Yes, but according to this chart the new slim model has some nice improvements like; a 2TB SSD, the new controller, Wifi6, and other QoL updates. Twice as much storage is a good trade off on its own. 

These days, you can get a 1TB NVMe SSD for cheaper than the attachable disk drive would cost, though. Assuming MS priced it like Sony.

As a physical collector; I'll take a disc drive over those XBX slim upgrades any day.  You can always upgrade SSD, I'm content with current controller, I directly connect my consoles to internet as well.  If MS offers an external disc drive then that's a different story.

So, PS5 starts at 450?
They manage to increase the entry price...

Why is the digital version more expensive than base digital version?

Still strongly believe the actual Slim will come together with the Pro, with no liquid metal and a smaller apu die size.

The price of the PS5 had already been increased elsewhere so now the US is getting that too though only for the digital one to keep price parity with the Series X with the disc drive model there.  

Sure. I'm just pointing out that it's not just a smaller discless model. It has new features and benefits making up for it being the same price. 

Same. I prefer to have the disc drive. It's nice having the options even if I use almost all digital. They could have a external disc drive in the works. I don't think MS is going to abandon the current Series X model like it's been rumored, but we'll see. 

Both PS5 models got a (second!) price hike in Japan:

This generation kinda stinks.