PS5 vs Xbox Series S: Discover The differences explained


The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S are easily two of the most popular game consoles around – but what actually is the difference between them?

Whether you’re torn between the consoles and aren’t sure which one to go for, or if you’re just curious to know how the internals of the PS5 compare to the Xbox Series S then you’re in luck.

We should note that the PlayStation 5 comes as a few different iterations. Not including the premium PlayStation 5 Pro or the handheld PlayStation Portal, there’s the original PS5, the PS5 Slim and the PS5 Digital Edition. With this in mind, we’ve compared the latter three to the Xbox Series S below.

Keep reading to see how the PlayStation 5 compares to the Xbox Series S, and decide which console will suit your needs best.

We’ve also compared the PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X, if you want to compare the PS5 to the Xbox that’s equipped with a disc drive. Or we’ve rounded up the most up-to-date PlayStation 6 rumours, if you’re debating holding out for Sony’s hotly anticipated model.

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Price

Many of the PlayStation 5 consoles have recently seen a pretty hefty price hike, which Sony explains was a “necessary step” to ensure it could deliver “high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide”. With this in mind, the original PlayStation 5 is now £569.99/$649.99 while the Digital Edition is slightly cheaper at £519.99/$599.99.

Those price hikes means the PS5 line-up is considerably more expensive than the Xbox Series S, which has an RRP of £299.99/$399.99. That’s £300 or $200 less than the PS5 Digital Edition. Not only that, but it’s also possible to find the Xbox Series S with a price drop – although that usually tends to be around the £20-£30 mark.

However, do keep in mind that the Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, and doesn’t allow any support for an external disc drive. In comparison, you can purchase an external disc drive for the PS5 Digital Edition for around £70/$80.

Design

  • The PS5 has a more unique, customisable design 
  • The Xbox Series S is smaller and more practical-looking 
  • You can add a disc drive to the PS5 Slim Digital Edition later down the road

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The PS5 and Xbox Series S have very different looks, with the PS5 opting for a more unique, two-toned design that can be positioned horizontally or vertically. The colour of the console can also be customised with different covers (sold separately) and the PS5 Slim can play physical media with the detachable disc drive, which is sold separately for the Digital Edition. 

The PS5 Slim weighs less than the original PS5 at 3.2kg for the regular Slim and 2.6kg for the Digital Edition. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a storage expansion slot and an Ethernet port. 

The Xbox Series S is a lot smaller and more lightweight at 1.9kg and comes in all black or black and white. Like the PS5, the Series S can be positioned horizontally or vertically, though there’s no need for a stand. The hardback book-like size of this console makes it easier to fit into a TV cabinet or desk than its Sony rival. 

The Series S features two USB ports, an HDMI port, a storable expansion slot and an Ethernet port. 

Winner: PS5

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Specs

  • The PS5 Slim offers better raw performance
  • The Xbox Series S does not support native 4K
  • The Xbox Series S comes in two storage configurations, though both consoles offer expandable storage

In terms of sheer power, the PS5 comes out on top. For an in-depth look at how the internals of these consoles differs, check out the specs breakdown below:

Xbox Series S PS5 Slim
CPU 8 x cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU 8 x cores @ 3.5 GHz w/ SMT, Custom Zen 2 CPU
GPU 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @ 1.55 GHz Custom RDNA 2 10.28 TFLOPs, 36CUs @ 2.23GHz
Memory 10 GB GDDR6 w/ 128-bit 16 GB GDDR6 w/ 256-bit
Memory Bandwidth 224GB/s 448GB/s
Internal Storage 512GB/1TB SSD 1TB SSD
Optical Drive Digital only 4K UHD Blu-ray drive (sold separately for Digital Edition)
Performance Target Up to 1440p @ 120 FPS 4K @ 60 FPS, up to 120 FPS

If you’re looking for raw power, the PS5 is the way to go. It offers a higher target performance than the Series S, with 4K at 60fps compared to the 1440p at 120fps, since the Series S does not support native 4K.

The Series S starts at just 512GB storage, which will not last long if you’re hoping to play large triple-A titles, although this can be easily resolved by opting for the 1TB model or an official memory card.

The PS5 does not support memory cards, but Sony has upgraded the PS5’s firmware with support for additional storage via the NVMe M.2 solid-state drives, meaning that it now has up to an 8TB maximum capacity.

