🎮 Is the PS5 Better Than the PS4? A Complete Comparison (2025)

With the PlayStation 5 firmly established in the gaming world, many gamers still wonder:

Is the PS5 really better than the PS4?
And more importantly—should you upgrade?

Whether you’ve been holding onto your trusty PS4 or you’re new to the PlayStation ecosystem, this guide compares the PS5 vs. PS4 in terms of performance, graphics, games, controller, and overall value.

🕹️ Quick Overview: PS5 vs PS4

Feature PS5 PS4
Release Year 2020 2013
Resolution 4K @ 120Hz 1080p (up to 4K upscaled)
Storage 825GB SSD 500GB / 1TB HDD
Load Times Ultra-fast (SSD) Slower (HDD)
Controller DualSense DualShock 4
Backward Compatible Yes (most PS4 games) No
Price (New) ~$499 ~$299 (used/refurbished only)

🚀 1. Performance & Graphics

The PS5’s custom SSD delivers blazing-fast load times, making games feel smoother and more immersive. It also supports native 4K gaming with up to 120 FPS, ray tracing, and HDR for stunning visuals.

The PS4, while solid in its time, runs most games at 1080p with longer load times and limited effects.

✅ Winner: PS5

The difference in speed and visual quality is like night and day. Open-world games load instantly, and graphics are noticeably more detailed.

🎮 2. Game Library

  • PS5 plays nearly all PS4 games thanks to backward compatibility.

  • New PS5 exclusives are not available on PS4, including:

    • Spider-Man 2

    • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

    • Demon’s Souls Remake

    • Final Fantasy XVI

✅ Winner: PS5

You get everything from PS4 plus the future of gaming. If you’re buying new games in 2025, they’re made for PS5’s hardware.

🧩 3. Controller: DualSense vs DualShock 4

The DualSense controller is one of PS5’s biggest innovations, with:

  • Adaptive triggers (feel tension in a bowstring, recoil, etc.)

  • Haptic feedback (fine-tuned vibrations)

  • Built-in mic & speaker

  • Improved ergonomic design

The PS4’s DualShock 4 is good, but not nearly as immersive.

✅ Winner: PS5 DualSense

💾 4. Storage & Speed

PS5’s 825GB SSD is lightning-fast. You’ll notice:

  • Instant game boot-ups

  • Seamless fast travel

  • No stutter in open-world games

The PS4’s mechanical HDD feels outdated in comparison.

✅ Winner: PS5

💡 5. Backward Compatibility

  • PS5 supports almost all PS4 games.

  • Some games even get performance boosts on PS5.

  • Your digital library, saves, and PS Plus games carry over.

The PS4 can’t play PS5 titles, so you’re missing out on all future releases.

✅ Winner: PS5

💰 6. Is PS5 Worth the Price?

Yes. While the PS4 may be cheaper, it’s nearing the end of its support cycle. Developers are no longer optimizing for PS4 in 2025.

If you want long-term value, better graphics, and a growing game library—the PS5 is clearly the better investment.

🛒 Buy the PlayStation 5  

🔚 Final Verdict: Is PS5 Better Than PS4?

Category Winner
Graphics & Performance PS5
Game Library PS5
Controller Experience PS5
Storage & Load Speed PS5
Long-term Support PS5
Budget-Friendly Option PS4 (barely)

👉 Yes—PS5 is hands down better than the PS4 in every important way. If you’re still on the fence in 2025, now is the perfect time to upgrade.

Want to compare the PS5 to Xbox or the upcoming PS6?
Check out our other blogs or explore game-ready gear at GAMELOOPX where retro and modern gaming come together—with no shipping fees worldwide!