Xbox Series S Vs PS4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Xbox Series S & PlayStation 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Xbox Series S rather than the PlayStation 4. 

Why Do I Recommend The Xbox Series S

  • The Xbox Series S has a powerful AMD Zen 2 CPU with a 3.6 GHz clock speed, delivering faster performance, smoother gameplay, and improved multitasking compared to the PlayStation 4’s older AMD Jaguar CPU at 1.6 GHz.
  • Xbox Series S features a superior RDNA 2 GPU with 4 TFLOPS of power for higher frame rates, enhanced visuals, and ray tracing support, compared to the PlayStation 4’s 1.84 TFLOPS GCN GPU.
  • It includes a high-speed 512GB NVMe SSD for providing dramatically faster load times, quicker game launches, and improved system responsiveness compared to the PlayStation 4’s traditional HDD.
  • The Xbox Series S supports 1440p resolution at up to 120fps for sharper visuals and smoother gameplay in competitive titles, whereas the PlayStation 4 is limited to 1080p at 60fps.
  • Xbox Series S includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for delivering immersive, spatial audio for a more cinematic gaming experience, whereas the PlayStation 4 lacks Dolby Atmos support.
  • It offers extensive backward compatibility with Xbox One, Xbox 360, and select original Xbox games to a larger library of older titles, compared to the PlayStation 4’s limited backward compatibility.
  • The Xbox Series S is integrated with Xbox Game Pass for providing access to a vast library of high-quality games for a low monthly fee, while the PlayStation 4’s PlayStation Plus has a smaller game catalog.
  • The Xbox Series S is designed with a compact, modern chassis that is smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient to fit into tight spaces and reduce power consumption than the PlayStation 4.

Maybe the PlayStation 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Xbox Series S. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureXbox Series SPlayStation 4
Performance (GPU Power)4 TFLOPS (RDNA 2 GPU)1.84 TFLOPS (GCN GPU)
CPU8-Core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.6 GHz8-Core AMD Jaguar @ 1.6 GHz
GPU Clock Speed1.565 GHz (RDNA 2)800 MHz (GCN)
RAM10GB GDDR68GB GDDR5
Storage Type512GB NVMe SSD500GB HDD
Load TimesMuch fasterSlower
Resolution SupportUp to 1440p at 120fpsUp to 1080p at 60fps
Ray Tracing SupportYesNo
Backward CompatibilityExtensiveLimited
Game LibrarySupports newer-gen titlesSupports PS4 titles only
Disk DriveDigital-onlyBlu-ray Disc Drive
ControllerXbox Wireless ControllerDualShock 4
Cloud Gaming SupportYesLimited
Game SubscriptionXbox Game PassPlayStation Plus
Energy EfficiencyMore energy-efficientHigher power consumption
Wi-Fi SupportWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 4
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 2.1
USB Ports3x USB 3.1 ports2x USB 3.0 ports
Audio OutputDolby Atmos, DTS:X supportDolby Digital 5.1, DTS-HD
HDMI PortHDMI 2.1HDMI 1.4
Power Consumption74W average140W average
Form Factor/DesignCompactLarger
Weight1.93 kg2.8 kg
Release Year20202013
PriceCheck Series S PriceCheck PS4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Gaming Focus: Both consoles are designed with gaming as their primary focus, delivering immersive gameplay experiences through powerful hardware.
  • Controller Support: Each console supports wireless controllers, allowing freedom of movement and comfortable gaming setups.
  • Multiplayer & Online Gaming: Both consoles provide access to robust multiplayer experiences through their respective services — Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.
  • Cloud Gaming Services: While Xbox Cloud Gaming offers wider support, PlayStation Now still allows for cloud-based access to select titles.
  • Digital Game Purchases: Both Xbox Series S and PS4 allow you to purchase, download, and store games digitally without relying on physical discs.
  • Streaming Services & Media Support: Both consoles integrate popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube for versatile media consumption.
  • Gameplay Capture & Sharing: Both devices allow users to record gameplay clips, take screenshots, and share content with friends or social media.
  • Parental Controls: Both platforms offer strong parental control systems to manage content access and ensure child safety.
  • HDR Support: Both consoles offer HDR (High Dynamic Range), enhancing color depth and visual quality in supported games and media.
  • Audio Output Support: Both devices include Dolby Digital and DTS support for immersive surround sound experiences.
  • Bluetooth Support: Both devices use Bluetooth technology to connect wireless controllers and other accessories.
  • USB & Ethernet Support: Both consoles feature USB 3.0 ports and Ethernet connectivity for fast, stable internet connections.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both support Wi-Fi networks for wireless internet access.
  • Voice Control Support: Each console can be integrated with smart home systems or accessories like Alexa, Google Assistant, or PlayStation Camera for voice control functions.
  • Cross-Platform Play: Popular multiplayer games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Rocket League support cross-play, allowing players on both platforms to compete or cooperate.
  • Media Playback Capabilities: Both consoles enable media streaming in 4K resolution through various apps, providing entertainment outside gaming.
  • Remote Play: Both systems allow remote gameplay on compatible devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
  • Digital-Only Game Support: Both consoles offer flexibility in building digital game libraries for those who prefer downloading games rather than using discs.

