PS4 Slim Vs PS4 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

PS4 Slim & PS4 Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Playstation 4 Pro rather than the PS4 Slim.

Why Do I Recommend The Playstation 4 Pro

  • The PlayStation 4 Pro features a significantly more powerful custom CPU for better performance with 4K resolution to play modern games compared to the PS4 Slim’s AMD Jaguar CPU.
  • It has a custom GCN GPU delivering 4.2 TFLOPS of graphical processing power & offering much more immersive visual experiences compared to the 1.8 TFLOPS of the PS4 Slim’s GPU.
  • The PS4 Pro introduces a Boost Mode that enhances gaming performance, while the PS4 Slim does not support this feature.
  • It has an additional 1GB of DDR3 RAM for background tasks, leading to faster app switching and system-level functions compared to the PS4 Slim.
  • The PS4 Pro provides enhanced VR performance, including improved frame rates and visuals for a more immersive experience compared to the base experience of PS4 Slim.
  • Additionally, The PS4 Pro supports 4K Ultra HD for media (Blu-ray and streaming) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) for both media and gaming. The PS4 Slim lacks 4K and HDR support.

Maybe the PS4 Slim price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the PS4 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeaturePlayStation 4 ProPlayStation 4 Slim
HDR SupportYes (HDR10) with better optimization for compatible gamesYes (HDR10)
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)AMD Radeon-based, 4.20 TFLOPSAMD Radeon-based, 1.84 TFLOPS
CPU8-core AMD Jaguar, 2.1 GHz8-core AMD Jaguar, 1.6 GHz
RAM8GB GDDR5 + 1GB DDR3 for background tasks8GB GDDR5
Resolution SupportUp to 4K (upscaled for games), native 4K for mediaUp to 1080p (Full HD)
Storage Options1TB (expandable via external storage)500GB, 1TB
Optical DriveStandard Blu-ray Drive (no native 4K Blu-ray support)Standard Blu-ray Drive
Wi-Fi802.11ac with improved performance 802.11ac
EthernetGigabit Ethernet with enhanced networkingGigabit Ethernet
USB Ports3 x USB 3.1 for more accessories2 x USB 3.1
VR PerformanceEnhanced PS VR performance with better visuals and frame ratesSupports PS VR (base experience)
4K StreamingYes, supports native 4K streaming for media (Netflix, YouTube)No native 4K support
Game Boost ModeYes, improves performance on select PS4 titlesNot available
Power Consumption310W165W
Cooling SystemEnhanced cooling system Standard single-fan cooling system
Backward CompatibilityEnhanced backward compatibility No improvements
Graphic Fidelity4K upscaling with higher visual detail in supported gamesUp to 1080p in games
Frame RatesHigher, (up to 60fps)Consistent 30fps at 1080p
Visual Effects Enhanced visual detail Basic detail in textures and shadows
HDMI PortHDMI 2.0 (supports 4K resolution)HDMI 1.4
Release DateNovember 2016September 2016
Dimensions295 mm × 327 mm × 55 mm288 mm × 265 mm × 39 mm
PriceCheck PS4 Pro PriceCheck PS4 Slim Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Game Library: Both consoles are fully compatible with the entire PS4 game library. This means that all PS4 games, whether digital or disc-based, work seamlessly on both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro.
  • Backward Compatibility via PlayStation Now: Neither console natively supports backward compatibility for physical PS1 or PS2 games, but both offer access to older games through the PlayStation Now subscription service, allowing users to stream or download select PS1, PS2, and PS3 titles.
  • DualShock 4 Controller: Both consoles come with the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, featuring the same design, touchpad, motion sensors, and built-in speaker. This ensures a consistent gameplay experience across both models.
  • Blu-ray/DVD Drive: Both consoles feature the same Blu-ray/DVD drive, which can play standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs, but neither supports native 4K Bluray playback. This is a similarity despite the PS4 Pro’s ability to upscale game resolution to 4K.
  • PlayStation Plus & Network Access: Both consoles offer full access to the PlayStation Plus subscription service and the PlayStation Network (PSN). This includes online multiplayer gaming, cloud saves, monthly free games, and access to other services like PlayStation Store.
  • Remote Play: Both consoles support Remote Play, allowing users to stream games to compatible devices, such as PCs, Macs, and PlayStation Vitas. This allows for off-console gaming on other screens without losing progress.
  • PlayStation VR: Both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro are compatible with PlayStation VR. However, the Pro provides enhanced performance and graphical fidelity in VR, but fundamentally, both consoles support the VR hardware and software.
  • External Storage: Both consoles allow users to expand their storage through external USB hard drives, which is a key feature for users with large game libraries. This helps manage storage without needing to replace the internal hard drive.
  • Streaming and Media Playback: Both consoles provide access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other media services. They also support media playback from USB drives, making them versatile media hubs for home entertainment.
  • 3D Audio Support: Both consoles support 3D audio when using compatible headphones. This creates a more immersive gaming experience by providing spatial sound that enhances directional audio in games.
  • Game Sharing: Both consoles allow for game sharing, where users with a PlayStation Plus subscription can share their games and PlayStation Plus benefits with friends or family, provided they log into the same console.
  • Multiplayer Functionality: Online multiplayer gaming requires a PlayStation Plus subscription on both consoles, giving users access to online modes for games like FIFA, Call of Duty, and other multiplayer titles.
  • USB Connectivity: Both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro come equipped with USB 3.1 ports, which can be used for external storage, charging controllers, and connecting other peripherals like the PlayStation Camera for VR.
  • Audio Output: Both consoles offer audio output through HDMI, allowing users to connect to home theater systems or soundbars to enjoy high-quality audio while gaming or watching media.

