PS4 Vs PS4 Pro Vs PS4 Slim: What Are The Differences And Which PlayStation Console Should You Buy?

With three major PS4 models out on the market, it's easy to be a little confused as to the different specs and features of each model. We're going to clear that situation up in this article and break down which PS4 is right for you. You can also check out our review of the original PS4, review of the PS4 Slim, and review of the PS4 Pro. To see how all the modern consoles, including all SKUs of PlayStation 4 compare, click here.

PS4 Specs

What are the differences between the PS4 and PS4 Slim?

The PlayStation 4 Slim, released September 2016, replaces the base PS4 and its underlying specs are largely the same as the original 2013 model. This means you won't see improved graphical fidelity or performance, but there are several small differences. The most noticeable one is that the PS4 Slim is, well, slimmer. Its 11x10x1.5-inch chassis is smaller in every dimension compared to the original’s 12x10x8.2 inch case. It’s also 1.6 pounds lighter, weighing 4.6 pounds in total.

Unlike the original PS4, the Slim gets rid of the half-gloss finish and opts for a completely matte black look. The Slim also has rounded corners as opposed to the original model's more edgy design.

There are some under-the-hood improvements as well. The Slim now supports 5GHz Wifi, which is generally faster than the 2.4GHz wireless band of the original console, provided you have a router that can take advantage of it. The Slim also supports Bluetooth 4.0, which is more power-efficient and offers better wireless audio performance. Another new addition that the Slim features is USB 3.1 support, which is up to two times as fast as the original's 3.0 ports.

The PS4 Slim is also a little more power-efficient overall. Whereas the original PS4 is rated to consume 250-watts, the Slim features a 165-watt thermal design power. Its more power-efficient design allows it to run a bit cooler and quieter, too.

If the Slim does have one drawback over the original, it’s the removal of the SPDIF port, which will impact soundbars that require an optical connection.

Should you upgrade to a PS4 Slim if you have a PS4?

The Slim doesn’t make a ton of improvements over the original PS4. If you already own a perfectly functional PS4, it doesn’t make much sense to get the Slim. Furthermore, if you want a more powerful PlayStation, the PlayStation 4 Pro is what you want.

PS4/PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro

While the PS4 Slim isn't much of a technical leap from the base model, the 2016-released PS4 Pro represents a mid-generational upgrade that offers a significant boost in processing power. Sony designed it to take advantage of the burgeoning 4K TV market.

Because 4K is four times the resolution of 1080p and is much more graphically demanding, the PS4 Pro has many under-the-hood improvements. It features a 4.2 teraflop GPU clocked at 911MHz based on AMD's Polaris micro-architecture. This is 2.2x as much as the PS4/PS4 Slim. While it still features an 8-core custom Jaguar CPU from AMD, it runs at a higher 2.1GHz frequency, which is 500MHz faster than the PS4/PS4 Slim. In terms of RAM, the PS4 Pro still uses 8GB of GDDR5 memory, but also adds 1GB of conventional DDR3 RAM to bolster 4K video streaming applications.

The PS4 Pro also uses a SATA III-based storage interface, as opposed to the SATA II-based solution of the original model. This means if you install an SSD in the PS4 Pro, it can be dramatically faster and reach theoretical speeds of six Gbps. While the PS4 Pro comes with a hard drive, its one TB allotment is twice as capacious as the PS4's HDD before it.

In terms of design, it's significantly bigger and heavier than the base model with its 11x10x1.5 inch dimensions and 7.2-pound weight. Aesthetically, it maintains the slanted design of the original PS4 but opts to use the rounded corners that debuted on the PS4 Slim. There's also a new power LED light bar at the front. Unlike the Slim model, it boasts the SPDIF port so you can use it with soundbars that require an optical connection. Finally, it features three USB 3.1 ports, which is one more than the PS4 Slim before it.

What are some of the PS4 Pro's advantages?

While the PS4 Pro currently retails for $100, €50, £50 more than the PS4 Slim, its more powerful hardware allows it to run certain games at 4K or at higher-than-1080p resolutions. Some games may also receive frame rate improvements or could feature higher graphical fidelity visuals.

While its benefits are most evident when coupled with a 4K TV, it is capable of supersampling certain games on 1080p displays. Supersampling is an effective form of anti-aliasing that removes undesirable jaggy edges from games.

Which PS4s support HDR?

With a September 2016 firmware update, all PS4 SKUs support HDR. This includes the original model, the Slim, and the Pro.

Are there any user interface differences between the PS4 and PS4 Pro?

The PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro use the same operating system and UI.

Which PS4 should you get?

If you don't already have a PS4 and have a 1080p TV and just want an affordable option to play PS4 games, the PS4 Slim is a sensible choice. We wouldn't suggest upgrading to a PS4 Slim if you already have a PS4, however, considering you won't get a performance boost. If you have a 4K TV, however, or are interested in getting one in the near future and have the extra cash to spare, the PS4 Pro is a better investment, with its superior, more future-proof hardware that can make games run and look better. Should you upgrade to a PS4 Pro if you already have a PS4? We would generally only recommend upgrading if you have a 4K TV and the cash to spare.