PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which is Better?
Reading Time: 12 minutesCompare the new PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming consoles and find out which one is right for you. Choose the console that delivers the ultimate gaming experience.
In 2020, the release of the next generation of consoles – the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 – caused a stir among gamers.
These consoles are not just a significant upgrade in terms of resolution, as was the case with the mid-generation Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, but rather they represent a revolution in terms of frame rate and ray tracing.
This means that games not only run at 4K resolution, but they also have faster frame rates, more responsive gameplay, and improved graphics.
Some people may think that the new features of the next generation of consoles are not worth the investment, especially since many games can still be played on the previous generation of consoles.
These new consoles do offer significant improvements in terms of gameplay and graphics, and there are also additional features such as streaming and 4K Blu-ray playback to consider.
Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide whether the upgrades offered by the new consoles are worth the investment.
Price
The prices of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles were adjusted in August 2022 for certain regions. The disc edition of the PlayStation 5 now costs £480 / $499 / AU$800, while the Xbox Series X is slightly cheaper at £449 / $499 / AU$749.
The disc-less versions of each console are also available at lower prices, with the Xbox Series S costing £249 / $299 / AU$499 and the PS5 Digital Edition costing £390 / $399 / AU$650.
It is not surprising that the disc-less versions of the next-generation consoles, the PS5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S, have different features and performance capabilities.
The PS5 Digital Edition is essentially a standard PS5 without a disc drive, while the Xbox Series S has reduced performance compared to the Xbox Series X. These two consoles are not meant to directly compete with each other.
Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S remain in high demand, with the Xbox Series X and S being more readily available. Some online retailers have started offering discounted prices for the consoles.
Design
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 have very distinct designs. The Xbox Series X resembles a matte black tower PC and can be placed vertically or horizontally. It measures 30 x 15 x 15cm and weighs 4.45kg. It has a 130mm fan that cools the device by drawing in cool air from vents at the bottom and releasing hot air through outlets at the top. Unlike previous models, the Xbox Series X does not have an HDMI input or an optical output.
In contrast to the Xbox Series X's utilitarian design, the PlayStation 5 has a more futuristic appearance with its curved lines and glossy white finish. Some people have described the white shell of the PS5 as resembling a high-collared catsuit, with an opening that forms a ‘V’ shape which may be a reference to the fact that this is the fifth generation of the PlayStation console. The Xbox Series X has a more angular and stealthy appearance with its matte black finish.
The PlayStation 5 is significantly larger than the Xbox Series X, both in terms of height and width. It measures 39cm in height and 14cm in width, while the Xbox Series X is 30cm tall and 15cm wide. The PlayStation 5 can be placed horizontally, but its size may still be an issue for those with limited space in their equipment racks. It is important to leave enough space around the console for proper air circulation.
Like the Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5 uses a single, large fan to keep the device cool. This fan is relatively quiet, although it may be audible in a completely silent room. The sound it produces is consistent and can be drowned out by other sounds coming from the TV or sound system. Overall, the fan does a good job of keeping the PlayStation 5 cool while generating minimal noise.
The disc drives of both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 can be noisy, especially when playing a 4K Blu-ray. However, the disc drive of the PlayStation 5 is a little quieter than that of the Xbox Series X. This difference may not be significant during gameplay, but it may be more noticeable during quiet movie scenes. In terms of aesthetics, the Xbox Series X may be less visually appealing, but it is more practical in terms of noise level.
Specs
In terms of technical specifications, the Xbox Series X appears to have an advantage over the PlayStation 5. Both consoles have 8-core AMD CPUs, but the Xbox Series X's are clocked at a higher speed of 3.8GHz compared to the PlayStation 5's 3.5GHz. The Xbox Series X also has a more powerful AMD graphics processor, with 12 teraflops of power compared to the PlayStation 5's 10.28 teraflops.
Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 use solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of mechanical hard disk drives. The Xbox Series X has a terabyte of storage, while the PlayStation 5 has 825GB. However, the way that the PlayStation 5's storage is designed and integrated allows it to perform significantly faster than the storage on the Xbox Series X, which can enhance overall console performance.
Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are capable of delivering high-quality graphics, but neither console is able to display games at 8K resolution. Instead, the target performance for both consoles is 4K at 60Hz, with some games offering additional features such as 120Hz refresh rate or advanced graphics options. 8K resolution is not an option on either console.
One of the most significant next-generation graphics features supported by both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 is ray tracing. This technology significantly improves lighting, shadows, and reflections in games, resulting in more realistic graphics. Both consoles are able to utilize ray tracing to enhance the visuals of games.
Some games offer the option to prioritize graphics or performance, which may involve a trade-off between ray tracing and higher frame rates. It is worth noting that 120fps gaming is only possible if the TV supports 4K@120Hz signals. The Xbox Series X currently supports the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) features, which can improve gaming performance. The PlayStation 5 also supports VRR, and it has also been added to most of Sony's 2022 and 2021 TVs.
In terms of gaming performance, there is not much difference between the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Both consoles are able to deliver high-quality graphics and fast loading times. As more advanced and graphically demanding games are developed specifically for the next generation of consoles, there may be more noticeable differences in performance. However, currently, both consoles are very closely matched in terms of gaming performance. The PlayStation 5 has received an update that may slightly improve performance in some games, but overall the difference between the two consoles is minimal.
There are some differences in the audio capabilities of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Xbox Series X supports Dolby Atmos for gaming, streaming, and Blu-ray playback, while the PlayStation 5 only offers Dolby Atmos for Blu-ray playback. The PlayStation 5 has its own 3D audio processing technology called Tempest, which can be used with headphones or TV speakers. This feature is not available on the Xbox Series X.
The Xbox Series X and S are able to enhance the appearance of previous-generation console games with Dolby Vision technology. In contrast, Sony is focusing on virtual reality with the PlayStation 5, releasing a VR headset and controllers to be used with the console. Microsoft had previously been rumored to be developing VR capabilities for its consoles, but these plans have since been dismissed.
Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 offer a variety of streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, and YouTube. In the UK, both consoles were initially launched without BBC iPlayer, but Microsoft later added it to the Xbox consoles and Sony followed suit. Sony has updated the features of PS Plus to compete with Xbox Game Pass, and Microsoft is expected to launch a ‘family plan’ in 2023. Sony has also released new accessories for the PlayStation 5, such as a customizable DualSense Edge wireless controller and the upcoming PS VR 2 virtual reality headset. There have also been rumors of a ‘PS5 Pro’ being released in 2023 to compete with an updated version of the Xbox Series X.
At launch, the PlayStation 5 had a significant advantage in terms of user experience compared to the Xbox Series X. The PS5's 4K HDR user interface, new home screen with game ‘cards,’ and fresh, stylish presentation made it clear that the console was a new generation device. The clear icons, logical layout, and quick operation of the PS5 also contributed to its usability. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, seemed to be trying to convince users that it was similar to the Xbox One, which resulted in a less impressive initial user experience. The launch of a new 4K dashboard has helped the Xbox Series X catch up to the PS5, but the overall look and feel of the interface is still quite familiar.
The PlayStation 5 comes with a pre-installed game called Astro's Playroom, which not only serves as a enjoyable platforming game but also provides an introduction to the features of the new DualSense controller. Additionally, the game showcases the console's capabilities for 4K/60Hz presentation. Although gaming performance is similar on both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, the extra next-generation features of the PS5 give it an edge in this area.
Controllers
Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 come with redesigned controllers, but the DualSense controller for the PS5 is considered to be the more significant and superior of the two. The new Xbox controller is slightly smaller than its predecessor, which may be more comfortable for younger or smaller gamers.
The underside of the new Xbox controller has a more pronounced texture, and the texture has also been added to the surfaces of the trigger buttons. These buttons have a matte finish and are less prominently peaked, which makes the controller easier to grip and more ergonomically advanced.
