Is The Oled Version Of The Ps5 Worth The Price Bump For Most Gamers

The PlayStation 5 has been a cornerstone of next-gen gaming since its 2020 launch. In late 2023, Sony introduced a revised model: the PS5 with an OLED display panel. While it maintains the same internal hardware as the standard PS5 Slim, this new version features a slimmer chassis, increased storage, and—most notably—a superior screen technology in its bundled console variant. But does the upgrade justify the higher price tag for the average gamer?

For many, the decision to upgrade isn’t just about specs—it’s about long-term value, visual fidelity, and whether the improvements translate into meaningful enhancements in gameplay and daily use. Let’s break down what the OLED PS5 brings to the table and who truly benefits from the investment.

What’s New in the OLED PS5 Model?

Sony didn’t overhaul the core architecture with the OLED revision. The CPU, GPU, and SSD speeds remain identical to the original PS5 and the earlier Slim model. However, several key changes distinguish this version:

• OLED Display Support (via HDMI): Optimized output for OLED TVs, enhancing contrast and black levels.
• Redesigned Chassis: A more compact, angular form factor that reduces volume by approximately 30%.
• Increased Base Storage: 1TB SSD compared to the original’s 825GB, allowing for more games without immediate expansion.
• New Stand Design: A simplified horizontal stand; vertical placement requires an optional accessory.
• Wi-Fi 7 Support (Future-Proofing): Though not yet widely adopted, this prepares the console for next-gen networking.

The most talked-about feature—the “OLED” label—is slightly misleading. The console itself doesn’t have a built-in screen. Instead, it’s engineered to better leverage OLED televisions through improved HDR handling, dynamic tone mapping, and enhanced color calibration over HDMI 2.1.

Tip: If you own or plan to buy an OLED TV, the PS5 OLED model can unlock deeper blacks and richer contrast in supported games, especially in dark scenes.

Visual Fidelity: Does OLED Output Make a Difference?

The real advantage of the OLED PS5 lies in how it communicates with high-end displays. OLED TVs are known for perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and pixel-level lighting control—qualities that benefit dramatically from precise signal optimization.

Sony tuned the OLED model’s HDMI output to deliver more accurate HDR metadata. This means:

• Better preservation of shadow detail in dimly lit game environments.
• Reduced blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds.
• More consistent brightness transitions across scenes.

Games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, and Returnal showcase these improvements best. On an LG C3 or Sony A95L, the difference is subtle but tangible—especially during cinematic sequences or nighttime exploration.

“OLED doesn’t change the resolution, but it transforms how you perceive depth and immersion. It’s the closest thing to seeing a game ‘breathe’ on screen.” — Marcus Tran, AV Calibration Specialist at HomeTheaterReview

However, if your display is a standard LED/LCD TV, the benefits are negligible. Most mid-range models can’t fully utilize the enhanced signal, and upscaling algorithms often smooth out any gains. The visual leap is only as strong as your display’s ability to render it.

Design and Practical Upgrades

Beyond visuals, the physical redesign offers tangible usability improvements:

Feature	OLED PS5	Original PS5 / Slim
Storage Capacity	1TB SSD	825GB (original), 1TB (Slim)
Console Volume	~30% smaller	Larger footprint
Stand Mechanism	Horizontal only (vertical sold separately)	Adjustable for both orientations
Networking	Wi-Fi 7 ready	Wi-Fi 6
HDMI Enhancements	Dolby Vision support, dynamic HDR	Standard HDR10

The reduced size makes the OLED model easier to fit in tight entertainment centers. The new stand, while minimalist, has drawn mixed reactions—some users find the lack of included vertical support inconvenient, especially given the premium price.

The extra 175GB of storage may seem minor, but it translates to roughly 2–3 additional AAA titles. For players who frequently juggle installations, this reduces the urgency to invest in a $100+ NVMe SSD right out of the box.

Who Actually Benefits From the Upgrade?

The answer depends heavily on your current setup and gaming priorities. Consider the following scenarios:

Gamers With OLED or High-End QD-OLED TVs

If you already own a premium display—particularly from LG, Sony, or Samsung’s top-tier lines—the OLED PS5 unlocks marginal but perceptible improvements in image quality. The combination of dynamic tone mapping and cleaner HDR signaling results in a more filmic experience, especially in story-driven titles with heavy atmosphere.

Space-Constrained Setups

The smaller footprint is a genuine win for those with limited shelf space. At nearly 30% smaller, it fits more easily alongside streaming boxes, soundbars, and AV receivers without dominating the rack.

