Comparing the Sony PlayStation 5 to the Microsoft Xbox Series X in terms of both gaming and movie performance.
The battle between Sony's PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Microsoft's Xbox Series X has been raging for over twenty years, with these powerhouse gaming consoles standing the test of time. In this head-to-head competition, we'll help you decide which one will take pride of place in your home cinema setup.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Price
Pricing for both consoles has fluctuated since launch, with both companies announcing price increases for their consoles, accessories, and games. The PS5 currently costs £480 / $500 / AU$830 with a 4K Blu-ray drive, while the PS5 Digital Edition has undergone a price increase in the UK and Australia, now costing £430 / AU$750, though the price remains at $450 in the US. The Xbox Series X also sees a digital version, priced at £450 / $550 / AU$699, or the version with a disc drive for £500 / $600 / AU$799.
While these consoles are undeniably pricy, the PS5 is slightly cheaper in both configurations, making it a slight edge in this category. However, the difference is so negligible that we'll call this a draw.
Winner: Draw
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Design
The Xbox Series X sports a matte black tower PC design that can be stood vertically or laid horizontally. Its appearance is a departure from previous Xbox models. In contrast, the PS5 showcases a sci-fi aesthetic with curvy lines and a glossy white finish. The PS5's size has been significantly reduced in the Slim version, making it easier to fit in tight spaces, but the Xbox remains the more practical choice in terms of design. As for noise levels, both consoles keep things quiet, with the Xbox being slightly noisier in quiet rooms, particularly when playing 4K Blu-rays.
This round comes down to personal preference; if you want a console with a more interesting design, go for the PS5. Prefer something more traditional and practical? The Xbox Series X is your pick.
Winner: Draw
More insights:- The original Xbox was launched in 2001, followed by the PlayStation 2 in 2000.- The designs of both consoles prioritize cooling, with the PS5 using a large fan for quiet operation.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Specs
On paper, the Xbox Series X appears to have a lead with its 3.8GHz CPUs and 12 teraflops of power, compared to the PS5's 3.5GHz CPUs and 10.28 teraflops. However, Sony's smart storage integration has significantly boosted overall console performance.
While the graphical fidelity and performance are quite similar, the PS5's ray tracing improvements and added features such as Astro's Playroom for showcasing the DualSense controller's capabilities give it a slight edge.
Winner: PS5
More insights:- Both consoles use SSDs (solid-state drives) for storage.- The PS5 launched with 825GB of internal storage, while the Xbox Series X offers a full terabyte.- Both consoles support 4K@60Hz gaming, with support for 120Hz and next-gen graphical features available in some games.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Controllers
Both consoles come with new controllers, but the PS5's DualSense is the clear winner with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The Xbox Series X controller is smaller, has a more textured underside, and a revamped d-pad for easier sweeping actions in games. Both controllers offer enhanced responsiveness and Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) for smoother gameplay.
Winner: PS5
More insights:- The DualSense controller is slightly larger and heavier than the DualShock 4 it replaced.- The Xbox Series X controller is roughly the same size as the Xbox One controller but is more ergonomically designed.- Both controllers support wired headphones.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Picture Quality
Gaming performance is essentially tied between both consoles, with the PS5 slightly outperforming in picture quality terms, particularly with its 3D audio technology. However, neither console stands up to dedicated players such as the Sony UBP-X700 for detail and subtlety.
Winner: PS5
More insights:- Both consoles provide native 4K gaming experiences with enhanced graphical details compared to their predecessors.- The Xbox Series X supports Dolby Vision but the PS5 does not.- The PS5 is slightly quieter than the Xbox Series X when playing 4K Blu-rays.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Sound Quality
Both consoles deliver solid audio performance, but the PS5 takes the lead with its bespoke 3D audio system, creating an open, immersive gaming experience using the built-in microphones in the DualSense controller.
Winner: PS5
More insights:- Both consoles support Dolby Atmos soundtracks.- The Xbox Series X features Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) for reduced input lag.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Games
While the Xbox Series X offers notable exclusives such as Halo Infinite and Forza Motorsport, Microsoft is taking a more flexible approach to exclusivity, releasing more titles on other platforms. Sony is sticking to its console-exclusive strategy, with games like The Last of Us Part II, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and God of War: Ragnarok now available on PC.
Winner: PS5
More insights:- Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service offers access to a wide variety of games.- Both consoles can run games from their predecessors with improved performance.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Verdict
Both consoles offer incredible gaming experiences, but when comparing overall experience, the PS5 edges out the Xbox Series X with its better exclusive games, immersive 3D audio, and more next-generational features.
Overall winner: PS5
- The PS5's DualSense controller stands out with features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making it the better controller in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X matchup.
- The Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) wins in terms of sound quality, leveraging its 3D audio technology for an open and immersive gaming experience.
- In the picture quality battle, the PS5 also emerges victorious due to its 3D audio technology, delivering a better overall visual experience compared to the Xbox Series X.
- The Xbox Series X boasts exclusives like Halo Infinite and Forza Motorsport, but Sony maintains a strong strategy with games like The Last of Us Part II, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and God of War: Ragnarok available on console and PC.
- Despite both consoles offering a similar gaming experience, when considering overall experience, the PS5 edges out the Xbox Series X, thanks to its better exclusive games, immersive 3D audio, and more next-generation features.
- The Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) has a slight edge over the Xbox Series X in terms of price, costing less in both configurations, although the difference is negligible and can be considered a draw. However, in areas such as design, specs, and picture/sound quality, the PS5 shows a clear lead, making it the preferred choice in the fierce competition between these two giants of the gaming world.
