Best Phones with Ultra-Fast Storage (UFS 4.0 vs NVMe) in Malaysia (2025 Edition)
Introduction
If you’re after a smartphone that loads apps, games and large files instantly, then you’ll want a device with ultra-fast internal storage technology di Malaysia. In 2025 the key battle is between UFS 4.0 (Universal Flash Storage 4.0) and NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)-grade storage. I’ve hand-picked some of the best phones with cutting-edge storage speeds, shown how the technologies differ, and given you Malaysia pricing (RM) plus local buying tips.
What is UFS 4.0 & How Does It Compare with NVMe?
UFS 4.0 Explained
- UFS 4.0 is the latest smartphone flash-storage standard. For example, it offers transfer speeds up to ~4.2 GB/s for sequential reads according to Samsung’s announcement. (SoyaCincau BM)
- It also uses significantly less power compared to previous generations (e.g., one article says ~46% better efficiency) which is great for battery life. (SoyaCincau BM)
- UFS modules are built directly into smartphones (on-board, fixed storage) which means better integration for mobile form-factors.
NVMe in Brief
- NVMe is the protocol often used in PC/laptop SSDs (via PCIe), which can reach extremely high speeds (e.g., many gigabytes per second). (Digitech Bytes)
- But in the smartphone world, full NVMe-style storage is rare due to space, power, thermals and design constraints. Many phones stick with UFS for balance.
UFS 4.0 vs NVMe — What It Means for You
- UFS 4.0 gives very fast storage for mobile use (apps, games, large file loads) and is more than sufficient for most users.
- NVMe might offer higher theoretical speeds, but for a smartphone — size, battery and heat become limiting factors. As one article noted: NVMe can hit ~7,000 MB/s in PCs, whereas UFS 4.0 is optimised for mobile. (Digitech Bytes)
- For Malaysian buyers: paying extra for “NVMe-style” in a phone may give diminishing returns if the rest of the system (e.g., RAM, display, GPU) isn’t equally high-end. It’s better to get a phone with UFS 4.0 and balanced specs.
Comparison Table: Top Phones with Ultra-Fast Storage
Here are some of the smartphones available (or soon to be) in Malaysia that include UFS 4.0 (or next-gen fast storage). Always check variant/spec before purchase (storage type may differ by region).
OnePlus 13 5G
premium flagship ultra‑fast storage
RM 4,399.00
OnePlus 13
flagship balanced storage
RM 4,399.00
ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE/Pro
gaming phone ultra‑fast storage value
RM 2,650.40
ASUS ROG Phone 9
gaming phone top specs storage
RM 3,599.00
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G 12 GB+512 GB
upper‑mid fast storage budget
RM 1,499.00
OnePlus 13 (variant)
flagship alt storage
RM 2,341.45
OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra
value ultra‑fast storage
RM 2,166.86
Oppo Reno 14 Pro
design flagship fast storage
RM 3,782.54
Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
- OnePlus 13 5G: A premium flagship likely to include UFS 4.0 storage, strong all-round specs, available in Malaysia.
- OnePlus 13: Slight variant of the above, good alternative if you want slightly lower cost.
- ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE/Pro: A gaming-phone with ultra-fast storage emphasis, ideal for power users/gamers.
- ASUS ROG Phone 9: Full flagship gaming variant, also strong in storage and performance.
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G 12 GB+512 GB: An upper-mid tier phone offering fast storage (and likely UFS 4.0) at more affordable RM pricing.
- OnePlus 13 (variant): Another variant in the same family—shows how storage tech is spreading.
- OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra: Value flagship with high storage spec for less budget.
- Oppo Reno 14 Pro: A design-flagship option also including fast storage for those who care about style + speed.
What to Look Out For in Malaysian Market
Storage Variant Matters
Some phones advertise “UFS 4.0” but only certain storage variants (e.g., 256 GB / 512 GB) use it — lower-capacity models may be cheaper with UFS 3.1. For example the Samsung Galaxy S23’s 128 GB variant reportedly uses UFS 3.1, not UFS 4.0. (SoyaCincau BM)
Always check the exact spec sheet of the model you buy in Malaysia.
Impact on Real-World Use
While storage speeds are important, you’ll notice the biggest benefit in:
- Launching large apps/games
- Copying files to/from device
- Loading large video/graphics assets
For everyday tasks (social media, email), the difference between UFS 3.1 and UFS 4.0 may be subtle.
Price vs Value
Phones with UFS 4.0 will tend to cost more. Evaluate if the premium is worth it for your use. For example, if you game a lot or do professional photo/video editing on phone, faster storage helps.
Local Warranty & Import Concerns
Ensure the phone is “Malaysia set” (official Malaysian version) so warranty holds and local service is valid. Import units may have same storage spec but risk service or variant differences.
FAQ Section
Q1: Does UFS 4.0 make the phone twice as fast in every task?
Not necessarily. While UFS 4.0 offers much faster sequential read/write speeds (e.g., ~4.3 GB/s read / ~4.0 GB/s write for top modules) (Android Central) many everyday tasks don’t require that full speed. The overall experience is smoother, especially with heavy load, but “twice as fast” isn’t always noticeable in light use.
Q2: Should I wait for NVMe-storage phones?
Given smartphone constraints (battery, heat, board space), UFS 4.0 is the sweet-spot today. NVMe might be overkill or not fully supported in phone form factors yet. As one article notes, NVMe offers higher speeds but integration in phones is limited. (Digitech Bytes)
If you want best value now, go for UFS 4.0; if you don’t mind waiting and spending a lot, future NVMe-type phones may appear.
Q3: Will I notice difference between UFS 4.0 and UFS 3.1 in Malaysia conditions?
If you’re a heavy user (games, large file transfer, heavy multitasking), yes. But for normal usage (WhatsApp, streaming, camera), the difference may be subtle.
Also note network/storage bottlenecks elsewhere may reduce the benefit (e.g., slow mobile network, average WiFi).
Q4: How do I check if my phone has UFS 4.0?
- Look at spec sheet of the exact model (capacity/variant).
- Benchmark apps can check read/write speed (though results vary).
- Check trusted tech-review sites for variant breakdown (some lower storage variants may use older storage). Reddit threads discuss this. (Reddit)
In Malaysia, check seller listing, ask for spec sheet, verify with device info app.
Q5: Is storage type more important than RAM or processor?
All components matter. Having a top-end SoC and large RAM but slow storage may bottleneck performance. Likewise, fast storage with weak processor may limit gaming or heavy tasks. Aim for balanced specs.
Q6: Are there trade-offs with UFS 4.0 (e.g., heat, battery)?
Generally UFS 4.0 is more efficient than previous generations (less power draw) (pokde.net). But any very fast component may generate heat under heavy load. Ensure phone has good cooling and build quality.
Final Verdict
For Malaysian buyers in 2025 looking for ultra-fast storage:
- Best choice if you want cutting-edge: Choose a phone with confirmed UFS 4.0 (256GB or higher variant) plus strong specs (RAM, SoC).
- Value option: If budget is tighter, go for an “upper-mid” phone with UFS 4.0 (or version close) and save some cost.
- Don’t overspend for marginal benefit: If your usage is light/moderate (social, video, casual gaming), a phone with UFS 3.1 may be fully sufficient.
- Smart buying tip: When you buy in Malaysia, always check the variant/variant spec, local warranty, and the price savings vs spec benefit.
Call-to-Action: Semak Harga Terkini di Shopee Malaysia! Compare the variants (particularly storage type), check voucher codes & seller ratings, and pick the model with UFS 4.0 (or best storage) that meets your budget and usage.
