The first PS4 model was released in 2013 and had 500 GB of storage. Nearly ten years later, the PS4 launch model is only for sale on the second-hand market. Retailers now stock the new PS4 Slim or the 4K-ready PS4 Pro.
There are three PS4 models that can all play the same games. However, there are some differences in these consoles that you should be aware of if you want to buy one. This article tells you everything you need to know about the different PS4 models.
The different PS4 models
When choosing a new game console, there are several factors to consider. For example, the type of TV you have and whether it is compatible with your console. You should also consider the amount of storage space you need and whether you will be using PSVR.
Here’s an overview of the different PS4 models.
Playstation 4
The original PlayStation 4 was released in 2013. It may be almost ten years old, but it has aged well. The PS4 was considered the most advanced gaming machine at launch. It was equipped with a graphics processor capable of producing high quality graphics even in the most challenging games. Thanks to an update, it now also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) and can be used with compatible televisions. This upgrade makes it a device that you can use on newer television models.
The console came with a new controller design, with a touchpad. Known as the DualShock, players could charge their controllers while in sleep mode, which was not possible with the PS3. Let’s take a closer look at the original PS4 model.
Design
The PS4 is still a great games console. It has an impressive library of games, including some like Spiderman and Lost Ark that have really made their mark in the gaming world.
Since the original PS4 is one of their older models, Sony hasn’t invested in making major design changes. However, other companies such as Power A and Nyko have started offering various accessories such as charging stations and external hard drives. You can therefore still enjoy using this console without feeling that it is a relic of the past.
The PS4 is sleek, modern and about the same size as the second-generation PS3. Its full dimensions are 275 x 53 x 305 mm, which makes it more compact than the Xbox One. Sony also managed to keep the weight of the PS4 down to a relatively low weight of 6.1 pounds. They’ve even hidden the power supply inside the unit, which means there’s one less cable to trip over.
On the front, you’ll find a slot-loading DVD drive and two USB 3.0 ports. Allows you to charge the DualShock 4 controllers while the system is in sleep mode. The back of the device features several connectivity options, including Ethernet, optical audio output, and an HDMI port.
The PS4 Universal Remote is a self-contained device that can sync with the system via Bluetooth. It can also control multiple media players, such as Netflix and PlayStation Vue, reducing the need for remote controls on your media center.
Specifications:
The Sony PlayStation 4 is a robust slot machine. It has a single-chip design that combines an eight-core CPU with a 1.84 teraflop GPU. It is supported by 8 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 500 GB mechanical hard drive. If you’re looking for even more storage space, you can replace the 500GB drive with a larger drive without voiding the warranty. The PlayStation 4 supports Bluetooth 2.1 and 802.11 b/g/n wireless connections, which it uses to connect to the DualShock 4 controllers. This impressive device offers significantly better visuals than the PS3 that came before it.
Playstation 4 Slim
Despite being an excellent gaming machine for its time, the PS4’s features are starting to get a little outdated. That’s the main reason why PlayStation upgraded to the PS4 Slim.
This version is still available in stores and can now be bought at very reasonable prices now that the PS5 is out. The PS4 Slim is the most affordable of the PS4 consoles, but there are some compromises. It’s still incredibly powerful, more so than the original PS4, but doesn’t have 4K resolution or optical audio output. The PS4 Slim is better suited for media centers because of its compact size. It also runs quieter and consumes less power than the original model.
If you’re first in line when a new console comes out, the PS4 Slim might not be for you. However, if you don’t mind a reliable device with powerful performance, then the PS4 smart gives you great value for money. It may not be able to handle 4K games, but you can catch up with PS4’s vast library. Let’s see what this device has to offer.
Design
When Sony unveiled the original PS4, there was a lot of discussion about its unconventional design. As the name suggests, the PS4 Slim is a more compact version of the original.
The original PS4 had a matte black finish on the outside, while the PS4 Slim extends this to the interior as well. It does not have a light bar indicator, but instead shows illuminated dots above the power button.
The disc slot is located above the eject and power buttons, similar to the design of the original PS4. The USB ports are also on the front, but are now easier to connect. The back of the PS4 Slim features a power outlet, an Ethernet network jack, and a PlayStation Camera expansion port. But it doesn’t have an optical output on the back, which is a bit disappointing as this is a handy option.
The PS4 Slim has both 1TB and 500GB hard drives available, although the former is harder to get hold of. The internal drive can fill up quickly, especially due to the mandatory game installations. Fortunately, upgrading the drive or connecting external storage is relatively easy.
Specifications:
The Sony PS4 Slim is a beast of a machine that offers high frame rates and an incredibly smooth gaming experience. It has the same specs as the original PS4, but in a smaller package. You get the 8-core X86 CPU, 1.84 T-flops, and several other features.
PlayStation 4 Pro
While no longer Sony’s most powerful console, the PS4 Pro is still a great gaming device. The 4K capabilities and smooth design provide a more refined gaming experience. Unfortunately, after the PS4 Pro was discontinued in 2021, getting a new one isn’t that easy. If you’re looking for the latest 4K gaming hardware, you can opt for a PS5 instead.
The PS4 Pro’s back catalog is similar to that of the standard PS4. The titles will work on the original PS4 and the PS4 Slim. In addition, users can stream over 800 titles through the PS Now service.
In terms of the gaming experience, the PS4 Pro is an excellent alternative to the Slim. It offers 4K capabilities and more powerful performance than its predecessor. However, it does not have an ultra HD Blu-ray player. Let’s take a closer look at the PS4 Pro.
Design
While the PS4 Pro’s design is similar to the original PS4, we wouldn’t say it’s a complete copy of the system. It’s a bit like two PS4s stacked on top of each other.
Compared to the original PS4, the PS4 Pro is slightly larger at 29.5 x 32.7 x 5.5 cm. It’s also heavier, but that probably won’t affect your gaming experience.
The PS4 Pro is equipped with a matte black housing. Unlike the Slim, this new system has no rounded corners but sharp edges. It has a silver logo in the center, which adds a touch of class to the system. It also has a larger female power cable designed to draw more current. This new power cable is not the same cable that Sony used for all of its previous generation systems. Sony has also replaced the touch-sensitive buttons with plastic ones, which are less prone to accidents.
Which is the best?
The release of the PS4 ushered in an exciting era for game consoles. Sony has released an incredibly powerful machine with plenty of storage space and enhanced visual capabilities. Since then, the company has continued to improve the design and offer gamers different PS4 options to suit their specific needs. While the three models are not much different from each other, there are certain differences that can affect your gaming experience.
Do you have a PS4? What do you like most about it? Let us know in the comments below.
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