The 2023 PS5 Slim is smaller and lighter than the 2020 launch PS5, and its advertised SSD capacity is higher. Sony lists the same core CPU and GPU specifications for both designs, so its published specs do not establish a gaming-performance upgrade. Whether the Slim runs cooler or quieter is less clear: Sony has not published a direct comparison between it and the launch model.
At a glance: PS5 Slim vs. the 2020 launch PS5
Here, “original PS5” means Sony’s 2020 launch design—not later hardware revisions. Sony’s two announcements use different notes for their measurements: the original dimensions exclude the base and largest projection, while the Slim dimensions exclude projecting parts. Treat the figures as Sony-published comparisons, not measurements made under an identical stated method.
![PlayStation 5 Slim Digital with 1TB SSD Storage, Wireless Dualsense Controller - PS5 Gaming System, White [video game] (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GFnxuXZPL._SL160_.jpg)
![PlayStation 5 Slim Digital with 1TB SSD Storage, Console Only - PS5 Gaming System, White [video game] (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Dmi+FSliL._SL160_.jpg)
| Model | Dimensions (W × H × D) | Weight | Advertised SSD capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original PS5 with disc drive (2020) | Approximately 390 × 104 × 260 mm | 4.5 kg | 825GB |
| Original PS5 Digital Edition (2020) | Approximately 390 × 92 × 260 mm | 3.9 kg | 825GB |
| PS5 with disc drive (smaller 2023 design) | Approximately 358 × 96 × 216 mm | 3.2 kg | 1TB |
| PS5 Digital Edition (smaller 2023 design) | Approximately 358 × 80 × 216 mm | 2.6 kg | 1TB |
Dimensions and weights are from Sony’s 2020 PS5 FAQ, 2020 launch specifications and 2023 Slim announcement. Sony describes the 2023 design as more than 30% smaller by volume, and says its disc model is 18% lighter and Digital Edition 24% lighter than the previous models. Those percentage reductions are Sony’s claims; the announcement does not explain its volume-calculation method.
How much smaller is the PS5 Slim?
For either edition, the 2023 design is shorter in each listed dimension and lighter than the corresponding 2020 launch model. That can make placement easier in a tight entertainment setup, but measure the exact console and the space you plan to use. Allow room for cables and airflow; Sony’s cited materials do not set a universal cabinet-clearance distance.
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- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
The disc and Digital Edition also differ from each other in height and weight, so check the figures for the version you intend to buy. A stated console dimension alone does not guarantee a fit once a stand, cables or nearby objects are involved.
Does the Slim have better gaming performance?
Sony lists the same core CPU and GPU specifications for the 2023 smaller design as it did for the 2020 launch PS5:
- CPU: AMD Zen 2, 8 cores/16 threads, variable frequency up to 3.5 GHz.
- GPU: AMD RDNA 2-based graphics, variable frequency up to 2.23 GHz and 10.3 TFLOPS.
Those specifications do not show a more powerful gaming console or establish higher frame rates on the Slim. They are not a benchmark of every game or every hardware revision, but there is no performance uplift in the cited specifications that would make the Slim an obvious upgrade for someone with a working launch PS5.
Does the PS5 Slim run cooler or quieter?
The available Sony sources do not provide a controlled, direct Slim-versus-launch-model comparison of operating temperature or noise. They therefore do not establish that the 2023 Slim runs cooler, hotter, quieter or louder overall.
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Sony’s 2020 teardown describes the design priorities for the original console. Sony engineer Yasuhiro Ootori said the team had to balance “every aspect of the system, from focusing on reducing the noise level to enhancing the cooling capacity, more than ever before.” That statement concerns the original design’s goals; it is not a comparative test of the Slim.
Claims based on a heatsink’s appearance, exhaust-air temperature or an individual owner’s impression are not enough to determine which model has better cooling, noise levels or reliability. If acoustics or heat are decisive for you, the published evidence cited here does not offer a sound basis for choosing between these two designs.
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- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, Disc Drive, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold separately
Storage: 1TB on the Slim, 825GB in the launch specification
Sony lists a 1TB SSD for the smaller 2023 design and 825GB for the 2020 launch PS5. These are advertised capacities, not a promise of the free space available to install games after system software and other storage use.
The difference may matter if you regularly manage a large installed library, but the capacity figures alone do not establish how much space will be free on a particular console. Game sizes and your own installed content affect that amount.
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The original standard PS5 includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive. The original Digital Edition has no disc-drive support, and Sony’s FAQ says it cannot play Blu-ray discs.
The smaller PS5 Digital Edition has a port for Sony’s attachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, sold separately, which Sony says can be added later. The smaller disc model includes its drive. Sony’s October 2023 announcement also said a horizontal stand comes with the smaller model and that a vertical stand compatible with all PS5 models is sold separately. The announcement’s standalone-drive prices were launch prices from 2023, not current pricing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which PS5 makes more sense for you?
- You need a smaller, lighter console: The 2023 design has the advantage on Sony’s published dimensions and weights. Confirm the measurements for the specific disc or Digital Edition before buying.
- You want more advertised SSD capacity: Sony lists 1TB for the smaller design versus 825GB in the 2020 launch specification. Neither number is the same as available free space.
- You buy or already own disc games and films: Choose a model with a drive, or account for the separately sold add-on drive if considering the Slim Digital Edition. The original Digital Edition cannot be upgraded with disc-drive support.
- You already own a working 2020 launch PS5: Sony’s published CPU and GPU specifications do not establish a reason to replace it for better gaming performance. Size, advertised capacity or the Slim Digital Edition’s drive option may still matter to your setup.
- You are choosing based on cooling or noise: The official sources cited here do not establish a winner. Avoid treating reports about another PS5 revision or unverified owner impressions as a direct Slim-versus-launch comparison.
For a purchase, compare the actual listing’s model, region, included accessories and bundle contents. Sony’s 2023 announcement confirms the Slim’s drive and stand arrangements, but its historical prices do not establish current pricing or availability.
Front-port differences
If front connectivity affects your setup, the 2020 launch specification lists one USB-C and one USB-A port at the front. Sony’s smaller-model specification lists two front USB-C ports. Both specifications list two rear USB-A SuperSpeed ports. Confirm the ports on the exact model you are considering using Sony’s launch specifications and 2023 announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
