Every smartphone we build is about balance. It is a constant trade-off between performance, cost, and real-world experience. No device can have the absolute best of everything without increasing costs significantly. The key is knowing where to invest to maximise the user experience.
Choosing UFS 2.2 for the Phone (3a) series wasn’t about cutting costs, but about putting resources where they matter most. A faster storage standard like UFS 3.1 sounds great on paper, but in everyday use, its benefits are often marginal compared to optimisations in software, battery life, and display quality.
We’ve seen discussions about UFS 2.2, and we understand why some might question the choice. UFS 3.1 has a bigger number, so it must be better, right? In benchmarks, yes. But in actual use, it’s not that simple. Storage speed is one factor in overall performance, but it’s not the only one. What really makes a phone feel fast is a combination of storage, RAM, CPU performance, and software optimisation. That’s why we focused on Nothing OS, ensuring that the Phone (3a) series delivers a fast and fluid experience in real-world use.
UFS 2.2 vs UFS 3.1: What It Means in Daily Use
For most tasks like messaging, web browsing, and social media, the difference between UFS 2.2 and UFS 3.1 is almost impossible to notice. App launch times are nearly identical, and even with heavier apps, the difference is often measured in fractions of a second. Large game installations and big file transfers are where UFS 3.1 pulls ahead, but these aren’t everyday tasks for most people.
Performance in Context
Sequential and Random Read/Write Speeds
Storage speeds can be measured in two key ways: sequential (continuous data transfer) and random (accessing scattered bits of data). Think of it like reading a book. Sequential speed is flipping through pages in order, useful for tasks like video playback or copying large files. Random speed is jumping between sections, crucial for launching apps, loading game assets, and keeping background processes running smoothly. In real-world smartphone use, most daily interactions rely more on random read/write speeds, which is why Nothing OS is optimised to make app launches and multitasking feel just as fast on UFS 2.2 as on higher-tier storage solutions.
The comparison below shows the sequential and random read/write speeds of two devices, one with UFS 3.1 (left) and the other with UFS 2.2 (right). With UFS 2.2, Phone (3a) series holds up well in real-world performance due to optimisations at the system level.
(Source: CPDT Benchmark app version 2.4.1 | Devices: Left: Realme 11 Pro Plus, Right - Phone (3a))
File Transfers and System Efficiency
Sequential write speeds are important for large file transfers, system boot times, and tasks like video editing. The Phone (3a) series uses NTFS optimisation to process files more efficiently, reducing the time it takes to move data across the system.
App Loading and Multitasking
The speed at which apps launch and switch depends on how quickly small bits of data can be accessed. The Phone (3a) series optimises this process through Smart Clean technology, which removes unnecessary system files created by user activity and reorganises stored data to boost read and write speeds. This ensures apps load quickly and multitasking remains smooth. The result? Performance on par with UFS 3.1 devices in many cases.
Memory Copy Speeds and AI Performance
Transferring data quickly across different memory areas is essential for tasks like graphics rendering, AI-driven features, and machine learning. With the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset and Qualcomm’s AI Engine, Phone (3a) is designed to handle these processes efficiently.
Gaming Performance
Frame rates and smooth gameplay don’t rely on storage speed alone. Through efficient data management and Nothing OS optimisations, the Phone (3a) series ensures stable performance in games like BGMI and Genshin Impact, delivering a smooth experience comparable to devices with UFS 3.1 storage.
Addressing the Future-Proofing Question
We’ve noticed that as the initial complaint about UFS 2.2 being slow didn’t hold up, the argument has now shifted to whether it is future-proof. Here’s the reality: even today, UFS 2.2 is more than capable of handling everything a smartphone is expected to do.
A smartphone’s longevity depends far more on how well its hardware and software are tuned together. With Nothing OS updates, ongoing optimisations, and well-integrated hardware, the Phone (3a) series will continue to perform reliably for years. Future-proofing isn’t just about having the latest spec on paper; it’s about ensuring that performance stays consistent over time.
If the concern is that future apps will slow the phone down, it’s worth noting that modern software is built to scale across different hardware configurations. UFS 2.2 already delivers high-speed performance, and with Nothing OS enhancements, users will continue to experience smooth performance in daily tasks, gaming, and content creation.
We appreciate the conversations happening around this and will always prioritise real-world performance over spec sheet comparisons. As always, we’re listening.
