The Galaxy A52s is equipped with UFS 3.1 storage, known for its high read and write speeds. However, several users report that after two years of use, the phone seems slower, especially when installing apps, transferring files, or launching games. This phenomenon is not related to a hardware failure but to physical and software factors that affect flash memory over time.
UFS 3.1 memory and its performance characteristics
UFS 3.1 storage offers sequential read speeds above 1,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s on a new Galaxy A52s. This technology enables fast loading, smooth multitasking, and efficient file transfers.
However, these figures represent ideal performance measured on a new device, with non-fragmented and lightly used memory blocks. Over time and with daily use, these speeds gradually decrease.
Memory cell wear affects write speed
Like all NAND flash memory, UFS 3.1 storage is composed of cells that wear out with each write cycle. After two years of regular use, several thousand cycles have already been performed, leading to a decrease in write speed, especially for large files.
Mobile storage tests show that after 24 months, write speed can drop by 20 to 30%, while reading remains relatively stable. This degradation is normal and predictable for this type of memory.
Data fragmentation slows file access
Over time, storage accumulates fragmented data, mainly due to app updates, temporary files, and system caches. Fragmentation forces the UFS controller to reassemble memory blocks during reading and writing, increasing access time and slowing down the entire system.
Benchmarks show that on a Galaxy A52s used for two years, file access time can increase by 15 to 25%, noticeable when launching heavy apps or games.
The role of the UFS controller and thermal management
The UFS controller manages memory block allocation and write distribution to optimize lifespan. With wear and fragmentation, the controller must perform more error correction operations, consuming time and energy.
Additionally, the heat generated by the processor and screen can temper the maximum speed of the storage to protect the components. On two-year-old devices, dust accumulation and heat can exacerbate this phenomenon.
System and application caches amplify the feeling of slowness
Over time, apps and the system accumulate large caches, partially saturating memory and forcing storage to process more data. This overload contributes to the perception of slowness when launching apps or transferring files.
A partial cache reset or using built-in cleaning features can restore some performance, but it does not resolve the physical wear of memory cells.
Software updates indirectly influence performance
New versions of Android and app updates require more resources and storage. On a two-year-old Galaxy A52s, these demands can exacerbate the slowdown, as the UFS controller must manage larger files and more frequent access.
In practice, an older phone may seem slower not due to hardware failure, but because modern software places more demands on storage and RAM.
Comparison with other mobile storage technologies
Recent high-end models use UFS 4.0 or 4.1, offering twice the write and read speeds and higher endurance. However, even these memories undergo progressive degradation after several years, although less rapidly than the UFS 3.1 of the Galaxy A52s.
Thus, the slowdown observed on the A52s is normal for a mid-range smartphone used intensively for two years.