The next-generation console era is upon us, and with it, we have been introduced to new technologies like real-time ray tracing, super-fast SSDs etc. on consoles for the first time. Both of the consoles share a lot of things in common, the Xbox series X and PS5 both are a massive upgrade over their predecessors and they both promise 4K Gaming at 60 FPS, but their differences far outweigh their similarities.
Specifications for both the Xbox Series X and the PS5 have been revealed so let’s take a more in-depth look at the differences between the two consoles and try to figure out which one is the better buy.
Table of Contents
Build and Design
Microsoft decided to go with an industrial and more PC like design with the Xbox Series X. In contrast, Sony tried to do something new by implementing a futuristic and spaceship-like design for the PS5. Looks are subjective to the user, but we certainly feel that the minimalist design of the Xbox Series X is much neutral and will go well with everyone, but the design of the PS5 will attract both praise and criticism. Don’t get us wrong we find the design of the PS5 to be quite good, but it is simply that everyone might not feel the same way.
Performance
CPU
The CPU on both PS5 and Xbox Series X is based on 7 nm+ AMD Zen 2 Architecture and are packed with a total of 8 cores, but this is where the similarities end. The Xbox CPU is clocked at 3.8 GHz whereas the PS5 CPU is a variable frequency of 3.5 GHz which means that it won’t be able to sustain the high clocks for long periods. Not only is the PS5 clocked lower also it can maintain its higher clocks for shorts periods thus putting it at a clear disadvantage compared to the Xbox.
GPU
Xbox Series X’s GPU is based on the RDNA 2 Architecture with 3328 stream processors packed in 52 Compute Units with 10 GB GDDR6 VRAM which can deliver 12 TFLOPS of performance capable of 4K 60 FPS gameplay. Moreover, the Xbox Series X and PS5 both have 16 GB GDDR6 of total system memory would be shared for the use of VRAM as well as system RAM. In terms of architecture as well, the GPU on the PS5 is not very different, but when it comes to raw power, the Xbox Series X is superior. The PS5 GPU had 36 Compute Units with the highest frequency of up to 2.23 GHz, and peak performance of 10.28 teraflops Hence in terms of GPU Xbox takes the cake.
SSD
In this case, the PS5 has the upper hand. The PS5’s new 825 GB SSD is not another off-shelf PCIe 4.0 SSD, but it has been built from the ground up to cater to the specific need of the console and can provide uncompressed data at 5.5 GB/sec and compressed files at a whopping 8-9 GB/sec. The SSD allows the PS5 to load any app instantly. Compared to the SSD on the PS5, the one on the Xbox has a capacity of 1 TB but can transfer files at only 2.4 GB/sec. Both of the consoles have the option of expanding the storage with external SSD’s if you ever run out of storage.
Backwards Compatibility
Microsoft has extended its backwards compatibility to the original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One games. Microsoft has introduced “Smart Delivery” feature which allows the games that support it to be played on any Xbox hardware you choose to play on. All Xbox Games Studio titles will support Smart Delivery, and Third-Party publishers can also take advantage of it. On the other hand, Sony has confirmed backwards compatibility with PS5 and PS4 Pro games only. Thus, in this front Xbox is ahead.
Exclusive Games
Sony has promised to launch quite a few PlayStation exclusive games for the PS5 like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, GTA V Enhanced, Gran Turismo 7 etc. On the Xbox side of things, Microsoft is yet to announce the games for Xbox Series X on 23rd July 9am Pacific Time.
Price
Both Sony and Microsoft are yet to announce the pricing of their upcoming consoles, but speculations show that this generation of consoles is likely to be pricier than their predecessors. We expect both the consoles to be priced within $100 of each other none the less.
Conclusion
In short, there is no perfect answer, if you like the industrial looks, the superior CPU and GPU of the Xbox Series X then go for it. Otherwise, you can also go for the PS5 if you are especially fond of the PS5’s design, and want to play the PS5 exclusive titles very badly.
So, that’s it for this article if you have any questions feel free to ask us in the comments down below and if you like it, please share it with friends and family.
Also Read: Best Streaming/Workstation PC Build under Rs 1 Lakh | Tech2Stop