Tech reviewer Austin Evans has published a hardware dissection of Sony’s latest PlayStation 5 Slim (2100 model) revision, concluding that the company has implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures without passing any savings to the consumer.
The primary verdict is a substantial rollback in internal storage and component quality. The analysis revealed that Sony has chopped out 27% of the usable SSD space and reduced critical internal modules while the console’s retail price remains unchanged at 500 euro.
Evans argues that Sony’s strategy throughout the PS5 era has been to continuously tweak, trim, and “water down” the consoles, driven by cost optimization rather than consumer benefit.
Key Takeaways
• Sony cut usable SSD storage by 27% while maintaining the 500 euro price.
While the previous PS5 Slim featured 848 GB of usable space, the new 2100 model provides only 667 GB. This represents a substantial rollback in user-available storage from a one terabyte SSD to an advertised 825 GB SSD while the full retail price remains unchanged at 500 euro.
• Console weight dropped 156 grams due to component reductions.
The overall weight was cut from 2,556 grams to 2,400 grams, primarily attributed to component downgrades and a streamlined cooling system. This isn’t about improved engineering efficiencyit’s about using cheaper, lighter parts to reduce manufacturing costs.
• Motherboard revision dropped from seven VRMs to five.
The new motherboard now features only five individual VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules), a downgrade from the seven found in the previous iteration. VRMs are responsible for power regulation, and reducing them represents a meaningful component quality reduction even if performance remains similar.
• Thermal testing shows the revised model runs two degrees warmer.
Under load, the new revision runs approximately two degrees warmer than its predecessor despite the component changes. While this increase is minimal and unlikely to affect user experience, it confirms that the streamlined heat sink and reduced cooling capacity are cutting things closer to thermal limits.
• Exterior finish changed to all-matte, abandoning matte/gloss split.
Sony revised the external aesthetic protocol with the new 2100 model now clad in an all-matte finish for the casing panels. The previous model’s matte/gloss split is gone, representing another subtle cost optimization in materials and manufacturing processes.
What They Said
What’s the SSD Storage Reduction Impact?
The most critical finding involves a silent rollback of hardware specifications directly impacting the user. While the previous PS5 Slim featured a one terabyte SSD, the new 2100 model is advertised as an 825 GB SSD.
The practical impact is stark: the 2023 PS5 Slim offered 848 gigabytes of usable space, but the new 2100 model provides only 667 gigabytes. This represents a 27% reduction in available storage for the user.
Despite the substantial component cost saving for Sony, the retail price remains firm at 500 euro. This is the core issue Sony has saved money on manufacturing but passed none of those savings to consumers.
What Component Downgrades Were Found?
The console’s weight reduction of 156 grams dropping the new model to 2,400 grams is primarily attributed to component downgrades and a streamlined cooling system. The new motherboard now features only five individual VRMs, a downgrade from the seven found in the previous iteration.
Additionally, the rear USB ports were changed from blue USB 3.0 on the older model to uncolored black ports on the new revision, signaling a new, cost-optimized chipset.
These changes aren’t about better engineering they’re about cheaper manufacturing. Every component reduction represents cost savings that stay with Sony rather than benefiting the buyer.
How Do the Thermal Results Compare?
Thermal analysis showed the unit ran approximately two degrees warmer than its predecessor under load. While this is a minimal increase and unlikely to affect the user experience or longevity, it confirms the reduced cooling capacity.
The streamlined heat sink and component reductions mean the console is running closer to its thermal limits than before. It’s still within acceptable ranges, but the trend is clear Sony is optimizing for cost, not thermal headroom.
What’s the External Design Change?
Sony also revised the external aesthetic and finishing protocol. The new 2100 model is now clad in an all-matte finish for the casing panels, abandoning the previous model’s matte/gloss split.
This represents another cost optimization simpler finishes are cheaper to manufacture and apply. While some users may prefer the all-matte look, the change is driven by manufacturing efficiency rather than design improvement.
What’s Sony’s Overall Strategy?
The reviewer noted that Sony’s strategy throughout the PS5 era has been to continuously tweak, trim, and “water down” the consoles. These subtle revisions are primarily driven by continuous cost optimization rather than consumer benefit.
Each hardware revision extracts more margin for Sony while delivering less to the buyer. The pattern is clear: find ways to make the console cheaper to produce, maintain the same price, and pocket the difference.
Austin Evans’ verdict: “But then they threw it all away by taking 27% of my SSD! Essentially, they have saved themselves even more money, but they have taken none of that savings and passed it down to you.”
Our Take:
This is the corporate version of the boiling frog incremental downgrades hoping you won’t notice. Whether it’s PS5 storage, shrinking cereal boxes, or removing phone chargers from the box, the playbook is identical: reduce, maintain price, rely on consumer autopilot. The counter-move isn’t outrage it’s just paying attention. If you’re buying a PS5 this holiday, check the model number. Don’t assume “newer” means “better.” Companies bank on you operating on autopilot when handing over £500. Five minutes of research saves you 180GB of storage you’ll actually use.
About the Creator
Austin Evans is a technology reviewer and YouTube creator known for hardware teardowns, console analysis, and consumer tech reviews. His channel focuses on accessible explanations of complex tech products and their value propositions. Learn more at austinev.com
Watch the full episode: Austin Evans’ PS5 Slim Verdict: Sony Cuts Storage by 27% While Holding Price via Austin Evans YouTube
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