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Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB vs Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB scores 7.0/10 overall, ahead of the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB at 4.7/10.

The Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB leads on speed, build and ruggedness, compatibility, security and warranty.

The biggest difference is security, where the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB scores 7/10 to the Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB's 2/10.

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD, 1TB

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB

4.7/10verdict: skip

This is a compact, metal-cased 1TB portable SSD for buyers who want IP65 dust and water resistance and a claimed 2000MB/s peak. It suits people who already have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and can live with some open questions. Those questions cover the interface, the warranty length and hardware encryption.

Typically about £208.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Portable SSD T7 Shield (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB)

Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB

7.0/10verdict: buy

The Samsung T7 Shield 1TB is for people who carry data to places where a plain portable drive might get dropped, rained on or covered in dust. It suits anyone who wants hardware encryption and a 3-year warranty alongside a rugged casing. It is less suited to buyers chasing the highest transfer speeds, as it runs on USB 3.2 Gen 2.

Typically about £215.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAmazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TBSamsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB
Speed30%5/106/10
Build and ruggedness20%7/109/10
Compatibility20%5/107/10
Security15%2/107/10
Warranty15%3/106/10
Overall4.7/107.0/10

Specifications

SpecAmazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TBSamsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB
Capacity1 TB nominal; usable capacity may be lower1TB (1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes)
InterfaceConflicting: USB 3.0 in UK 1TB product information; USB 3.2 Gen 2 in marketing text; UK 2TB sibling lists USB 3.2 Gen 2x2USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Sequential readUp to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)Up to 1,050 MB/s
Sequential writeUp to 2000 MB/s (actual speeds vary)Up to 1,000 MB/s
Drop and water ratingIP65 water and dust resistant; no drop rating publishedIP65 dust and water resistance; drop up to 3 m
Encryptionnot listedAES 256-bit hardware encryption
WarrantyConflicting or not confirmed: no length on Amazon.com listing; 5 years per Indian reseller; 1 year per a third-party review3 years limited

Strengths and weaknesses

Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB

  • + IP65 water and dust resistance, stated on the UK listing
  • + Metal casing with scratch-resistant polymer base, about 51.8g
  • + Includes both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables
  • − Interface details conflict between listings and sources
  • − No hardware encryption published; warranty length unconfirmed
  • − Console and phone support not confirmed; laptop only listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need hardware-encrypted, password-protected storage
  • Anyone who needs a confirmed warranty length or confirmed console and phone support
  • Users without a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port who want the top quoted speed
Read the full Amazon Basics Portable External SSD 1TB review ›

Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB

  • + IP65 dust and water resistance with a 3 m drop rating
  • + Owners report around 900 MB/s sustained writes
  • + AES 256-bit hardware encryption is listed
  • − Samsung's 1,050 MB/s read is an up-to figure
  • − Full speed needs a Gen 2 host, compatible cable and UASP
  • − Warranty is 3 years, not longer

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want interface speeds above USB 3.2 Gen 2
  • People who only use a drive at a desk and don't need rugged protection
  • Anyone who needs confirmed Linux support before buying
Read the full Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB review ›

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