Samsung T5 Portable SSD 500GB
Score: 36/100
Samsung T7 Shield 1TB
Score: 72/100Rankings
The Samsung T7 Shield 1TB is a rugged portable SSD with IP65 protection, 3 m drop resistance and AES-256 encryption, delivering up to 1,050 MB/s read speeds. It balances durability and security with solid performance, though it carries a higher price tag and lacks full waterproofing.
The Samsung T5 500 GB Portable SSD offers near-internal SSD speeds, a premium aluminum build, and built-in hardware encryption, making it a solid choice for fast, secure portable storage.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
500 GB | 1,024 GBbest | |
540 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | |
520 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 45 gbest | 98 g |
36 monthsbest | 36 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0 °Cbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (GB) | 500 GB | 1024 GB |
Performance(3) | ||
Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 540 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 520 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 45 g | 98 g |
Power & Connectivity(1) | ||
Power Source | bus | Bus-powered |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows 7+, macOS 10.10+, Android 5.0+ |
Technical Specs(1) | ||
NAND Type | 64-layer V-NAND | 3D TLC |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the T5 for its near-internal speeds, solid build, and encryption, while noting the 3-year warranty and lack of endurance specs as minor drawbacks.
Users love the lightning-quick transfers and rugged feel, but some are frustrated by the short warranty and inability to recover a lost password.
“Transfers my 80 GB video project in under 5 minutes-way faster than my old HDD.”
“Lost my password and can't reset the drive-no recovery option.”
“4.8/5 stars based on over 1,270 reviews”
Professional reviewers commend the T7 Shield for its rugged IP65 construction, solid drop resistance, and reliable AES-256 encryption, noting that its 1,050 MB/s read speed makes it suitable for on-the-go 4K editing. However, they point out that its performance lags behind non-rugged Thunderbolt or USB-3.2 Gen 2x2 drives, and the absence of immersion protection and a fingerprint sensor keep it from being a universal leader.
Everyday users appreciate the drive's durability, fast transfers, and hassle-free plug-and-play experience, often citing reliable backups and smooth media workflows. Recurring complaints focus on the premium price, the feel of the supplied cables, heat buildup during long transfers, and the desire for full waterproof (IP68) protection.
