The way next-generation consoles are named can be a bit confusing for some consumers. Figuring out which gaming console is right for you or what you currently own can become a guessing game.
Like the PlayStation 4, for instance, how many PS4 models are currently out there?
For the record, Sony has released three separate models of the PS4, adding improvements to the hardware and software with each release. If you own a PlayStation 4 and aren’t sure exactly what model you have and how it differs from the others, this article can help.
Or perhaps you are looking to purchase a PS4 and wanted to know how to distinguish the original PS4, the PS4 Slim, and the PS4 Pro from each other. Whatever reason brought you here, you will likely find the information you need within this guide.
What is the PlayStation 4?
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a video game console released by Sony in 2013. It is the successor to the PlayStation 3 (PS3) and bears significant improvement in graphics, processing power, and online functionality.
One of the major differences between the PS4 and the PS3 is the use of AMD processors, which provide a more powerful and efficient gaming experience. The PS4 also has a larger hard drive and improved controllers, allowing for a more immersive gameplay experience.
In terms of online capabilities, the PS4 has a revamped version of the Playstation Network. This allows easier access to multiplayer games, streaming services, and downloadable content. It also introduced the ability to share gameplay footage and streams through social media platforms.
The PS4 has a strong lineup of exclusive games, including popular franchises such as God of War, Uncharted, and The Last of Us. It also has a robust library of third-party games and supports backward compatibility with some PS3 games.
Overall, the PlayStation 4 is a significant upgrade from the PlayStation 3 and has cemented itself as a dominant player in the video game console market.
Now let’s take a closer look at the different PS4 models, their specs, differences, pros, and cons.
The Different PS4 Models
1. PS4 (Original Playstation 4)
The original PS4 model, simply called the PS4, was released in 2013. It has a rectangular design with a glossy finish on the top half and a matte finish on the bottom half. The dimensions of the PS4 are approximately 12.0 x 10.8 x 2.1 inches, and it weighs about 6.1 pounds.
The PS4 has a 1.6 GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar processor, 8 GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1.84 TFLOPS AMD Radeon graphics processor. It comes with a 500 GB hard drive, which can be upgraded to a larger capacity if desired.
The PS4 has two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a digital audio output port. It also has Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi connectivity.
One of the standout features of the PS4 is its ability to play games in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. It also has a feature called “Remote Play,” which allows users to stream their games to a PlayStation Vita handheld console or a Sony Xperia smartphone or tablet.
Pros:
- The original PS4 is the most affordable option ($249–$299), making it a good choice for those on a budget.
- The PS4 has good specs for its time and can play games at high resolutions and frame rates.
- The Remote Play feature is a convenient way to play games on the go or on a second screen.
Cons:
- The original PS4 model does not support 4K resolution or HDR, which limits its ability to take advantage of newer TVs with these capabilities.
- The console has limited storage space, making it necessary to purchase external hard drives for additional storage.
- The original PS4 has been discontinued, which means you might have a hard time finding an unopened PS4.
2. PS4 Slim
The PS4 Slim is a revised version of the original PS4 released in 2016. It has a similar design to the original PS4, but it is smaller and lighter, with dimensions of approximately 11.3 x 10.4 x 1.5 inches and a weighs about 4.6 pounds.
The PS4 Slim has the same specs as the original PS4, including the 1.6 GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar processor, 8 GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1.84 TFLOPS AMD Radeon graphics processor.
The original PS4 Slim release had the same 500 GB hard drive and connectivity options, including two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a digital audio output port. But a mere two weeks after it came out of the market, Sony rolled out a second version with a 1 TB hard drive.
One of the main differences between the PS4 and the PS4 Slim is that the Slim model supports HDR, which allows for more vibrant and accurate colors in games and movies. It does not, however, support 4K resolution.
Pros:
- The PS4 Slim is smaller and lighter than the original PS4, making it easier to store and transport.
- It supports HDR, which enhances the visual quality of games and movies.
