3 Types of Internal Storage Used in Smartphones
While many people focus on aspects like the chipset or camera when choosing a smartphone, it's important to consider your needs beyond just the specifications. Among these considerations, internal memory plays a crucial role.
The term "internal memory" is often used interchangeably with "storage," though the latter is more accurate. This confusion arises from the parallel term "external memory," leading many to refer to a phone's built-in storage as internal memory.
What exactly is internal memory? It serves as a storage area for various data on a smartphone, similar to how HDDs or SSDs function in computers. As a storage medium, data within internal memory can be read, written, moved, or deleted.
Internal memory also accommodates apps and games. For instance, when a user installs a browser app that is 50 MB in size, the available space in the internal memory decreases by that amount.
Currently, there are three types of internal memory utilized in smartphones: eMMC, UFS, and NVMe. Here, we will explore these three technologies and their features.
1. eMMC
The majority of smartphones on the market feature eMMC, or embedded Multi-Media Card, also known as embedded Multi-Media Controller.
This type of memory uses NAND flash memory, similar to that in a USB flash drive but is specifically designed for mobile applications and electronic devices.
eMMC is not exclusive to smartphones; it is also used in devices like GPS systems, eReaders, and other mobile computing technologies.
Smartphones equipped with eMMC memory are typically found in the entry-level market segment due to their affordability. Despite being cost-effective, eMMC is sufficiently capable of handling everyday tasks such as running basic apps, streaming videos, and storing files.
However, the performance of eMMC is a notable drawback. Its read and write speeds are significantly lower than those of UFS or NVMe, leading to potential lag when launching intensive apps or during multitasking.
Furthermore, as data demands grow—for instance, with 4K streaming or advanced gaming—eMMC may appear increasingly outdated and less capable of meeting these higher requirements.
2. UFS
UFS, or Universal Flash Storage, represents a newer memory standard that boasts impressive speeds for mobile devices. Upon its introduction, UFS was often dubbed the "SSD for mobile devices."
Launched in 2011, UFS was developed to address the limitations of eMMC. It offers significantly higher read and write speeds, enhancing performance for various applications.
Despite its high speeds, UFS is notably power-efficient, which is crucial for prolonging battery life in modern devices that operate throughout the day. However, UFS memory tends to be more costly than eMMC, making it more common in mid-range to flagship smartphones.
UFS is increasingly used in high-end phones, and some mid-range models have also begun to incorporate UFS storage. It is likely that in the future, UFS will become the standard storage technology across all smartphone tiers, including budget models.
3. NVMe
NVMe, or Non-Volatile Memory Express, is a high-speed memory technology typically found in laptops and PCs. Recently, some premium smartphones have started to integrate NVMe to maximize performance.
This technology allows for much faster data transfers compared to UFS, making it ideal for intensive multitasking, video editing, or high-resolution gaming. Additionally, the swift data access virtually eliminates lag between commands and responses.
Nevertheless, NVMe is costlier than UFS, which restricts its use primarily to premium devices aimed at professional users. Furthermore, NVMe tends to consume more power than UFS.
In summary, these three types of internal memory cater to different needs and target markets.
For everyday use, eMMC is adequate for basic tasks like running light applications and storing photos. However, for improved performance in multitasking and gaming, UFS is preferable due to its speed and energy efficiency.
NVMe, meanwhile, is best suited for those requiring top-tier performance, though it comes at a significantly higher cost.