Ps4 Pro vs Xbox One S: Which Console Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to choose between the PlayStation 4 Pro and the Xbox One S? You’re not alone. Both consoles offer a gateway to incredible gaming experiences, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Deciding which one is right for you requires a close examination of their strengths and weaknesses.
The PS4 Pro boasts enhanced graphical capabilities, promising a more visually stunning experience for gamers. It’s designed to deliver 4K gaming and smoother frame rates in supported titles. On the other hand, the Xbox One S offers a more budget-friendly entry point, packing a decent punch into a sleek design.
This in-depth comparison of the ps4 pro vs xbox one s will explore every aspect of their performance, features, and value. We’ll delve into the specifics of their hardware, game libraries, and additional features to help you make an informed decision and choose the perfect console for your gaming needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | PS4 Pro | Xbox One S |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8-core AMD Jaguar | 8-core AMD Jaguar |
| GPU | AMD Radeon (4.2 TFLOPS) | AMD Radeon (1.4 TFLOPS) |
| RAM | 8GB GDDR5 | 8GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 1TB HDD (can be upgraded) | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB HDD |
| 4K Gaming | Yes (upscaled and native) | Yes (upscaled) |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Disc Drive | 4K Blu-ray | 4K Blu-ray |
| VR Support | Yes (PlayStation VR) | No |
| Controller | DualShock 4 | Xbox Wireless Controller |
| Online Service | PlayStation Plus (paid) | Xbox Live Gold (paid) |
| Backwards Compatibility | Limited (PS2/PS3 via streaming) | Yes (Xbox 360 & Original Xbox) |
| Dimensions | 295 x 55 x 327 mm | 295 x 65 x 230 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Resolution & Graphics
- Ps4 Pro: Supports 4K resolution gaming and HDR. It offers significantly improved graphical fidelity compared to the base PS4, including enhanced textures, smoother frame rates, and more detailed environments. However, native 4K is not always achieved, often using upscaling techniques.
- Xbox One S: Upscales games to 4K resolution for Ultra HD Blu-ray playback and some games. While it supports HDR, its graphical capabilities are less powerful than the PS4 Pro, resulting in lower resolutions and less detailed visuals in most games.
- Winner: PS4 Pro
Processing Power (CPU/GPU)
- Ps4 Pro: Features a more powerful GPU and a slightly improved CPU compared to the original PS4. This enhanced hardware enables better performance, resulting in improved visuals, faster loading times, and smoother gameplay in compatible titles.
- Xbox One S: Possesses the same CPU as the original Xbox One, with a slightly improved GPU. It offers a modest performance boost over the original Xbox One, but significantly less power than the PS4 Pro.
- Winner: PS4 Pro
Storage
- Ps4 Pro: Typically comes with a 1TB hard drive, though some models may offer larger storage options. The internal hard drive is user-replaceable, allowing for easy upgrades to SSDs for faster loading times.
- Xbox One S: Available in various storage configurations, including 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB options. Similar to the PS4 Pro, the internal hard drive is user-replaceable.
- Winner: Tie
HDR Support
- Ps4 Pro: Supports HDR10, enhancing the visual experience with a wider range of colors and improved contrast in compatible games and content.
- Xbox One S: Supports HDR10, offering a similar enhanced visual experience to the PS4 Pro in compatible games and content.
- Winner: Tie
Optical Drive
- Ps4 Pro: Includes a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, allowing for playback of 4K Blu-ray discs, in addition to standard Blu-ray and DVD formats.
- Xbox One S: Includes a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, offering 4K Blu-ray playback capabilities.
- Winner: Tie
Game Library & Exclusives
- Ps4 Pro: Boasts a vast library of games, including a strong selection of critically acclaimed and popular exclusives. These exclusives often showcase the console’s graphical capabilities.
- Xbox One S: Shares its game library with the Xbox One family, including access to Xbox Game Pass. While it has a smaller selection of exclusive titles compared to the PS4, it offers backward compatibility with many original Xbox and Xbox 360 games.
- Winner: PS4 Pro
Price
- Ps4 Pro: Typically has a higher price point than the Xbox One S, reflecting its more powerful hardware and enhanced features.
- Xbox One S: Generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking a console with 4K Blu-ray playback and HDR support.
- Winner: Xbox One S
Design & Size
- Ps4 Pro: Features a larger and heavier design compared to the original PS4, with a slightly different aesthetic.
- Xbox One S: Significantly smaller and sleeker than the original Xbox One, with a redesigned look and a built-in power supply.
- Winner: Xbox One S
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Power (Gaming Performance) | PS4 Pro |
| Value | Xbox One S |
| 4K Blu-ray Player | Tie |
| VR Support | PS4 Pro |
| Backwards Compatibility | Xbox One S |
What They Have in Common
- CPU: Both consoles utilize an 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU, providing a similar base level of processing power for games and system operations.
- Hdr Support: Both the PS4 Pro and Xbox One S support High Dynamic Range (HDR) for enhanced visuals, offering a wider range of colors and improved contrast in compatible games and content.
- 4K Blu-Ray Player: Both consoles include a 4K Blu-ray drive, allowing users to watch 4K movies and other media.
- Online Services: Both require a paid subscription service (PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold, respectively) for online multiplayer gaming and access to free monthly games.
- Controller Design: Both consoles come with their own controller, offering a familiar and comfortable design for gameplay.
