Sony’s gaming consoles the PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim are finally available for purchase. If you plan on buying a gaming console from Sony, you now have 3 options to choose from, including the original PS4. So which one should you buy? We break it down for you so you can make the right choice based on your budget and needs. Here is a comparison of the PS4 vs PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro.
PS4 vs PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro – Price
Both the original PS4 and the PS4 Slim cost the same price for the 500GB version: Rs, 27,990. You can pick up the PS4 Slim 1 TB version bundled with 2 free games for Rs, 32,990.
As far as the original PS4 goes, this one is on the same price plane as the PS4 Slim 1 TB version with 2 free games available at Rs, 32,990.
There is only one variant of the PS4 Pro – with 1TB storage. It costs Rs. 38.990. The downside – there are no free games despite the extra cost.
From a pricing point of view here’s what you need to know:
You pay Rs. 11,000 more for the PS4 Pro 1 TB version as compared to the original PS4/ PS4 Slim (500GB) version. That price different could easily fetch you plenty of extra games of your choice.
PS4 vs PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro – Features
Now on to the next important aspect of the console: the key features that make it truly worth buying.
Both the original PS4 and PS4 Slim have more or less the same tech specs. The PS4 Slim has a couple of USB ports on the front, HDMI output, camera port and an Ethernet port. Instead of the optical out port there is a Wi-Fi chip that supports the 5GHz band. Both devices run an AMD processor with 8GB of RAM.
The PS4 Pro on the other hand runs a similar processor but is much faster. It also has an 8GB RAM that runs faster that the PS4 and PS4 Slim. When it comes to video output, the PS4 Pro is capable of 4K video output. However, in the original PS4 and PS4 Slim, users will have to settle for a resolution of maximum of 1080p.
Now as far as the design goes, the original PS4 and PS4 Slim are slim although the latter is much bigger and heavier. The dimensions of the original PS4 measures 275 x 53 x 305mm and it weights about 2.8 kg. The Slim PS4 measures 265 x 39 x 288mm and weighs 2.1kg.
The PS4 Pro on the other hand, is a mighty beast in comparison. It measures 295 x 55 x 327mm and weighs 3.3kg.
PS4 vs PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro – Games
As far as games are concerned, all games developed for the PS4 work on the original console, PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro. The Pro with its extra horsepower though gives game developers the advantage of developing enhanced visuals for their games. We’ve already seen that in play in games like Nioh and Final Fantasy XV. The downside to that is if you don’t own a TV with 4K and HDR support, you’re not going to enjoy the benefits the Pro offers.
So, the question is:
Should you Buy the Original PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro?
If you closely compare the PS4 Slim and the original PS4, there’s barely anything that separates the two that’s worth mentioning. Both consoles offer pretty much the same performance. So if you own an original PS4, don’t bother upgrading to the Slim.
Now the PS4 Pro is the big daddy of consoles capable of delivering graphics at stunning resolutions. But all of its greatness can be seen and experienced only if you have a 4K display with HDR support. And only if you play a game that supports such technology. Currently you have a handful of games and it is likely to increase in the coming days,but does an extra 60K merit the advantages. Me thinks not.
That said, the experience in playing supported games on a 4K display does offer a fantastic experience that rivals no other. One downside to the original PS4 and Slim is that if you plan on playing games digitally purchased, you’re likely to quickly run out of hard drive space and may have to cough up an additional 10K or so to upgrade to a 2TB drive.
Lastly, you should note that the original PS4 is being phased out. That means you’re likely to get it at a lower price, even better if you can pick up the bundle-free version.
So if price is a consideration, the original PS4 is still a great choice. If you don’t want to buy a product that is being phased out, and prefer a tidier console go for the PS4 Slim. Performance-wise they are matched. If you own a 4K display with HDR support, have a lot of cash to spare, and only want the best of the PS4 experience, there’s no hesitation – its the PS4 Pro for you.
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