PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Expected Upgrades and Differences

Now that the PS5 has been around for a while and the dust cloud of sales has settled, it seems Sony is gearing up to launch a new, slightly faster, and better version of the PS5. The PS5 Pro has been making the rounds in the rumor mills for a while. As more details keep coming out about the speculated console, we thought we should compare the existing PS5 offering against what Sony might be planning on releasing soon. So, let’s look at the expected differences in specs, performance, and features between the PS5 and the PS5 Pro.

PS5 and PS5 Pro: Speculated Spec Comparison

Let’s begin by comparing the PS5 and the PS5 Pro in terms of pure speculation. While the specs below are still speculative, multiple sources have confirmed that they hold a certain level of legitimacy. As such, here are the current PS5 specs pitted against the speculated specs of PS5 Pro.

PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Speculated CPU Differences

Let’s first look at what pure CPU changes we might receive between a PS5 and the Pro variant. A big takeaway from a recent leak is that both systems use the same processor: a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU running at 3.5GHz. Furthermore, the PS5 Pro will also come with system memory that will be 28% faster and will naturally result in faster loading times when combined with the GPU.

However, while the CPU front remains the same, the PS5 Pro is poised to come with something called Boost Mode. This will boost the clock speed to 3.85GHz, effectively giving better performance.

Existing PS5 owners can rest easy knowing their base performance should be good enough. Nonetheless, the PS5 Pro’s Boost Mode will definitely give a slight performance boost because of the added CPU frequency. We will know more after an official confirmation from Sony.

PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Speculated GPU Performance

While the CPU stays similar between both systems, the PS5 Pro’s GPU should pack the biggest upgrade.

The original PS5 has a custom AMD GPU based on the RDNA 2 architecture. It runs on 10.2 Teraflops and allows the console to run games in two modes – Performance and Resolution mode. While the former lets games run at a smooth 60 FPS, the resolution mode amps things up but scales the FPS down to 30. Some say it is similar to an AMD RX 5700XT or a NVIDIA RTX 3060.

The upcoming PS5 Pro, on the other hand, is speculated to come with a custom AMD GPU based on the RDNA 3 architecture. The GPU is supposed to have 67 teraflops for 16-bit floating-point calculations, which translates to roughly 33.5 teraflops for single-precision computing. Compared to the original, the PS5 Pro will have a massive over 45% performance improvement.

Due to the GPUs’ upgraded raw power, it’s also expected the PS5 Pro will also give up to 2-3 Ray Tracing performance. While this upgrade alone sounds good, the PS5 Pro might have more in store with PSSR.

PSSR Upscaling Technology

Possibly one of the biggest advantages of the upcoming PS5 Pro over the base model is the proprietary upscaling technology. Aptly titled PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling, the upcoming tech will use the PS5 Pro’s GPU to downsample and then upscale the image. This will also likely replace any other antialiasing solutions.

As per the recent leaks, the console should be able to seamlessly upscale because of a rumored AI Accelerator. This will result in PS5 Pro supporting 4K@120Hz and even 8K@60Hz. If it’s correct, Sony has a lot riding on this upscaling technology.

PS5 Pro Enhanced Games

Besides the speculated GPU upgrades and upscaling tech, more information is available in the form of PS5 Pro Games having an enhanced label with their own requirements. PS5 Pro Enhanced games will be titles specifically beefed up for the upcoming console.

However, in order to qualify that check, they must pass some requirements. As mentioned above, games must tech like PSSR to provide 4K resolutions, a constant 60FPS and increased Ray Tracing Effects. We should have more information on this as we get closer to the console’s release date.

PS5 Pro: Biggest Upgrade Yet?

While it’s a bit too soon to ultimately decide which console you should get, it’s very clear the PS5 Pro will come with some well-deserved improvements. While the CPU itself remains mostly the same, the RDNA 3 GPU on the PS5 packs some massive boosts.

Currently, you can purchase a PS5 for $450. If you consider buying it during sales, you can get it even lower. That console will easily give you 1440p and even 4K gameplay, but at 30FPS if you want the latter.

If the claims are indeed true, the price of a PS5 Pro will be high. However, given its performance improvement and raytracing capabilities, we believe that spending that extra money in favor of proper upscaling technology and performance is worth it. If you, as a user, care a lot about framerate in higher resolutions.

Ultimately, it will boil down to the exact specifications the PS5 Pro comes with and if they’re worth it. Are you excited for the upcoming console upgrade? Let us you know your thoughts in the comments below!