PNY PRO Elite 256GB
Score: 83/100
Samsung BAR Plus 128GB Gray
Score: 77/100Rankings
The PNY PRO Elite 256 GB USB-A flash drive delivers industry-leading 400 MB/s read performance and a rugged metal housing with a 64 GB cache for burst writes. Sustained write speeds drop significantly and it lacks a native USB-C connector. Best suited for power users who prioritize fast reads and occasional high-speed writes.
The Samsung BAR Plus 128 GB USB flash drive combines a sleek metal body with waterproof and shock-proof protection, offering decent performance for everyday use. However, real-world read speeds are lower than advertised and some users experience occasional disconnections and heat issues. It suits casual users and professionals who value durability over top-tier speed.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
256 GBbest | 128 GB | |
400 MB/sbest | 400 MB/sbest | |
180 MB/sbest | 61.84 MB/s | |
| ↓ lower better | 30 g | 1.13 gbest |
— | 5 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 256 GB | 128 GB |
Performance(1) | ||
Write Speed (MB/s) | 180 MB/s | 61.84 MB/s |
Connectivity(2) | ||
USB Version | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.1 |
Interface | USB-A retractable | Type-A |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 30.00 g | 1.13 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 11.43 x 99.31 x 134.11 mm | 12x15.5x40.1 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the PNY PRO Elite for its impressive 400 MB/s read capability and solid benchmark score, highlighting the metal construction and 64 GB pSLC cache as strengths. However, they consistently criticize the steep drop in sustained write speeds once the cache is exhausted and the lack of a USB-C interface, positioning the drive as a strong read-focused solution but limited for heavy, continuous write workloads.
Everyday users generally appreciate the rapid read performance and generous 256 GB capacity, noting the drive feels robust and portable. Recurring themes in consumer feedback include frustration with slower sustained writes after the cache fills and occasional warmth during prolonged transfers, while the missing USB-C option is also mentioned as a drawback.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the BAR Plus as a solid mid-range USB flash drive that delivers a noticeable performance jump over Samsung's older BAR 3.0 while maintaining an attractive price per gigabyte. They commend its metal build, compact design, and five-year warranty, but criticize the gap between advertised (400 MB/s) and real-world sequential read speeds (≈283 MB/s) and its modest write speeds, positioning it below premium options like the SanDisk Extreme Pro.
Everyday users generally praise the drive's durability, attractive design, and ample 128GB capacity, noting reliable plug-and-play operation across devices. Recurring complaints focus on occasional disconnections, heat buildup that can lead to failure, and the lack of a dust cap, with a few reports of corrupted files during transfers.
