Data Storage Device and Method for Avoiding Returning Zeros to a Host

A method comprising:

• performing in a data storage device comprising a memory:
• receiving a command from a host to read data stored in a logical address of the memory;
• determining whether the data comprises all zeros;
• in response to determining that the data does not comprise all zeros, sending the data to the host;
• and
• in response to determining that the data comprises all zeros, foregoing sending the data to the host.

A data storage device comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• means for:
• receiving a request from a host for data stored in the memory;
• determining whether all of the data comprises a same value;
• and
• in response to determining that all of the data comprises the same value, providing the host with an indication that all of the data comprises the same value instead of sending the data to the host.