The topic - PS5 vs PS5 digital, is heatedly discussed recently. The opinion varies according to different gamers. In this post, MiniTool would introduce them respectively and analyze the main differences between them. You can make a choice after reading the post.
The PS5 comes with two models: PS5 (disc) and PS5 digital. Which one to pick? If you want to select a suitable one, you should have an overall understanding of them and learn the differences between them.
An Overview of PS5 Disc Edition
PS5 standard edition is the traditional disc edition. It contains a disc drive. With this drive, you can add previous games to the new console easily. Besides, it includes a 4K Blu-ray player. This feature is actually an added bonus for home movie lovers.
Also read: How Much Storage Does the PS5 Have & How to Increase Space
An Overview of PS5 Digital Edition
PS5 digital edition is something new for Sony. As implied by its name, it refers to a PlayStation without a disc drive. Given to that fact, the PS5 digital edition is slightly slimmer towards the base.
PS5 vs PS5 Digital
Release Date
On November 12, 2020, PS5 (both the disc and digital editions) are released in select territories (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, North America, and South Korea). Then Sony released PS5 for the rest of the world on November 19, 2020. Now, both of the PS5 versions are available in the worldwide.
Specs
Both the PS5 disc and PS5 digital edition have the same storage space. PS5 digital vs disc on specs, the main differences between them are their weight, dimensions, the capability to play physical discs, and the 4K Blu-ray player.
Here, we summarize the differences on PS5 vs PS5 digital edition specs in a table so that you can have an intuitive view.
| PS5 Disc Edition | PS5 Digital Edition | |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Zen 2 | AMD Ryzen Zen 2 |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine with ray tracing acceleration | AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine with ray tracing acceleration |
| SSD | 825GB with 5.5GB/s read bandwidth | 825GB with 5.5GB/s read bandwidth |
| Optical Drive | Ultra HD Blu-ray | None |
| Power | 350W | 340W |
| 4K | Yes | No |
| Dimension | 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 inches | 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 inches |
| Weight | 9.9 pounds/4.5kg | 8.6 pounds/3.9kg |
Backward Compatibility
The two PS5 consoles support backwards compatible games bought from the PlayStation Store. At present, all except nine PS4 games are backward compatible with the PS5. The GameBoost feature on the two PS5 editions will improve the game performance.
If you possess the PS4 games on discs, place them into the PS5 disc console and play them freely. If the PS4 games are on disc and you get the PS5 digital edition console, you can’t play them unless you buy the PS4 digital game copies.
If you have the most of your PS4 games in digital copies, you can purchase either PS5 edition console and play the games without extra cost.
Recommended reading: PS5 Backwards Compatibility PS3/PS2/PS4/PS1/PSP/PS Vista?
Design
Both the PS5 disc and PS5 digital editions have the same distinctive design elements – a high and white-collared shell that’s separated from the black body of the unit through the finned gaps to boost ventilation. They both have a sculpted and sci-fi look.
Compared with the PS5 disc edition, the PS5 digital edition is more fashionable as it doesn’t have the disc slot.
Price
The official price of the PS5 disc edition is $499.99/£449.99/AU$749.95, while the PS5 digital edition is $399.99/£359.99/AU$599.95. Though the gap is not huge, it makes a difference.
Besides, you should also note that the PS5 digital edition doesn’t include a disc drive. It means that you can’t play physical media like PS5 and PS4 game discs, DVDs, and 4K UHD Blu-ray movies on it.
However, there are no differences in performance or power between the PS5 and PS5 digital edition.
Bottom Line
PS5 vs PS5 digital edition: Which one is better? You may have the answer now. There’s no absolute answer. You just need to pick one according to your demand and preference.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Having writing articles about computer tech for a long time, I am rather experienced especially on the aspect of computer optimization, PC enhancement, as well as tech terms explanation. The habit of looking through tech forums makes me a great computer issues collector. And then, many articles related to these issues are released, which benefit plenty of users. Professional, effective, and innovative are always the pursuit of an editing worker.