PS5 Digital Edition vs PS5 Disc: which PlayStation 5 is right for you?
We compare the PS5 original and PS5 Digital Editions to see if there are any differences between specifications, price, and features
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The PS5 is arguably the best gaming console to grace the shelves but it is closely matched by the Xbox Series X in almost every area. We have compared consoles against the PC and the PS5 vs the Xbox Series X to find there is no better choice for 4K gaming. The PS5 offers 60 FPS in 4K at the lowest price of all platforms, which is simply unbeatable at the moment.
So, you’ve made your mind up, you want a PS5 but now question whether you want a premium Disc Edition or the Digital Edition. Both are in high demand but with the same specs and a lower price, we know which looks the best on paper.
PS5 Digital Edition vs Disc, what’s the difference?
Just in case you weren’t aware, there are two main differences between the Disc and Digital Editions. The PS5 Digital Edition comes with a 4K UHD Blue-ray disc drive and because of this, it is roughly $100 more expensive.
You may think that the Blu-ray drive is a great upgrade and you couldn’t go without it, which we somewhat agree with. However, we live in a world where the disc drive is fast becoming obsolete and you can stream all your games and movies in 4K as long as your internet is good enough. Oh, it is worth mentioning you’d save $100 on the PS5 Digital Edition, making it the cheapest way to play games in 4K, pretty impressive.
| PlayStation 5 Digital | PlayStation 5 Disc | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 390 x 260 x 92.2 mm | 390 x 260 x 104 mm |
| CPU | 3.5GHz Custom Zen 2 | 3.5GHz Custom Zen 2 |
| GPU | 10.28 TFLOPS 2.23GHz | 10.28 TFLOPS 2.23GHz |
| Memory/ bandwidth | 16GB GDDR6 @ 448GBps | 16GB GDDR6 @ 448GBps |
| Storage | 825GB SSD | 825GB SSD |
| 4K | Yes | Yes |
| HDR | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | 1 x USB-C, 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet | 1 x USB-C, 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet |
| Online services | PS Plus | PS Plus |
| Price | $399 | $499 |
So both PS5 Editions are getting the same AMD Zen 2-based CPU, both also feature the same 16GB memory kit, 825GB SSD, and a 12 TFLOPS, 1.825GHz, RDNA 2 GPU. This means both PlayStation 5 editions can play games in 4K at 60Hz, or 1080p at 120Hz depending on the game.
PS5 Disc & Digital Editions are almost identical in design
The PS5 Disc version sits at 39 x 26 x 10.4 cm, which is near identical to the Digital Edition which is 1.2cm slimmer thanks to the lack of a disc drive. The weight is borderline the same/ so small you wouldn’t notice the difference and the overall looks are identical minus the obvious drive.
You can only really tell these apart when you look at the console head-on. From the front, you can clearly see the disc slot but from every other angle, the two editions are twins. The similarities are that you are committing to this very unique style, what some would call love-hate. Regardless, you aren’t going to be disappointed with the results from either edition.
Digital PS5 Edition price vs PS5 Disc
The price is where the PS5 Digital and Disc variant differs most, with the Digital model only costing $399. That is $100 cheaper than the Blu-ray disc PS5, quite the saving if you never needed the drive.
For anyone on the fence, mulling over the idea as to whether they need a disc drive or not ask yourself this: Will you ever use it? If the answer is yes, save for the more premium Digital Edition and get yourself a couple of 4K Blu-ray movies to cheer yourself up.
What about gaming?
For those hoping to play their old PS4 games (disc copies), sadly you would need the disc drive to get those installed on the PS5. Most games are probably available through digital download on PS Plus though, so keep your eye out.
Obviously, the games you can play are going to be the same but as you are probably aware, there is no sell-on value in digital games. Once you buy a digital game, it is yours for life, whereas a disc can be sold on/ given away. The caveat to that is that digital codes can sometimes feature better deals but bear this in mind before choosing a PS5.
Many gamers collect the physical discs but if you aren’t bothered, remember a digital download can be played much faster than waiting for a disc copy.
Final word
Which do you go for? The PS5 Digital Edition or the Disc? There is no wrong answer here, both perform well and if you have no use for a 4K Blu-ray player, save yourself the $100. The Disc PS5 is the more premium model and with it, you will be able to re-sell / trade in your games but regardless of which you go for, enjoy the 4K gaming.