- The PS4 Slim with a 1TB hard drive offers double the storage over the original PS4.
Cons:
- The PS4 Slim does not support 4K resolution, which may be a drawback for users with TVs that support 4K.
- The PS4 Slim offers no significant performance improvements over the original PS4.
- It is not compatible with the PlayStation VR headset.
- The PS4 Slim has a higher price tag at around $349 for the 500GB and $399-450 for the 1TB version.
3. PS4 Pro
The PS4 Pro is a more powerful version of the PS4, which was also released in 2016. It has a similar design to the original PS4, but it is slightly larger and heavier, with dimensions of approximately 12.8 x 11.6 x 2.1 inches and a weight of about 7.2 pounds.
The PS4 Pro has more advanced specs than the original PS4, including a 2.1 GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar processor, 8 GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 4.2 TFLOPS AMD Radeon graphics processor. The PS4 Pro also has a 1 TB hard drive and the same connectivity options as the original PS4, including two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a digital audio output port.
One of the main differences between the PS4 Pro as compared with the other two models is that it supports 4K resolution and HDR. This allows even more vibrant and accurate colors in games and movies. It also has improved graphics performance, allowing for better visuals and more seamless gameplay.
In addition, the PS4 Pro can support the PlayStation VR headset for virtual reality gaming experiences.
Pros:
- The PS4 Pro is the most powerful version of the console, with improved graphics and faster loading times.
- It supports 4K resolution and HDR, allowing players to experience games in the highest visual quality.
- The PS4 Pro has a larger storage capacity than the other two versions, with a 1TB hard drive.
Cons:
- The PS4 Pro is the most expensive option ($349-500), making it less accessible for some players.
- Some games may not fully utilize the capabilities of the PS4 Pro, making the investment less worthwhile.
- It is larger and heavier than the other two versions, making it more difficult to transport.
- It can be hard to get your hands on the PS4 Pro due to limited inventory/availability. This could mean paying a higher price to resellers, sometimes.
How Can You Tell Which Playstation 4 Model You Own?
There are a few different ways you can tell which PS4 model you own:
1. Look at the Model Number
On the back of your PS4, there should be a label with a model number. This will be a series of letters and numbers that will tell you which model you have. Here are the specific model numbers you can find for each model:
- PS4 Original – CUH-1000, CUH-1100, and CUH-1200
- PS4 Slim – CUH-2000, CUH-2100, and CUH-2200
- PS4 Pro – CUH-7000, CUH-7100, and CUH-7200
2. Check the Shape of the Console
The original PS4 has a flat, rectangular shape, while the PS4 Pro is slightly larger with a more angled design. The PS4 Slim, on the other hand, has a smaller and slimmer footprint than the other two models. If you’re unsure which model you have, check out these pictures for comparison:
PS4 Original
The original PS4 has two equally sized sections and a line down the near middle of the console.
PS4 Slim
The PS4 Slim has two sections, but the upper section with the Sony Playstation logo on top and a PS4 logo on the edge is thinner than the lower section. There is no line down the middle of the console.
PS4 Pro
The PS4 Pro has three equally sized sections, layered one on top of the other. There is no line running down the middle of the console.
3. Check the Features
The PS4 Pro has a few features that the original PS4 doesn’t have, such as 4K resolution and HDR support. If you’re unsure which model you have, you can try using these features to see if they work on your console.
4. Check the Packaging
If you still have the original packaging for your PS4, you can check the box for a model number or other identifying information. This can help you determine with certainty which model you have.
The Different PS4 Models, Defined!
We hope you find this guide for distinguishing each model of the PS4 game console useful.
In case you’ll find any issues with your PS4, we have several articles that provide answers to various troubleshooting queries such as:
- Your PS4 or PS5 is having trouble connecting to a Wi-Fi network;
- Your console is stuck on rest mode and blinking orange light;
- You experience a software update error;
- And, many other issues.
Have fun gaming!
