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Lexar ES3 Portable SSD vs Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB

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

both judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB scores 6.1/10 overall, ahead of the Lexar ES3 Portable SSD at 5.5/10.

The Lexar ES3 Portable SSD leads on compatibility.

The Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB leads on build and ruggedness and security.

They score the same on speed and warranty.

The biggest difference is security, where the Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB scores 8/10 to the Lexar ES3 Portable SSD's 4/10.

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

Lexar ES3 Portable SSD

5.5/10verdict: skip

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 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB

Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB

6.1/10verdict: wait for deal

The Samsung T7 1TB is for people who move large files between machines and want a small, light drive. It suits those who want hardware encryption and an aluminium case on a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. It is a weaker fit for Linux users and for anyone who writes very large batches in one go.

Typically about £164.58 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 SSDPortable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB
Speed30%6/106/10
Build and ruggedness20%5/106/10
Compatibility20%6/105/10
Security15%4/108/10
Warranty15%6/106/10
Overall5.5/106.1/10

Specifications

SpecLexar ES3 Portable SSDPortable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB
Capacity512GB1TB
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), USB-C
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 listedDrop resistance up to 2 metres (internal free-fall test); no IP rating for dust or water; solid aluminium unibody casing
Encryptionnot listedAES 256-bit hardware encryption with password protection
Warranty3-year limited warrantyLimited 3-year warranty

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 ›

Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB

  • + AES 256-bit hardware encryption with password protection
  • + Aluminium unibody with a 2-metre drop resistance figure
  • + Owners praise fast large-file transfers and plug-and-play setup
  • − Sustained writes slow once transfers exceed the TurboWrite cache
  • − No IP rating for dust or water
  • − Magician software skips Linux; some systems may need reformatting

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want Gen 2x2 or USB4 speeds from an external drive
  • Linux users who want vendor software support for managing the drive
  • Anyone working on dusty or wet sites who needs an IP rating
Read the full Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB review ›

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