Google Pixel 10’s UFS 4.0 Upgrade Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think

The new Google Pixel 10 series brought with it some long-awaited upgrades. One of the most talked-about was the move to a newer, faster storage standard: UFS 4.0—only on the “Pro” models. For years, Google‘s flagship phones have been stuck with UFS 3.1, while competitors like Samsung and OnePlus moved on. So, it was big news when Google announced the upgrade for its latest phones. But is it a real-world performance boost or just a nice number on a spec sheet? New speed benchmarks tell an interesting story about the UFS 4.0 and UFS 3.1 storage of the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro XL, respectively.

Google Pixel 10 series UFS 4.0 vs UFS 3.1: not so much difference in storage speed

The latest tests for these devices in the Pixel 10 series come from Android Authority. While the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s UFS 4.0 storage is certainly faster than last year’s models, it doesn’t deliver the dramatic leap many expected. In fact, when put head-to-head with rivals like the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Pixel 10’s UFS 4.0 speeds don’t quite measure up. Even more surprising, the entry-level Pixel 10, which still uses the older UFS 3.1 standard, posts scores that are surprisingly close to its more premium sibling.

So, what’s going on inside? It’s likely a combination of factors. The storage chip itself plays a role, and it’s possible that Google is using more conservative or affordable UFS 4.0 modules than its competitors. A more significant factor could be the Tensor G5’s memory host controller, the brain that tells the storage what to do. The processor’s ability to handle data transfers is a critical bottleneck. In short, the chip may not be optimized to take full advantage of UFS 4.0’s potential.

There’s also the possibility that Google is intentionally holding back to prioritize other factors. The list could include power efficiency and heat management, for example.

Storage size is the biggest advantage between different Pixel 10 models

For most people, the difference between UFS 3.1 and UFS 4.0 on the Pixel 10 series is largely academic. The real-world gains in tasks that matter most, like opening apps or switching between tasks, are minimal. This is because those tasks depend on random read and write speeds, which haven’t seen a major boost.

The real takeaway for Pixel fans is simpler: you don’t need to spend more just for the faster storage. Instead, the most practical and meaningful upgrade is simply moving beyond the base 128GB model. In an era of high-resolution photos, 4K video, and massive game files, 128GB is quickly becoming too small for all but the lightest of smartphone users. The fact that the larger storage versions come with UFS 4.0 is a welcome bonus. But the real benefit is simply having more room for all your files and content.