The PS5 has officially launched in India.
The Xbox Series X is already available in the country.
We compare the 2 consoles to tell you which one is worth your hard-earned money.
The next-gen console war has officially begun in India. While the Xbox Series X launched back in November 2020, the PS5 launched on February 2, 2020. If you missed out on the initial pre-order phase, chances are you could be waiting a while before getting your hands on a next-gen machine. If you are contemplating which console to get, we are here to make that decision process easier. Below is our in-depth comparison of the PS5 vs the Xbox Series X.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Price
Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are priced at Rs 49,990. While the PS5 Digital edition is priced at Rs 39,990, it isn't available in India at launch and there is no official launch date for the console. The Xbox Series S is priced at Rs 34,990.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: CPU and GPU
Both consoles run on a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU (8 cores) and an RDNA 2 GPU with dedicated ray tracing. The PS5 doesn't have locked clock speeds for the CPU and GPU like the Series X. Instead, it has a variable frequency up to 3.5GHz for the CPU and a variable frequency up to 2.23GHz for the GPU. The PS5 will also use something called Smart Delivery which is an AMD technology for its mobile chips where a reduction in power is smartly optimized between the CPU and the GPU, based on the workload.
The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, has the CPU clocked at 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/ SMT). The GPU has 52 CPUs clocked at 1.825 GHz.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: RAM and Storage
The Xbox Series X has 16GB GDDR6 with 320b bus. The RAM is divided into 10GB @ 560 GB/s and 6GB @ 336 GB/s. For the PS5, we have GDDR6 16GB with a 448GB/s Bandwidth.
When it comes to the storage, the PS5 has an 825GB SSD of which 667 is available to the user. The Xbox Series X has a 1TB SSD of which 802GB is available to the user.
When it comes to the speed of the SSD, the Xbox Series X has 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (compressed, with custom hardware decompression block). Sony, on the other hand, has gone with a massive 5.5GB/s Read Bandwidth (Raw) and uncompressed going all the way to 8-9GB/s.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Backwards Compatibility
The PS5 is backwards compatible with PS4 games only. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is backwards compatible with Xbox One, Xbox 360 and some OG Xbox games.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Expandable storage
When it comes to expandable storage, the PS5 supports off the shelf NVMe SSD, but the SSD needs to fulfil minimum criteria. Because of this, the expansion slot is locked and Sony is expected to unlock it in the near future.
The Xbox Series X has a proprietary expansion card which isn't available in India yet. The expansion card is exclusively available from Seagate as of now. But it is expected that other manufacturers will offer the same in the future.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: HDMI 2.1
Both, the PS5 and Xbox Series X support HDMI 2.1 bringing with them features like 4K at 120Hz and ALLM. However, the Xbox Series X supports VRR at launch while the PS5 will get it via a future update.
The Xbox Series X also supports 1440p monitors natively, a feature the PS5 lacks.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Surround sound and visuals
The Xbox Series X supports, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for entertainment apps and game. It also offers auto HDR implementing HDR in games that don't support it natively. The PS5 does not support Dolby Vision. It supports Dolby Atmos for Blu-rays only and does not support it for streaming apps and games. It supports HDR. Sony has also implemented 3D audio which can be experienced by plugging in a pair of headphones into the console's controller. 3D audio support for TV speakers, soundbars and home theatres is expected in the future.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Controller
Xbox has gone with an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it approach." The controller is very reminiscent of the Xbox One controller with some key changes. The D-pad has borrowed the dish like design found on the Elite controller. The triggers and numbers have textures for a more comfortable feel. The controller also has a textured grip. The Xbox Series X controller has been shrunken ever so slightly to fit more hands. The controller also has a share button to capture and share gameplay and photos. Overall, it is very comfortable and ergonomic.
The PS5, on the other hand, has a redesigned DualSense controller. The triggers are called Adaptive Triggers and offer resistance based on the game being played. So, in Dirt 5, you will feel resistance when accelerating on different surfaces. Similarly, in Call of Duty: Cold War, every gun offers a different degree of resistance adding to the immersion of the game.
The DualSense controller also offers haptic feedback. This is a more evolved version of HD rumble found on the Nintendo Switch. Think of it like the trackpad on a Mac. There is no physical click there, but when you click on the trackpad, you get the illusion of a click. This way, the DualSense controller can mimic walking on different services adding to the immersion.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Games
It's no doubt that Sony has a stronger library of exclusive games. Sony has announced games like Horizon: Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarök, Deathloop, Returnal and more on the horizon. Xbox has a smaller library of exclusives but is offering gamers Game Pass. Game Pass is a Netflix like a subscription for games, and you can learn more about it here.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Conclusion
Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are great consoles for what they bring to the table. Sony is offering gamers a revolutionary leap in design of the console, the UI and the controller. Needless to say, the console has a killer line-up of exclusive games. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, has offered a simpler design for the consoles, a familiar feeling controller and an easier access point for gamers with Game Pass. Honestly, whichever one you pick, you won't go wrong. Making the decision easier, go with the console which offers the games you enjoy playing.
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Sameer Mitha
Sameer Mitha lives for gaming and technology is his muse. When he isn’t busy playing with gadgets or video games he delves into the world of fantasy novels. View Full Profile
