REVIEW OVERVIEW
Overall
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Design - 89%
89%
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Performance - 92%
92%
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Features - 87%
87%
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Value for Money - 89%
89%
This Sony’s PlayStation 5 review aims to discuss if the new PS5 is worth buying. For many gamers, the PlayStation brand is known with quality and a positive experience – a well-earned reputation. But is this reputation justified?
Overview – PlayStation 5 Review
Sony, the pioneering leader in the technology segment, is back again with another gaming giant, the PlayStation 5. Sony has consistently brought out innovations; from the stunning graphics to top-notch games, the PlayStation 5 is stacked with the gaming industry’s best.
Being every gamer fanatic’s favourite accessory, PlayStation has successfully carved its niche in the segment. Another remarkable thing is the continual gaming advancements that Sony offers.
The new PS5 is packed with all that you can imagine for unbelievably good gameplay from the best-in-class brand. If you are willing to buy one, then you would want to go through this PlayStation 5 review.
Pros
- Excellent graphical display,
- Swift and power-packed performance,
- Quick loading and response time,
- Iconic and elegant design,
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Games with higher intensiveness can drain the battery,
- Limited storage accessibility for the user,
- No inclusion of Dolby Vision or Atmos.
Design
Ditching the typical single shell design, the PlayStation 5 is made using four discrete pieces. In addition to this, the surface is glossy alongside a smooth texture that gives it a stylish look. What strikes the most is the black case that is fitted in between twisted pairs of plastic plates. These are white-coloured with a matte finish supported by a stand that is detachable as well. Another eye-catching part of the design is the way the plastic plates cover around the edges.
Furthermore, there is a black stripe on the frontal side of the flappy and sagging plastic edges. Yet, the integration of asymmetrical curves in the build-up makes it look like a vintage cassette. You cannot place anything on top of PlayStation 5, all thanks to its innovative architecture. Even stacking a single controller on the topmost surface is not feasible. Such functional design helps keep the machine cooler so that it functions appropriately and prevents overheating. Above and beyond, the 3-dimensional puzzle inspired structure of PlayStation is a treat to watch. When positioned vertically, the length is around 40cm. On the other hand, the horizontal length of this gaming giant stands at 11cm.
The highlight of PlayStation is the DualSense controller that features a perfectly polished surface. On top of that, there are ergonomically designed buttons along with thumbsticks. However, the cherry on the top is the touchpad that works more like an accelerometer. Not only this, but there is also an in-built microphone and a speaker that boosts the haptic sensations to a level higher.
Display
Coming onto the display, it has 4K compatibility that is four times superior to the standard 1080p high definition. All the consoles of PlayStation 5 have HDR as well as 4K 120 Hz capabilities. However, the image quality and vividness would depend upon your set-up of the home entertainment system. Other than this, it supports the HDMI 2.1 integrations. To take a step further, the PlayStation 5 boots up in the HDR from the very beginning. So you will get to see everything in HDR, from media apps to non-HDR content as well.
A significant change that the gamers are going to witness is the user-friendly UI system in PlayStation 5. With the help of this, you can discover a row of available or installed games together with a separate tab of streaming apps. Further, when you scroll down the gaming hub, there are particular activities, news, and game models. You can launch these from the home screen directly.
Additionally, an explore menu displays the official updates and trending news straight from Sony and the developers. For accessing the diversified system tools and notifications, there is a control centre. Through this, you can check your friends’ online status, game downloads, and control music. Similarly, the control centre allows you to manage the settings for the controller and the console.
Besides, a new card series is also given that comprises the fundamental part of the gamer’s interface. The cards are of high utility for the user. Another option provided in the row of individual cards is activities linking to particular gameplay. While playing a game, you can quickly analyse the level of a specific mode and finishing time.
Performance and Battery Life
Sony’s PlayStation 5 comes loaded with an Octa-core central processor of AMD Ryzen Zen 2. For boosting the overall performance, it also has a Radeon GPU based on RDNA 2. Besides these, you will get to experience the power of 10.3 teraflops. The gamers can utilize 16GB of GDDR6 RAM. The highlight of this gaming equipment is the solid-state drive comprising of 825GB that deliver an impressive speed of 5.5GB/s. The processing unit offers the fastest ever loading as well as response times.
Despite the capacity of 825GB of the internal SSD, you can only use 667GB out of it. A new addition in the PlayStation 5 that you will witness is the ray-tracing abilities of the console. Thus, the consoler can trace the light within the gameplay with high accuracy to present the reflections. On top of that, it also delivers excellent lens flare and amazing graphics that enhance the overall gaming.
Arriving with dual graphics mode, the PlayStation 5 supports 2160p and 60fps that work well with the 4K HDR televisions. The former one supports the ray tracing, vivid lighting, and additional visual effects at 30fps only. Likewise, the latter one reaches the 4K but dynamically customizes the resolution as per the scene. By dropping the ray-tracing capability, it reaches stability of 60fps. Apart from this, the icing on the cake is the media playback that PlayStation 5 offers.
With the inclusion of a 4K Blu-ray player for the first-ever time, you can take your gaming to a level higher. On another note, it can also spin the UHD discs efficiently. Above all, the controller possesses a rechargeable battery that is comparatively larger than the preceding DualShock. A significant part about the battery is that it lasts longer for up to 12 hours of playtime. Note here is that the battery life depends upon the game’s intensiveness that you play.
