PS5 vs. PS5 Pro: Is It Worth Upgrading?

Sony has introduced the PS5 Pro as an upgrade to the original PS5. Although it’s not a generational leap, the Pro edition comes with numerous modifications and enhancements. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade from your current PS5, this guide will help clarify the differences in specs, performance, and features between the PS5 and the PS5 Pro.

PS5 and PS5 Pro: Specifications

PS5 vs PS5 Pro: CPU

Let’s start by comparing the CPU changes between the PS5 and the PS5 Pro. Both consoles feature the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU running at 3.5GHz. However, the PS5 Pro benefits from system memory that is 28% faster, which, when paired with the upgraded GPU, results in quicker loading times.

While the CPU itself remains unchanged, the PS5 Pro introduces a Boost Mode that increases the clock speed to 3.85GHz, offering enhanced performance.

Current PS5 owners can be reassured that their console’s base performance remains solid. However, the PS5 Pro’s Boost Mode provides a performance edge with its higher CPU frequency. This improvement may influence some to consider upgrading, though the base performance remains comparable between the two models.

PS5 vs PS5 Pro: GPU

While the CPU remains largely the same across both systems, the PS5 Pro boasts a significant upgrade in GPU performance.

The original PS5 features a custom AMD GPU based on the RDNA 2 architecture, delivering 10.2 Teraflops of power. This allows the console to operate in two modes: Performance mode, which achieves a smooth 60 FPS, and Resolution mode, which enhances visual quality but reduces the FPS to 30. The GPU is comparable to the AMD RX 5700XT or the NVIDIA RTX 3060.

In contrast, the PS5 Pro features a custom AMD GPU based on the RDNA 3 architecture. It boasts 67% more compute units than the original PS5, resulting in 45% faster rendering.

Thanks to this enhanced GPU power, the PS5 Pro delivers up to 2-3 times the Ray Tracing performance compared to the original model. Beyond this impressive upgrade, the PS5 Pro also includes the advanced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, offering even more improvements.

PSSR AI Upscaling Technology

One of the most significant upgrades of the PS5 Pro over the base model is its proprietary upscaling technology. Known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) Upscaling, this feature uses the PS5 Pro’s GPU to downsample and then upscale images, replacing traditional antialiasing solutions.

The PS5 Pro benefits from an AI Accelerator, enabling it to support seamless 4K at 60Hz. In contrast, the base PS5 relies on the scaling solutions integrated into individual games. This advanced upscaling technology represents one of the most notable enhancements in the PS5 Pro.

PS5 Pro Enhanced Games

In addition to GPU upgrades and advanced upscaling technology, many games will be specially optimized for the PS5 Pro. These “PS5 Pro Enhanced” games are tailored to take full advantage of the console’s capabilities.

To qualify for this enhanced designation, games must meet certain criteria. They need to support PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for 4K resolutions, maintain a constant 60 FPS, and feature Advanced Ray Tracing Effects. Consequently, games labeled as “Enhanced” will deliver improved performance on the PS5 Pro compared to the standard PS5.

PS5 Pro: Enough of an Upgrade?

In addition to GPU upgrades and advanced upscaling technology, many games will be specially optimized for the PS5 Pro. These “PS5 Pro Enhanced” games are tailored to take full advantage of the console’s capabilities.

To qualify for this enhanced designation, games must meet certain criteria. They need to support PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for 4K resolutions, maintain a constant 60 FPS, and feature Advanced Ray Tracing Effects. Consequently, games labeled as “Enhanced” will deliver improved performance on the PS5 Pro compared to the standard PS5.

The PS5 Pro will retail for $699, meaning you’ll need to invest a significant amount for additional frames and performance enhancements while maintaining similar visual fidelity. Although the AI Upscaling PSSR will greatly improve performance, the unchanged CPU may make the upgrade less compelling.

Overall, if you have the budget and don’t yet own a PS5, the PS5 Pro could be a worthwhile choice. However, calling it a major leap forward might be an overstatement.

With the available upgrades and differences, it’s clear that the PS5 Pro doesn’t represent a substantial upgrade over the original PS5. Will you be picking up the PS5 Pro when it releases? Share your thoughts in the comments below!