cost.
Want advanced graphics: The Pro offers better ray tracing and Sony’s new PSSR upscaling for sharper 4K visuals.	Rely on physical discs: The PS5 includes a built-in disc drive, while the Pro requires an add-on for physical media.
Are a VR enthusiast: Paired with PlayStation VR headsets, the Pro provides a slightly clearer image and smoother VR performance.	Play mostly non-optimised games: Since only ~50 titles currently have Pro enhancements, most games run the same on both consoles.

 

The PS5 Pro wins on raw power, ray tracing, and storage. But the PlayStation 5 still reigns supreme in terms of value and practicality, especially with its built-in disc drive.

The PS5 Pro wins on raw power, ray tracing, and storage. But the PlayStation 5 still reigns supreme in terms of value and practicality, especially with its built-in disc drive. 

Conclusion 

The PS5 vs PS5 Pro debate ultimately comes down to what you value most as a gamer. The PlayStation 5 Pro offers cutting-edge performance with advanced ray tracing, AI-powered PSSR upscaling, and double the storage, making it ideal for players with 4K or 8K TVs, VR setups, or a hunger for maximum visual fidelity. 

On the other hand, the standard PlayStation 5 still delivers exceptional 4K gaming, faster load times, and solid ray tracing at a far more affordable price point. For most players, it remains the smarter choice, especially when you factor in the built-in disc drive and overall value. 

If you’re ready to jump into next-gen gaming, check out the Latest PlayStation 5 consoles. You can also browse the Complete Sony PlayStation collection and discover deals across all PlayStation console models, right here at Box.co.uk. 

Whether you stick with the PlayStation 5 or level up to the Pro, Box has everything you need to make your gaming experience truly next-gen.