The PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PS4 Slim are two of the most popular gaming consoles on the market, with the latter being a more refined and upgraded version of the former. But the question remains, is the PS4 Slim better than the original PS4? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and compare the two consoles to help you make an informed decision.
The Design and Build Quality
One of the most noticeable differences between the PS4 and PS4 Slim is their design and build quality. The original PS4 has a more angular and bulky design, with a hard-edged exterior and a prominent power button. In contrast, the PS4 Slim has a more curved and streamlined design, with a soft-touch matte finish and a more subtle power button.
The PS4 Slim is 16% lighter and 36% smaller than the original PS4, making it a more compact and portable console. This reduction in size and weight is thanks to a more efficient design and the removal of unnecessary components.
Comparison of Dimensions
Here’s a comparison of the dimensions of the two consoles:
| Console | Width | Height | Depth | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 | 305 mm | 274 mm | 53 mm | 2.8 kg |
| PS4 Slim | 265 mm | 264 mm | 39 mm | 2.1 kg |
As you can see, the PS4 Slim is significantly smaller and lighter than the original PS4, making it a great option for those with limited space or who want a more portable console.
Performance and Hardware
When it comes to performance and hardware, the PS4 and PS4 Slim are virtually identical. Both consoles have the same AMD Jaguar 8-core processor, 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM, and a 1.84 TFLOP AMD Radeon GPU. This means that both consoles have the same level of performance and can handle the same games and graphics.
However, the PS4 Slim does have a slightly more efficient power supply, which reduces its power consumption and makes it a more eco-friendly option. The PS4 Slim also has a more efficient cooling system, which reduces its noise output and makes it a quieter console.
Comparison of Power Consumption
Here’s a comparison of the power consumption of the two consoles:
| Console | Idle Power Consumption | Game Power Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 | 120W | 150W |
| PS4 Slim | 90W | 120W |
As you can see, the PS4 Slim has a significantly lower power consumption than the original PS4, making it a more energy-efficient console.
Controller and Accessories
The PS4 and PS4 Slim come with the same DualShock 4 controller, which has undergone some minor changes over the years. The latest version of the controller has a more tactile directional pad, improved analog sticks, and a capacitive touchpad.
The PS4 Slim also supports the same range of accessories as the original PS4, including the PlayStation Camera, PlayStation Move controllers, and various third-party accessories.
Comparison of Controller Features
Here’s a comparison of the features of the DualShock 4 controller:
| Feature | PS4 Controller | PS4 Slim Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Tactile D-Pad | Yes | Yes |
| Improved Analog Sticks | Yes | Yes |
| Capacitive Touchpad | Yes | Yes |
| Share and Options Buttons | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, the controllers for both consoles have the same features, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Games and Compatibility
Both the PS4 and PS4 Slim are compatible with the same range of games, including exclusive titles like God of War, The Last of Us, and Uncharted. The consoles also support the same range of online features, including online multiplayer, cloud saves, and social media integration.
The PS4 Slim also supports the same range of media formats as the original PS4, including Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and digital media.
Comparison of Media Formats
Here’s a comparison of the media formats supported by the two consoles:
| Media Format | PS4 | PS4 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Blu-ray Discs | Yes | Yes |
| DVDs | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Media | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, both consoles support the same range of media formats, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music.
Price and Value
When it comes to price, the PS4 Slim is generally cheaper than the original PS4. The Slim console is priced around $299, while the original PS4 is priced around $349.
The PS4 Slim offers better value for money, thanks to its more efficient design, reduced power consumption, and lower price point.
Comparison of Prices
Here’s a comparison of the prices of the two consoles:
| Console | Price |
|---|---|
| PS4 | $349 |
| PS4 Slim | $299 |
As you can see, the PS4 Slim is significantly cheaper than the original PS4, making it a more affordable option for gamers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PS4 Slim is a more refined and efficient version of the original PS4. With its more compact design, reduced power consumption, and lower price point, it offers better value for money. However, the original PS4 is still a great console, with the same level of performance and features.
Ultimately, the choice between the PS4 and PS4 Slim comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you want a more portable and energy-efficient console, the PS4 Slim is the better option. But if you’re looking for a more powerful and feature-rich console, the original PS4 may be the better choice.
