Sony PlayStation 5 vs Microsoft Xbox Series S
Verdict: Sony PlayStation 5 leads with a 10.28 TFLOPS RDNA 2 GPU and 16GB GDDR6 versus the Series S 4 TFLOPS and 10GB per official AMD specs, delivering native 4K gaming. The Series S counters with a $200 lower price and far smaller footprint, making it ideal for digital-only 1440p play. PS5 also includes a UHD Blu-ray drive absent on the Series S.
Sony PlayStation 5 lists at $499 while Microsoft Xbox Series S lists at $299 — Microsoft Xbox Series S undercuts Sony PlayStation 5 by $200 (67%).
Our take: The PS5's larger chassis runs noticeably quieter under load than early Series S units according to owner reports, while the Series S fits easily on crowded entertainment centers. Disc swapping on the PS5 feels more tactile for collectors compared to the Series S's purely digital workflow.
Winner: Sony PlayStation 5
Sony PlayStation 5: 8.5/10
Microsoft Xbox Series S: 7/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Sony PlayStation 5 | Microsoft Xbox Series S | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD Zen 2 | Custom AMD Zen 2 |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 2 10.28 TFLOPS | AMD RDNA 2 4 TFLOPS |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 10GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 825GB Custom NVMe SSD | 512GB NVMe SSD |
Sony PlayStation 5
What works
- 10.28 TFLOPS GPU enables native 4K at up to 120Hz
- Includes Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive
- 825GB SSD with 5.5GB/s raw throughput
What doesn't
- Larger chassis at 390 x 92 x 260 mm
- MSRP $499 limits accessibility
Microsoft Xbox Series S
What works
- Compact size at 275 x 65 x 151 mm
- Lower $299 entry price
- Full backward compatibility with Xbox One library
What doesn't
- 4 TFLOPS GPU targets 1440p/60Hz or 1080p/120Hz
- Digital-only with no disc drive
Bottom line
Our pick: Sony PlayStation 5. It edges out the alternative on 10.28 tflops gpu enables native 4k at up to 120hz. That said, Microsoft Xbox Series S still wins on compact size at 275 x 65 x 151 mm — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
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