The new Xbox controller has a Share button on its face, similar to the one on the PS4's DualShock 4. Tapping this button allows users to instantly save a screenshot, while holding it down captures the last 29 seconds of gameplay. The d-pad has also been redesigned to resemble the one on the Elite Controller Series 2, which makes it more suitable for games that require sweeping actions. This design does not compromise the accuracy of pressing the d-pad in the up, down, left, or right directions.
The new Xbox controller features Dynamic Latency Input (DLI), which is intended to synchronize each controller input with what is displayed on the screen. The controller's response time will also be affected by the lag of the TV, but any reduction in latency can only be beneficial. Although the console appears to respond quickly to commands, it is difficult to determine how much of this is due to DLI and how much is due to the increased performance of the console.
The Xbox Series X controller is an improvement over its predecessor, but the differences are not significant enough to warrant replacing existing controllers. Xbox One controllers are also compatible with the Series X.
The PS5's DualSense controller is a significant improvement over the DualShock 4 and has numerous features that enhance the gaming experience.
The DualSense controller has motors that provide haptic feedback and resistance in the triggers. For example, when aiming a gun in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War with the left trigger, the resistance will vary depending on the weight of the weapon. The right trigger also has a light initial movement followed by a ‘bite point’ that must be clicked through to fire the gun. These features allow for a more immersive gaming experience.
The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and resistance features can also be experienced in Astro's Playroom, where players can feel raindrops landing on their character's umbrella. This combination of engineering, visual, and audio elements enhances the overall gaming experience and adds a sense of realism.
The controller is larger and heavier than the DualShock 4, but it has the same button layout and shape, so users familiar with the DualShock 4 should have no trouble using the DualSense.
Also, the controller has a built-in microphone and mute button, which allows users to plug in any wired headphones and still communicate with friends online during gameplay. This feature adds convenience and flexibility for online gaming.
The DualSense controller's 3D audio technology can be used with any standard headphones, and while the controller's built-in microphone may produce slightly tinny-sounding voices, it still provides good clarity as long as there isn't a lot of background noise.
In late 2022, Sony unveiled the DualSense Edge, an upgraded version of its DualSense controller. This premium controller offers features such as on-the-fly control mapping, adjustable sensitivity and trigger travel distance/dead zones for faster inputs. It also allows for easy replacement of joystick parts. The standard DualSense controller for the PS5 already provides a great gaming experience and allows users to enjoy 3D audio with friends.
Picture Quality
The Xbox Series X and PS5 offer similar gaming performance, with the Xbox Series X having a slight advantage in terms of fluidity when used with a compatible TV that supports VRR. Both consoles are capable of native 4K gaming at higher frame rates than their predecessors, and offer improved graphics and additional visual details. Players on the new consoles may be playing the same games as those on the older PS4 and Xbox One, but the upgraded hardware of the new consoles provides a significant improvement in terms of performance and graphics.
When using either the Xbox Series X or the PS5 as a Blu-ray player, it's important to note that the Xbox Series X supports Dolby Vision while the PS5 does not. Additionally, the Xbox Series X may be louder than the PS5 when playing a 4K Blu-ray.
The Xbox Series X and PS5 may not provide as high-quality streaming as a dedicated device like the Apple TV 4K, as they do not always output content at its original refresh rate. The PS5 also has a tendency to upconvert SDR content to HDR, which can cause color and contrast issues with some content. However, the Xbox Series X does not have this issue and also supports Dolby Vision for streaming on compatible TVs.
In summary, the gaming performance of the Xbox Series X and PS5 is similar, with the PS5 currently being the better Blu-ray player and the Xbox Series X being slightly better for streaming video. Ultimately, the choice between the two consoles will depend on your personal priorities. Overall, it can be said that both consoles are evenly matched in terms of their features and capabilities.
Sound quality
When playing the bombing-run scene of Unbroken via Blu-ray on the PS5, it was found that the console is capable of delivering high-quality Dolby Atmos soundtracks. While it may not have the same level of clarity and dynamics as a dedicated player, the PS5 still produces a powerful, immersive sound with good clarity and accurate sound effects placement.
