A Buyer’s Guide to the New PlayStation and Xbox Consoles
Opt for PlayStation 4 Pro, buy Slimline PlayStation 4, or go all-out for an Xbox One S? With so many gaming console options available in the market, it has become extremely confusing to reach a decision. Don’t worry, this guide will help you decide, which gaming console you should spend your hard-earned money on.
PlayStation 4 Pro
PlayStation 4 Pro is a gaming aficionado’s version of the PlayStation 4. PS4 Pro comes with enhanced graphics performance and upgraded processing power that allows 4K compatible visuals, and an improved experience with the PlayStation VR headset. It offers greater frame rate performance and resolutions than the existing 1080p HD games, provided you own a 4K television. It also streams 4K video from media services such as Netflix and YouTube; however, it doesn’t play 4K Blu-ray discs, unlike the Xbox One S.

Xbox One S

Xbox One S, basically a remodeled version of the original Xbox One with its size reduced by 40 percent, features an internal power unit, is compatible with high dynamic range (HDR) visuals, and has an Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The graphics processing unit’s clock speed has been increased slightly to accommodate the HDR visuals feature. It doesn’t render native 4K games, but it does upscale non-4K games to display at 4K resolutions. In addition, the controller has also been remodeled a bit with a textured grip and an improved Bluetooth support.
Slimline PlayStation 4

Slimline PlayStation 4 is a redesigned model of the PlayStation 4 having the same specifications, but a reduced size by 40 percent. However, there are slight modifications and improvements such as the fan noise and power efficiency have improved; it is compatible with faster 5GHz Wi-Fi; and the Dual Shock 4 controller is redesigned with a light bar just above the touchpad that enables you to easily see the light pad color. It doesn’t have the optical out port anymore, limiting connectivity to some audio equipment such as standalone headphones or home cinema systems (even though HDMI cables carry the same surround sound signal). All PS4 models, including Slimline, are compatible with HDR visuals.
Let’s compare the specifications of the new machines to make it easier for you to reach a verdict.
Specifications
![]() PlayStation 4 Pro |
![]() Xbox One S |
![]() Slimline PlayStation 4 |
|
General | |||
Price | 1TB version, £350, $400, AU$560 | 500GB version, £249/$299/299 Euros; 1TB version, £299/349 Euros; 2TB version, £349/$399/399 Euros | 500GB version £260, $300, AU$440 |
Body | |||
Dimensions (metric) Dimensions (imperial) Weight Height Colors |
327 x 295mm 12.9 x 11.6 inches 7.3 pounds (3.3 kg) 2.17 inches (55 mm) Black |
295 x 230mm 11.6 x 9.0 inches 6.4 pounds (2.9kg) 2.5 in (64mm) White |
288 x 265mm 11.3 x 10.4 inches 4.6 pounds (2.1kg) 1.54 inches (39mm) Black |
Hardware | |||
GPU CPU Optical drive Power supply Controller |
4.2 TFLOP AMD Radeon (36CU, 911MHz) 2.1GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar Blu-ray, DVD Internal 310W Direct USB connect or Bluetooth, Li-ion battery rechargeable w/ Micro-USB, 3.5mm headset jack |
1.4 TFLOP AMD Radeon 1.75GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar 4K Blu-ray, DVD Internal (wattage unknown) Bluetooth or proprietary 2.4GHz wireless, 3.5mm audio jack. 2x AA batteries or optional rechargeable pack |
1.84 TFLOP AMD Radeon (18CU, 800MHz) 1.6GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar Blu-ray, DVD Internal 165W Bluetooth or direct USB connect, 3.5mm headset jack, Li-ion battery rechargeable w/ Micro-USB |
Storage | |||
Memory Storage |
8GB GDDR5 + 1GB 1TB |
8GB DDR3 500GB, 1TB, 2TB (5400rpm) |
8GB GDDR5 500GB, 1TB (5400rpm) |
Gaming features | |||
Typical game resolution Max video output HDR support Game compatibility Networking Inputs Optical audio output |
Varies massively 4K Yes PS4, select PS3 with PS Now subscription 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 3x USB 3.1, 1x PS Camera, 1x Gigabit Ethernet Yes |
720p–1080p 4K Yes Xbox One, select Xbox 360 Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/ n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 3x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI-in Yes |
720p–1080p 1080p Yes PS4, select PS3 with PS Now subscription 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 2x USB 3.1, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x PS Camera No |
Extras | |||
Noteworthy extras | PS VR compatibility, enhanced graphics in existing PS4 titles | Built-in IR blaster | Easy-access hard drive replacement, PS VR compatibility |
Why to buy |
If you own a 4K television and don’t mind spending an additional £90 for 4K compatibility, then you should buy PS4 Pro because it is the best PS available in the market right now. | If you wish to buy a cheap 4K Blu-ray player or you haven’t bought an Xbox One yet, then go for this one. But if you are planning to upgrade your Xbox One, then we would suggest holding on, unless you really want to buy a 4K television. | If you are planning to buy your first PlayStation and don’t really care about improved PlayStation VR performance or 4K resolutions, then you should go for this one, instead of spending an extra £90 for a PlayStation 4 Pro. |