If there is anything these past two decades have taught us about technological advancement, it is that there is always a demand for more. This creates a need to create better products to keep up with these demands. There were times when you could not even imagine a smartphone without keypads or a digital library spanning hundreds of gigabytes.
The development of faster connections has increased media consumption with high resolution and also advanced phone cameras to make it. You can now record 4K resolution videos on smartphones as well as download large files in minutes.
The new generation of phone storage has evolved so much and has gotten better in terms of storage capacity, efficiency and speed but the foundation is still very much the same. Since both eMMC and UFS are a type of flash storage, It is only ideal we understand what flash storage is.
Flash storage/memory
This has arguably been the medium of storage for mobile phones in the scope of file storage. Flash storage is a non-volatile form of storage that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. A chain of events starting from 1959 when Mohamed M. Atalla and Dawon Kahng created MOSFET ( metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor). Later on, Kahng modified it into the floating gate MOSFET in 1967 with the help of Simon Min Sze.
Later, the development resulted in the memory cells used in early types of flash storage which are both programmable read-only memory (PROM). There was also erasable PROM (EPROM) and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM). For them to be reprogrammed, both the EPROM and EEPROM have to be completely erased.
All of this lead to the development of flash memory in the 1980s — which is modeled on EEPROM. At this time, flash memory included the NAND and NOR flash memory. These two can be referred to as the raw flash memory type and were the forms of storage for mobile phones at the beginning.
While NOR flash gives random access to any location on the memory where a single byte of data can be read/written at a time, NAND flash memory can be erased/programmed in blocks (a block is thousands of bits).
Raw Nand Flash
Due to the block erasing and reprogramming style of NAND flash storage, it deals with a lot of data, making it the go-to large storage option rather than NOR storage type. Also, you have one or more flash memory chips containing numerous flash cells when it comes to flash memory devices.
Early NAND flash memory had a Single Level Cell (SLC) which means it can only store one bit per cell. As time went on, Multi-Cell Levell (MLC) NAND flash memory was introduced and was able to store two (or more) bit per cell. There are also Three Level Cell (TLC) flash with 3 bits per cell and Quadruple Level Cell (QLC) flash with 4 bit per cell.
As the number of bits per cell increases, these happen:
- Write speed decreases
- Power consumption increases
- storage capacity increases
- Lower endurance (smaller erase/write cycles)
- Cost per bit reduces
Image credit: Simms Int. PLCMLC in this image is a two-level cell flash*
This makes SLC NAND flash the fastest but it has a smaller capacity limit and is more expensive to make. Also, MLC results in higher bit error and a smaller erase/program cycle. In the early 2000s, the idea of large storage was a 64MB stacked MLC flash memory device.
Furthermore, NAND flash memory was used to make the first removable memory card which was SmartMedia. Also, other external storage card like SecureDigital, xD card, MultiMediaCard and Memory stick are all bases on NAND flash memory.
eMMC (Managed NAND flash)
As flash memory tech got better, new standards were formed and eMMC introduced by MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA). This was formed to be a smaller embedded version of MultiMediaCard which developed back in 1997. Fast forward to 2006 when eMMC was introduced by MMCA, Secure Digital (SD) cards had pretty much cornered the removable storage market.
The eMMC standard is an embedded NAND flash storage with a flash memory controller similar to the SD card but non-removable. It is made into a small ball grid array with the interface circuit embedded on the circuit board of your smartphone. The major difference here is the added controller which manages data distribution and reliable writing to prevent data corruption among other things.
MMCA later handed over the rights for all its standards to JEDEC in 2008. To achieve high bit density or large storage size, your eMMC will likely have MLC. However, the memory controller can harness the speed of single-level cell by using a pseudo-SLC (pSLC) partition to process powerful tasks.
At the moment, eMMC is the most used storage option in smartphones all over the world. As far as performance goes, it has been able to progress from sequential read speed of abput 140MB/s on eMMC 4.5 to 250MB/s on eMMC 5.1.
Source:Samsung
SEE: What is an “AI camera” in Smartphones?
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
UFS has flash storage right in its name so its obvious it cut from the same coat as eMMC. Although, it a more advanced flash memory device and offers better performance. UFS is set to succeed eMMC as the go-to storage option for mobile phones and you can say it is the future of mobile phone storage.
Don’t get it twisted, though. UFS has been around for quite a long time now. UFS 1.0 was announced back in 2011 and v1.1 followed the year after. In 2013, UFS 2.0 was introduced in 2013 by JEDEC. The most recent standard is UFS 3.0 and it offers far more performance than eMMC 5.1 and double the performance of UFS 2.1.
Universal Flash Storage made its debut on smartphones in 2015 with the Samsung Galaxy S6 . Since then, it has been featured on several other smartphones mostly high-end ones like the iPhone X, OnePlus 7, Samsung Galaxy S10 and iPhone 11 series. At the moment, the only smartphone to have the latest UFS 3.0 is Samsung Galaxy Fold.
Like eMMC UFS also makes use of NAND flash memory and a controller but with an entirely different architecture. The development of NAND technology has made advancement in flash technology possible.This brings us to the current generation of NAND flash called V-NAND/3D NAND.
V-NAND / 3D-NAND
At first, the ordinary NAND memory cell was based on te floating gate structure as explained earlier. However, V-NAND uses a charge trap flash architecture which was introduced in 2002.On the other hand, the commercial manufacturing of V-NAND flash devices did not happen until 2013. This is the latest and most powerful as far as flash tech is concerned. and it offers impressive speed and consumes lesser power.
Back to UFS and eMMC, there are a number of difference between the two besides one being the futuristic version of the other. Why is UFS faster and what makes it the better option between the two?
UFS and eMMC: A quick comparison
As fas as phone storage are concerned, eMMC and UFS are the only ones in play. Apart from using M-PHY electrical interface developed by MIPI alliance which contributes to fast data speed, UFS has two major advantage over eMMC.
- Full-duplex LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signalling) serial interface: This allows for a two-way transfer of data as opposed to the unidirectional transfer of 8-lane parallel interface of eMMC. In other words, UFS can read and write at the same time as opposed to eMMC can only read or write at a time.
- SCSI architectural model: Another edge UFS has over eMMC is that it has SCSI Tagged Command Queuing. This allows multiple tasks to be handled at the same time while for eMMC a process has to finish for another to start.
At the end of the day, the cumulative differences between this two storage options become increasingly glaring with more recent versions of UFS.. The recent UFS 3.0 shows a x2 sequential read speed over its predecessor UFS 2.1 and is about 8 times faster than eMMC 5.1. This will significantly improve the performance of mobile phones and still keep power consumption low.
Source:Samsung
Conclusion
The last time a new eMMC standard was introduced was back in 2015 which means no significant development has been made. On the other hand, two new versions namely UFS v2.1 and 3.0 have been since then with each version getting far from the best eMMC (v5.1).
Recent applications now require fast processing speed more than ever especially graphic-intensive games. However, budget smartphones don’t have UFS and you will have to look to high-end to the upper mid-range category to find them.
Odunayo Ezekiel is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria with deep experience in the country’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem. From smartphones and apps to fintech and local startups, he brings sharp insight and a user-first perspective to every story. At Dignited.com, Odunayo covers the trends, tools, and innovations shaping how Nigerians—and Africans at large—experience technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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