Common Features

FeatureXbox Series SPlayStation 4
Brand EcosystemMicrosoft XboxSony PlayStation
Gaming FocusDedicated gaming consoleDedicated gaming console
Game ControllerWireless controller supportWireless controller support
Multiplayer SupportOnline multiplayer via Xbox LiveOnline multiplayer via PlayStation Network
Digital Game PurchasesYesYes
Streaming ServicesNetflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc.Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc.
Game Recording & SharingSupports gameplay capture & sharingSupports gameplay capture & sharing
Parental ControlsAvailable for restricting contentAvailable for restricting content
HDR SupportYesYes
Audio Output SupportDolby Digital, DTS supportDolby Digital, DTS support
Bluetooth SupportYesYes
USB SupportYesYes
Ethernet PortYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Voice Control SupportYesYes
Cross-Platform PlayYesYes
Media PlaybackSupports 4K streaming appsSupports 4K streaming apps
Remote PlayYesYes
Digital-Only Game SupportYesYes
Price Check Series S Price Check PS4 Price

FAQ

Does the Xbox Series S have better graphics than the PlayStation 4?
Yes, the Xbox Series S offers better graphics with support for ray tracing, higher resolutions (up to 1440p), and improved frame rates (up to 120fps). The PS4 is limited to 1080p at 60fps without ray tracing support.

Which console has better backward compatibility?
The Xbox Series S has extensive backward compatibility, supporting Xbox One, Xbox 360, and some original Xbox games. The PlayStation 4 has limited backward compatibility, offering select PS2 and PS1 titles via the PlayStation Store.

Does the Xbox Series S or PlayStation 4 have better load times?
The Xbox Series S features a high-speed NVMe SSD that drastically reduces load times. The PlayStation 4 relies on a slower HDD, making load times significantly longer in comparison.

Which console has better online services?
The Xbox Series S has Xbox Game Pass, which provides a vast library of games with cloud gaming support. The PlayStation 4 offers PlayStation Plus, but its library is smaller, and PS Now (Sony’s cloud gaming service) is less robust than Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Can the Xbox Series S or PlayStation 4 play physical discs?
The PlayStation 4 includes a Blu-ray disc drive for playing physical games and media. The Xbox Series S is a digital-only console and does not support discs.

Which console has better storage capacity?
The Xbox Series S comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, while the PlayStation 4 typically offers 500GB or 1TB HDD options. Although the PS4 has more storage in some models, the SSD in the Series S ensures faster performance.

Do both consoles support 4K media streaming?
Yes, both the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 4 support 4K streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. However, the Xbox Series S also includes HDMI 2.1 support for improved visuals on compatible displays.

Which console is more compact and lightweight?
The Xbox Series S is significantly smaller and lighter than the PlayStation 4, with a more modern and compact design ideal for tighter spaces.

Does either console offer Dolby Atmos support?
The Xbox Series S supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for superior audio quality in supported games and media. The PlayStation 4 does not support Dolby Atmos but offers Dolby Digital and DTS-HD.

Can I use my old controllers with the Xbox Series S or PlayStation 4?
The Xbox Series S supports Xbox One controllers, while the PlayStation 4 is compatible with DualShock 4 controllers. However, PS4 controllers are not natively compatible with PS5 games.

Which console is better for casual gamers?
The Xbox Series S is generally better for casual gamers due to its lower price point, extensive Game Pass library, and faster performance. The PlayStation 4 remains a solid choice for those seeking a wide selection of older PlayStation titles.

Can I expand storage on the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 4?
Yes, both consoles support storage expansion. The Xbox Series S uses proprietary expansion cards for seamless SSD upgrades, while the PlayStation 4 allows USB external drives for increased storage.

Which console is better for competitive gaming?
The Xbox Series S has the edge for competitive gaming due to faster load times, higher frame rates (up to 120fps), and improved input latency. The PlayStation 4, while capable, is less optimized for these performance enhancements.

Which console offers better value for money?
The Xbox Series S generally offers better value for its performance, Game Pass subscription model, and modern hardware features. The PlayStation 4 may still be worthwhile for those invested in Sony’s exclusive games or physical media collections.

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