PS4 vs PS4 Pro – Which One to Choose?

There are many ways in which you can discuss how the upgrades in a gaming console affect your gaming experience. We’ve had long debates and discussions on the respective characteristics that aid in that difference as well. The sound, graphics, controls to connectivity are all important factors that make up for the gaming experience. This one, therefore, will be focused on the PS4 vs PS4 Pro gaming experience. 

Upgrades are meant to provide you with an enhanced experience, whether that’s overall or selective depends upon the provider. In terms of PS4, we are a little backdated because the latest version i.e. PS5 is already out. It was also the most readily available version if it was not sold out in the official stores, while other older versions are difficult to find sometimes. However, not everyone is interested or able to afford the latest PS5. Therefore, PS4 in all its different updates is the best option for some users.

The specifications for both the PS4 versions are in the table below. There is a price range instead of a fixed price because there are different deals and bundles offered by buyers. Retailers and online platforms have their own offers, discounts and deals that they provide both in partnership with Sony or independently.

             Specifications                                 PS4                                        PS4 PRO

Dimensions & Size:

If we are talking directly about the console, the extra 3rd layer on top of the previous 2 is bigger than the size itself. As mentioned in the specifications table above, the dimensions themselves don’t see a very big difference, but there is a slight update in the size and width. It’s however not that different if a bit smarter, without being too heavy due to increased dimensions. But it is not something that might bother you in terms of space or weight etc.

Resolution:

A key for many players when they choose a console player is how well it is going to bring the game to life. This is possible only through visuals, sound is secondary but also important. Where the PS4 original version was capable of 1080p screen resolution, the pro version is 4k enabled, as it is more widely known. In numbers that is 2160p, a significantly higher resolution to match the game’s graphics. 

This, however, goes hand in hand with the LED TV you have, if that’s not 4k enabled, the PS4 Pro resolution is useless. The games that you play, the TV screen and controller all combine to bring you the ultimate 4k HDR experience. The choice is yours to make depending upon your favorite game titles and whether they are updated to pro. Days Gone and God of War are two famous titles that come with the update of Pro that you can choose.

Connectivity:

Connectivity from the ports, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi all have seen upgrades in the move from original to pro. Wi-Fi includes 802.11ac, and Bluetooth has gone to v4.0 from the earlier v2.1 in the original PS4. These might not be massive developments but they help elevate the overall connectivity feature in the console which makes the gaming more fluent.

Another cool feature in connectivity is the new USB 3.0 port in PS4 Pro because it means you can simultaneously charge the controllers that require their own port. This is especially great if you are into the VR experience specifically. Lastly, the HDMI update like a lot of the other changes is directly related to the 4k resolution update. PS4 Pro works with HDMI 2.0 instead of PS4’s HDMI 1.4 to accommodate the higher quality resolution.

GPU & Memory

Memory for starters is the same for PS4 and its updated partner PS4 Pro, but it was not an issue, to begin with therefore is not a miss. There is an update, however, an additional 1 GB RAM in PS4 Pro that is specifically added to work with non-gaming apps such as streaming services etc. This improves the overall performance and speed of the console too.

The GPU update of 4.2 vs 1.84 TFLOP is something of a big change, making the graphic experience come to that of 4k. This includes clarity, textures, color schemes and the flow of visuals all enhanced by a mile. Connecting this to the earlier mention of a better TV resolution for a better experience, you will have the max quality of graphics if your main TV is upgraded to 4K HDR quality.

To end the PS4 vs PS4 Pro debate based on the points made above, it entirely depends upon your preference and whether you’d be able to afford the later version for better features. If you are satisfied with the graphics quality and visuals of PS4 and do not feel spending more on PS4 Pro would be largely satisfactory, make that choice.

After all, there is more than just the PS4 Pro update you’ll need to make to experience the full 4k graphics, including your TV and the game titles. Therefore, make sure if you pick the Pro version, you have its other necessary complementary counterparts to take full advantage of.