When it comes to consoles, choices like the Sony PS5 and Xbox Series X are the first to come to mind. And while we have seen plenty of comparisons between them, the new PS5 Pro is the newest kid on the block. New and old gamers alike must already be wondering which team to join now that the Pro is here. Well, to guide you through this tough decision we decided to compare the PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X on various metrics. Let’s see which console comes out on top, shall we?
PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X: Specs
| Module | PS5 Pro | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU with Game Boost option | Eight Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU |
| GPU | Custom AMD GPU based on the base PS5 variant with 16.7 TFLOPS | 12.155 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU |
| RAM | 16GB of GDDR6 memory (with 2GB DDR5 memory) | 16GB of GDDR6 memory with 10GB at 560gb/s and 6GB at 336gb/s |
| Storage | Custom-built 2 TB SSD with 12-channel interface and 5.5 GB/s. | 1 TB Custom NVME SSD @ 2.4 GB/s |
| Resolution support | Up to 4K@ 60Hz. Better performance through proprietary upscaling technology. | 4K @ 60 FPS, up to 4K @ 120 FPS, 8K @ 60 FPS |
| Raytracing Support | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Upscaling support | Yes, through a proprietary PSSR solution AI Upscaling | 4k upscaling |
PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X: Performance
When it comes to getting a console, the performance obviously comes first. Here are all the important performance comparisons between the PS5 Pro and the Xbox Series X.
CPU
We start by noticing that the new PS5 Pro has the same CPU as the base PS5. This means the console will not see much change in-game processing when it comes to CPU power. However, the PS5 Pro does come with a Boost Mode. This helps in giving the games a slightly higher performance upgrade.
On the other hand, Xbox Series X already comes with a 3.8 GHz processor. Although both the consoles work on the same eight-core Zen 2 CPU, the Xbox Series X has a slight advantage on the CPU part, given you won’t have to use any special mode. However, it will be hard to notice the CPU performance if the PS5 Pro is always running on Boost Mode. Hopefully, no burn damage will happen.
GPU
While the CPU performance is almost similar, the GPU is where PS5 Pro has been improved upon. Sony earlier claimed that the GPU got bumped with 45% more rendering power. PS5 Pro comes with 16.7 TFLOPS. This means the Pro variant of the Sony console has 67% more computing units than the current PS5.
On the other hand, Xbox Series X runs on the old RDNA 2 architecture GPU. Despite that, the Xbox Series X already had an advantage over the base PS5 in terms of GPU performance as it runs on 12.155 TFLOPS. It is greater than the base PS5 10.23 TFLOPs already.
However, since we don’t have the exact numbers yet, there is a chance the PS5 Pro’s metrics go much higher than this. As it stands right now, the Xbox Series X wins this one.
RAM and Storage
When it comes to memory and storage, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X both have their pros and cons. In terms of RAM, the PlayStation 5 Pro runs 28% faster than the normal PS5. PS5 Pro comes with a 16 GB DDR6 module which is a minimum at the market requirements. However, the pro console also comes with a 2 GB additional DDR5 RAM that handles any work outside of gaming, on the console. On the other hand, the Xbox Series X has 16 GB GDDR6 RAM. So, the differences in the RAM section are not that significant but the PS5 Pro has the upper hand.
When it comes to storage the Xbox Series X has 1 TB NVME SSD. On the other hand, the PS5 Pro comes with a huge 2TB storage. Unfortunately, even the 2 TB Series X is cheaper than the PS5 Pro which still makes us pick the latter here. This is especially true when the Pro doesn’t even have a disc drive.
Raytracing and Upscaling
While both the consoles support Raytracing, the Xbox Series X comes with its limitations. The PS5 Pro on the other hand now has improved Ray Tracing even compared to its older brother. With advanced Raytracing, the Pro gets accurate lighting and fidelity while not compromising on performance. Moreover, the PS5 Pro comes with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) that upscales games for a further boost in performance.
Compared to the PlayStation 5 Pro, the Xbox Series X doesn’t have much in the upscale department. Yes, it comes with a 4K upscale option but the quality is not as good as native 4K. We can say that in terms of performance, both might be ideal on upscale but the PS5 Pro retains the quality thanks to the AI Accelerator as it can support 4K@60Hz as well.
PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X: Games
With the performance part out of the way, let us talk about the game library. If we start with Sony, the games running on it will be called PS5 Pro Enhanced Games. As of now we only have 55 confirmed games with the enhanced label. However, with time, Sony will bring more titles on the pro edition undoubtedly. For now, the game count might seem comparably low in terms of the Series X.
The Xbox Series X currently has over 448 games if we exclude the backward-compatible games. But there’s a catch. If you compare it to the base PS5, it is quite low. Moreover, the Xbox exclusives are already making their way towards PS5. So, it is certain that some of the games will come with the enhanced label if not all.
So, if you want to be part of the exclusive club, PlayStation still offers more value. Well, unless there are Xbox exclusives you want to try day one through game pass without spending big bucks on them.
PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X: Design
In terms of design, it is a war between the sci-fi white vs the matte black. Although we have seen many new variants for the Series X, they mostly revolve around the black template. It does give a galaxy and space vibe when you have an Xbox Series X sitting at your gaming desk. The PS5 Pro, much like the base PS5, shines white plates with its signature three black stripes in the middle.
The dimensions of the Xbox Series X are 5.9 in × 5.9 in × 11.9 in. Compared to this, the PlayStation 5 Pro is the same as the original PS5 standing at 15.4 in × 10.2 in × 4.1 in. So, it comes down to which color scheme you desire for your room if you are looking for the design. However, you must purchase a vertical stand for the PS5 Pro separately while the Series X can stand on its own.
PS5 Pro vs Xbox Series X: Price
Finally, we come to the most important factor. After all, it’s the price that decides right. The older console Xbox Series X is $499.99 which might feel a bit much. However, given the console is quite old and was a bit better in terms of performance than the base PS5, it can still outshine it. Moreover, you can grab it for a cheaper price on sale given it has been a while since its launch.
Despite being a new console with a lot of upgrades, the PS5 Pro comes at $699.99. The absurd PS5 Pro pricing is already trolled. Remember that it is just a digital-only device where you must buy a disc drive and vertical stand separately. This is definitely not cheap, given the amount of performance and other modifications it offers, the price is nowhere near justified.
Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
So, it all comes down to which console you should get now. Well, if I am honest, the PlayStation 5 Pro could be a good choice if it at least provided some upgrades on the hardware part for that price point. At such a ridiculous price, the console only offers AI Upscaling with 2 TB storage. That’s about it.
Compared to the Xbox Series X, it still performs great. Of course, you will not get enough exclusives on the Xbox with how Microsoft is shifting away from that notion. But So is Sony. We are already seeing PS exclusives coming to PC for larger profits. So, who knows if they arrive on the green side as well. But if you want a console that stands without a vertical stand purchase, has an inbuilt disc drive, and has 2 TB storage, then go for the Xbox Series X and save yourself $100.
So, which console do you like more between the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X? Tell us in the comments below.
