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When you put the PS5 and the Xbox Series S next to each other, they are very different. However, each has its own pros and cons, depending on what kind of experience you want. Microsoft’s cheaper, smaller, and disc-less machine seems like the obvious choice when it comes to price and availability.
But what if you’re not ready to give up physical media, but you also want to see what the next generation of video games has to offer? In the case of PS5, this means not only 4K resolution and higher frame rates, but also the Dual Sense Controller and 3D audio, which add new immersive tactile and audio experiences.
PS5 vs Xbox series S Comparison Table
| PS5 | Xbox series S | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 inches | 10.8 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 10GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | Custom 825GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| GPU | 10.28 TFLOPs, 36CUs @ 2.23GHz | 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @ 1.55 GHz Custom RDNA 2 |
| CPU | AMD Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at 3.5GHz (variable frequency) | 8-core 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with SMT) custom AMD 7nm |
| Weight | 9.92lbs | 4.3 pounds |
| Price | $499 | $299.99 |
PS5 vs Xbox series S: DESIGN
Both consoles are made in very different ways. The PS5 weighs 4.5kg and can be set up in either a horizontal or vertical position. It has a sleek, two-toned design. It has an Ethernet port, a USB-C port, three USB-A ports, a slot for adding more storage, and three USB-A ports.
The Xbox Series S is much smaller, about the size of a hardcover book. It weighs 1.9kg and can be set up vertically or horizontally. Because it’s smaller, it’s easier to store in a TV cabinet or on a desk. You can buy this gaming console from its official website.
PS5 vs Xbox series S: PERFORMANCE
At the moment, it’s hard to compare how well the PS5 and Xbox Series X work because Tom’s Guide doesn’t have the special tools needed to measure resolution and frame rate in a lot of detail. Keeping this in mind, we looked at how well two games, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, played on both systems. The first game is a huge open-world game where it’s easy to measure load times as you fast travel from one far-off part of the map to another.
The second game is a fast-paced action game where any drop in framerate is immediately noticeable. First of all, Sony’s big claims about the PS5’s load times don’t seem to be too much of a stretch. From the main menu to the game in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla took less than a minute, and fast travel took less than 10 seconds from one place to another. You can this gaming console from its official website.
PS5 vs Xbox series S: GAMES CONTROLLER
The PS5 comes with the latest DualSense controllers, which have haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more realistic and immersive experience. Sony will start selling the DualSense Edge Wireless controller at the end of January 2023. Users will be able to change how certain buttons work, replace stick modules with different ones, swap out stick caps, and change the back buttons.
The Xbox Series S controller is not as advanced as Sony’s alternative because it doesn’t have adaptive triggers or haptic feedback. It works well enough, but if you already use the DualSense controller, it’s a step back.
PS5 vs Xbox series S: Specs
The PS5 is much more powerful than the Xbox Series S, both in terms of how it works and how it looks, sounds, and feels. Even though the Series S and Series X both have the same custom AMD Zen 2 eight-core processor, the Series S is much less powerful and fundamentally different from the Series X.
The PS5 also gives you a more immersive gaming experience thanks to the DualSense controller’s haptics, adaptive triggers, and built-in speaker and microphone, which can also be used for voice chat if you don’t have a headset. These features aren’t listed in the specs.
PS5 vs Xbox series S: PRICE OPTION
In fact, many potential buyers won’t even look at the specs and will just buy the system that costs less. Because of this, Microsoft put a lot of thought into keeping the price of the Xbox Series S low. This makes it easy for people to jump into the next generation of games. The Series S isn’t as good as the PS5, but it only costs $299.99.
As part of its All Access programme, Microsoft is selling the Series S. For a monthly fee, you can get access to the system and Game Pass Ultimate right away, just like when you buy a new smartphone. For the Xbox Series S, it will cost you $24.99 a month ($34.99 for the Xbox Series X), and you’ll get your console right away, along with two years of Game Pass Ultimate.
Which one should you buy?
Even though both consoles are off to a good start and have a lot of room to grow, the Xbox Series X seems like a better investment for now. The Xbox Series X has the early lead in the next generation of consoles. It has more powerful hardware, a better design, a better game subscription service, and a fun controller.
Still, the PS5 is better in some ways than the Xbox Series X. There is a full-featured digital console, a more creative controller, a faster SSD, and — this is important — a better selection of games that can only be played on that console. Plus, the PS5 comes with the PS VR2 headset, which lets you use next-generation virtual reality tech.
Xbox series S PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Fantastic compact design
- Slick and snappy UI
- Ample horsepower for next-gen gaming at 1080p and 1440p
Cons:
- Not very future-proof
- Graphics and storage limitations
PS5 PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- 4K/120fps gameplay
- Revolutionary controller haptics
- Beautiful, fast UI
Cons:
- Massive, unwieldy design
- Controller may feel too big for some
FAQs
Is a PS5 better than a Xbox Series S?
If performance is important to you, you should choose the PS5 over the Xbox One. It has more storage space and a faster GPU, which makes it the better choice for graphics. But you shouldn’t ignore the Xbox Series S just because it’s not as powerful.
What is the downside of Xbox Series S?
Less for less. Games on the Series S are less likely to take advantage of 4K TVs, and it doesn’t have a disc drive, which is bad if you have a lot of physical games or movies or like to buy them used.
Is Xbox losing money on Series S?
Not long after Microsoft confirmed Xbox console sales for the first time in a long time, the company said they lose money on every console they sell. In a new interview with CNBC, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, confirmed that Microsoft loses about $100 on every Xbox Series X sold.