Pixel 10 adopts faster storage on most models

Google introduces UFS 4.0 storage in Pixel 10 series, but the upgrade is limited to higher storage models.

Pixel 10 Adopts UFS 4.0 Storage Across Most Variants

Google unveiled the Pixel 10 series at Made by Google 2025, pairing a new Tensor G5 chip with improved cameras and built in Qi2 charging. The standout change is the move to UFS 4.0 storage, a first for Pixel in four generations, with read speeds up to 4,200 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. Google also emphasizes better power efficiency, signaling potential gains in everyday battery life.

However, the upgrade is not universal across the line. The Pixel 10 128GB and Pixel 10 Pro 128GB variants stick with UFS 3.1, while 256GB and higher storage options switch to UFS 4.0. The Pixel 10 Pro family on 512GB+ storage also includes Zoned UFS, a newer variant Google plans to explain further. In public statements, Google says the new storage enables faster responses and quicker app launches for users who need the most performance from on-device storage and that more details on Zoned UFS will follow.

The rollout shows Google balancing performance with model differentiation. UFS 4.0 brings tangible speed gains, but the value is unevenly distributed across the lineup, which could confuse buyers who expect a uniform upgrade. For competitors, the shift underlines a broader industry move toward faster storage, yet Google’s tiered approach may affect perceived value and resale appeal of lower storage models.

Looking ahead, the industry will watch how Google communicates the Zoned UFS feature and whether it translates into real world advantages for power users. The decision to gate the upgrade to higher storage tiers could pressure rivals to offer similar or more transparent upgrade paths, shaping how consumers compare flagship devices in the months ahead.

Highlights

As the Pixel line evolves, storage becomes a clearer marker of performance without necessarily giving every user an equal boost.