Smartphone companies have started emphasising the type of storage they use in their devices. You might have seen terms like UFS or eMMC recently. But do you know what they mean and why these matter? If not, you’re in the right place. This article will explain UFS and eMMC and how they affect your device’s performance. We will also discuss how much storage you might need in 2024 and explore alternatives like SD cards and cloud storage.
Types of Flash Storage for Smartphones
Smartphones rely on flash storage, which is similar to what’s found in USB sticks. Unlike traditional hard drives, flash storage has no moving parts, making it faster and more durable.
It is a type of non-volatile memory that retains data even when the device is turned off. There are two main types of flash storage in smartphones: eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) and UFS (Universal Flash Storage). These storage types are integrated into the phone’s motherboard.
eMMC
eMMC is an older type of flash storage used in smartphones for many years. It’s a small circuit board with flash memory and a controller integrated into the device. eMMC storage is cost-effective and provides decent performance for everyday tasks. However, it has limitations in terms of speed and efficiency, particularly when compared to the more modern UFS storage. As a result, it is usually found in ultra-budget smartphones priced under Rs 10,000.
UFS
UFS is the newer and more advanced type of flash storage, designed to deliver faster data transfer speeds and improved efficiency. It supports simultaneous reading and writing, which significantly enhances multitasking and overall device performance.
UFS comes in various versions, each offering improvements over the previous generation. Here’s a brief overview of the different UFS versions:
- UFS 2.0: Introduced in 2013, this version brought significant enhancements over eMMC, with higher data transfer speeds and better power efficiency.
- UFS 2.1: Launched in 2016, UFS 2.1 improved upon 2.0 with even faster speeds and enhanced security features.
- UFS 3.0: Released in 2018, UFS 3.0 doubled the data transfer speeds of UFS 2.1, making it ideal for high-end smartphones and demanding applications.
- UFS 3.1: Introduced in 2020, it further increased speeds and efficiency, adding features like Write Booster for faster write performance.
- UFS 4.0: The latest version, UFS 4.0, offers unprecedented speeds and efficiency, doubling the performance of UFS 3.1. It is designed to meet the demands of next-gen smartphones, including those with 5G capabilities and advanced multimedia applications.
eMMC vs UFS
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | eMMC | UFS |
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Multitasking | Limited | Improved |
| Power Consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | Cheaper | More Expensive |
Why Having Higher UFS Storage is Important?
Higher UFS storage translates to a smoother and more responsive user experience on your phone. It is responsible for how quickly your phone reads and writes data.
Imagine your phone’s storage like a highway. Higher UFS storage gives you wider lanes (more bandwidth) for information to travel on. This means apps load and launch quicker, games render without lags, and multitasking feels effortless.
In real-world terms, you’ll notice less waiting when opening apps, smoother performance when switching between them, and faster loading times for games and heavy files.
Basically, your phone feels faster and more responsive in everyday use.
How Much Storage is Enough for a Smartphone in 2024?
Smartphones today can capture nearly DSLR-quality photos and perform tasks that were once only possible on a full-fledged computer. However, with better cameras and increased processing power, the need for more storage has grown.
Ten years ago, 64GB of storage was seen as a premium. Today, even budget phones offer more. So, in 2024, having 128GB of internal storage is a bare minimum. However, if you capture many photos or videos, opting for a 256GB or 512GB variant is a smart decision.
Alternatives to Internal Storage: SD Cards and Cloud
If your device’s storage is nearly full even after deleting unnecessary photos, videos, and apps, try using an SD card (if your smartphone supports it). Alternatively, move some of your large photos and videos to cloud storage like Google Drive or iCloud (if you use an iPhone). Here are some free cloud storage options:
- iCloud (5GB)
- OneDrive (5GB)
- Dropbox (2GB)
- Google Drive (15GB)
- Jio Cloud (50GB for Jio Users)
Conclusion
So, this was the lowdown on smartphone storage types. With everything covered, you’re now well-equipped for your next phone purchase. But how much storage do you need? Here’s the deal: If you are a casual user, opt for the 128GB internal storage. If you are a power user who takes lots of photos and videos, opt for the 256 GB or 512GB options. For more flexibility, consider models with expandable storage or cloud storage options.
