When new smartphones are released, users and the tech media often focus on prominent components like processors and camera systems. However, under-the-hood components like memory and storage chips can also significantly impact the user experience when upgraded. It seems Samsung will focus on this as well. Here are the details.
Galaxy S26 and Z Fold 8 Come with Fast Storage
Samsung’s upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S26, and possibly its foldable flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, are rumored to be getting a similarly significant upgrade. The key to this development lies in the chipset they will use.
Regarding its recently unveiled Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile chipset, Qualcomm has included Samsung on its list of brands that will use this chip. This raises the possibility that some models of the Galaxy S26 series will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 “for Galaxy” variant, as in previous series. The previous Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 series also used the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
One of the most significant hardware improvements introduced by the new chipset is its support for UFS 4.1 storage technology, replacing the UFS 4.0 standard in the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite.
The faster storage standard, UFS 4.1, offers several advantages that will directly improve the user experience on mobile devices:
Faster Read Speeds: Increases overall smoothness by accelerating app launches and file transfers.
Up to 25% Improved Power Efficiency: Helps extend battery life.
More Stable Thermal Performance: Better manages device heating, even under heavy usage.
Enhanced Security: Enhances storage security features.
All Galaxy phones using Qualcomm’s new chip will automatically be compatible with the superior UFS 4.1 storage standard. The fact that Micron, one of Samsung’s leading memory and storage suppliers, has also released a UFS 4.1 chip increases expectations that this technology will be a key component in the Galaxy S26 series.
So, what do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
