“The new Samsung 512GB eUFS provides the best embedded storage solution for next-generation premium smartphones by overcoming potential limitations in system performance that can occur with the use of micro SD cards, said Jaesoo Han, executive vice president of Memory Sales & Marketing at Samsung Electronics. “By assuring an early, stable supply of this advanced embedded storage, Samsung is taking a big step forward in contributing to timely launches of next-generation mobile devices by mobile manufacturers around the world.”

Consisting of eight 64-layer 512Gb V-NAND chips and a controller chip, all stacked together, Samsung’s new 512GB UFS doubles the density of Samsung’s previous 48-layer V-NAND-based 256GB eUFS, in the same amount of space as the 256GB package. The eUFS’ increased storage capacity will provide a much more extensive mobile experience. For example, the new high-capacity eUFS enables a flagship smartphone to store approximately 130 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) video clips of a 10-minute duration*, which is about a tenfold increase over a 64GB eUFS which allows storing only about 13 of the same-sized video clips.

To maximize the performance and energy efficiency of the new 512GB eUFS, Samsung has introduced a new set of proprietary technologies. The 64-layer 512Gb V-NAND’s advanced circuit design and new power management technology in the 512GB eUFS’ controller minimize the inevitable increase in energy consumed, which is particularly noteworthy since the new 512GB eUFS solution contains twice the number of cells compared to a 256GB eUFS. In addition, the 512GB eUFS’ controller chip speeds up the mapping process for converting logical block addresses to those of physical blocks.

The Samsung 512GB eUFS also features strong read and write performance. With its sequential read and writes reaching up to 860 megabytes per second (MB/s) and 255MB/s respectively, the 512GB embedded memory enables transferring a 5GB-equivalent full HD video clip to an SSD in about six seconds, over eight times faster than a typical microSD card.

For random operations, the new eUFS can read 42,000 IOPS and write 40,000 IOPS. Based on the eUFS’ rapid random writes, which are approximately 400 times faster than the100 IOPS speed of a conventional microSD card, mobile users can enjoy seamless multimedia experiences such as high-resolution burst shooting, as well as file searching and video downloading in dual-app viewing mode.

On a related note, Samsung intends to steadily increase an aggressive production volume for its 64-layer 512Gb V-NAND chips, in addition to expanding its 256Gb V-NAND production. This should meet the increase in demand for advanced embedded mobile storage, as well as for premium SSDs and removable memory cards with high density and performance.

* Editor’s note: The calculation reflects internal tests where the averaged actual storage is approximately 93% of the labeled capacity, and where the preloaded mobile OS uses about 13GB of the capacity on a flagship smartphone.

However, the major problem for many people is that the megabytes and gigabytes of data that make up the content they love just isn’t tangible. Thus, they don’t often appreciate the importance of a memory card until it’s too late. Also, the sheer number of available memory cards adds a new level of confusion. While memory cards have a similar appearance, they vary widely in performance and reliability.

To make this even more tangible, let’s imagine you are about to take a long trip. You want to download multiple seasons of your favorite dramas onto your device, especially as you know there may be poor reception where you’re going and you’re also cautious about your monthly data consumption. As it turns out, services like Netflix have given users the choice to save to external memory with just this factor in mind, so you head to the store to purchase a memory card. But, out of the shelves of choices, which one do you choose and how?

Making the Right Choice

What consumers are looking for in a memory card is simple—a reliable choice. As the world’s leader in memory technology, the features of Samsung’s memory cards provide a good guide to making the right memory card choice.

Here are the key tips:   

First, transfer speed is key. With a read/write speed of up to 100/90 MB/s², which is the rate that you’ll find in the Samsung EVO Plus range of memory cards, you can transfer even the largest files quickly. Transferring a 3GB 4k video from a PC to the card will take a mere 46 seconds³. Also, the speed allows for the saving of up to 20 photos with one touch when taking photos in burst Mode.

Compatibility is another valuable trait in a memory card. The best options will work not just with your smartphone, but many other devices. Samsung EVO Plus memory cards are compatible with a wide range of devices, including DSLR, 4K action cameras, smartphones, tablets, 360 cameras, and drones⁴. SD adapter, which now comes with the purchase of every Samsung EVO Plus card, also ensures the cards are flexible for both microSD and full size SD slots.

The next factor to check for is capacity. Samsung EVO Plus memory cards feature a capacity ranging up to 256GB, among the highest in the microSD market, which means all needs are catered for. With 256GB of storage⁵, you have enough space to keep 12 hours of 4K video⁶ or up to 22,500 songs⁷. Running out of space is no longer an issue.

The final, but by no means least important factor, is reliability. The fact, as mentioned earlier, that Samsung EVO Plus memory cards come with a ten-year limited warranty⁸ will give users added assurance. Additionally, the cards feature 4-proof technology⁹ meaning, in specific, they can survive up to 72 hours in seawater (IEC60529, IPx7), endure extreme temperatures¹⁰, withstand airport X-ray machines¹¹ and resist a magnetic field equivalent to a high-field MRI scanner¹².

In a marketplace where there’s so little to differentiate products by physical appearance, it pays to look beyond the aesthetics. Under the hood of the best-in-class memory cards is enough cutting-edge technology to boost performance and reliability. In real terms, that means less time worrying and more time enjoying the device the card is inserted into. It also means your favorite content will always be with you thanks to the extra capacity your memory card will provide.

¹ Source : IHS research(2017, Q1)

² Speed measurements based on Samsung internal tests conducted under controlled conditions. Actual speeds may vary depending on testing conditions.

³ Transfer time reflects uSD in USB 3.0 reader using PC’s USB 3.0 port. Results may vary based on device and testing conditions.

⁴ Not compatible with all models.

⁵ Above results reflect internal tests where average actual storage capacity is 93.1% of labeled capacity. Actual storage capacity may be lower than labeled capacity.

6 3840×2160 (30fps), 4K UHD video support may vary depending upon host device. Actual storage capacity may be lower than labeled capacity.

⁷ MP3 files

⁸ Available only for limited usage application. Warranty does not extend to dashcam, CCTV, surveillance camera and other write-intensive uses.

⁹ Samsung is not liable for any i) damages and/or loss of data or ii) expenses incurred from memory card data recovery

¹⁰ Operating temperatures -25°C to 85°C (-13°F to 185°F), non-operating temperatures -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)

¹¹ up to 50 Roentgen

¹² up to 15,000 gauss