PS5 Vs Xbox Series S: A Detailed Comparison Of Key Differences

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Processing Power and Graphics

The core difference between the PS5 and Xbox Series S lies in their processing power and resulting graphics capabilities. This directly impacts the visual fidelity and overall performance of games.

CPU and GPU Comparison

• PS5 CPU: Custom AMD Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at 3.5 GHz (variable frequency). Advantages include higher clock speed leading to better performance in CPU-intensive tasks. Disadvantages are that it is slightly more power hungry than the Series S.
• PS5 GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2-based GPU with 10.28 TFLOPS of computing power. Advantages include superior ray tracing capabilities and higher resolutions. Disadvantages are the higher power consumption and cost.
• Xbox Series S CPU: Custom AMD Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at 3.6 GHz (variable frequency). Advantages include slightly higher clock speed compared to the PS5's CPU. Disadvantages are a slightly lower raw power.
• Xbox Series S GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2-based GPU with 4 TFLOPS of computing power. Advantages are lower power consumption and heat output. Disadvantages include significantly lower performance in graphically demanding games, resulting in lower resolutions and frame rates compared to the PS5.

Impact on Gaming: These differences translate to significant visual disparities. The PS5 consistently delivers higher resolutions (up to 4K) and smoother frame rates (up to 120fps) in many games, thanks to its more powerful GPU. Ray tracing effects, which enhance realism through realistic lighting and reflections, are also significantly more advanced on the PS5. For example, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales looks considerably more detailed and runs smoother on the PS5. The Xbox Series S, while capable of running many games, often needs to compromise on resolution and graphical settings to maintain a playable frame rate.

Storage and Expansion

Storage capacity and expansion options are crucial considerations for any gamer.

Internal Storage Capacity

• PS5 internal storage: 825GB custom SSD (around 667GB usable). Offers incredibly fast load times.
• Xbox Series S internal storage: 512GB custom SSD (around 362GB usable). Also offers fast load times, but with less space available.

Expansion Options

• PS5 expansion options: Supports NVMe SSD expansion cards, allowing for seamless addition of significant storage space. However, these cards can be expensive.
• Xbox Series S expansion options: Supports external storage via USB 3.2, but this external storage is only for backward compatible games; newer games must be installed on the internal SSD.

Game Library and Exclusives

The choice between PS5 and Xbox Series S heavily depends on your preferred game library.

PlayStation Exclusives

The PS5 boasts a strong lineup of exclusive titles, many of which are considered critical and commercial successes. Key examples include Spider-Man: Miles Morales, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, and The Last of Us Part II. These exclusives alone are a significant factor for many gamers.

Xbox Exclusives and Game Pass

Xbox offers Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service providing access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. This includes numerous Xbox exclusives, like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5, along with a rotating selection of third-party titles. This subscription model can offer excellent value for money, depending on your gaming habits.

• List of notable PS5 exclusives: Spider-Man: Miles Morales, God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
• List of notable Xbox Series S exclusives and Game Pass titles: Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Starfield (coming soon), many others via Game Pass.
• Cross-platform titles: Many games are available on both platforms, but performance can vary.

Price and Value

The price difference is substantial, impacting the overall value proposition.

Price Comparison

• Current retail price of PS5: (Check current market pricing)
• Current retail price of Xbox Series S: (Check current market pricing)

Value Proposition

The Xbox Series S offers significantly better value for its price point, especially considering the potential savings through Xbox Game Pass. The PS5, while more expensive, delivers superior graphical fidelity and performance, justifying its higher cost for many players. However, the value will depend on your individual needs and gaming preferences. Consider whether having access to the latest graphical advances outweighs the cost of the PS5.

Other Key Differences

Beyond the major aspects, several other features distinguish the consoles.

Controller Features

The PS5's DualSense controller features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, enhancing immersion. The Xbox Series S controller offers a familiar, comfortable design, but lacks the advanced features of the DualSense.

Disc Drive

The PS5 (standard edition) has a disc drive, allowing for physical game purchases. The Xbox Series S is entirely digital, requiring all games to be downloaded.

Backward Compatibility

Both consoles offer some degree of backward compatibility, but the extent varies. Check the official websites for specific game compatibility.

Conclusion

The PS5 vs Xbox Series S choice depends entirely on your priorities. The PS5 offers superior graphics, performance, and exclusive titles but comes at a significantly higher price. The Xbox Series S provides excellent value for its price, especially with Xbox Game Pass, but compromises on graphical capabilities. This comparison of PS5 vs Xbox Series S should empower you to choose the console that best fits your gaming style and budget. Let us know in the comments which console you chose and why!