We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision when choosing between the PS4 and PS4 Slim. Happy gaming!
What are the main differences between the PS4 Slim and the original PS4?
The main differences between the PS4 Slim and the original PS4 lie in their physical design, hardware, and pricing. The PS4 Slim is a smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient version of the original PS4. It has a more compact design, which makes it easier to carry around and fit into cramped spaces. Additionally, the PS4 Slim consumes less power than the original PS4, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
In terms of hardware, the PS4 Slim has a slightly faster processor and improved Wi-Fi capabilities compared to the original PS4. However, both consoles have the same amount of RAM and storage capacity. The PS4 Slim also lacks the optical audio output port found on the original PS4, but this is not a significant difference for most users.
Is the PS4 Slim more powerful than the original PS4?
The PS4 Slim is not significantly more powerful than the original PS4. Both consoles have the same AMD Jaguar processor, 8 GB of RAM, and Radeon graphics processing unit (GPU). The only difference is that the PS4 Slim has a slightly higher clock speed, which results in a minor performance boost. However, this difference is not noticeable in most games and applications.
In practice, both consoles will provide the same gaming experience, with the same level of graphics quality and performance. The PS4 Slim’s slightly faster processor may result in slightly faster loading times or more stable frame rates, but these differences are negligible for most users.
Does the PS4 Slim support 4K resolution?
Neither the PS4 Slim nor the original PS4 support 4K resolution for gaming. However, both consoles can play 4K video content and stream 4K resolution from streaming services like Netflix. If you want to play 4K games, you will need a PS4 Pro, which is a more powerful version of the PS4 designed specifically for 4K gaming.
It’s worth noting that some games may offer 4K resolution on the PS4 Pro, but this is not the same as true native 4K resolution. Instead, the PS4 Pro uses a technique called ” checkerboard rendering” to achieve a 4K-like resolution.
Is the PS4 Slim compatible with all PS4 games?
Yes, the PS4 Slim is compatible with all PS4 games, including VR games and apps. The PS4 Slim has the same architecture and hardware as the original PS4, which means it can run all PS4 games without any issues. You can also use the same controllers, accessories, and peripherals with the PS4 Slim as you would with the original PS4.
In addition, the PS4 Slim supports all PS4 features, including online multiplayer, streaming, and social media sharing. The only difference is that the PS4 Slim has a more compact design and lower power consumption, which makes it a more portable and environmentally friendly option.
Which console is better for PlayStation VR?
Both the PS4 Slim and the original PS4 are compatible with PlayStation VR, and both consoles can provide a great VR experience. However, the PS4 Pro is the recommended console for PlayStation VR, as it offers better performance and more advanced graphics processing. The PS4 Pro can handle more complex VR graphics and provide a more immersive experience, especially with PSVR games that are optimized for the PS4 Pro.
That being said, if you already have a PS4 Slim or original PS4, you can still enjoy PlayStation VR with those consoles. The PS4 Slim and original PS4 can still provide a great VR experience, although the graphics may not be as detailed or complex as on the PS4 Pro.
Can I upgrade my original PS4 to a PS4 Slim?
No, you cannot upgrade your original PS4 to a PS4 Slim. The PS4 Slim is a separate console that you need to purchase separately. The PS4 Slim has a different design, hardware, and firmware than the original PS4, and it is not possible to upgrade your original PS4 to a PS4 Slim by installing new firmware or hardware components.
If you want to take advantage of the PS4 Slim’s features and design, you will need to purchase a new PS4 Slim console and transfer your data and games from your original PS4 to the new console.
Is the PS4 Slim worth buying over the original PS4?
The PS4 Slim is worth buying over the original PS4 if you want a more compact, energy-efficient, and portable console. The PS4 Slim is also a more cost-effective option, as it is generally cheaper than the original PS4. Additionally, the PS4 Slim has a more modern design and a more reliable hardware, which makes it a better option for those who want a hassle-free gaming experience.
However, if you already have an original PS4 and are happy with its performance and design, there is no need to upgrade to a PS4 Slim. The original PS4 is still a great console that can provide a great gaming experience, and you may not need the additional features and design improvements offered by the PS4 Slim.