Comparing PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition.
Sony PS5:
- Processor: AMD Zen 2, 8-core
- GPU: AMD RDNA 2 “Oberon”
- RAM: 16 GB GDDR6
- SSD: 825GB
- Disc drive: 4K Blu-ray
The PS5 impresses with its groundbreaking controller, rapid load times, and exclusive titles. It features a 4K Blu-ray drive, offering home-cinema perks, as well as the option to save money by sharing disc-based games with friends and trading them at exchange shops.
Pros:
- Most powerful console to date.
- Functions as a 4K Blu-ray player.
- Exceptional controller haptics.
- Sleek and fast user interface.
Cons:
- Requires significant space.
- Higher price point.
- Blu-ray player is not essential.
PS5 Digital Edition:
- Processor: AMD Zen 2, 8-core
- GPU: AMD RDNA 2 “Oberon”
- RAM: 16 GB GDDR6
- SSD: 825GB
- Disc drive: None
The more affordable PS5 Digital Edition matches the standard PS5 in internal specs and performance. It’s entirely disc-free, supporting only digital game purchases and foregoing 4K Blu-ray playback. An ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Pros:
- Cost-effective alternative.
- Comparable power to the standard PS5.
- Supports 4K/120fps gameplay.
- Lightning-fast SSD.
Cons:
- Bulky design.
- Limited to digital games.
The PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition debate continues even after nearly three years. With both consoles widely available in regions like the US, UK, and Australia, it’s an ideal time for a thorough comparison. Beyond price, the choice hinges on usage and space considerations.
The standard PS5, slightly bulkier due to the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, suits physical media enthusiasts. But if you’re embracing a digital world, the disc-less variant may be your preferred choice.
In today’s digital age, a disc drive is no longer a necessity. If budget and physical vs. digital media aren’t concerns, consider the PS5 Digital Edition. For a disc-free comparison, explore our PS5 Digital Edition vs. Xbox Series S guide.
We’ve simplified your next-gen console decision-making process with an in-depth analysis of both consoles, covering specs and pricing. To enhance your gaming experience, explore the best PS5 accessories after making your choice.
PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Pricing
In the realm of pricing, the battle between the standard PS5 and its digital counterpart unfolds. The standard PS5, equipped with a robust appetite for Blu-ray discs, initially hits your wallet at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$749.95. Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, sharing identical specs except for the omission of the disc drive, offers a more wallet-friendly option at $399.99 / £359.99 / AU$599.95.
However, similar to the Oculus Quest 2, the PS5 has encountered price increases attributed to global inflation, particularly affecting regions like the UK, Europe, and Australia. In these areas, the standard PS5 now bears a price tag of £479.99 / €549.99 / AU$799.95, while the digital edition is available at £389.99 / €449.99 / $649.95. Understandably, this price adjustment raises concerns about the optimal timing for a PS5 purchase.
Both console variants have a global presence, with the initial release on November 12 in select regions, and a wider launch on November 19. Opting for the all-digital route can translate to significant savings of $100 / £90. Nevertheless, there are crucial factors to weigh.
Firstly, choosing the digital edition means forfeiting the ability to employ the console as a 4K Blu-ray player, a valuable feature for home theater enthusiasts. Considering that standalone 4K Blu-ray players carry hefty price tags, this advantage should not be underestimated.
Secondly, having a disc drive provides the opportunity to engage in game swapping, lending, borrowing, and trading with friends and retail establishments. Over the console’s lifecycle, this translates into substantial savings in the second-hand market.
So, while immediate savings are attainable with the digital console’s upfront cost, long-term expenses may accrue as you navigate Sony’s pricing strategies on the PlayStation Network. This doesn’t even account for the satisfaction of possessing tangible, physical items.
PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Specifications
Let’s dive into the detailed specs of the PS5 and its Digital Edition. Both versions offer similar performance, unlike the distinct price gap seen in the Xbox Series X and Series S.