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If you want the most powerful Xbox, you’ll want to opt for the Series X, which carries a similar price to the PS5 Slim. That said, the Series S does still offer features like ray tracing and the NVMe SSD offers speedy loading times. This console is by no means powerless, but it may be better suited to those who do not own a monitor or TV that supports 4K and do not put as much emphasis on high-quality graphics.

Winner: PS5

Controllers

  • The PS5 DualSense controller offers haptic feedback
  • The DualSense Edge is ultra-customisable
  • The Xbox Series S controller will feel familiar to Xbox gamers

The PS5 comes with the latest DualSense controller, which features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive and realistic experience.

For those looking for more customisation, there’s also the DualSense Edge Wireless controller. This controller allows users to remap specific button inputs, replace stick modules with other designs, switch out stick caps and change the back buttons.

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The Xbox Series S controller is not as advanced as Sony’s alternative, with no haptic feedback or adaptive triggers present. It offers a serviceable experience but is a more noticeable downgrade if you’re already using the DualSense controller. That said, if you’re upgrading from an older Xbox console, you may still find the layout more comfortable and familiar.

User Interface and features

  • The Xbox Series S’ Quick Resume feature lets you skip loading times
  • The Xbox Series S can upscale content to 4K
  • Ps5 gamers can now add another SSD with an expansion slot

When it comes to the UI, both consoles have received a decent number of software updates since they first launched in 2020.

The user interface on the Series S is the same as the Series X, although with a few overall changes. Anyone who disliked the Xbox One layout will have the same issues here, though the faster load times and specific sections for Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft Store and My Games do make for a more streamlined experience.

The Quick Resume feature allows players to swap between active states of up to six different games at once, so you can switch in and out of games without needing to wait for the loading screens.

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Microsoft has also introduced Xbox Night Mode, which adjusts the brightness to keep the screen dark in a darker environment, as well as improvements to the UI and 4K upscaling when the console is connected to a 4K display.

The PS5 has undergone more even changes in this time; Voice chats are now known as Parties and can be accessed via the new three-pronged Game Base menu, and players can now pin five select games to the screen permanently.

Sony also altered the PS5 firmware to allow users to add another SSD card to the previously dormant expansion slot, increasing the console’s overall storage capabilities.

Winner: Draw

Verdict

Out of the two consoles, the PS5 is the one to go for if performance is a priority for you. It features a more powerful GPU and native 4K support, making it the better option in terms of graphics.

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However, the Xbox Series S should not be passed over just because it’s not as powerful. If you don’t own a 4K monitor or TV, then the Series S may be a better and more affordable fit, especially since you can expand the storage using a memory card. The inclusion of Game Pass only boosts this console’s appeal in terms of value for money.

The selection of exclusive games on each platform will play into how alluring each console is, so you will want to consider which titles catch your eye. We think that you can have a blast on either console, just consider how much performance power and affordability mean to you and we’re sure you can figure it out from there.



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Michelin is a French multinational company that many consumers consider to be one of the most satisfying major tire brands. This firm makes several tire models that offer comfort, performance, all-terrain prowess, and everything in between — including cutting-edge products like the $42,000-per-set Michelin Pilot Sport PAX that it developed specifically for the Bugatti Veyron. Aside from its own tires, Michelin also owns other tire brands that you might be familiar with, including BFGoodrich, Achilles, and Corsa.

While tires are what Michelin is known for, the company has put its name to more than the rubber that wraps around your car’s rims. In fact, the company sells several other products that aren’t tires. So, we’re listing a few Michelin-branded items that you can buy online and in retail stores. While they might not all be made of rubber or even related to vehicles, these tools and accessories can come in handy when keeping your car — and even yourself — in good shape.

Michelin tire inflator

Since Michelin is primarily known for its tires, it makes sense for the company to sell a Michelin-branded tire inflator as well. That way, if you get a flat on one of the Michelin tires on your car or want to regularly top up your car’s tire pressure to maintain optimum performance, you can use a Michelin-branded pump to fill up your tires. The company actually sells several types of inflators on its Amazon page, but it only offers a single motorized unit — the Michelin Micro Tyre Inflator, which is available on Amazon for $98.99.

