Sony’s PlayStation continues to be the ultimate purchase for a fervent gamer. With every series, the PlayStation offers something new, something unique. But not every upgrade matches the true needs of every gamer out there. The true question that haunts every PS4 owner is - PS4 vs PS5: is it time to move on?

The appeal and popularity of PS4 remain uncontested. With the release of PlayStation 5, the time-honoured question returns - Should you upgrade?

PS4 vs PS5: A Detailed Comparison

To answer the question PS4 vs PS5, let us quickly look at how the basic specs of these two gaming giants are different.

Particulars

PS4

PS5

CPU

8-core AMD Jaguar at 1.6 GHz

8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.5 GHz

GPU

1.84 TFLOPs, 18 Compute Units

10.28 TFLOPs, 36 Compute Units (RDNA 2)

RAM

8GB GDDR5

16GB GDDR6

Storage

500GB HDD

825GB Custom SSD

Resolution

Up to 1080p

Up to 4K (8K supported)

Frame Rate

Typically up to 30fps

Up to 60fps or higher

Graphics Features

Basic rendering

Ray tracing, HDR, and advanced visual effects

Audio

Standard stereo/5.1

Tempest 3D AudioTech

Load Times

Slower (HDD-based)

Ultra-fast (SSD-based)

Controller

DualShock 4

DualSense with haptics & adaptive triggers

Games: PS4 vs PS5 Game Library

The true success of any gaming console highly depends on its game line-up. Both PS4 and PS5 consoles are strong contenders in this category.
PS4’s decades of presence offer an unmatched catalogue, including exclusives like God of War, Bloodborne, and Persona 5. It also has many independent and third-party games. While new releases have slowed, the collection is still large. 

PS5 offers next generation exclusives like Returnal, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2. It also works with most PS4 titles from the past. This gives players an elevated gaming experience with better speed, graphics, and gameplay.

Pros and Cons

Every console has its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these nuances might help gamers make more informed buying decisions.

Category

PS4 – Pros

PS4 – Cons

PS5 – Pros

PS5 – Cons

Game Library

Vast gaming library with multiple exclusive titles

Weak initial line up during launch

Growing library, includes enhanced PS4 games

Initially limited number of must-have exclusives

Affordability

Older model, hence budget friendly.

—-

—--

Expensive and less budget-friendly

Performance

Solid for 1080p gaming

Aging hardware, limited to 1080p for games

True 4K graphics.

Ray tracing

120Hz refresh rate

High-performance hardware = high cost

Backward Compatibility

—--

No native support for PS3, PS2, or PS1

Supports most PS4 titles with performance improvements

Older titles from PS1–PS3 still unsupported

Online Gaming

PlayStation Plus offers online multiplayer and monthly free games

Requires PS Plus subscription

Same PlayStation Plus model

Same subscription requirement

Availability

Widely available in all markets

  —----

Improved global availability over time

Still faces demand and restock issues in some regions

Want to dive deeper into the PS4 library? Explore the 10 Best PS4 Games to Play in 2025 for some of the top titles still worth playing today.

Which One Should You Buy?

Based on the comparison, you must identify your gaming needs first. 

Choose PS5 if you are looking to access next-gen exclusives, while still having PS4 compatibility. If speed, load time and 4K graphics for an immersive gaming experience are a preference, then PS5 is for you.  It has been sold 74.15 million times as of February 2025. It is now selling 4% quicker than the PS4 did at the same time. 

Still, the PS4 continues its reign in terms of popularity. With over 117 million having been sold since it came out, it costs less and still offers a superlative gaming experience. If you are on a tight budget and still want a good game, pick the PlayStation 4. 

Both are good choices, but the PS5 is better for those looking to stay abreast with the latest in the exciting world of PlayStation.

Here’s why the PS4 is still a great choice in 2025 if you want to know more about its lasting popularity and value.

Conclusion

Selecting between PlayStation 4 vs PlayStation 5 is a strategic decision just like your gameplay! We at GamerZone UAE are here to help you make an informed decision based on your gaming needs. We deliver the best PlayStation experience to your doorstep. While the PS5 is best for faster speeds, better graphics, and newer features, the PS4 is still good for beginners and budget gamers. Explore the latest tech, accessories, and game titles today with us!

Curious how the PlayStation journey began and evolved? Take a look at the complete evolution from PS1 to PS5.

FAQs

1. Can I quickly transfer data saved on my PS4 to my PS5?

Yes, you may transfer by LAN cable, Wi-Fi, USB, or cloud save (PlayStation Plus required), making the switch from PS4 to PS5 easy and simple.

2. Are there any PS5-exclusive titles that will not run on the PS4?

Yes, titles like Returnal, Demon's Souls Remake, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart are exclusive to PS5. These are not available on PS4 owing to hardware requirements.

If you’re curious about the best games available for each console, check out our lists of top PS5 games and best PS4 games.

3. Is the PS5 backward compatible with all PlayStation 4 digital and disc-based games?

Some PS4 games do not work on PS5, but most do, both digitally and on disc. Always refer to Sony's official backward compatibility list.