Key Specifications:
| Component | PS5 | PS5 Digital Edition |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 Cores / 16 Threads, up to 3.5 GHz | AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 Cores / 16 Threads, up to 3.5 GHz |
| GPU | AMD Radeon™ RDNA 2, up to 2.23 GHz (10.3 TFLOPS) | AMD Radeon™ RDNA 2, up to 2.23 GHz (10.3 TFLOPS) |
| System Memory | 16GB GDDR6, 448GB/s Bandwidth | 16GB GDDR6, 448GB/s Bandwidth |
| Optical Drive | Ultra HD Blu-ray, BD-ROM (25G/50G), DVD | None (Digital Only) |
| SSD | 825GB, 5.5GB/s Read Bandwidth (Raw) | 825GB, 5.5GB/s Read Bandwidth (Raw) |
| Video Out | HDMI (4K 120Hz, 8K), VRR Support | HDMI (4K 120Hz, 8K), VRR Support |
| Audio | Tempest 3D AudioTech | Tempest 3D AudioTech |
| Dimensions | Approx. 390mm x 104mm x 260mm | Approx. 390mm x 92mm x 260mm |
| Weight | 4.5kg | 3.9kg |
| Power | 350W | 340W |
| Input/Output | USB Type-A (Hi-Speed & Super-Speed), USB Type-C | USB Type-A (Hi-Speed & Super-Speed), USB Type-C |
| Networking | Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 |
The PS5 models share an 825GB SSD with a raw 5.5GB/s throughput, although only 667.2GB is usable. The standard PS5 features an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, while the Digital Edition omits this component.
Both versions utilize the AMD Ryzen Zen 2 chipset with eight cores and support for ray tracing, providing advanced lighting. 3D audio, powered by the Tempest Engine, enhances audio immersion. The PS5 can support 8K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates (via HDMI 2.1), with 1440p support following a firmware update.
Games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales offer a 60fps performance mode. Each console includes a wireless DualSense controller with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for realism. Both can play PS4 games, with external HDD support for older titles, conserving SSD space for PS5 software. However, PS5 games cannot be played from external drives, but you can expand internal SSD storage or store them externally. Evaluating the impact of PS5 SSD read and write speeds is essential.
PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Gaming
Distinguishing the gaming experience between these consoles is straightforward. They both support identical PS5 games, whether from discs or internal storage. Expect 4K gaming at swift refresh rates with no gameplay variations.
Sony offers an impressive lineup of exclusive titles, including The Last of Us Part 1, Gran Turismo 7, God of War: Ragnarok, Demon’s Souls remake, Cyberpunk 2077, and Resident Evil 8: Village.
Upcoming titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are on the horizon. However, backward compatibility poses a challenge for the Digital Edition. It accommodates PS4 titles but not disc-based collections, necessitating repurchases. PlayStation Plus subscribers receive a bonus with the PlayStation Plus Collection, granting access to 19 top PS4 games.
For PS5 Digital Edition owners, a library of digital games is available through the revamped PS Plus service for PS Plus Extra or Premium subscribers. In addition, PS Plus offers monthly free games for all subscribers.
Although most PS4 games are compatible with PS5, a handful remain incompatible. Nonetheless, you can now view hidden trophies for your desired games.
PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition: Conclusion
Your financial choices are personal. For budget-conscious gamers, the digital console offers a satisfying next-gen experience. Yet, if your budget allows, the standard PS5 is a wise choice. It provides 4K Blu-ray capabilities, potential savings through game trading, and robust ownership of physical media. The uncertainty of digital ownership is worth considering, given the ever-evolving landscape of online services and potential server issues.
PS5 vs. PS5 Digital Edition – FAQs
- Storage Comparison:
- Both PS5 models offer 667GB of storage. Having a disc can free space on the standard PS5, whereas Digital Edition users may need extra storage for high-spec games like God of War Ragnarok.
- Disc-Free Gaming:
- Yes, most PS5 games are available digitally through the PlayStation Store, making the PS5 Digital Edition a suitable choice.
- Power Parity:
- The PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition have equivalent power. The main difference is the absence of a disc drive in the Digital Edition, affecting your final choice.