RFeMMC vs UFS: Key Differences Explained
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Both UFS (Universal Flash Storage) and eMMC (embedded Multimedia Card) are used as embedded memory cards to store information in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile computing devices. UFS is the successor to the eMMC standard, used as embedded NAND flash memory.
Let’s delve into both eMMC and UFS, comparing them based on speed, performance, energy consumption, and other key parameters. This comparison guide between UFS 2.2 and eMMC 5.1 is crucial for selecting the best option for your device.
What is eMMC interface?
The term eMMC stands for Embedded Multimedia Card. It’s an advanced NAND flash memory used in mobile phones, tablets, eReaders, GPS devices, and other mobile computing devices. The latest eMMC standard is version 5.1. Previous versions include eMMC 4.5 and eMMC 5.0.
The eMMC card is very compact in size, smaller than a postage stamp. It’s used in smaller and thinner devices to offer better performance and power efficiency. eMMC supports half-duplexing, meaning reading and writing cannot be done simultaneously. With an eMMC card, either a read or write operation is supported. It uses a parallel interface with 8 I/O.
What is UFS interface?
UFS utilizes LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) serial high-speed interface. It supports full-duplexing, enabling read and write operations to be performed simultaneously.
UFS supports command queuing. This means the host system can send a series of both read and write commands to be operated on by the UFS device while the host system performs other tasks. There are various versions of UFS interfaces, including UFS 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 3.0, and 3.1.
Refer to the difference between UFS2 vs UFS2.1 vs UFS3 vs UFS3.1 for more details.
Key Differences Between UFS 2.2 and eMMC 5.1
The following table highlights the key differences between UFS and eMMC interface types.
| Features | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 250 MB/s (read), 125 MB/s (Write) | Up to 1200 MB/s (read), 290 MB/s (Write) |
| Interface | Parallel (x8) | LVDS serial |
| Data transfer | Half duplex (Either read or write) | Full duplex (Both read and write at a time) |
| Command Queue | Limited or no support | Supports command queue, enabling faster data processing |
| Data transfer speed | Slower, more suited for basic tasks | Faster, suitable for high-performance tasks |
| Random Read (IO/s) | Less (~7000) as per eMMC 5.0 version | More (~19000) as per UFS 2.0 version |
| Random Write (IOP/s) | Less (~13000) as per eMMC 5.0 version | More (~14000) as per UFS 2.0 version |
| Latency (i.e. data transfer time) | Higher | Lower |
| Performance | Low | High |
| Power Consumption | More | Less |
| Bandwidth | Lower | Higher |
| Technology | Based on older eMMC architecture | Based on SCSI architecture, enabling higher performance |
| Support for multiple apps | Limited performance in multi-tasking scenarios | Better support for running multiple applications simultaneously |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Typically more expensive due to advanced technology |
The values in the table are with respect to eMMC 5.1 and UFS 2.2 as per comparison done by a popular company for its memory devices.
Summary
UFS 2.2 offers faster read and write speeds, enhanced energy efficiency, and better multitasking capabilities compared to eMMC 5.1, making it the preferred choice for high-performance smartphones and tablets. Meanwhile, eMMC 5.1 remains a cost-effective and reliable solution for budget devices, despite its slower performance.
Also, refer to the advantages or benefits of the UFS storage interface over eMMC.
