Google admitted: Pixel 10 has three types of storage, the slowest one is in the cheapest models

With the Pixel 10 series, Google has finally caught up with the competition in storage. After years of using older UFS 3.1 chips, it is switching to faster UFS 4.0, which offers up to twice the transfer speeds. But beware – not all models will enjoy this advantage equally. Google has prepared a rather complex system where it depends not only on the model but also on the chosen capacity.

Finally modern storage, but with conditions

While the competition switched to UFS 4.0 years ago, Google waited until the tenth generation. The result? All Pixel 10 models with 256GB capacity and higher receive faster UFS 4.0 chips. These offer up to twice the transfer speeds compared to UFS 3.1 and consume 46% less power.

In practice, this means faster app launches, smoother handling of large files, and most importantly – the phone will remain snappy throughout its seven-year support.

ZUFS – the secret weapon of more expensive models

The real novelty, however, is Zoned UFS (ZUFS) technology, which Google has implemented in selected Pro models. This is a smarter way of storing data, where storage is divided into different “zones” according to data type and lifespan. Instead of random writes across the entire disk, data is systematically stored in appropriate zones.

What does this bring? According to chip manufacturer SK Hynix, up to 40% longer storage lifespan and 45% faster application launch times. The system doesn’t have to perform demanding background cleanup processes, which means more consistent performance even when storage is almost full. For users who plan to use their phone for the full 7 years, this is a significant advantage.

Who gets what? The overview is complex

Here the situation becomes a bit confusing. The basic Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro in the 128GB version still use older UFS 3.1. From 256GB upwards, all models have UFS 4.0, but ZUFS technology is only available for:

• Pixel 10 Pro – 512GB and 1TB versions (in the USA, elsewhere only 1TB)
• Pixel 10 Pro XL – 512GB and 1TB versions (in the USA, elsewhere only 1TB)
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold – 512GB and 1TB versions (everywhere)

Outside the USA, the situation is even worse – ZUFS in Pro and Pro XL models is only available in 1TB versions, including in the Czech Republic. The only exception is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, where ZUFS works even in the 512GB version worldwide, but that one is not sold here.

Does it make sense in practice?

For the average user, the difference between UFS 3.1 and 4.0 will be hardly noticeable. Pixels have always had a well-optimized system and ran smoothly even with older storage. You will mainly feel the difference when working with large files – for example, when shooting 4K video or editing RAW photos.

ZUFS technology is more of an investment in the future. Its advantages will only become apparent after years of use, when regular storage starts to slow down due to fragmentation and wear. If you plan to use the phone for its entire support period and want consistent performance, then it makes sense to pay extra for higher capacity.

Google should have upgraded sooner

It’s good that Google finally switched to more modern storage, but it should have done so with the Pixel 9. Competitors like Samsung or Xiaomi have been using UFS 4.0 for years. Moreover, the complex hierarchy of different storage versions seems very confusing.

If you are considering buying a Pixel 10, avoid the 128GB versions. Not only because of the small capacity, but also because of the older storage. The ideal choice are the 256/512GB versions, which combine sufficient capacity and fast UFS 4.0.

How do you like the new Pixels?

Source: 9to5google