This little device is only slightly wider than an iPhone 17 and weighs about 400 grams, or 14 ounces. This means it’s easy to store in your car and to move to whichever tire needs topping up. More importantly, it takes power from a 12-volt socket, allowing you to run it using your car’s battery. It also has a USB port for charging your phone (or any other USB device) in case of an emergency.

Some users say that the device is slow, taking about 12 minutes to bring a tire from 10 to 32 PSI, but that’s not unexpected given its small size. Still, it should be good enough for regular weekly maintenance if you know your car’s proper tire pressure, or in case of an emergency. Its biggest downside is that you need a power source to run it, but having a dead battery and a flat tire simultaneously is likely a rare occurrence in many modern cars.

Michelin mini fridge

Taking a road trip during the summer can get you thirsty, and there’s no better way to quench that thirst than by drinking a cool can of soda (or your beverage of choice). If you want to ensure that you’ll always have a cold drink ready while you’re driving on the freeway, Michelin’s mini fridge will help you with that. This nifty little refrigerator is available on Amazon for just $99.99 and can be connected to either 110V AC or 12V DC power, ensuring that it will work on both your desk and in your car.

The mini fridge measures 6.9 x 9.45 x 10 inches (17.5 x 24 x 25.4 cm), meaning it can easily fit on a garage shelf or office desk. It should also be small enough to put on the floor of your car. Despite that relatively small size, it’s large enough to fit six 350-ml cans or four 500-ml bottles, and it will keep these items at a chilly 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. It also has an LED light on the door, so it can double as a night light if necessary.

Aside from keeping your drinks (and other food items) below room temperature, it also has a few other creature comforts. These include a removable shelf and door basket for flexibility and easy cleaning, as well as a retractable carry handle and a self-locking door to make transportation easier.

Michelin car floor mats

Heavy-duty car floor mats are often made from rubber for durability and water resistance, and since Michelin is in the business of rubber, it makes sense for the company to offer exactly that. So, if you want to protect your vehicle’s floor from dirt, dust, and mud, the company can help you with its Michelin all-weather car floor mats. This four-piece package is available on Amazon for $49.99 and comes in either black or tan.

The surface of these floor mats is specially designed to trap debris, snow, and water, preventing them from ruining the carpet on your vehicle. The mats have a cleat backing that grips your car’s floor and prevents them from slipping. The front row mats also come with what Michelin calls a Gripclip Retention System, allowing them to clip into your vehicle’s safety clips and adding even more reassurance that they won’t accidentally slip while you’re driving and pose a hazard to your safety.

These mats are universal and will work in most vehicles. However, they’re also easy to customize: If you find them a bit too large for the footwell of your tiny hatchback, you can use a pair of scissors to trim the edges for a perfect fit.

Michelin Stealth Ultra wiper blades

While Michelin’s Stealth Ultra wiper blades aren’t generally considered among the best windshield wipers, they appear to be a pretty good choice given their four-star rating on Amazon. These wipers cost $49.99 and are available in various size combinations for all sorts of cars. This ensures that no matter what vehicle you’re driving, you can probably find a set that will fit your needs.

These Michelin wipers are curved to conform to the shape of your windscreen for a clean, streak-free wipe. The company’s Amazon listing claims that these are designed to “withstand rain, wind, snow, mud, dust, or any other debris that might hamper your windshield’s visibility.” While you might think that windshield wipers are pretty simple items, and that you can just purchase any generic wipers off the internet, you must remember that they’re essential so that you have the best visibility possible during inclement weather. So, for your safety, consider investing in a set from a reputable brand like Michelin.

Michelin work boots

Michelin is known for making rubber tires to put on your car’s “feet,” but did you know it also makes shoes for the driver’s feet? The company makes sports & outdoor footwear, as well as shoes for work and safety. For this example, we have the Michelin HydroEdge Steel Toe waterproof work boot, listed for $210 on Amazon and at Georgia Boot. This shoe is available in U.S. sizes from 7.5 up to 14, ensuring that no matter what size you wear, you can get a Michelin work boot for yourself.

As the name suggests, this pair of shoes has steel toes to protect your feet from accidental impacts and is fully waterproof to help keep your feet dry, even in supposedly severe conditions. It also meets ASTM F2413 standards for electrical protection, meaning it has fully insulating soles to protect you from electrical hazards at work. Michelin also added what it calls an Advanced Rear Suspension system to its heel, ensuring proper shock absorption when you walk.





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