Features
- An SSD with ultra-high-speed for swift streaming
- AMD GPU that supports 4K resolutions at up 120fps
- Hardware-augmented ray tracing for realistic reflections and lighting
- 3D audio effects alongside backward compatibility
- Custom I/O integration of the console system
- HDR television support to relish the vibrant graphics
- HDMI 2.1 support for the 8K displays
- Exceptional immersion with the adaptive triggers
- DualSense wireless controller for great haptic feedback
- In-built microphone with highly-functional buttons
- 4K UHD Blu-ray integration for more giant screens
- Stream the content in 4K using the reinforced apps on the television
- Content creation and sharing straight from the gameplay.
Specifications
| CPU | X86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen Octa-core |
| Interface | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Internal Storage | Custom SSD of 825GB |
| GPU | Ray Tracing Acceleration of up to 2.23 GHz |
| GPU Architecture | AMD Radeon graphics engine is driven by RDNA 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 444GB/s |
| External Storage | USB HDD Support |
| Expandable Storage | NVMe SSD Slot |
| IO | 5.5GB/s, Typical 8-9GB/s |
| Game Disc | Ultra HD Blu-ray support for up to 100GB/disc |
| Video Out Port | HDMI with 4K 120HZ support with VRR (HDMI 2.1) |
| Dimensions | PS5: 390mm x 104mm x 260m |
| Weight | PS5: 4.5kg |
| Power | PS5: 350 W |
PlayStation 5 Review Buying Guide
How much does a PlayStation 5 cost?
The cost of a PlayStation 5 is around $499.99 in the US and £449 in the UK for the standard editions. However, for the digital edition, you will have to pay $399.99/£349.99. On top of that, you will be getting the following accessories in the box:
- Console,
- Dual-Sense wireless controller,
- USB Type-C to Type-A cable for charging the controller,
- HDMI cable,
- AC power cord,
- The base for orienting the console either in the vertical or horizontal position,
- Instruction and safety guide.
PlayStation 5 available series
The PlayStation 5 is the very fifth edition of the trendy gaming gear by Sony. Besides, it is also the successor to the PlayStation versions 1-4. In particular, there are two versions of the PlayStation 5; standard as well as digital.
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
The previous review is for the standard edition of the PlayStation 5. On the other hand, the digital version also features the same specifications except for the weight, power, and dimensions.
| Dimensions | 390mm x 92mm x 260mm |
| Weight | 3.9Kg |
| Power | 340W |
Other than these, another significant difference is the disc. For performance enhancements, the console of the standard version has the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive. Though the digital version does not have this feature, it is slightly lightweight compared to the former. Except for this, all the integrations are the digital performance identical to the standard one.
What to consider before buying PlayStation 5?
If you will buy the PlayStation 5, then the foremost factor to look for is the performance. Apart from this, you must access the quality of the construction and looks. It is vital to check the necessary specifications such as storage, CPU, GPU, display, audio, and additional integrations on top of these.
Further, the immersive graphics and the ray tracing technology are the other noticeable factors to consider. Do not forget to check whether the PlayStation 5 supports your favourite games or not. Above all, analyse the compatibility of the same in terms of more giant screens.
How to maintain the PlayStation 5?
To get the most out of your PlayStation 5, you must follow the below-mentioned maintenance tips:
- In case if the PlayStation 5 begins to overheat, turn it off and wait till the temperatures get down to neutral
- Clean your PlayStation 5 and its accessories regularly using a soft and dry cloth to remove all the dirt
- Do not place it in an enclosed area and avoid blocking the fan
- Make sure that there is enough space between the console and the wall
- Please do not put a cloth over the console as it blocks the much-needed ventilation.
Are there any similar options available in the segment other than the PlayStation 5?
Yes, but not close to what PS5 can offer. In place of the PlayStation 5, you can consider buying any of the following gaming consoles:
- Nintendo Switch,
- Amazon Luna,
- Google Stadia,
- SNES Classic.
FAQ – PlayStation 5 Review
Is PlayStation 5 worth buying?
If you are a gaming enthusiast, then the PS5 is the ultimate accessory for you. From enthralling graphics to futuristic integrations, it has it all. Yet the brownie points will go to the inclusion of a UHD Blu-ray disc drive.
With its help, you can stream the games on more giant screens for an incredible experience. There has been a significant reduction in the loading and response time as well. The ray-tracing feature alongside the 3D audio and microphone makes this console a treat for gamers. What fascinates the eyes is the 3D-driven design that looks unique and elegant at the same time.
Likewise, the GPU is powered by AMD for superior and unmatchable performance. Additionally, the controller haptics and the faster UI are some of the most acceptable functionalities that this console offers. Overall, the PlayStation 5 is an exceptionally engineered combination of style, performance, and power that every gamer should own.
Conclusion: PlayStation 5 Review
There is no denying that PlayStation 5 is one of Sony’s most striking ever consoles to date. Apart from a power-driven performance, it excels in graphics and content streaming as well. After having a look at this PlayStation 5 review, you will crave this gaming hulk. Featuring an elegant and stylish design, it has utilized the best technological advancements that the gaming segment has to offer.
Sony has focused more on providing excellent gameplay to the user, thereby integrating the haptics. To sum it up, this generation of hard-core gamers thrives on versatile consoles.
