Sony PS4 test | The comparison

Sony PS4 test | The comparison

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Right now, the "PS4 Slim" is the PS4 console that you will be able to buy new. It offers the same interiors as the original 4 PS2013, but benefits from a sleeker design. It's still a fantastic console, and we say that knowing full well what the premium capabilities of the 4K-capable PS4 Pro and the new super-powerful PS5 can do.

Many PS4 models have been discontinued since the launch of the PS5, but the PS4 Slim is still available and as Black Friday 2021 and Cyber ​​Monday approach, you may find some very priced PS4 bundles. reasonable in stores. Of course, for the sake of durability and 4K gaming, you'd better try to get yourself a PS5 Black Friday bundle.

Aside from being the smallest PlayStation console on the market, the PS4 Slim is likely to be the most affordable as well. Of course, there are trade-offs - there's no 4K resolution or optical audio output, but if you can work within those limits, the PlayStation 4 Slim offers a lot for your money.

The console's compact size makes the PS4 Slim a better fit in most rooms, and as a bonus, it's quieter and uses less power than the original PlayStation 4.

With all that in mind, is the PlayStation 4 Slim still a console worth buying or is it better for someone who wants to play Sony to go for a PS5? This console offers a huge power boost over the PS4, and while there is a shortage, it will be easier to find than the now-discontinued mid-gen PS4 Pro upgrade.

Overall, the PS5 is the smart money-saving option if you really want to be future-proof for the next few years of PlayStation gaming. Yes, many of the latest versions are released through generations, so if you choose a PS4, you won't be left behind right away. However, some newer games may not keep up with the old hardware. Also, the PS5 is compatible with PS4 games, so you won't miss out on the old catalog.

However, if you really don't like the latest hardware with its 4K bells and whistles and just want a machine that helps you catch up on the PS4's fantastic library of games, then the PS4 Slim is a great option. be right for you. Read on for more detailed ideas about the console.

Sony PS4 (Slim): Quick Answers to Questions

What is the difference between the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro? The PS4 Slim is essentially a slimmer, cheaper, and better-looking version of the original PS4. On the other hand, the PS4 Pro is more premium and can play games in 4K.

If you want to delve into the differences between the two PS4 consoles, check out our individual guide: PS4 Pro vs PS4: What's the difference? However, keep in mind that the PS4 Pro is no longer widely available.

Is the PS4 Slim better than the PS4 Pro? As for the specs, no. The top console is the PS4 Pro. It gives you “real” 4K games, hard to get on other devices without compromise. It's also bulkier outside and inside, the GPU is much faster, and while the CPU is architecturally similar, it clocked in at a faster speed.

But that doesn't necessarily mean you should buy one. The PS4 Pro is best for those who want a premium gaming experience and have a 4K TV. If you don't have a 4K TV or cash to spend, the PS4 Slim might be better for you.

Is it the PS4 Slim 4K? No, it is not. You won't get 4K with the PS4 Slim, if you are interested in 4K games and a 4K Blu-ray player, you will have to go for the PS4 Pro or PS5 instead.

PS4 Slim: design

Remember when the original PlayStation 4 appeared on the scene, and you may recall that its unconventional form attracted a lot of attention when it was first revealed.

The slimmer PS4 that debuted in 2016 more or less retained the basic visual identity of the first PlayStation 4, but made the parallelogram package even more compact, softening some of the edges.

The first PlayStation 4 measured 27,5 x 30 x 5,3 cm, while the latest PS4 Slim shrinks it to 26,5 x 26,5 x 3,8 cm, or about a third smaller. The overall weight is also lighter.

Prueba de PS4 Slim

Image credit: LaComparacion

The first PS4 mixed glossy and matte plastics, but the PS4 Slim extends the matte black finish to the entire console. The colored light bar indicator at the top, which indicates sleep, wake, and shutdown states, is replaced in favor of small bright dots on the power button (which are actually harder to see, so pay attention before disconnecting the device).

As before, the location of the disk drive is a frontal matter, above the little power and eject buttons. The most recent revisions of the PS4 also featured physical buttons on the console, but the PS4 launch edition favored touch controls.

Two USB ports can be found on the front of the PlayStation 4 Slim, as was the case with previous PS4 models, but they are now much further apart and slightly easier to connect.

Prueba de PS4 Slim

Image credit: LaComparacion

The 500GB and 1TB versions of the PS4 Slim are available, although the former is much rarer. If you go for the smaller of the two, your hard drive might fill up surprisingly quickly with the console's addiction to mandatory gaming installations, but luckily upgrading the internal hard drive is pretty easy. Or install games on an external hard drive.

On the back are the power socket (no need for an external power supply), an HDMI port, the PlayStation Camera expansion port (essential for PlayStation VR) and an Ethernet network socket.

The only major victim of the slim design is the optical out port on the back - HDMI will accommodate the needs of many gamers for transmitting audio signals, but those connecting to older home theater receivers or headphones will overlook the optical output port. inflated game.

Prueba de PS4 Slim

Image credit: LaComparacion

The PS4 Slim, however, has a lot of nice design touches scattered throughout its chassis. The iconic PlayStation brand Square, Triangle, Circle and Cross symbols are stamped on the side of the console (the circle serves as a clasp for those who wish to hold the console upright with a basic accessory). The same symbols are also affixed to the bottom, acting as feet to lift the machine off a surface for better air circulation.

All things considered, it's a well-thought-out design, clearly justifying its "Slim" street name.

PS4 Slim: settings

The installation of the slim PlayStation 4 is very simple, especially if you are updating from the original PS4 (or even a PS3) because you can use the same cables, it is not necessary, so there is no need to reach behind your TV.

Just plug in the included HDMI and power cables and go online to download the various patches and updates for the console.

Alternatively, you can bypass Wi-Fi or Ethernet entirely and just jump into a game. Unlike Xbox One, you can access the home screen without first logging into the web and patching first.

Once connected to the internet, you will need to let the PS4 update before you can buy from the store or play online.

Since the very first PlayStation, Sony home consoles have led the charge when it comes to media playback support. The PS One was a great CD player, the PS2 was the first DVD player for many players, and the PS3 introduced a Blu-ray player and USB playback.

The PS4, without introducing a new format on its own, has taken over from the PS3, offering a wide range of streaming services, Blu-ray and DVD playback, USB multimedia functionality and even songs with their own Spotify sound. player. This carried over to the PS4 Slim.

What the PS4 Slim doesn't do, however, is offer an answer to the Xbox One S 4K Blu-ray player, rather than sticking to the standard Full HD Blu-ray player on the original PS4. It's still a solid platform, but anyone looking to show off their 4K TVs with the new PS4 will be disappointed (and it's lacking on the PS4 Pro too).

One could argue that since streaming is increasingly used for viewing multimedia content, this is not a desperately needed feature, especially if it reduces the overall cost. But it will age the PS4 Slim console, preventing it from being fully scalable. What is perhaps most annoying is the complete removal of the optical out audio jack, which could cause headaches for people with older AV equipment.

However, one update that applies to the entire PS4 lineup, including the PS4 Slim, is HDR support. This adds more detail to the light sources in an image and is pretty much a staple in TV technology these days.

All other streaming services and apps featured on the PS4 are making a comeback for the PS4 Slim, including (but not limited to) Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as well as BBC iPlayer and Sky TV in the UK, and HBO Go and Hulu in the UK. USA

Sony's movie rental platform is also available if you are looking for the latest Hollywood releases. YouTube is here, along with Twitch game streaming and a Spotify Connect-compatible version of the popular music streaming service, allowing you to control the songs on your TV from the comfort of your phone.

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