Sony PlayStation 5 review: specs and price
Compared to Sony’s last console, the PlayStation 4, the PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse with vastly improved graphics and amazing new features. It’s powered by an 8-core 3.5GHz processor, 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, and a 2.23GHz GPU with 36 compute units (CUs) that delivers a staggering 10.28 teraflops (TFLOPS) of floating-point performance.
If those numbers are hard to understand, consider that the PS4 had a GPU with 18 CUs clocked at 800MHz, which produced just 1.84 TFLOPS of floating-point performance. Because there is so much more power under the hood, you can expect vastly improved graphics, all in super-sharp native 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second. When playing games on the PS5, you can also expect incredibly realistic lighting and shadows due to its support of ray tracing technology. On top of this, the console also employs super-fast SSD storage, making long loading times a thing of the past.
Graphics aside, the PS5 has a raft of new features to create a more immersive experience. 3D audio lets you hear the direction of sounds with pinpoint accuracy, and the new DualSense controller boasts advanced haptics and adaptive triggers that use special motors to create realistic tension. The PS5 can also double as your multimedia hub, thanks to its 4K Blu-ray drive and apps for most streaming services.
Sony PlayStation 5
Why is Sony PlayStation 5 better than the average?
- CPU speed?
8 x 3.5GHzvs7.47GHz - Floating-point performance?
10.3 TFLOPSvs1.8 TFLOPS - RAM?
16GBvs6.85GB - GPU clock speed?
2230MHzvs732.89MHz - Memory bandwidth?
448GB/svs164.47GB/s - Shading units?
2304vs1236.73 - Number of compute units?
36vs20.57 - Number of controllers?
4vs1.85
Price comparison
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User reviews
Overall rating
Features
Quality of exclusive games
9.0/10
22 votes
Backwards compatibility
8.2/10
23 votes
Controller
9.1/10
23 votes
Non-gaming apps
8.6/10
23 votes
Quiet operation
8.4/10
23 votes
Performance
CPU speed
8 x 3.5GHz
The CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.
floating-point performance
10.3 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
RAM
16GB
Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of volatile memory used to store working data and machine code currently in use. It is a quick-access, temporary virtual storage that can be read and changed in any order, thus enabling fast data processing.
GPU clock speed
2230MHz
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has a higher clock speed.
supports ray tracing
✔Sony PlayStation 5
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
I/O throughput
5.5GB/s
I/O throughput refers to the bandwidth of the internal storage. Storage that supports faster data transmission speeds results in quicker load times.
GDDR version
GDDR6
Newer versions of GDDR memory offer improvements such as higher transfer rates that give increased performance.
Is an NVMe SSD
✔Sony PlayStation 5
NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface, which has a higher bandwidth than the SATA interface. This results in much faster read/write speeds compared to SSDs which use the SATA interface.
memory bandwidth
448GB/s
A higher memory bandwidth means the memory can be accessed faster and therefore data can be retrieved quicker, having a positive effect on the performance.
General info
Type
Home
The type of game console.
The resolution represents the amount of pixels that make up the image. It is a key indicator of image quality, with higher resolutions providing sharper and more detailed images.
Hard drive is replaceable
✔Sony PlayStation 5
The internal hard drive can be replaced by the user, for example if you wish to upgrade to a larger storage capacity.
Has an internal power supply
✔Sony PlayStation 5
Devices with an internal power supply are desirable as they don't require a large external "power brick" on the cable. It’s more aesthetically pleasing and an advantage if you have limited space.
internal storage
825GB
The internal storage refers to the built-in storage space available in a device for system data, apps, and user-generated data. With a large amount of internal storage, you can save more files and apps on your device.
Is region free
✔Sony PlayStation 5
Region free devices allow you to play games from different continents. This enables you to collect a larger game library, and you could play games before they are released in your region.
thickness
104mm
The thickness (or depth) of the product.
width
260mm
The width represents the horizontal dimension of the product.
height
390mm
The height represents the vertical dimension of the product.
Connectivity
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
✔Sony PlayStation 5
With a standard mini jack socket, you can use the device with most headphones.
supports Wi-Fi
✔Sony PlayStation 5
The device can connect to Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
The Wi-Fi versions supported by the device.
is DLNA-certified
✔Sony PlayStation 5
All DLNA-certified products are compatible with one another. When different devices are connected to the same network, data can be transferred easily between them.
With more USB ports, you are able to connect more devices.
has an HDMI output
✔Sony PlayStation 5
Devices with a HDMI or mini HDMI port can transfer high definition video and audio to a display.
HDMI version
HDMI 2.1
Newer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
has an external memory slot
✔Sony PlayStation 5
The device has a standard memory slot (such as an SD or micro SD card slot) that enables you to extend the built-in internal storage with affordable memory modules, or easily retrieve data, such as photographs, from the memory card.
