Samsung BAR Plus 256GB
Score: 84/100
SanDisk Ultra 512GB
Score: 63/100Rankings
The Samsung BAR Plus 256 GB flash drive delivers strong read performance and a rugged all-metal design, backed by a five-year warranty. Write speeds are less consistent, and the lack of USB-C may be a drawback for users with newer devices.
The SanDisk Ultra 512GB USB 3.0 flash drive delivers solid read performance and built-in software encryption in a compact slide-out design, backed by a five-year warranty. Its write speed is modest, it lacks an LED indicator, and the absence of USB-C limits compatibility with newer devices.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
256 GB | 512 GBbest | |
400 MB/sbest | 130 MB/s | |
100 MB/sbest | — | |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.13 gbest | 20 g |
| ↓ lower better | 40 mm | 10.7 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15.5 mmbest | 22.1 mm |
| ↓ lower better | 12 mm | 7.9 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 256 GB | 512 GB |
Performance(2) | ||
Read Speed (MB/s) | 400 MB/s | 130 MB/s |
Write Speed (MB/s) | 100 MB/s | 12-25 MB/s |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Interface | USB-A 3.1 | USB 3.0 |
Physical(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 1.13 g | 20 g |
Length (mm) | 40 mm | 10.7 mm |
Width (mm) | 15.5 mm | 22.1 mm |
Height (mm) | 12 mm | 7.9 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the premium metal construction and impressive read speeds, but warn that write performance is erratic and unsuitable for demanding workloads.
Everyday users love the speed, durability, and sleek design, while common complaints focus on slow write speeds for large files and the absence of an activity LED.
“Very fast and reliable”
“Durable and stylish”
“Works with everything”
Professional reviewers from TechRadar and PCMag praise the Ultra CZ48 series for its reliable read performance, solid 5-year warranty and the rare inclusion of useful encryption software, positioning it as a good value mid-tier flash drive. They caution that the advertised 130 MB/s read speed is achievable only under optimal conditions, the write speed lags behind premium competitors, and the lack of USB-C limits its appeal for newer laptops.
Everyday users rate the drive 4.6-4.8 stars, highlighting its ease of use, fast large-file transfers and the convenience of built-in encryption. Recurring complaints focus on slower write speeds, exFAT compatibility limits with entertainment devices, and the physical width making insertion into cramped ports tricky.