Future-Focused Buyers

Wi-Fi 7 support may seem unnecessary today, but as internet speeds increase and latency-sensitive cloud gaming grows, having backward-compatible hardware extends the console’s relevance. Gamers planning to keep their PS5 for 5+ years may appreciate this foresight.

Price-Sensitive or Mid-Tier Display Owners

For those using 1080p TVs, budget 4K LCDs, or monitors without HDR, the OLED model offers no meaningful advantage. The $50–$100 price bump (depending on region) delivers minimal return on investment. In these cases, the standard PS5 Slim provides identical performance at lower cost.

Tip: Check your TV’s specifications. If it doesn’t support Dolby Vision, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), or advanced HDR, the OLED PS5’s advantages are largely wasted.

Mini Case Study: Two Gamers, Two Decisions

Jessica, 32 – Austin, TX
Jessica owns a PS5 launched in 2021 and recently upgraded her living room with a Sony XR-65A80L OLED TV. She noticed that some games looked slightly washed out despite HDR being enabled. After researching, she learned about the PS5 OLED model’s improved HDMI signaling. She traded in her old console and purchased the new model. “I didn’t expect such a difference,” she said. “In Ghost of Tsushima, the night scenes are deeper, and the glow of lanterns feels more natural. It wasn’t broken before, but now it feels finished.”

Derek, 24 – Chicago, IL
Derek bought a PS5 Slim in early 2023 and plays primarily on a 1080p monitor. He considered upgrading when the OLED model launched but found no compelling reason. “I checked YouTube comparisons, and honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference. My setup isn’t built for HDR, so spending more wouldn’t make my games look better.” He instead allocated the funds toward buying Final Fantasy XVI and a DualSense Edge controller.

Their experiences highlight a critical truth: the value of the OLED PS5 is context-dependent. Hardware upgrades only matter when the rest of your ecosystem can take advantage of them.

Step-by-Step Guide: Should You Upgrade?

Follow this decision framework to determine if the OLED PS5 is right for you:

1. Assess Your Display: Do you own or plan to buy an OLED, QD-OLED, or high-end Mini-LED TV with full-array local dimming?
2. Check HDR Support: Confirm your TV supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or at least robust HDR10 implementation.
3. Evaluate Space Needs: Is your entertainment center cramped? Would a smaller console improve cable management or airflow?
4. Review Storage Usage: Are you constantly deleting games due to space limits? The extra 175GB could delay an SSD purchase.
5. Consider Longevity: Do you plan to keep this console until the PS6 era (likely 2028+)? Future-proofing via Wi-Fi 7 may be valuable.
6. Calculate Cost vs. Benefit: Weigh the $50–$100 premium against the actual improvements you’ll experience.

If three or more answers lean toward “yes,” the OLED model is likely worth it. Otherwise, the standard Slim edition remains the smarter financial choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OLED PS5 run cooler than previous models?

Not significantly. Thermal performance is comparable to the Slim model. The smaller size doesn’t compromise cooling, thanks to redesigned internals and airflow channels, but it doesn’t offer a major reduction in noise or heat either.

Can I use the OLED model with non-OLED TVs?

Yes, absolutely. It functions perfectly on any HDMI 2.1-compatible display. However, the visual enhancements are optimized for OLED panels and may not be noticeable on standard LCDs.

Is the 1TB SSD faster than the original?

No. Read/write speeds are identical. The only difference is capacity. Game load times, fast travel, and installation speeds remain unchanged.

Conclusion: Who Should Buy It—and Who Should Skip It

The OLED version of the PS5 isn’t a revolutionary leap, but a thoughtful refinement. It caters specifically to a niche: gamers invested in high-fidelity home theater setups who value precision, longevity, and sleek design. For them, the price bump is justified by cumulative improvements in image quality, size, and future readiness.

But for the majority—those using mid-range TVs, playing primarily for gameplay over graphics, or budget-conscious buyers—the standard PS5 Slim delivers 95% of the experience at a lower cost. The core gaming performance is identical. No exclusive features, no faster loading, no graphical upgrades within the games themselves.

Sony positioned this release not as a must-have upgrade, but as a premium option for discerning users. That’s a smart strategy. Not every generation needs a hardware overhaul. Sometimes, refinement is enough.

🚀 Ready to decide? Evaluate your display, usage habits, and budget. If you’re chasing the best possible visual experience on a top-tier TV, the OLED PS5 earns its place. If not, save the extra cash for games, accessories, or your next console cycle.