Samsung Portable SSD T9 review

The Samsung Portable SSD T9 arrived in October 2023 as a 2TB external drive on USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps). With rated reads of up to 2,000MB/s, it suits regular large transfers such as disk images, backup sets and project folders. It is small and light, at 88 x 60 x 14mm and 122 grams, so it is easy to carry between machines.

Samsung rates sequential read at up to 2,000MB/s and sequential write at up to 1,950MB/s. Those are maximum figures. Samsung also states that the rated speeds need a host and a cable that both support Gen 2x2, plus UASP mode. A port that only supports a slower USB standard will not deliver the headline numbers, so check your machine before buying. Samsung doesn't list a sustained write speed, so the write figure should be read as a peak.

Owners praise the fast transfer speeds. That matches the interface and the rated figures.

Samsung rates the drive as drop resistant up to 3m in free fall onto a metal plate. That is a clear, specific claim and useful for a drive that travels in bags. Two limits matter, though. No water or IP rating is given, so there is no stated protection against dust or liquid. The casing material isn't listed either.

Drop damage is also not covered by the warranty. If the drive fails after a fall, the 3m rating gives you no warranty claim. Treat it as a design target, not a guarantee of cover.

The T9 uses AES 256-bit hardware encryption. For anyone carrying client files, configuration backups or credentials, that is a relevant feature. The listed details don't say how the encryption is set up or unlocked, or which operating systems the setup software supports. Check Samsung's documentation for those points before relying on it.

A 5-year limited warranty is a strong point. The exclusion for drop damage is the main caveat, and it sits oddly beside the 3m drop rating. Read the warranty terms if you plan to use the drive in rougher conditions.

The confirmed detail is that the drive is recognised and can transfer data on iPhone 15 models. That helps if you want to offload phone footage. Nothing in the listed specifications covers Windows, macOS, Linux or console support, or whether a USB-A cable is supplied. Because full speed depends on a Gen 2x2 host, a compatible cable and UASP mode, confirm those three things on your own hardware first.

The recurring owner complaint is that the drive is expensive for its class. The speed and five-year warranty are what that cost buys. If you can't use Gen 2x2 speeds, you pay for performance your port can't deliver.

It suits people with a Gen 2x2 port who want fast sequential transfers, hardware encryption and long warranty cover in a pocketable drive. It suits them less if they need a water or dust rating, warranty cover for drops, or documented support for a wide range of operating systems and devices.