Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with UFS 4.0 storage, not the more advanced and preferred UFS 4.1, our tests show. And Samsung confirmed it.
That's the second day in a row now that something on the
Galaxy S26 is inferior to what was rumored and expected before the phone's launch. Mere hours ago, we
told you that the Galaxy S26 comes with an 8-bit color depth panel, not a 10-bit one.
The phone is still a mighty flagship. | Image by PhoneArena
UFS (Universal Flash Storage) is a type of built-in storage used in our smartphones and other gadgets. UFS 4.1 is the latest version, making data transfer faster, apps load quicker and overall performance smoother.
That's because UFS 4.1 has host-initiated defragmentation, which means it lasts longer and cleans itself up more efficiently. While both UFS versions offer WriteBooster, on UFS 4.1 it's smarter and allows Buffer Resizing and Partial Flushes. This can clear out selective bits of cache to keep important data running. UFS 4.1 also allows support for QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND, which essentially means it could carry up to 2 TB of storage.
Do the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ also come with UFS 4.0?
Yes, if the Ultra – undoubtedly the best handset in the family – comes with UFS 4.0, it's only logical to conclude that its vanilla siblings don't offer UFS 4.1 as well.
Once we run more extensive tests on the Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26 Plus, we'll let you know if anything surprising pops up.
Will this affect your day-to-day phone usability?
In a word – no. UFS 4.0 is already great and fast. Sure, UFS 4.1 would be even better, but that would probably mean that the $1,299 price would not be possible to sustain. It's only the Galaxy S26 Ultra that comes without a price hike compared to its predecessor – both the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus are pricier this year.
So, maybe UFS 4.1 will bless Galaxy S phones next year?
Or, even better, what about UFS 5.0? This is the type of technology that's already being
tested and if Samsung wants to stun us in 2027, they could skip UFS 4.1 entirely and go for UFS 5.0.
Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.