Common Features

FeaturePlayStation 4 ProPlayStation 4 Slim
Operating SystemPlayStation 4 System Software (same OS and interface)PlayStation 4 System Software (same OS and interface)
Game LibraryCompatible with all PS4 gamesCompatible with all PS4 games
Backward CompatibilitySupports PS1, PS2 games via PlayStation NowSupports PS1, PS2 games via PlayStation Now
ControllerDualShock 4 Wireless ControllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Blu-ray DriveStandard Blu-ray/DVD drive (no 4K Blu-ray support)Standard Blu-ray/DVD drive (no 4K Blu-ray support)
HDR SupportHDR10 support (for supported games and media)HDR10 support (for supported games and media)
PlayStation PlusFull access to PlayStation Plus subscription servicesFull access to PlayStation Plus subscription services
PlayStation NetworkFull access to PlayStation Network (PSN)Full access to PlayStation Network (PSN)
Remote PlayRemote Play supported via compatible devicesRemote Play supported via compatible devices
PS VR SupportSupports PlayStation VR (with PlayStation Camera)Supports PlayStation VR (with PlayStation Camera)
Storage ExpandabilitySupports external hard drives via USBSupports external hard drives via USB
Streaming ServicesAccess to Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.Access to Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
Audio OutputSupports 3D Audio (via headphones)Supports 3D Audio (via headphones)
HDMI OutputHDMI 1.4 (Slim), HDMI 2.0 (Pro) – both support HD outputHDMI 1.4 (Slim), HDMI 2.0 (Pro) – both support HD output
Game SharingGame sharing feature (with PS Plus subscription)Game sharing feature (with PS Plus subscription)
Media PlaybackSupports media playback through apps and USB drivesSupports media playback through apps and USB drives
Cloud SavesYes (via PlayStation Plus)Yes (via PlayStation Plus)
USB PortsUSB 3.1 ports (for external storage, charging, etc.)USB 3.1 ports (for external storage, charging, etc.)
AudioOptical audio out (via HDMI)Optical audio out (via HDMI)
Multiplayer FunctionalityOnline multiplayer with PlayStation PlusOnline multiplayer with PlayStation Plus
PriceCheck PS4 Pro PriceCheck PS4 Slim Price

FAQ

Q: Do both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro support the same games?
A: Yes, both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro are fully compatible with the entire PS4 game library. Any game that works on one console will work on the other.Q: Can I use the same accessories, like controllers, on both consoles?
A: Yes, both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro use the same DualShock 4 Wireless Controllers and are compatible with other PS4 accessories, such as the PlayStation Camera and PS VR headset.Q: Do both consoles support PlayStation VR (PS VR)?
A: Yes, both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro support PlayStation VR. However, the PS4 Pro provides enhanced performance and visuals in VR games due to its more powerful hardware.

Q: Is there any difference in the user interface or software between the two consoles?
A: No, both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro run the same PlayStation 4 System Software. This means they share an identical user interface, features, and overall system performance outside of gaming.

Q: Can both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro stream 4K content from apps like Netflix?
A: Only the PS4 Pro can stream native 4K content from services like Netflix and YouTube. The PS4 Slim supports streaming, but it is limited to 1080p resolution.

Q: Do both consoles support HDR?
A: Yes, both consoles support HDR10. This allows for enhanced color and contrast in supported games and media when connected to an HDR-compatible TV.

Q: Can I use external storage with both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro?
A: Yes, both consoles support external storage via USB 3.1, allowing you to expand your game library or media storage by connecting an external hard drive.

Q: Are there any differences in online multiplayer functionality between the two consoles?
A: No, both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro offer the same online multiplayer functionality through PlayStation Plus. You’ll need a subscription to access online features, but the experience is identical on both consoles.

Q: Do both consoles allow me to play older PlayStation games?
A: Neither console supports native backward compatibility for PS1, PS2, or PS3 discs. However, both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro allow you to stream older games through PlayStation Now, a subscription service that offers access to a wide selection of classic PlayStation titles.

Q: Can I share games and PlayStation Plus benefits on both consoles?
A: Yes, both consoles support game sharing. If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can share your games and benefits with another user, provided they use the same console and have their own account.

Q: Is the media playback experience the same on both consoles?
A: Yes, both consoles offer media playback through apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify, and can also play media files from USB drives. Both also support Blu-ray and DVD playback, though neither supports 4K Blu-ray discs.

Q: Do both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro support 3D audio?
A: Yes, both consoles support 3D audio when using compatible headphones. This feature provides more immersive sound in games by simulating spatial audio.

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