The PlayStation 4 Pro

On November 10th, 2016 it launched Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro, but how was this PS4 model comparing to the original model in terms of visuals and physical structure? Below, we detail what you need to know about PS4 Pro, that answers all the important questions you might have about the console.

Analysis of PlayStation 4 Pro

At the moment, the PlayStation 4 Pro it represented a new move for Sony. Because, the PS4 Pro marked a significant milestone, a mid-generational designed that received a significant boost in processing power. Sony said that the Pro was primarily designed to take advantage of burgeoning 4K. 

According to Sony, it did not represent a new console generation, but was a mid-generational upgrade.

The PS4 Pro’s specs

• CPU: x86-64 AMD “Jaguar,” 8 cores clocked at 2.1GHz.
• GPU: 4.2 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon-based graphics clocked at 911MHz with 36 compute units.
• Memory: GDDR5 8GB + 1GB DRAM.
• Storage size: 1TB (most likely 5,400rpm).
• External dimensions: Approx. 295x55x327 mm/11.6×2.1×12.8 in (width x height x length) (excludes largest projection)
• Mass: Approx. 3.3 kg/2.2 pounds.
• Blu-ray/DVD Drive: Blu-ray × 6 CAV, DVD × 8 CAV.
• Input/Output: Super-Speed USB (USB 3.1 Gen.1) port × 3, AUX port × 1.
• Networking: Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) ×1, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE).
• Power: AC 100V, 50/60Hz.
• Power consumption: Max. 310W.
• Operating temp: 5ºC – 35ºC/41ºF – 95ºF.
• AV Output: HDMI out port (supports 4K/HDR) DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port.

Some Questions about the PlayStation Pro: 

• How much it costed, and how much cost now the PS4 Pro?

In 2016 the cost was $399 and now, in 2022 the cost is $400. If we make a comparison, we can say that the price is sustaining with the time. 

• Is the PS4 Pro working with PS4 games?

Yes. The system is completely backward compatible with the existing PS4 library. Also, Sony asserts that games made for the PS4 Pro will be backward compatible with the original PS4 and vice versa.

• Why was Sony making the PS4 Pro?  

As an answer, Sony told us it was making the PS4 Pro to capitalize on emerging display technologies like 4K and HDR-capable TVs.

• Wait, but… what exactly is 4K?

We can say, it is generally considered a resolution that offers 3,840 horizontal pixels and 2,160 vertical pixels.

• Does PS4 Pro support 4K?  

Yes, actually, as we write in back paragraphs, the PS4 Pro was made to realize the potential 4K video playback. And even, some games will support native 4K rendering (3840x2160p), but Sony told us that most 2160p titles used an upscaling technique called checkerboard rendering.

• Does the PS4 Pro support HDR and What is HDR, exactly?

Yes, it supports. HDR is the shorthand for high dynamic range, in short, HDR displays provide a much wider color gamut and contrast ratio compared to standard RGB panels. Colors look richer, blacks look darker, and whites look brighter.

• Is the PS4 Pro using the SATA II or SATA III interface?

The PS4 Pro is using the SATA III interface, which allows solid-state drives that users, even, can manually swap in to replace the PS4’s hard drive, to scale up to 6Gb/s. This is double the speed of the original PS4’s SATA II interface, which scales up only to 3Gb/s.

Even now in 2022, some gamers who recently purchased the Play said:

“After almost 5 years of using the first generation PS4, I can confirm that the Pro version is far superior in performance (loading times) and graphics (4K if you have a last generation TV). However, the console is slightly larger than the slim version as well as the first generation. I recommend that it be used with any vertical stand to allow for better ventilation due to higher power consumption. My only negative comment is that it should come with at least 2GB of memory, considering the high price vs. the slim version.”

That’s where I leave the comment. In case you’re still doubting if it’s a good buy.