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Lexar ES3 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 Lexar ES3 Portable SSD at 5.5/10.

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

They score the same on speed and warranty.

The biggest difference is build and ruggedness, where the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB scores 9/10 to the Lexar ES3 Portable SSD's 5/10.

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

5.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Lexar ES3 is a small USB 3.2 Gen 2 portable SSD for people who move files between a laptop and a phone. It suits everyday backups, photo libraries and project folders rather than workloads that need the fastest transfers. Linux users, console owners and anyone who wants hardware encryption should check the limits first.

Typically about £123 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

CriterionWeightLexar ES3 Portable SSDSamsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB
Speed30%6/106/10
Build and ruggedness20%5/109/10
Compatibility20%6/107/10
Security15%4/107/10
Warranty15%6/106/10
Overall5.5/107.0/10

Specifications

SpecLexar ES3 Portable SSDSamsung Portable SSD T7 Shield 1TB
Capacity512GB1TB (1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes)
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Sequential readup to 1,050MB/sUp to 1,050 MB/s
Sequential writeup to 1,000MB/sUp to 1,000 MB/s
Drop and water ratingnot listedIP65 dust and water resistance; drop up to 3 m
Encryptionnot listedAES 256-bit hardware encryption
Warranty3-year limited warranty3 years limited

Strengths and weaknesses

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

  • + Plug-and-play setup, no drivers needed, according to owners
  • + Mac, Windows, iOS and Android support listed
  • + 2-metre anti-drop rating on a 45g body
  • − Encryption is software-based; no hardware encryption described
  • − Linux and consoles not listed as compatible
  • − Can feel warm during extended use, owners say

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need hardware encryption built into the drive
  • Linux or console users who want manufacturer-listed support
  • Anyone who wants a published water rating or the fastest transfers available
Read the full Lexar ES3 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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