PS5 vs PS5 Slim Differences Explained: Which PlayStation 5 Should You Buy?

PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: How Different Is the New Model from the Old One?

PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Since its launch, the PlayStation 5 has been a titan of the gaming world—literally. Its massive silhouette dominated entertainment centers for years. But with the arrival of the PS5 Slim, Sony has refined its vision.

If you’re a “PS5 lover” or a prospective buyer, you might be wondering: Is the “Slim” just a cosmetic facelift, or is there more under the hood? Let’s dive into the definitive comparison between the OG (Original) and the Slim.

The Silhouette: Shrinking the Giant

The most immediate difference is the physical footprint. The original PS5 was famously gargantuan, often requiring dedicated shelf space.

• Volume Reduction: The PS5 Slim is over 30% smaller in total volume compared to the original.

• Weight: The Slim is significantly lighter—roughly 24% lighter for the Disc model and 18% for the Digital Edition.

• The Aesthetic: While the OG had two solid white panels, the Slim features a four-panel design. The top panels have a glossy finish, while the bottom remain matte, separated by a sleek black slit.

Storage: A Much-Needed Boost

One of the biggest “quality of life” upgrades in the Slim is the internal storage.

• Original PS5: Shipped with an 825GB SSD, which left users with roughly 667GB of usable space after the OS was installed.

• PS5 Slim: Comes with a full 1TB SSD. This adds about 175GB of extra room, which is enough to fit two additional AAA titles like Call of Duty or Horizon Forbidden West.

The Modular Revolution: Detachable Disc Drive

In the past, you had to choose: Digital or Disc. If you bought Digital, you were locked out of physical media forever.

• The Slim’s Secret: The PS5 Slim is modular.⁶ If you buy the Digital Edition, you can purchase a separate Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive later and simply “snap” it onto the console.

• Note: This requires a one-time internet connection to “pair” the drive with your console for security reasons.

Port Upgrades & Connectivity

Sony made subtle but important changes to the front I/O ports.

• Original PS5: Featured one USB-C port and one USB-A port on the front.

• PS5 Slim: Now features two USB-C ports on the front. (Note: One is Hi-Speed, and one is SuperSpeed).

• The Stand Situation: The original PS5 came with a plastic base that worked for both vertical and horizontal setups. The Slim includes “feet” for horizontal use, but if you want to stand it up vertically, you must buy the Vertical Stand separately (approx. $29.99).

Performance: What Hasn’t Changed?

Here is the most important takeaway for gamers: The performance is identical.

Both consoles use the same custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU.9 You get the same 4K resolution, the same ray-tracing capabilities, and the same lightning-fast load times.10 There is no “pro” advantage here; the Slim is simply a more efficient, compact version of the same beast.

PS5 vs PS5 Slim: Comparison at a Glance

Should You Upgrade?

Buy PS5 Slim if:

• You are a new PS5 buyer

• You want a smaller, modern design

• You prefer flexibility with disc drive

• You want more storage

Stick with Original PS5 if:

• You already own one

• You are satisfied with size and storage

• You find a good discount deal

Price Comparison: PS5 vs. PS5 Slim

India Retail Price (Typical / Official)

📌 Official retail pricing shows the PS5 Slim digital edition sits close to the older standard PS5 price and the disc Slim is roughly the same as — or slightly above — the original PS5 disc model in India.

U.S. / Global Reference Prices (Typical)

👉 In the U.S., the PS5 Slim models launched at prices similar to the original PS5 models — meaning Sony did not reduce the price with the Slim redesign globally.

Discounts & Sales (India)

• Summer / seasonal offers have seen the PS5 Slim discount by around ₹5,000 on disc models — e.g., dropping from ₹54,990 to ~₹49,990 — during promotions.

• Black Friday / festive deals can sometimes push prices even lower (e.g., digital editions ~₹37,000–₹40,000) depending on retailer and offers.

Quick Snapshot

India

• Best value (budget): PS5 Digital (original) ~₹37–39K*

• Slim Digital: ~₹49–50K

• Original PS5 Disc: ~₹49–50K

• Slim Disc: ~₹50–55K

(*Prices can vary with sales and retailer deals.)

Summary

• The PS5 Slim does not come significantly cheaper than the original PS5 at launch — in most markets, prices are similar or slightly higher depending on region and variant.

• Discounts and sales are the best way to get the PS5 (either model) for less than MSRP.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you already own an original PS5, there is no performance reason to upgrade. You are playing the same games at the same speeds.

However, if you are a first-time buyer or looking to save space, the PS5 Slim is the clear winner. Between the increased storage, smaller footprint, and the flexibility of the detachable disc drive, it is the most refined version of Sony’s vision to date.