July 14, 2015, Seoul – SanDisk (www.sandisk.co.kr), a global leader in flash storage, today announced the iNAND 7232 storage solution, a new, state-of-the-art embedded flash drive (EFD) optimized to deliver best-in-class imaging performance and exceptional storage capacity in high-end mobile devices. Available in capacities up to 128GB, this storage solution enables OEMs to produce smartphones, tablets, and a variety of smart, connected devices with abundant capacity. This helps meet the capacity demands of ever-growing consumer content and delivers data-rich application experiences, next-generation digital imaging, and exceptional imaging performance.

“Consumers worldwide are demanding more storage capacity,” said Christopher Bergey, vice president and general manager, Mobile and Tablet Solutions, SanDisk. “SanDisk’s iNAND 7232 storage solution is the latest in our embedded storage solutions to meet that demand, enabling mobile OEMs to cost-effectively deliver the high-capacity bandwidth users demand.”

The solution leverages a new, innovative application-level storage architecture and SanDisk's latest 15-nanometer flash storage technology. “This delivers a superior application experience, incredible 4K Ultra HD (UHD) video recording, and high-quality digital video and images never before seen on a high-end smartphone,” he said.

“As smartphone and tablet users become more comfortable with their devices, their purchasing expectations have significantly increased,” said Neil Shah, Research Director, Devices and Ecosystems at Counterpoint Research. “This has become a huge consideration for mobile OEMs, who must balance innovation and investment costs to deliver premium devices at attractive prices in a highly competitive market, especially in China and other high-growth markets.” “SanDisk’s iNAND 7232 EFD is the ideal solution for OEMs to deliver what consumers want most beyond form factor: reliable high capacity, superior digital video and imaging features, and the best application experience.”

Implementing next-generation mobile experiences

The iNAND 7232 combines advanced application architecture and innovative storage technology to enhance the shooting capabilities of mobile devices and enable groundbreaking application experiences.

The iNAND 7232 storage solution utilizes SanDisk's second-generation SMART SLC technology, a revolutionary new storage architecture that quickly and intelligently adapts to the evolving needs of mobile users. It is SanDisk's fastest embedded flash storage product. With sequential write speeds of up to 150MB/s2, this represents a 25 percent performance improvement over the previous generation, and sequential write speeds can exceed 1.2 gigabits (Gb) per second. For example, it improves responsive mobile device experiences, such as faster 4K UHD video recording, faster downloads via 802.11ac/802.11ad, and RAW format shooting in low-light conditions. It also enhances multi-camera and depth sensor performance for applications like 3D and virtual reality.

The iNAND 7232 storage solution is built on the e.MMC 5.1+ HS400 specification, which includes Command Queue, an acceleration feature for SSDs. This allows for faster random reads, resulting in more responsive data-intensive applications.

Advanced memory level technology

The iNAND 7232 is built on SanDisk's 15nm triple-cell (X3) NAND flash storage, the world's most advanced NAND flash process node.

Product launch

Samples of the iNAND 7232 storage solution are currently available to customers in capacities ranging from 32GB to 128GB.

Detailed features and specifications

• Latest e.MMC specification: Built on e.MMC 5.1+ HS400 specification with command queue

• Designed for the latest Wi-Fi standards: Fast transfer speeds supporting gigabit wireless performance, 802.11ad ready, 802.11ac 2x2 speed support

• Significantly improved speed over previous generations: Sequential read speeds of up to 280 MB/s; Sequential write speeds of up to 150 MB/s2

• Can be integrated into thin host devices with an incredible form factor: Packaged in a size of 11.5mm4 x 13mm and 0.9mm thick

• Supports rapid mobile device development cycles with easy integration and optimization: The iNAND 7232 storage solution is supported by advanced simulation, troubleshooting, and engineering tools, enabling mobile manufacturers to easily and quickly integrate it into their mobile device designs. This significantly reduces the time from product development to market.