The user might have postponed data retrieval from the old phone for several reasons, one being the poor condition of the old device, making data transfer difficult or impossible at the time. Therefore, backing up photos and other digital content was delayed for a more convenient moment.
After an extended period without charging or use, batteries can fail, and other components may degrade. Users might also forget the reason for storing the phone away or lose track of essential access information such as passwords, PINs, or unlock patterns. This Lenovo phone failed to power on after prolonged storage. Diagnostics revealed that the memory chip was the culprit.
Basic Characteristics of Mobile Phone Storage
Modern mobile phones primarily use NAND flash memory chips, typically found in one of the following configurations:
- eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) – An integrated solution combining memory and controller into one chip. It offers lower read and write speeds but is cost-effective and easy to implement. It's commonly used in older or budget-friendly devices.
- UFS (Universal Flash Storage) – A more advanced technology that significantly increases read and write speeds, supports parallel operations, and is optimized for multitasking. It's used in mid-range to flagship mobile phones.
- NAND flash with a separate controller (e.g., iPhone) – Certain manufacturers, such as Apple, utilize a configuration where the memory chip is separate from the controller, allowing better performance management and more efficient wear management. This setup typically includes advanced error-correction algorithms and data encryption, enhancing the storage's security and reliability.
Flash memory offers several advantages but also has notable drawbacks. A primary disadvantage is gradual wear with every write and erase cycle. Each cycle contributes to the degradation of memory cells, eventually approaching the end of the flash memory's lifespan and risking failure.
The quality and lifespan of flash memory chips depend on materials, manufacturing precision, and the chip technology itself. Various types of flash memory, including SLC, MLC, TLC, and QLC, along with their 3D variants, differ in production methods, the number of bits per cell, and thus their wear resistance. Another reliability factor is the memory integration method, whether it be eMMC, UFS, or a separate NAND chip combined with a controller. Additionally, the controller and firmware manage data using sophisticated algorithms like wear leveling, garbage collection, and error correction (ECC), significantly extending the memory's lifespan.
Cause of Failure and Method of Data Recovery
The failure of this Lenovo phone was due to memory chip degradation. When the user attempted to power it on, it was unsuccessful. Fortunately, the Lenovo P70-A featured an older version of Android OS 4.4 (KitKat), which did not encrypt stored data. This allowed data recovery through a direct chip-off reading method. After correcting errors in the memory chip, user data became accessible.
Phone: Lenovo P70-A
Issue: Sudden failure, memory chip degradation
Solution: Data recovery via chip-off method from the memory chip
Result: Data successfully recovered
However, newer mobile phones typically encrypt data internally, preventing the direct reading method described above. This applies to Android OS versions 5 and later, as well as Apple iOS versions 8 and newer, essentially all phones manufactured in 2014 or later. Data recovery for modern smartphones thus requires more advanced and complex methods.
Always back up your important data! To avoid situations where valuable files and information are trapped inside a malfunctioning phone, regularly use available backup methods provided by modern technology. Whether cloud storage, computer transfer, or external storage, choosing any backup method can prevent significant trouble. However, if it's already too late, take advantage of our free diagnostics service.