Although Dolby Atmos is not available for games, it is still recommended to use a surround sound system to get the best audio experience while playing games.
The Xbox Series X offers strong audio capabilities for a gaming console, with good clarity, solidity, and atmosphere when playing games. When playing Atmos-enabled games or films like 1917 or Gears 5, the console creates a sense of immersion and fills the room with sweeping sound effects that correspond to the on-screen action.
Ultimately, this is another area where the Xbox Series X and PS5 are evenly matched. While the PS5's limited support for Atmos is a drawback, it compensates with its specialized 3D audio technology for headphones. Overall, both consoles perform well in this aspect.
Games
In 2022, the PS5 had a strong lineup of games, including God of War: Ragnarok, Gran Turismo 7, and Last of Us: Part 2. 2023 is also looking promising for the PS5, with the release of Spider-Man 2, Forspoken, and the exclusive PS VR game Horizon: Call of the Mountain. It's worth noting that many of the games available on the PS5 are also available on the PS4. The Xbox Series X also had a strong lineup of games in 2022, with the highly anticipated Halo Infinite leading the way, and has several more games coming in 2023, such as Starfield, Redfall, and Hogwarts Legacy. Like the PS5, many of the games on the Xbox Series X are also available on the Xbox One.
One of the benefits of the next-generation consoles' support for backwards compatibility is that they have a large library of older games that can be played on them. Many third-party developers create games for both Xbox and PlayStation, so the libraries of the two consoles have a lot of overlap. Each console also has a selection of exclusive games that can only be played on that particular system.
The quality of the exclusive games on each console may vary depending on personal preferences, but it can be argued that the PlayStation has a stronger lineup of exclusives. While the Xbox has several highly rated exclusives like Forza Horizon 5 and Gears 5, the PlayStation has a number of highly successful and critically acclaimed exclusives like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, Uncharted 4, God of War, and Horizon Forbidden West.
It is difficult to determine a clear winner in terms of exclusive games, as both the PS5 and Xbox Series X have strong offerings. The PS5 has a larger number of exclusive games, both new and existing, but the Xbox Game Pass subscription service provides a large library of games and has an advantage over the PS Plus service. In this case, it could be considered a draw.
Conclusion
Unlike previous console generations, the PS5 and Xbox Series X do not significantly improve gaming resolution or offer a large number of exclusive games. Therefore, these consoles have to distinguish themselves in other ways, and it can be argued that the PS5 does a better job of this compared to the Xbox Series X.
In terms of gaming performance, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are comparable, with both able to deliver a smooth 4K@60Hz experience and support ray tracing and high refresh rates on certain games. There is no clear winner in terms of cross-platform gaming between the two consoles.
It is possible that there may be differences in performance between the PS5 and Xbox Series X in the future, especially once games that are fully optimized for the next-generation consoles are released. However, currently available cross-platform games are also designed to run on older consoles, so it is not realistic to expect them to fully utilize the capabilities of the new consoles. At this point, there are no significant performance gaps between the two consoles.
The Xbox Series X falls short in comparison to the PS5 in terms of offering a next-generation experience. The overall design and user interface of the Xbox Series X is very similar to the previous Xbox One, which may not be as appealing to users who have recently spent a significant amount of money on a new console. However, the Xbox Series X still has several positive features, such as good performance, a compact size, and a silent operation. It also has a refined controller compared to the previous generation. Overall, while the Xbox Series X is a good console, it does not offer as many standout features as the PS5.
The PS5 immediately impresses with its visually stunning user interface in native 4K and HDR. It includes a redesigned controller with innovative haptic feedback and a specialized 3D audio engine that can be utilized by all users, regardless of their budget or living space.
Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X perform adequately as streaming devices and Blu-ray players, but they are not as advanced as dedicated players in these areas.
Ultimately, the main focus of these consoles is gaming, and in this aspect the PS5 excels by offering a truly next-generation experience beyond just improved resolution and refresh rate.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2023 Ionel Anton
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