Google has introduced a major enhancement to its Pixel 10 series by integrating UFS 4.0 storage technology, a move that brings it in line with other premium smartphones. This adjustment is especially significant considering that the prior Pixel 9 series utilized the slower UFS 3.1 storage, whereas rivals had already adopted UFS 4.0. The Pixel 10 variants now include UFS 4.0, but exclusively in the 256GB storage option.
The Pro versions of the Pixel 10 series elevate this even further by featuring Zoned UFS (ZUFS) 4.0, a more effective variant of UFS 4.0. ZUFS 4.0 categorizes data into separate zones, improving loading speeds and storage efficiency throughout the module’s lifespan. This represents a strategic initiative by Google, particularly with its commitment to provide seven Android OS updates, as it aids in preventing storage degradation over time.
However, the application of ZUFS 4.0 is inconsistent across different models. The 128GB Pixel 10 Pro continues to utilize the older UFS 3.1, and even the 256GB version only receives UFS 4.0, with ZUFS 4.0 only available for the 512GB and 1TB models in the U.S. In the U.K. and various other global regions, ZUFS is restricted to the 1TB model, while in India, the only available option is the 256GB model, which entirely omits ZUFS.
Even with these inconsistencies, the transition to UFS 4.0 and ZUFS 4.0 is a favorable development for Google, aligning the Pixel 10 series with its competitors. Although the immediate performance improvements may not be significant, the advantages of these storage technologies are anticipated to become clearer over time. The Pixel 10 Pro models, featuring upgraded cameras, robust design, and sophisticated OLED displays, are set to be prominent players in the smartphone arena.
