What is the difference between an eMMC and an SSD?

As new laptops become more and more compact, manufacturers are scrambling to miniaturize computer components without much loss of performance. Today, we bring you a focus on the difference between eMMC storage and SSD drive .

EMMC VS SSD STORAGE

EMMC and SSD interfaces are different in several ways. Although they have the same function, namely to store data, they do not have the same performance in use. Nor the same fields of application. While the SSD will be more present on computers. We will find the eMMC interface on all electronic devices with internal memory (such as smartphones for example). Let’s look at the question in more detail.

A matter of speed

This is the first difference between an SSD drive and eMMC storage here. The SSD disk, taking advantage of the SATA interface, is much faster in reading and writing than an eMMC interface. Regarding the latter, it is between the average speed of the hard disk (HDD) and flash disk (SSD).

SSD drive: more for computers

Traditionally, the internal SSD hard drive represents the evolution of the internal hard drive. Faster and more robust, it gradually replaces it since this technology is nevertheless expensive. Since the SSD is the logical continuation of the hard drive, it is mostly found on laptops (and stationary). Note also that given its dimensions (especially for the thickness), we do not see it on hybrid laptops also called PC-Tablets or PC 2-in-1. The latter will prefer to integrate an M.2 card which is much more compact.

eMMC: on-board storage

EMMC technology could be sketched as a multimedia card with onboard memory. It is rarely found in computers and for good reason. It is generally based on 32 GB or 64 GB storage. Unlike SSD disks, this space is quite limited for a Windows computer, so we will cross eMMC in Smartphone type devices. The technology used allows it to be extended, like our Android smartphones which have internal storage (eMMC) + a docking port for a microSD card (extension) . Regarding the price, it is to know that for equal volume in Giga-byte, the storage eMMC has a cost price much less expensive than the storage SSD.

EMMC VS SSD: specific compatibilities

The SSD has the undeniable advantage of being able to be installed from one machine to another. Easily and without data loss. If we take the example of a change of computer under Windows. It will suffice to remove the internal SSD drive from the old computer and install it in the new one. The user does not lose any data and does not have to re-install the system. Therefore, an internal SSD drive is a removable and movable system. Regarding eMMC cards, it is not the same case. They are often custom made to meet the needs of the host device. They are therefore not transferable from one device to another.