Ps4 Pro vs Xbox One S Buying Guide
Performance and Graphics
The PS4 Pro boasts significantly superior performance and graphical capabilities compared to the Xbox One S. It renders games at a higher resolution, often supporting native 4K or upscaled 4K, leading to sharper visuals and greater detail. The Xbox One S, while capable of 4K video playback, primarily outputs games at 1080p, albeit with HDR support. The PS4 Pro’s more powerful GPU results in smoother frame rates and more visually impressive gameplay experiences, especially on a 4K display. This makes the PS4 Pro the better choice for gamers prioritizing visual fidelity.
Game Library and Exclusives
Both consoles offer vast game libraries, but their exclusive titles significantly differentiate them. The PS4 Pro has a strong lineup of critically acclaimed exclusives like “God of War,” “The Last of Us Part II,” and “Spider-Man.” The Xbox One S, while having some exclusives, relies more on its Game Pass subscription service and backward compatibility. Game Pass provides access to a large and rotating library of games. Ultimately, your preferred game library will dictate your choice, with PlayStation offering more critically acclaimed exclusives.
Price and Value
The Xbox One S is generally available at a lower price point than the PS4 Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option. This affordability can be a major factor for gamers on a tight budget. However, the PS4 Pro’s more powerful hardware justifies its higher cost for those seeking the best visual experience. Considering the long-term value, the PS4 Pro’s superior performance might offer a better return on investment if you intend to play for years. Consider your budget and long-term gaming habits.
4K and HDR Capabilities
Both consoles support 4K resolution, but their implementation differs. The PS4 Pro is capable of native or upscaled 4K gaming, while the Xbox One S focuses on 4K Blu-ray playback and upscaling. Both consoles support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances the color and contrast. However, the PS4 Pro’s raw power allows it to deliver a more visually striking HDR experience in games. If you want the best 4K gaming experience, the PS4 Pro is the clear winner.
Features and Accessories
Both consoles offer a range of features and accessories, including controllers, headsets, and external storage options. The PS4 Pro and Xbox One S support online multiplayer, streaming services, and media playback. The Xbox One S has a built-in 4K Blu-ray player, a feature the PS4 Pro also includes. Consider the accessories that are important to your gaming style, such as an extra controller, a headset, or a specific subscription service. Both offer comparable features in this area.
Online Services and Subscriptions
Both consoles require a paid subscription for online multiplayer gaming. PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) for the PS4 Pro provides access to online multiplayer, free monthly games, and cloud storage. Xbox Live Gold (now Xbox Game Pass Core) for the Xbox One S offers similar benefits. The Xbox ecosystem also has Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which bundles Game Pass for console, PC, and Xbox Live Gold. The choice depends on which games you play and the value you place on the included free games.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy PS4 Pro If…
- You prioritize the best possible visual experience on a console, including native or upscaled 4K resolution in many games.
- You are interested in PlayStation VR and want a console that’s optimized for the VR experience.
- You prefer the exclusive games available on the PlayStation platform.
- You want a console with a slightly larger library of games.
Buy Xbox One S If…
- You want a more affordable console option.
- You value the backward compatibility with Xbox 360 and original Xbox games.
- You prefer the design and ergonomics of the Xbox controller.
- You want a console that is smaller and more compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which console offers better graphics?
The PS4 Pro provides superior graphics due to its more powerful hardware. It’s capable of native or upscaled 4K gaming, delivering sharper visuals and higher frame rates than the Xbox One S. The Xbox One S primarily focuses on 1080p gaming, though it supports 4K video playback and HDR. The PS4 Pro is the clear winner if you prioritize visual fidelity and graphical performance in your games.
Does the Xbox One S support 4K gaming?
The Xbox One S primarily renders games at 1080p, although it can upscale some titles to 4K. It supports 4K Blu-ray playback and 4K streaming. While it doesn’t offer native 4K gaming in most cases, it can output games at a higher resolution than the original Xbox One. The PS4 Pro offers a more robust 4K gaming experience with native or upscaled 4K support.
What are the exclusive games for each console?
The PS4 Pro boasts a strong lineup of exclusive titles such as “God of War,” “The Last of Us Part II,” and “Spider-Man.” The Xbox One S has fewer exclusive titles, but it focuses on Xbox Game Pass which provides access to a large library. Your preference for specific game franchises will likely influence your console choice. Both consoles offer unique gaming experiences.
Which console is more affordable?
The Xbox One S is generally more affordable than the PS4 Pro. It is often available at a lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option. The PS4 Pro’s higher price reflects its more powerful hardware and superior performance. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making your decision.
Does either console have a built-in 4K Blu-ray player?
Yes, both consoles have a built-in 4K Blu-ray player. This allows you to watch 4K Blu-ray movies on either the PS4 Pro or the Xbox One S. This feature makes both consoles versatile media players in addition to gaming devices. The inclusion of a 4K Blu-ray player adds value to both consoles.
What are the online services like for each console?
Both consoles require a paid subscription for online multiplayer. PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) for the PS4 Pro provides access to online multiplayer, free monthly games, and cloud storage. Xbox Live Gold (now Xbox Game Pass Core) for the Xbox One S offers similar benefits. Xbox also offers Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which bundles Game Pass for console, PC, and Xbox Live Gold.
Which console has better HDR support?
Both consoles support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances the color and contrast of games and movies. However, the PS4 Pro’s more powerful hardware allows it to deliver a more visually striking HDR experience in games. The HDR experience on the PS4 Pro will generally be more impactful due to the higher resolution and graphical fidelity.
Final Verdict
The PS4 Pro offers superior performance, with native or upscaled 4K gaming and a stronger library of exclusive titles. The Xbox One S is more affordable, a better media player, and has access to Xbox Game Pass. However, for the best visual experience and overall gaming power, the PS4 Pro is the better choice.
Winner: PS4 Pro