Samsung unveiled its Universal Flash Storage (UFS) memory cards to function as the next-generation of removable storage tech after microSD. They will include storage capacity of 32, 64, 128, or 256 gigabytes, and lightning-fast performance speeds. In theory the UFS memory cards could work with the next Galaxy smartphones.
The new UFS cards have sequential read speeds that are up to 530 megabytes per second (MB/s). That is five times faster than the top microSD cards.
Samsung explains the new UFS cards can read a 5GB full HD movie in about 10 seconds. A microSD would finish the task in about 50 seconds.
In addition, write speeds are also much faster with maximum rates of 170 MB/s. That is about double the speed of the fastest microSDs, and up to eight times faster than standard cards for non-professionals, according to The Verge.
Samsung explained the extra power is needed for the copious amount of high-resolution footage captured by devices. They include smartphones, action cams, 360-degree cameras, and drones.
The UFS cards have showed up as built-in memory in devices such as Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. However, no products yet support them as removable storage.
Meanwhile, the design of the UFS card looks similar from a front view. However, the pin design on the back of the card is not compatible.
The price and availability of Samsung's UFS memory cards have not been announced, and it is unclear how they will replace formats that use micro SD cards in retail products.
However, it is likely that Samsung will be the first company to support removable UFS cards. They could be included in the next series of Galaxy smartphones.
In related news, a leaked image of the Galaxy Note 7's tech specs has shown up on the An Tu Tu benchmark site, according to CNET. This photo of the Note phablet reveals some core features.
An Tu Tu's specs show the Note 7 tablet running Android 6.01 (Marshmallow). It also includes a Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor as well as an Adreno 540 graphics processor.
The image shows a HD display implied by the high resolution, 13-megapixel rear camera, and 5MP front shooter. It also has 64GB of internal storage, and 4GB of memory.
Here's a video on the fastest microSD cards: