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Crucial X9 Portable SSD 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 Crucial X9 Portable SSD at 5.3/10.

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

They score the same on warranty.

The biggest difference is security, where the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB scores 7/10 to the Crucial X9 Portable SSD's 3/10.

Crucial X9 Portable SSD

5.3/10verdict: wait for deal

The Crucial X9 suits buyers who want a small, plain USB-C drive for moving files between PCs, Macs, phones and consoles. It offers 1,050MB/s sequential reads and a 2m drop rating in a 65 x 50mm body. It is less suited to anyone who needs listed hardware encryption, Linux support or a faster interface.

Typically about £219.99 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

CriterionWeightCrucial X9 Portable SSDSamsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB
Speed30%5/106/10
Build and ruggedness20%6/109/10
Compatibility20%6/107/10
Security15%3/107/10
Warranty15%6/106/10
Overall5.3/107.0/10

Specifications

SpecCrucial X9 Portable SSDSamsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB
Capacity1TB, 2TB, 4TB (some capacity used for formatting)1TB (1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes)
InterfaceUSB-C connector; USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) on supported devicesUSB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Sequential readUp to 1,050MB/s (CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4, desktop)Up to 1,050 MB/s
Sequential writenot listedUp to 1,000 MB/s
Drop and water ratingDrop-proof up to 7.5 ft (2 m) without data impact on carpeted floor; shock, vibration and extreme temperature proofIP65 dust and water resistance; drop up to 3 m
Encryptionnot listedAES 256-bit hardware encryption
Warranty3-year limited, valid until maximum TBW is reached3 years limited

Strengths and weaknesses

Crucial X9 Portable SSD

  • + Drop-proof to 2m, plus shock and vibration proofing
  • + Small 65 x 50mm body, USB-C cable included
  • + Listed for Windows, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Android and iPad
  • − No hardware encryption listed
  • − Linux not listed; USB-A adapter sold separately
  • − Capped at USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need hardware encryption or password protection for sensitive data
  • Linux users who want the manufacturer to list support
  • Anyone moving very large files who wants a faster interface than USB 3.2 Gen 2
Read the full Crucial X9 Portable SSD 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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