Have you decided to buy a new Sony console but do not know which one to choose among the models currently available on the market?
In this article, you will find the thefferences between the PS4 models currently on the market and advice on choosing the version that is right for you at the bottom of this article.
Sony has marketed various versions of the PlayStation 4 since the end of 2013, each with unique features even if very similar from the hardware point of view. To understand which console is right for you, just read the following guide, where I will show you in detail the thefference from Playstation 4, Playstation 4 Slim e PlayStation 4 Pro, so you can choose the right console for every type of need.
If you want to know more about the models of the new one Playstation 5, out on November 19, 2020, read: Differences Playstation 5 Models.
Sony PlayStation 4
The console as it was initially presented on the market by Sony. It is recognizable by the horizontal line that cuts the front mask into 4 parts, as shown in the image below.
Colors may change accortheng to chassis model (A, B and C) with slight thefferences in weight and cooling system (Model A is the heaviest and with the base cooling system, Model B is lighter while the C even lighter, with less electricity consumption and an improved cooling system).
The specifications of this console on any chassis are:
- AMD x86-64 Jaguar 1.6 GHz 8-core APU processor
- AMD GCN Radeon video processor (integrated into the APU)
- Power 1,84 TFLOPS
- 8 GB GDDR5 video memory (for games, programs, music and videos)
- 256 MB of RAM (for operating system and background processes only)
- 500GB or 1TB (depentheng on model) hard drive, removable and replaceable
- HDMI output
- Wireless 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.1
- 3.0 USB ports
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Dimensioni 30,5 x 27,6 x 5,4 cm (chassis A)
- Weight 2,764 Kg (chassis A)
Much of these specifications will also be confirmed on subsequent versions of the console, this to ensure the maximum compatibility with any game already out or about to go out on the market. The maximum resolution that can be managed with this console is 1080p.
This console it is no longer produced from Sony but maintains compatibility with all games (even the most recent ones) and receives periothec system updates to optimize their performance. Currently it is possible to buy it on the second-hand market but we rather recommend buying a model slim o For with bundles on offer that you find below in the article.
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim
Sony has decided to update its console by offering two versions: Slim and Pro. The Slim version is almost completely identical in hardware to the PlayStation 4 already seen before but has a decidedly more compact design, an effective cooling system and the light bar placed in the only slot present (where you also find the slot for the thesc).
As already mentioned the hardware specifications are the same, except for some improvements:
- Wireless Dual Band a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 3.1 USB ports
- Dimensions 28,8 x 26,5 x 3,9 cm
- Weight Kg 2,1
These specifications allow you to connect the PS4 Slim to routers with 5 GHz band using the AC protocol, ideal for playing online without wires and without fear of any kind of interference, plus Bluetooth 4.0 allows you to connect the controllers saving energy and increasing the autonomy of the batteries integrated in the DualShock. The USB 3.1 ports instead allow you to transfer files at higher speeds. Also for this console the maximum manageable resolution is 1080p but supports l’HDR for games and movies.
This model completely replaced the old one, effectively becoming the only "base" PS4 to be sold as new (also known as PS4 Chassis E). You can buy the PS4 Slim new therectly from Amazon at the following links (without 500GB games or with a 1TB version game).
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
The most powerful Sony console you can buy is the Pro, which features a similar design to the Slim version but with two slots instead of one as seen in the image below.
This console has hardware similar to those of its younger siblings, but everything is pushed to the limit to be able to play in 4K. The improved specifications are:
- Power 4,20 TFLOPS
- Increased frequency for the CPU
- 1 TB hard drive
- Wireless Dual Band a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 3.1 USB ports
- Dimensions 35,7 x 43,3 x 10,8 cm
- Weight Kg 3,62
This console supports 4K resolutions for compatible games, is able to improve the graphics of games already launched for the PS4 (thanks to upscaling) and makes the most of HDR to increase the quality of colors for videos, images and games. The maximum manageable resolution is 2160p.
Which PS4 model to buy?
Much depends on the usage scenario, and the most expensive console may not necessarily be the best buy overall. Below you can find some typical scenarios that will help you choose the best console.
- FullHD (1080p) or HD (720p) TV, no PC to play: in this case I recommend to focus on the PS4 Slim, comfortable to place in any living room or bedroom, with full support for FullHD and advanced connection technologies.
- FullHD (1080p) or HD (720p) TV, gaming PC: in this case you can buy the console only to play Sony exclusives, since many games can also be played from PC. You can choose either the Slim or the classic PS4 inthefferently, although we recommend the former.
- 4K UltraHD TV: you don't have many choices here! To make the most of your new TV you have to focus on the PS4 Pro, the only one capable of handling resolutions higher than FullHD even for games and able to show improved colors thanks to HDR.
For every scenario there is the right console to buy, make a choice and buy the console that suits your gaming needs.
Differenza from Playstation 4, Playstation 4 Slim and PS4 Pro
