Google’s new Pixel 10 family finally gets the storage speed upgrade that Pixel 9 owners missed – but only if you’re ready to pay for it. While last year’s Pixel 9 was stuck with UFS 3.1 when most rivals had already jumped to UFS 4.0, the Pixel 10 lineup introduces faster options, but with a catch.
If you buy a Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro with the base 128GB, you’ll still be limited to UFS 3.1. Step up to 256GB or higher, and you unlock UFS 4.0, which doubles sequential read speeds and boosts write speeds by 1.6x over UFS 3.1. 
That means apps install quicker, file transfers are snappier, and AI-heavy features like Gemini Live and Magic Cue load faster into memory. For power users, that extra hundred dollars for 256GB might be the sweet spot.
But the real performance crown belongs to the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL with 512GB or 1TB storage. These models ship with SK Hynix’s new Zoned UFS (ZUFS) 4.0 tech, which separates data into different zones. According to the company, this allows apps to open 45% faster and extends storage lifespan by reducing read/write wear by 40%. In other words, ZUFS isn’t just about speed – it’s also about keeping your device smooth for years to come.
Of course, performance comes with a price tag. The Pixel 10 Pro with UFS 3.1 (128GB) starts at $999. UFS 4.0 kicks in at $1,099 for the 256GB version. Want ZUFS? Be prepared to shell out $1,219 for 512GB or $1,449 for the full terabyte. The Pro XL follows a similar pricing ladder, topping out at $1,549. Whether the storage boost is worth it depends on how long you plan to keep your Pixel – and how much you value speed.
From personal experience, buying more storage than you need can feel like wasted money. My old Pixel 6 Pro had 512GB, and years later, I’ve barely scratched the surface of its capacity. But storage performance is a different story. Even if you don’t need terabytes of space, the difference between UFS 3.1 and UFS 4.0 (or ZUFS) can change how your phone feels day to day. If you’re eyeing the Pixel 10 series, the storage choice might matter more than the model itself.
1 comment
feels like pixel 9 all over again, pay more or get left behind