When it comes to the type of storage that powers smartphones, UFS (Universal Flash Storage) has become the norm. It's even replaced eMMC storage in most budget smartphones. Now, Samsung wants to take it to the next level through the use of the UFS 4.0 storage standard.So, what's new, and how is it better than its predecessor? We'll walk you through the new UFS 4.0 technology, how it compares to UFS 3.1, and how beneficial it is for the future of Android smartphones.

What Is UFS 4.0?

UFS 4.0 is the next generation of UFS technology. This brand-new UFS 4.0 storage standard arrives two years after it was announced by Samsung and promises double the performance of its predecessor.

Using its seventh generation V-NAND flash memory technology and its in-house proprietary controller, Samsung designed UFS 4.0. It also incorporated the UniPro 2.0 transport layer (which connects components to the chipset to transfer data) and the MIPI M-PHY v5.0 physical layer.

That's complex, so let's break it down. NAND flash memory is a storage technology that can retain data without electricity. V-NAND is an enhancement over NAND technology because the cell planes within are stacked vertically. This leads to improved speed, increased longevity, and decreased power consumption. Samsung has incorporated this technology into UFS 4.0, though the precise proprietary controller it's using is unknown.

How Does UFS 4.0 Compare to UFS 3.1?

UFS 4.0 is a significant improvement over UFS 3.1. UFS 4.0 can deliver sequential read and write speeds up to 4200MB/s and 2800MB/s, respectively. In contrast, UFS 3.1 provides sequential read and write speeds up to 2100MB/s and 1200MB/s, respectively.

In addition, UFS 4.0 has a maximum bandwidth of up to 23.2Gbps per lane, which is twice the speed of UFS 3.1. The UFS interface supports dual-lane transmission, allowing simultaneous read and write operations. This improvement benefits 5G smartphones, automotive applications, and AR/VR-enabled devices that require vast data processing.

Samsung has made significant progress with UFS 4.0 as far as power efficiency is concerned. It consumes 46% less power than the previous generation while still providing twice the performance.

Samsung kept its size compact with maximum dimensions of 11 x 13 x 1mm to enhance its compatibility with smartphones and other electronic devices. Moreover, Samsung stated that UFS 4.0 supports a maximum capacity of 1TB, double that of UFS 3.1's 512GB. This storage capacity for smartphones and portable devices is more than enough.

What Does UFS 4.0 Mean for the Future of Android Smartphones?

A person holding the Google Pixel smartphone in his hand

Samsung Semiconductor announced the mass production of UFS 4.0 will start in the third quarter of 2022. Starting with the Galaxy S23 series, the upcoming top Samsung smartphones will sport the latest UFS 4.0 technology. We can likely expect OEMs like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Google, and Oppo to adopt this next-generation storage standard by 2023.

Including UFS 4.0 in Android smartphones will bring more capabilities to them. Many companies are adopting 5G technology that requires faster read and write speeds. As the number of 5G-enabled devices increases, UFS 4.0 seems like the right technology to deliver the needed performance.

UFS 4.0 Is the Next Flash Storage Solution

Most smartphone manufacturers use Samsung's high-end UFS storage solution, and the newest UFS 4.0 makes a compelling choice for upcoming Android smartphones. However, a smartphone's performance depends on factors like processor, RAM, and many others. So, it's wise to look for these features when purchasing your next Android smartphone.