Features
Consoles which have more games offer more choice to the user. It is also an indicator of how popular a console is.
Exclusive games are only available to that game console producer.
has voice commands
✔Sony PlayStation 5
You can use your voice to control key functions of the device and you can easily access your device without pushing any button.
backwards compatibility
✔Sony PlayStation 5
With backwards compatibility, you can play games from the previous generation (or several generations) of console.
Can play games while they download
✔Sony PlayStation 5
This means you don’t have to wait for the entire game to download first, as the later stages of the game download while you are playing.
supports quick resume
✖Sony PlayStation 5
Quick resume is a feature that allows you to switch between several running games with practically zero loading times.
supports Discord voice chat
✔Sony PlayStation 5
It supports Discord Voice, allowing you to chat with people on other platforms such as PC and mobile.
Supports 3D audio
✔Sony PlayStation 5
3D audio provides a more immersive soundscape than traditional surround sound technologies, allowing you to pinpoint the exact direction that sounds are coming from.
supports Dolby Vision
✖Sony PlayStation 5
Dolby Vision is an HDR format that supports greater color depth and brightness than HDR10/HDR10+. It uses dynamic metadata so that each frame can have its own settings for contrast, brightness, and colors, which results in lifelike images.
Controllers
More controllers allows you to have more people playing at a time.
has adaptive triggers
✔Sony PlayStation 5
Special motors in the controller can adjust the tension of the trigger buttons, adding to the feeling of immersion. For example, the triggers can become harder to press down as a player’s character sprints and becomes fatigued.
Compatible with a motion-sensing controller(s)
✔Sony PlayStation 5
A motion controller is a type of game controller that utilizes sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other types of sensors) to track motion and provide input.
Has a wireless controller
✔Sony PlayStation 5
The device controllers connect to the console wirelessly, allowing for a tangle free gaming experience.
The more analog sticks, the more complex the input can be.
has an integrated touchpad
✔Sony PlayStation 5
With a touchpad, users can control the device by moving their finger on a touch-sensitive surface.
Has dual force feedback
✔Sony PlayStation 5
With dual force feedback the controller has realistic vibrations, allowing you to feel the direction from which the impact is coming.
A lighter controller puts less strain on the hands while playing.
The more buttons the device has, the more complex the input can be.
Price comparison
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Comments
Richard
1 year ago
10 / 10
Great if you can find one in stock
Richard
1 year ago
10 / 10
Great exclusive games are the top selling points of the PS5. While Xbox has every game that every other console has (minus Halo and Horizon), Sony pushes out great first party titles that make the PlayStation a standout choice for gaming entertainment. Loading times are insanely fast. The haptic feedback in the controllers is amazing. Adaptive triggers give feeling to the games you're playing. Many games come with the option for 4K 30fps, but I prefer performance modes for the buttery smooth 60 fps. PS5 also features games that take advantage of having a mixed performance mode with 60fps and raytracing, something the Xbox seems to miss out on. The 3D audio for both headsets and surround sound systems is AMAZING - I've been startled by background noise and talking that sounded like someone was in the room behind me talking or moving things around. The backwards compatibility with PS4 games is great, as is the library of digital PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP/Vita games that you can either download or stream. Additionally, I can use my original PS VR with the system and PS VR 2 is on the way. The console is also pretty quiet compared to the Xbox Series X and S. It's easy to see why the console has outpaced sales vs Xbox; It took me 3 years to get one while the Series S and X are sitting on store shelves.
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Paul
1 year ago
10 / 10
PlayStation 5
Paul
1 year ago
10 / 10
Pros
Cons
Scott
1 year ago
8 / 10
It's the king of exclusives
Scott
1 year ago
8 / 10
I picked up a PS5 because of the quality of it's exclusives and while those games will always have its appeal to me, I have to be honest, there are numerous things that make it fall short next to the Xbox Series X for me. The two glaring shortcomings for me are the backwards compatibility and the their subscription service costing more than the Game Pass with higher tiers for backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 as well as PS3 being streaming only. If you own a PS1 or a PS2 game, you can't just use the disc like you can on the Xbox, you're simply paying a subscription to rent them instead, which is very disappointing to me. It's definitely a step above in terms of backwards compatibility than previously with before to all PS4 games you own, but it just doesn't compare to what Xbox offers in my opinion. Games all look stunning and having games just instantly load on the SSD blew me away and that on it's own feels like an instant upgrade to the PS4. It has easily the most polished user interface to me of any other system I've used and I am seriously excited for all the games that will come out. I think the price point for them is a serious problem though and I can see myself waiting for most of them to go down in price before I buy them. I have to add, I love the Duelsense controller. The haptic feed back and sound effects as you're playing just adds another dimension to the games. I love the feel of it in the hands and it just looks and feels like a premium product. Not as keep on the design of the console though as it looks like the PS4's ugly sister.
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