Samsung
Samsung T7 Portable SSD
A pocket-sized external SSD using the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, with a metal body and hardware encryption support.
Overview
What it is
A pocket-sized external SSD using the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, with a metal body and hardware encryption support.
Who it is for
Users who need fast portable storage for large files and travel frequently.
Product data
Key specifications
Values are stored as structured data with a source and a confidence state.
| Specification | Value | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Capacities | 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit hardware encryption | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Weight | 72 g on the datasheet, 2.0 oz on the product page | Sources conflict | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Read speed | Up to 1,050 MB/sec | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Write speed | Up to 1,000 MB/sec | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Connector | USB Type-C | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Dimensions | 85 by 57 by 8 mm | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Warranty | Three years, limited | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
| Drop resistance | Drop resistant up to 2 m | Verified | Samsung T7 datasheet |
Capabilities
Documented features
- Hardware encryptionYes
Trade-offs
Strengths and limitations
Published together so the trade-offs are visible before you decide.
Strengths
- A drive rated for water and a three metre drop: The recorded water resistance is IP 65 and the recorded drop resistance is up to 3 m, against a recorded 2 m drop rating on the plain T7 and no recorded water rating at all. Those two entries are the reason the ruggedised version exists.
- The same interface, speeds and capacities as the plain T7: The recorded interface is USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps, the recorded read speed is up to 1,050 MB/sec, the recorded write speed is up to 1,000 MB/sec and the recorded capacities are 1 TB, 2 TB and 4 TB. The plain T7 records the same values, so the protection costs nothing in the recorded specification.
- Named encryption and a three year warranty: Encryption is recorded as AES 256-bit hardware encryption, and hardware encryption is in the recorded feature list. The recorded warranty is three years, limited, and the recorded operating systems cover Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.10 or later and Android Lollipop or later.
Limitations
- The extra protection adds size and weight: The recorded weight is 98 g against the plain T7's conflicting record of 72 g on the datasheet and 2.0 oz on the product page, and the recorded dimensions are 59 by 88 by 13 mm against 85 by 57 by 8 mm. The Shield is the larger and heavier object of the two.
- The rating is a code and the speeds are peaks: The water resistance is recorded as the code IP 65, with no recorded immersion time, cap or seal detail, and the read and write speeds are recorded as up to figures with no sustained rate. What the catalogue holds is a specification, not a measured result.
Alternatives
Consider these instead
Each alternative states why it is worth considering.
- alternativePortable Storage
Samsung T7 Shield
The T7 is the lighter, less protected drive. The T7 Shield adds water and drop resistance to the same interface and the same sequential speeds, at the cost of some weight.
FAQ
Common questions
Is the Samsung T7 Shield waterproof?
The recorded water resistance for the Samsung T7 Shield is IP 65. That is the rating the manufacturer states, and the catalogue adds no immersion time, no seal detail and no statement about standing water.
Source:Samsung T7 Shield datasheet
How far can the T7 Shield be dropped?
The recorded drop resistance is up to 3 m. The plain Samsung T7 in the catalogue records a drop resistance of up to 2 m and no water resistance rating at all.
Source:Samsung T7 Shield datasheet
Is the T7 Shield as fast as the Samsung T7?
Yes on the record. Both drives record the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface at 10 Gbps, a read speed of up to 1,050 MB/sec and a write speed of up to 1,000 MB/sec, and both of those figures are peaks rather than sustained rates.
Source:Samsung T7 Shield datasheet
Does the T7 Shield have encryption?
Yes. Encryption is recorded as AES 256-bit hardware encryption, and hardware encryption appears in the recorded feature list for this drive.
Source:Samsung T7 Shield datasheet
How much does the T7 Shield weigh?
The recorded weight is 98 g. The plain T7's recorded weight is marked as conflicting in the catalogue, with 72 g on the datasheet and 2.0 oz on the product page.
Source:Samsung T7 Shield datasheet
Which operating systems does the T7 Shield support?
The recorded operating systems are Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.10 or later and Android Lollipop or later, so the drive is recorded as usable on a phone as well as on a computer.
Related research
Continue your research
- How To Choose A Portable SSD: Capacity, Interface And Portability
How to choose a portable SSD, in decision order: capacity, interface generation, portability and encryption, with what the catalogue does not yet record.
- Samsung T7 vs T7 Shield: The Ruggedised Drive Against The Plain One
The Samsung T7 and the T7 Shield record the same interface, speeds, capacities and encryption. The drop rating, water rating and weight differ.
- Samsung T7 Shield Review: A Ruggedised Drive With The Same Speeds As The T7
The Samsung T7 Shield is a ruggedised portable SSD with an IP 65 water rating, a 3 m drop rating, AES 256-bit encryption and USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds.
- Alternatives to the Samsung T7 Shield
The Samsung T7 portable SSD is the only recorded alternative to the T7 Shield, sharing its interface, speeds and encryption but with a 2 m drop rating.
- Is the Samsung T7 Shield waterproof?
The recorded water resistance for the Samsung T7 Shield is IP 65. That is the rating the manufacturer states, and the record adds no immersion detail.
- Is the Samsung T7 encrypted?
Yes, hardware encryption support is recorded for the Samsung T7 portable SSD.
- Samsung T7 Portable SSD Review: A 72 g on the datasheet Drive With Hardware Encryption
The Samsung T7 is a pocket-sized portable SSD on the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, with hardware encryption and a capacity for every size of project.
- Best Portable SSDs For Photos And Video, Picked By Capacity And Ruggedness
Two portable SSDs for photo and video work, placed by the recorded drop rating, water rating and weight. The interface, speeds and capacities match.