Samsung is reportedly set to unveil an enhanced version of its UFS 4.0 storage tailored for AI optimization in smartphones. This development is especially relevant for devices powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 chipsets, enabling them to efficiently run on-device Large Language Models (LLMs). The demand for AI-related applications on smartphones, however, presents challenges in terms of resource requirements, including computing power, substantial memory, and ample storage.
To address the storage aspect, Samsung is rumored to be working on a specialized iteration of the UFS 4.0 standard optimized for AI applications. According to insights from Omdia Senior Researcher Yeon Seung-hoon, more than 15% of a smartphone’s total storage must be dedicated to facilitate AI operations, encompassing learning and inference processes. This suggests that future smartphones might need to offer 512GB storage variants, considering that 15% of this would equate to a significant 76.8GB. It’s important to note that this allocation is separate from the storage needed for the operating system and potential app updates.
In response to these evolving requirements, Samsung is said to be exploring solutions such as compression algorithms or programming tweaks that would enable AI programs to utilize less storage within the UFS 4.0 flash. While details about the upgraded UFS 4.0 version remain undisclosed, there is speculation about potential improvements in read and write speeds.
The timing of these developments aligns with Samsung’s recent trademark applications for ‘AI Phone’ and ‘AI Smartphone.’ This has fueled speculation that the upcoming Galaxy S24 series could be the first to feature the enhanced UFS 4.0, though official confirmation from the company is awaited. As with any rumor, it’s advisable to approach this information with caution until an official announcement is made through Samsung’s channels.
