Xbox Series S
Zen 2 · 4 TFLOPS RDNA 2 · 1440p target
PlayStation 5 Slim
2023
PlayStation 5 Slim takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Xbox Series S lands at 82 and PlayStation 5 Slim at 88. That puts PlayStation 5 Slim ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Xbox Series S if…
- ✓Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- ✓Compact white form factor
- ✓120 FPS target at lower resolutions
Pick PlayStation 5 Slim if…
- ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- ✓Store ecosystem
- ✓Cross-gen compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testFeatures
TieCompared on the features sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Games
PlayStation 5 SlimCompared on the games sub-score
PlayStation 5 Slim leads on games (86 vs 84).
Performance
PlayStation 5 SlimCompared on the performance sub-score
PlayStation 5 Slim leads on performance (88 vs 80).
Value for money
Xbox Series SSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Xbox Series S more score per dollar ($299 vs $499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PlayStation 5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD Zen 2 8C @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT) | — |
| GPU | Custom RDNA 2, 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz, 4.006 TFLOPS | — |
| RAM | 10 GB GDDR6 (8 GB @ 224 GB/s + 2 GB @ 56 GB/s) | — |
| Storage | 512 GB internal SSD | — |
| Output | 1440p target up to 120 FPS | — |
| Dimensions | 275 × 151 × 65 mm | — |
| Weight | 1.93 kg | — |
| Release year | — | 2023 |
Xbox Series S
- +Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- +Compact white form factor
- +120 FPS target at lower resolutions
- −512 GB SSD fills fast
- −10 GB total RAM splits between 8 GB fast + 2 GB slow
- −No disc drive
PlayStation 5 Slim
- +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- +Store ecosystem
- +Cross-gen compatibility
- −Storage expansion pricey
- −Dashboard UX ages
- −Subscription required for online
FAQ: Xbox Series S vs PlayStation 5 Slim
Which is better, Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5 Slim? +
PlayStation 5 Slim scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Xbox Series S worth the price? +
At $299, Xbox Series S delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in value.
Is PlayStation 5 Slim worth the price? +
At $499, PlayStation 5 Slim delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Does Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5 Slim last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for games, Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5 Slim? +
PlayStation 5 Slim — leads on games (86 vs 84). Compared on the games sub-score.
Which is better for performance, Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5 Slim? +
PlayStation 5 Slim — leads on performance (88 vs 80). Compared on the performance sub-score.