The Google Pixel 9 is the latest flagship smartphone series from Google. All the models, especially the Pro variants, bring a lot of upgrades. But one of the most surprising things about the phones is that they all use UFS 3.1. This is unusual because most other flagship smartphones launched in 2024 use UFS 4.0 storage.
It’s unusual to find UFS 3.1 storage on a flagship smartphone. This choice is odd, given the trend of higher-end Android devices featuring faster standards like UFS 4.0. UFS 3.1 is typically associated with more budget-friendly options. It aims to balance performance and cost. So, at least the Google Pixel 9 Pro models were expected to feature UFS 4.0.
How Bad Is Google Pixel 9's UFS 3.1 Compared to Other Flagships' UFS 4.0?
Google's Pixel 9 series has come under fire for using UFS 3.1 storage instead of the faster UFS 4.0 standard. Google has confirmed the decision despite rumors to the contrary.
Benchmark tests conducted by Android Authority revealed a significant performance gap between the Pixel 9 phones and rivals equipped with UFS 4.0. The Pixel 9 models had significantly slower sequential read and write speeds, with the base model reaching 980MB/s, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL reached 911MB/s. In comparison, the Zenfone 11 Ultra using UFS 4.0 reached a top speed of 2,130MB/s, which is twice as fast.
This difference raises concerns for potential buyers looking for a high-end smartphone with cutting-edge technology. But should UFS 3.1 deter you from buying a Google Pixel 9 phone? Not all of them do!
UFS 3.1 Is Not a Major Dealbreaker
Despite the difference in performance benchmarks, using UFS 3.1 on the Pixel 9 series may not be a deal-breaker for most users. Yes, UFS 4.0 offers faster speeds, but UFS 3.1 can still handle many day-to-day tasks efficiently.
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Even with UFS 3.1, the Pixel 9 can record 8K 60FPS videos thanks to video compression. This technology reduces the required write speeds, ensuring smooth recording performance. Additionally, Google’s Tensor G4 processor is designed to work effectively with UFS 3.1, minimizing performance impacts.
Another important point to note is that Google's great AI model helps preserve image quality during compressed video recording, ensuring clear and sharp results.
While UFS 4.0 offers benefits like faster speeds, energy efficiency, and a smaller footprint, the performance difference may not be noticeable in most daily usage scenarios. Unless you’re frequently transferring large files or performing very demanding tasks, UFS 3.1 is probably sufficient.
I Hope Google Changes Things With Pixel 10 Series
While the Pixel 9 series faced some criticism for its use of UFS 3.1 storage, there is hope for improvement in the upcoming Pixel 10 series. Google is expected to equip the Pixel 10 series with the Tensor G5, its first in-house chipset manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process.
This new chipset is expected to deliver significant performance gains, potentially narrowing the gap with the competition. The improved efficiency and power management of the Tensor G5 could also lead to longer battery life and better overall performance.
The Pixel 10 series is likely to be a big launch for Google and it will be interesting to see if the company can allay concerns about the storage option of the Pixel 9. With the Tensor G5 and other potential upgrades, the Pixel 10 series could be a strong contender in the flagship smartphone market.