Compare Sony PlayStation 3 Slim vs Sony PlayStation 4
In this technical comparison between the Sony PlayStation 3 Slim and the Sony PlayStation 4, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
Choosing between these two Home Consoles models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $299 (at launch) and $399 USD / £349 GBP.
| Specifications |
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim |
Sony PlayStation 4 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Version | September 2009 | November 2013 |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | 3.2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine | 8-core semi-custom AMD Jaguar @ 1.6 GHz |
| GPU | 550 MHz NVIDIA RSX 'Reality Synthesizer | Custom AMD Radeon (GCN 1.1) @ 800 MHz |
| GPU Power | ~230 GFLOPS | 1.84 Teraflops |
| RAM | 256 MB XDR Main RAM / 256 MB GDDR3 VRAM | 8 GB GDDR5 (176 GB/s bandwidth) |
| Storage | 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB, or 320 GB HDD | 500 GB HDD (Standard) / 1 TB (Later models) — User replaceable |
| Expandable | User-replaceable 2.5" SATA Internal HDD | External USB 3.0 Hard Drive support (Added via software update) |
| Disc Drive | 2x Blu-ray / 8x DVD / 24x CD | Standard Blu-ray / DVD drive |
| Video Output | ||
| Resolution | 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p | 1080p (Full HD), 720p, 480p |
| Max FPS | 60 FPS | Up to 60 FPS |
| HDR | No | HDR10 support (Added to all models via Firmware 4.0 in 2016) |
| VRR | No | No |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
| Audio | ||
| Formats | LPCM 7.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD | Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Linear PCM 7.1, Optical Out (S/PDIF) |
| Headphones | Bluetooth or USB headsets (No 3.5mm jack on controller) | 3.5mm jack on controller |
| Connectivity | ||
| HDMI | 1x HDMI 1.3a | 1x HDMI 1.4 out |
| USB | 2x USB 2.0 | 2x USB 3.0 (Front) |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Gigabit | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g | Single-band 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz only) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) | Bluetooth 2.1 (EDR) |
| Services | ||
| Online Multiplayer | PlayStation Network (Free) | PlayStation Plus required |
| Cloud Saves | Available with PlayStation Plus | Included with PS Plus |
| Subscription | PlayStation Plus (Launched in 2010) | PS Plus (Essential, Extra, Premium) |
| Remote Play | Yes (with PSP and PS Vita) | Supported (PS Vita, PC, Mac, Mobile) |
| Controller | ||
| Included | DualShock 3 Wireless Controller | 1x DualShock 4 (V1) |
| Features | Six-axis motion sensing, vibration, internal rechargeable battery | Front touchpad, integrated light bar (hidden from player view), built-in speaker, Mono headset jack, Share button |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward | PS1 Discs (Yes); PS2 Discs (No—removed in this model) | No native disc support for PS1/PS2/PS3; select digital "PS2 Classics" available |
| VR Support | No (though some games supported 3D TV output) | Full support for PlayStation VR (PSVR) |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 11.42" x 2.56" x 11.42" (290 x 65 x 290 mm) | 10.8 x 2.0 x 12.0 inches (275 x 53 x 305 mm) |
| Weight | 7.05 lbs (3.2 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Color | Charcoal Black (Classic Matte) | Jet Black (standard), Glacier White (later) |
| Power | ||
| Consumption | ~75W–100W (Game play); significantly lower than the OG model | 250W Max (External power brick NOT required; internal PSU) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Console, DualShock 3, Mini-USB Cable, AV Multi-out Cable, Power Cord | Console, DualShock 4, Mono earbud headset, HDMI cable, USB charging cable, Power cable |
| Price | $299 (at launch) | $399 USD / £349 GBP |
| Full Details | PlayStation 3 Slim - Full Specifications | PlayStation 4 - Full Specifications |