01
UFS 4.1’s “Minor Upgrade”: What Has Changed?
The name UFS 4.1 sounds impressive, but honestly, compared to the previous UFS 4.0, it’s more of an optimized version rather than a revolutionary upgrade. According to JEDEC’s official documentation, UFS 4.1 mainly introduces four core improvements:
- Host-Initiated Defragmentation – Previously, storage defragmentation was solely managed by the flash memory controller. Now, the operating system can take the initiative, improving efficiency and theoretically reducing lag.
- Dynamic Cache Size Adjustment – The cache can now dynamically adjust based on usage. For example, when gaming, it increases for better performance; when watching short videos, it shrinks to save power.
- Faster Recovery from Errors – If there’s an issue with the flash memory, the system can repair it more quickly, reducing the risk of crashes.
- Support for QLC Flash Memory – This allows for higher-capacity storage, but at the cost of reduced lifespan, as QLC flash has already gained a bad reputation in SSDs.
The most controversial aspect is speed—nowhere does the official documentation mention speed improvements! UFS 4.1 still has a theoretical max speed of 4.2GB/s, just like UFS 4.0. Any media claiming a “huge speed boost” is either misunderstanding or just chasing clicks.
02
QLC Flash Memory: A Blessing or a Curse?
UFS 4.1’s support for QLC flash is a double-edged sword.
- Pros: Phones can now have 1TB or even larger storage at a potentially lower price.
- Cons: Shorter lifespan—if you frequently download and delete large files, performance might degrade or even fail earlier than expected.
For example, if you buy a 1TB QLC smartphone, record 4K videos daily, and install large games, you might feel your phone slowing down after two years. However, if you only chat on WeChat and stream videos, the impact is minimal. Casual users won’t notice much difference, but power users should avoid QLC-based phones.
03
Which Phones Already Use UFS 4.1?
Despite UFS 4.1 being newly announced, some brands have secretly adopted it early:
- realme GT7 Pro Racing Edition – Launched in February 2025, officially advertised with UFS 4.1, maxing out 4.2GB/s read-write speeds. It also features a 6000-nit display, targeting performance enthusiasts.
- iQOO 13 – Originally launched in November 2024 with UFS 4.0, but the company later pushed a software update to enable UFS 4.1, boosting app installation speed by 50% and file transfer speed by 36%.
💡 Key Takeaway: UFS 4.1 is more of a software upgrade—older devices can enable it via firmware updates. For instance, realme GT7 Pro users will get UFS 4.1 in an April update.
04
User Experience: Does It Feel Different?
The biggest concern for users is: Will this upgrade be noticeable in daily use?
✔ Faster App Installation – After upgrading to UFS 4.1, iQOO 13 installs Genshin Impact in 15 seconds instead of 30—a real improvement.
✔ Smoother Game Loading – Host-initiated defragmentation keeps game read speeds stable, reducing loading times.
⚠ QLC Flash Longevity Issues – Avoid budget models with QLC; stick to reputable brands for better optimization and after-sales support.
📌 If you’re using a mid-range phone that doesn’t even have UFS 4.0, this upgrade might not matter much.
05
Industry Trends: What’s Really Happening?
Although UFS 4.1 seems like a minor upgrade, it reveals two major trends:
- Cost vs. Performance Trade-off – QLC makes phones cheaper, but brands must carefully market it to avoid backlash over shorter lifespan.
- Market Segmentation – High-end phones will use UFS 4.1 + Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Ultimate for differentiation, while mid-range phones will keep cutting prices. Consumers should choose wisely based on their needs.
🔮 Future Outlook: AI integration might be the next big thing, such as AI-powered defragmentation scheduling and intelligent cache management, making phones “smarter” over time.
06
Final Verdict: Is UFS 4.1 Worth It?
✔ If you want the latest flagship, go for something like the realme GT7 Pro, but don’t expect a huge performance leap.
✔ If you’re budget-conscious, UFS 3.1 or UFS 4.0 is still good enough.
⚠ If you’re worried about QLC durability, wait for better-optimized models.
💡 Tech upgrades ≠ better user experience—know your needs before making a purchase!
Related:
- Debunking the Myth of Future Upgrade in PC Assembly
- QLC NAND in Focus: Apple’s Market Impact Assessment
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