Samsung X5

Praised by Experts

• ✓Professional benchmarks show real‑world read speeds of ~2.5 GB/s and write speeds of ~2.06 GB/s, confirming performance close to the advertised 2.8/2.3 GB/s ratings.
• ✓Reviewers note the X5 delivers more than double the transfer speed of Samsung’s previous T5 model, establishing a new performance class for portable SSDs.
• ✓The drive’s ability to copy a 20 GB 4K UHD video in roughly 12 seconds demonstrates its suitability for high‑resolution video editing workflows.
• ✓Rugged magnesium‑alloy construction and 6‑foot drop resistance receive consistent praise for professional‑grade durability.
• ✓Dynamic Thermal Guard with an integrated heatsink is highlighted for preventing throttling during sustained high‑speed transfers.

Criticized by Experts

• ✗Professional reviewers criticize the mandatory Thunderbolt 3 requirement, which limits compatibility with many existing devices lacking the interface.
• ✗The lack of macOS support for firmware and software updates is highlighted as a drawback for Mac‑centric users.
• ✗Compared to the T5, the X5’s larger size and 150 g weight are noted as less portable and more cumbersome for on‑the‑go use.
• ✗The premium price point is repeatedly mentioned as a barrier for users seeking a more affordable high‑speed storage solution.