Difference Between EMMC And SSD

This is what happens between eMMC and SSD. Typically, SSD has a much faster read-write speed as compared to eMMC. The top speed of SSD is about 1500 MB/s, whereas for eMMC the top speed is just 400 MB/s. However, this does of course vary with the model and type. Hence, eMMC and SSD are mostly comparable in their increased durability and energy-efficiency, but not in performance.

The also differ in the amount of storage space each one provides. eMMC offers much less onboard storage than SSD. Typically, eMMC is offered in 32GB and 64GB variants, though other sizes are available, such as 128GB. SSD, on the other hand, typically comes in 128GB, 256GB, 320GB, and 512GB variants. Hence, to combat this, eMMCs are often paired with cloud storage, i.e. files are stored on a remote server, whereas SSD don’t need to be, but can be if the user needs extra storage.

While SSD drives are usually connected to the motherboard via the SATA interface, eMMC are often directly soldered onto the motherboard, similar to the microprocessor and other integrated circuits. eMMC consists of both flash memory and a flash memory controller integrated on the same silicon die; though SSDs also come with a flash memory controller that bridges the NAND memory components to the host computer, commonly SATA.

Even though the cost of technology has been steadily dropping, SSD are still quite expensive. Consumer level SSD are up to four times more expensive than HDDs, which in turn are quite expensive than eMMCs. This is why SSDs are rarely used in consumer level electronics. Most manufacturers prefer to use HDDs, but quite a few now opt to use eMMCs, especially in low end, entry level consumer devices, which can work with eMMC’s limitations while also keeping costs down.

Comparison between eMMC and SSD:

	eMMC	SSD
Stands for	Embedded MultiMediaCard	Solid-state drive or Solid-state disk
Technical Description	Flash memory plus controller in a small ball grid array (BGA) IC package for use in circuit boards as an embedded non-volatile memory system	Uses integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently
Type of	Storage	Storage
Storage Type	Flash Storage	Solid-state Storage
Functions	Used as a temporary storage medium for a portable device	Used as a permanent storage medium
Used in	Smartphones, tablets, entry-level laptops, 2-in-1 computers, digital audio players, digital cameras, as well as removable storage such as SD cards.	Computers and laptops
Small File Storage	Faster for small file storage and retrieval	Slower for small file storage and retrieval
Large File Storage	Slower for large file storage and retrieval	Faster for large file storage and retrieval
Transfer Rate	Maximum speed is 400 MB/s.	In consumer products the maximum transfer rate typically ranges from about 200 MB/s to 1500 MB/s, depending on the disk.

Reference: Wikipedia (eMMC and SSD), Laptoping, How to Geek, Datalight Image Courtesy: linkedin.com, technomag.co.zw