eUFS in Laptops: Is It a Deal-Breaker?
eUFS storage is appearing in more laptops these days, offering a different approach to storage compared to the more common NVMe PCIe SSD. Unlike these traditional SSDs, eUFS is soldered directly onto the motherboard, making it non-upgradable. This raises concerns for many users who value the ability to expand or replace their storage.
So, what exactly is eUFS, and why are some manufacturers choosing it? eUFS stands for "embedded Universal Flash Storage." It’s a type of flash memory commonly used in smartphones and tablets. Its appearance in laptops, like the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, marks a shift in storage strategies for some manufacturers. eUFS is the more upscale cousin of the older eMMC storage often found in budget Chromebooks. While both are soldered, eUFS offers much faster performance.
eUFS vs. NVMe PCIe SSD: Performance and Beyond
The primary concern surrounding eUFS is its speed compared to NVMe PCIe SSDs. On paper, PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs offer significantly higher theoretical speeds. However, real-world performance differences might not always be as dramatic as the specifications suggest. The actual SSDs used in many laptops may not always reach their theoretical limits. For everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and handling emails, the performance difference between eUFS and a standard PCIe SSD in a similar laptop might be negligible.
The author of the original article experienced this firsthand when reviewing the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge. The laptop’s eUFS storage performed comparably to other similar laptops with PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The Book4 Edge was slightly slower than the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x but a bit faster than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 in some benchmarks.
It’s important to note that eUFS is not suitable for demanding tasks like gaming or professional content creation. These activities require the top-end performance that NVMe PCIe SSDs provide. Fortunately, eUFS is typically only found in lightweight, portability-focused laptops, so you won’t likely encounter it in a gaming rig.
Upgradability and Repairability: A Major Drawback
The biggest downside of eUFS storage is its lack of upgradability and repairability. Because the storage is soldered to the motherboard, it cannot be easily replaced or upgraded. If you run out of storage space, you’re stuck with what you have. Similarly, if the eUFS drive fails, data recovery becomes much more challenging, if not impossible.
This lack of upgradability is a significant concern for users who like to future-proof their devices or who anticipate needing more storage down the line. It also raises questions about the long-term lifespan of laptops with eUFS storage.
However, some argue that this isn’t a major issue for most users. Many people never open their laptops or consider upgrading the storage. Additionally, many modern thin-and-light laptops, even those with removable SSDs, are difficult to open and upgrade due to the use of glue and complex internal designs. Also, some laptops come with PCIe SSDs that are soldered directly to the motherboard.
If you’re concerned about upgradability and repairability, it’s essential to research specific laptop models and consider those designed for easy access and component replacement.
Power Efficiency: A Potential Benefit
One potential advantage of eUFS storage is its power efficiency. eUFS theoretically consumes less power than PCIe SSDs, which could translate to improved battery life. While the improvement might not be dramatic, every little bit counts when aiming for extended battery life on an ultraportable laptop. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, with its eUFS storage, demonstrated exceptional battery life in tests, outperforming other similar devices.
Is eUFS a Deal-Breaker?
So, should eUFS storage be a deal-breaker when choosing a laptop? The answer depends on your priorities.
For the average user who needs a lightweight, portable laptop for everyday tasks, eUFS may be a viable option. Its performance is generally sufficient for web browsing, document editing, and email communication.
However, if you require top-end performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks, you should avoid eUFS. Similarly, if you prioritize upgradability and repairability, eUFS is not a good choice.
On the other hand, if battery life is your primary concern, eUFS might be a worthwhile consideration.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to weighing the pros and cons of eUFS against your specific needs and usage scenarios. PC manufacturers aren’t even shipping gaming laptops with eUFS storage, and only a few productivity laptops have eUFS storage, so it’s not something to fret over.
Prioritize performance, avoid eUFS; prioritize upgradability and repairability, avoid eUFS; prioritize battery life, then eUFS is good; otherwise, get whatever laptop fits your budget and desired specs.
