PlayStation 4 vs. PS4 Slim

Just like the PlayStation 3, Sony launched a midlife console revision for PS4 a number of years again within the type of the PlayStation 4 Slim. Functionally, the 2 consoles are equivalent, not like the extra highly effective PS4 Professional mannequin. Each function the identical Jaguar CPU and processing energy, and in need of an optical audio output on the unique PS4, they’ve the identical connections, too. Sport efficiency is similar throughout the 2 machines, however there are some minor variations in networking, availability, and noise that you need to take into account. Whereas Sony hasn’t made any feedback but relating to different areas, it ought to be famous that they’ve discontinued the manufacturing of all non-PS4 Slims and PS4 Professionals in Japan. This might suggest they intend to make the Slim the one mannequin formally supported going ahead.

Because the PlayStation 5 has arrived, now could be arguably one of the best time to spend money on the final era for anybody not able to shell out for a brand new console. On this comparability, we’re going to element every little thing it’s essential know in regards to the two methods.

PS4:

PS4 Slim:

Additional studying

PS4 vs. PS4 Slim overview

Design

That is the most important, and just about solely, distinction between these two PS4 fashions. The brand new slim mannequin packs all the {hardware} from the unique mannequin right into a smaller type, leading to a lower in dimension of about 30 %. In fact, to squeeze right into a smaller shell, there usually must be sacrifices, however the one loss right here is the optical audio port — all different ports and elements, together with the 2 USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet port, and HDMI and AUX ports, stay.

One of many extra puzzling facets of the PS4’s authentic design was its Energy and Eject buttons. The unique PS4 had two small contact sensors positioned within the center-front of the console’s face that weren’t solely troublesome to seek out but additionally positioned shut to 1 one other, making it simple to confuse the 2. A really minor {hardware} replace fastened these, including higher tactile buttons. The repair has been carried over to the Slim.

Lastly, the DualShock 4 controller additionally acquired a minor redesign. The sunshine bar, which modifications coloration and brightness dynamically relying on in-game actions and context, now shines in a slender bar on the entrance of the controller, along with its authentic location on the entrance. This could make it simpler to see and recognize these delicate coloration modifications, which have been beforehand obscured because of the gentle bar’s placement. The brand new DualShock 4 ships commonplace with the PS4 Slim fashions.

Each fashions are nonetheless glossy, barely angular units, with a matte black end and understated PlayStation logos emblazoned on the case. The PS4 Slim’s edges are extra beveled in comparison with the sharp edges of the unique PS4, however there actually isn’t any main distinction between the 2 when it comes to aesthetics. These two consoles seem like they belong to the identical household of units — one thing true for even their PS4 Professional sibling.

Since that is actually the one facet wherein the brand new PS4 slim mannequin differs from the unique, we’re going to present the win on this class to the Slim. But when the design doesn’t matter a lot to you, then you may largely disregard these variations.

Winner: PS4 Slim

Energy

When Sony says the PS4 Slim is similar as the unique PS4, simply in a smaller bundle, it isn’t kidding. The identical GPU, CPU, and RAM that energy the unique PS4 are within the PS4 Slim, and each consoles will run video games on the identical proficiency — you received’t see any visible or technical enhancements to your video games by enjoying them on one over the opposite.

This extends to new and upcoming options and peripherals as nicely, reminiscent of HDR visuals and PlayStation VR, which the PS4 and PS4 Slim are totally appropriate with.

Each of those methods lack the particular options of their extra highly effective sibling, the PS4 Professional — most notably, 4K content material. And, after all, fall far behind the PS5.

Winner: Tie

Worth and availability

The PlayStation 4 Slim is now the usual PS4. It’s marked at $450 with 1TB of storage, however you may usually discover it for as little as $250 and bundled with video games. That is very true through the holidays and durations reminiscent of Prime Day.

At this level, you can’t discover a brand-new launch model of the PS4. You possibly can, nevertheless, discover a preowned one for lower than the PS4 Slim by way of resellers.

Winner: PS4 Slim

Noise

The PS4 is notoriously loud, with the followers ramping up for video games that hardly tax the {hardware} inside. The PS4 Slim isn’t any totally different, particularly in current titles like Ghost of Tsushima and The Final of Us: Half II. With less-demanding video games, although, the Slim isn’t practically as loud as the unique PS4. Though the 2 consoles are functionally equivalent, the Slim attracts much less energy when working video games and, subsequently, generates much less warmth.

That is very true for video games like Rocket League and Minecraft, which barely scratch the floor of the PS4’s computing energy. If noise is a priority for you, the PS4 Slim is the higher possibility.

Winner: PS4 Slim

Cupboard space

On the subject of space for storing, the PS4 and PS4 Slim are equivalent. The unique PS4 had a 500GB mannequin, which the Slim matched when it launched, however each methods moved to a 1TB drive shortly after. One of many key options of the unique PS4 was its detachable laborious drive. With not more than a few instruments and about 20 minutes, you might simply improve your PS4’s laborious drive. That performance continues to be current on the Slim, and it’s even simpler to do.

Winner: PS4 Slim

Networking

One key function of the PS4 Slim is assist for 5GHz Wi-Fi. The unique fashions can solely talk on 2.4GHz. Sadly, this can be a {hardware} problem, so it doesn’t matter what PS4 firmware you’ve: The unique PS4 solely has a single-band Wi-Fi adapter. Each fashions provide gigabit Ethernet, and that’s very best if you wish to play video games on-line. In case you’re going wi-fi, the Slim is the way in which to go. 5GHz doesn’t attain so far as 2.4GHz, but it surely has the next prime pace. Moreover, 5GHz normally has much less site visitors, main to raised community stability.

Winner: PS4 Slim

Conclusion

Our evaluation concludes that you simply’ll get the identical high quality of gameplay irrespective of which of the 2 consoles you employ. We will say the identical for a way the consoles deal with PlayStation VR, in comparison with the extra highly effective PlayStation 4 Professional. Among the smaller variations embody fewer fan noises and extra streamlined networking capabilities on the Slim, however general, we predict they’re on par with one another.

Whereas one could also be a little bit dearer than the opposite, the costs equal out ultimately because of the numerous cut price upgrades and recreation packages supplied for every one. Until you care about having a smaller console — or require optical audio — the entire comparability is a wash.

If you have already got the launch mannequin PS4, there’s no purpose so that you can improve to the PS4 Slim. In case you’re shopping for a totally new console, then the Slim is a superb selection. The PlayStation 5 affords one of the best enchancment hole out of your commonplace PS4, making it a fantastic option to improve the console you have already got.

Winner: Tie

PS4:

PS4 Slim:

Editors’ Selection