Huawei Kirin 9020 Soldered RAM? The Truth

The Huawei Kirin 9020 chipset uses soldered RAM, meaning the memory is permanently attached to the system-on-chip (SoC) package and cannot be removed or upgraded after purchase. This is a design choice that improves performance and power efficiency, but it also means you must choose your phone’s RAM configuration at the time of buying it.

What Does Soldered RAM Mean?

Soldered RAM, also known as LPDDR (Low Power Double Data Rate) memory, is physically mounted directly onto the same substrate as the processor. Unlike desktop computers where RAM sticks slot into sockets, mobile chips integrate memory into the package to save space and reduce electrical distance. For the Kirin 9020, this integration is part of the chip’s unified architecture, where the CPU, GPU, NPU, and RAM share a single package.

This approach has several advantages: it reduces the physical footprint inside the phone, allows for faster data transfer between the processor and memory, and lowers power consumption because signals travel shorter distances. The downside is that you cannot add more RAM later, and if the memory fails, the entire chip (or motherboard) often needs replacement.

Why Huawei Chose Soldered RAM

Huawei’s decision to solder RAM onto the Kirin 9020 aligns with industry trends and specific engineering goals:

Performance: Soldered LPDDR5X memory operates at very high speeds (up to 8533 Mbps), which is essential for the Kirin 9020’s AI and camera processing capabilities.
Space: By integrating RAM, the motherboard can be smaller, leaving room for larger batteries and more camera hardware.
Reliability: Soldered connections are less prone to physical loosening compared to socketed modules, which is important for a device meant to be carried daily.

This is not unique to Huawei; virtually all flagship smartphones (including Apple’s A-series and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips) use soldered RAM. The difference is that some manufacturers offer multiple RAM/storage variants at launch, while others limit options.

Kirin 9020 RAM Configurations

The Kirin 9020 is typically paired with LPDDR5X RAM, and Huawei offers the Mate 70 series with several configurations. Common options include 12GB and 16GB of RAM, with some models reaching 24GB. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, but the RAM is fixed at the time of manufacture. You cannot upgrade it after purchase, so it’s crucial to choose the right amount from the start.

For most users, 12GB is sufficient for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. If you plan to use intensive AI features, run multiple apps simultaneously, or keep the phone for several years, 16GB or more is a safer investment. The 24GB variant is aimed at power users who demand maximum multitasking and future-proofing.

How to Check Your RAM Usage

If you already own a Kirin 9020 device and want to monitor RAM usage, you can do so through the phone’s settings:

Open Settings.
Scroll to About phone or About device.
Tap on Memory or RAM to see total and available memory.
For real-time usage, go to Battery or Performance settings (varies by EMUI version) and look for a memory usage indicator.

Note that some EMUI versions hide detailed RAM stats; you may need to enable Developer Options by tapping the build number seven times to access more granular memory information.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that soldered RAM can be upgraded by a technician. In reality, reballing or replacing memory chips on a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package is extremely difficult and rarely successful, especially on modern SoCs where the RAM is stacked on top of the processor. If you run out of memory, your only options are to close apps or buy a new phone.

Another issue is that some users confuse RAM with storage. RAM is temporary memory for running apps, while storage is permanent space for files. The Kirin 9020’s RAM is soldered, but storage is also typically fixed (UFS 3.1 or 4.0), though some models support NM (Nano Memory) cards for expansion. Always check the specifications before buying if expandable storage is important to you.

Comparing Soldered RAM to Other Options

In the smartphone world, there is no real alternative to soldered RAM—all mainstream phones use it. However, some niche devices like the Fairphone allow modular upgrades, but they use older, slower memory. The trade-off is clear: soldered RAM offers speed and efficiency, while modular RAM offers repairability but at the cost of performance. For the Kirin 9020, the performance benefit is significant, especially for tasks like 4K video recording and real-time AI processing.

If you’re coming from a PC, you might be used to swapping RAM sticks. On a phone, that’s impossible. The best way to future-proof is to buy the highest RAM variant you can afford, as you cannot change it later.

Cost and Warranty Considerations

Higher RAM configurations cost more upfront. For example, a 16GB model might be $100–$200 more than a 12GB model. If you plan to keep the phone for 3–5 years, the extra cost is often justified. Regarding warranty, soldered RAM is covered under the standard warranty, but if it fails after that, repair costs can be high because the entire motherboard may need replacement. This is a risk for all phones, not just Huawei.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade the RAM on a Kirin 9020 phone?

No, the RAM is soldered to the chip and cannot be upgraded. You must choose the configuration at purchase.

Is 12GB RAM enough for a Kirin 9020?

For most users, yes. 12GB handles daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking well. Choose 16GB if you run heavy applications or want more headroom for future updates.

Does soldered RAM affect performance?

No, soldered RAM is actually faster than socketed RAM because it’s closer to the processor. It improves performance and power efficiency.

How do I check how much RAM my phone has?

Go to Settings > About phone > Memory, or use a system info app. You can also enable Developer Options for detailed stats.

What happens if I run out of RAM?

The system will close background apps to free memory. You may notice apps reloading when you switch back to them. You cannot add more RAM, so closing unused apps helps.

Is 24GB RAM worth it?

Only if you are a power user who runs many apps simultaneously or uses memory-intensive features like AI processing. For most, 16GB is a good balance.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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