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Portable SSD T7 Shield (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB) vs Samsung Portable SSD T9

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

both judged against External SSDs at a similar price

The Portable SSD T7 Shield (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB) scores 7.0/10 overall, ahead of the Samsung Portable SSD T9 at 6.7/10.

The Portable SSD T7 Shield (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB) leads on build and ruggedness and compatibility.

The Samsung Portable SSD T9 leads on speed and warranty.

They score the same on security.

The biggest difference is build and ruggedness, where the Portable SSD T7 Shield (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB) scores 9/10 to the Samsung Portable SSD T9's 5/10.

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

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

7.0/10verdict: wait for deal

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

Samsung Portable SSD T9

Samsung Portable SSD T9

6.7/10verdict: wait for deal

The Samsung Portable SSD T9 is a 2TB external drive for people who move large files often and have a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. It suits those who want hardware encryption and a five-year warranty alongside fast transfers. It is less convincing for buyers who need a water-resistant drive or confirmed support beyond iPhone 15.

Typically about £205 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

CriterionWeightPortable SSD T7 Shield (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB)Samsung Portable SSD T9
Speed30%6/108/10
Build and ruggedness20%9/105/10
Compatibility20%7/105/10
Security15%7/107/10
Warranty15%6/108/10
Overall7.0/106.7/10

Specifications

SpecPortable SSD T7 Shield (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1TB)Samsung Portable SSD T9
Capacity1TB (1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes)2TB
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps)
Sequential readUp to 1,050 MB/sUp to 2,000 MB/sec
Sequential writeUp to 1,000 MB/sUp to 1,950 MB/sec
Drop and water ratingIP65 dust and water resistance; drop up to 3 mDrop resistant up to 3m (free fall onto metal plate); no water or IP rating given
EncryptionAES 256-bit hardware encryptionAES 256-bit hardware encryption
Warranty3 years limited5 year limited warranty

Strengths and weaknesses

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

Samsung Portable SSD T9

  • + Up to 2,000MB/s read over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
  • + Five-year limited warranty
  • + AES 256-bit hardware encryption
  • − No water or IP rating given
  • − Drop damage not covered by warranty
  • − Owners call it expensive for its class

Skip it if:

  • Buyers without a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and cable who would not reach the rated speeds
  • Anyone needing a water or dust rating, as no IP rating is given
  • Buyers who want warranty cover for accidental drop damage
Read the full Samsung Portable SSD T9 review ›

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