Sony's PlayStation 5 lineup is evolving, but not always in the ways we expect. Following the release of a revised PS5 Slim Digital model that surprisingly offered less storage, the tech giant has quietly begun rolling out a modified version of the premium PS5 Pro in select markets. The big question on everyone's mind: what’s actually different inside this new, unannounced revision?
To find out, popular tech reviewer Austin Evans took matters into his own hands, importing the new CFI-7210 model from Europe for a full teardown. His deep dive reveals a console that is smarter, leaner, and more efficient, though the accompanying revised DualSense controller may disappoint those hoping for a major upgrade.
At First Glance: A Ghost of a Difference
Visually, picking the new PS5 Pro out of a lineup is a nearly impossible task. Sony has not changed the external design, and unlike the PS5 Slim, which swapped its glossy panels for a fingerprint-resistant matte finish, the Pro retains its glossy central section. This means it remains a magnet for smudges, preserving its status as a high-maintenance centerpiece in your entertainment setup.
The first tangible clue that something was different came from the scale: the new Pro is 87 grams (about 3 ounces) lighter than the original model. This sent Evans on a forensic mission inside the console to discover where Sony had been trimming the fat.
Inside the CFI-7210: A Lesson in Smart Engineering
The teardown, which you can see in full detail in Austin Evans' YouTube video, pinpointed the sources of the weight loss and efficiency gains. The findings were a clear indication of Sony refining its manufacturing process:
- A Lighter Fan: Approximately half of the weight reduction comes from the internal cooling fan. Evans suspects the use of different bearings and a revised design, which not only sheds grams but also contributes to a quieter acoustic profile.
- Trimmed-Down Power and Cooling: The power supply unit and the substantial rear heatsink have been subtly redesigned to be smaller and lighter without compromising their critical functions.
- A Streamlined Motherboard: In a move that impacts both weight and power consumption, Sony has removed certain Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) from the mainboard, suggesting a more optimized and integrated power delivery system.
This internal streamlining echoes some of the surprising component choices we saw in a previous PS5 Slim teardown, where cost-saving and efficiency measures were also a primary focus.
Real-World Performance: Cooler, Quieter, but No More Powerful
So, what does this engineering refinement mean for your gaming sessions? In testing with demanding PS5 Pro Enhanced titles like Gran Turismo 7, the new CFI-7210 model proved to be notably more efficient.
Evans found the revised console consumes three to four percent less power under load. Furthermore, it runs marginally cooler and is estimated to be about 20 percent quieter, producing a less distracting hum than its predecessor. It’s crucial to manage expectations, however: these are incremental quality-of-life improvements. The teardown confirms there are no gains in raw PS5 Pro performance; the GPU, CPU, and RAM capabilities remain identical to the launch Pro models.
The DualSense Letdown: A Downgrade in Disguise?
Perhaps the most surprising—and for many, disappointing—part of the teardown was the analysis of the new bundled controller, labeled CFI-ZCT2W. Prior rumors had suggested this "DualSense V3" would feature a user-replaceable battery, a highly-requested feature for sustainability and convenience.
Unfortunately, that is not the case. The teardown determined that swapping the battery remains just as difficult as on previous models. Worse, the new controller appears to be a functional downgrade in one key area: it lacks the additional rear microphone found in the previous revision. This microphone was specifically designed to help isolate the user's voice from in-game audio and room noise, suggesting that voice chat quality on the new controller could be inferior.
On the inside, Sony is reportedly using lighter components from alternative manufacturers, a move that seems squarely aimed at reducing production costs. This strategy of cost-reduction over feature enhancement appears to be part of a broader trend for Sony, as they navigate component costs and market pressures, a topic we explored following the backlash to the previous PS5 price hike.
The Bottom Line: Efficiency Over Excitement
The new CFI-7210 PS5 Pro is a classic "revision" in the truest sense. It represents Sony honing its manufacturing process, creating a console that is slightly cheaper to make, more energy-efficient, and a bit quieter. For a new buyer, it's the better, more refined version to get.
However, for existing PS5 Pro owners, there is absolutely no reason to upgrade. The changes are too minor to be noticeable in daily use. The story of the revised DualSense is more poignant, as it signals that for now, Sony's priority is likely on avoiding further price increases for the console and its accessories, rather than packing its controllers with new, consumer-friendly features. The long-rumored DualSense V3 with a swappable battery may still be on the horizon, but for now, it seems the wait continues.
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