Samsung T7 vs T5 EVO SSD: 2025 Comparison

The world of portable SSDs is evolving rapidly, and Samsung continues to lead the charge with two standout models: the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD and the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable. These external drives cater to a wide range of users—from content creators and gamers to students and professionals—offering high-speed data transfer, robust build quality, and massive storage capacity in compact, portable designs. But with both devices boasting Samsung’s legendary reliability and cutting-edge technology, how do you decide which one is right for your needs?

This comprehensive comparison dives deep into every aspect of the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD and the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable, from performance benchmarks and design features to real-world usability and long-term value. Whether you’re looking to back up your 4K video projects, expand your gaming library, or simply streamline your workflow, this guide will help you understand the strengths and trade-offs of each drive. We’ll analyze their speed capabilities, storage options, durability, compatibility, and more, giving you the insights needed to make an informed decision. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which Samsung portable SSD aligns best with your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

In-Depth Look: SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD

The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is a powerhouse in the world of portable storage. Engineered with PCIe NVMe technology, it delivers nearly double the speed of its predecessor, the T5, making it one of the fastest external SSDs in its class. With sequential read speeds reaching up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s, this drive is perfect for users who need to move large files quickly—whether you’re transferring 4K video footage, rendering 3D models, or loading games in seconds.

One of the standout features of the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is its ability to support Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fps) video recording directly onto the drive. This makes it an excellent companion for content creators using high-end cameras, drones, or even the latest iPhone 15 Pro, which supports ProRes 4K video recording. You can plug the SSD directly into your device and start recording without worrying about internal storage limits or performance bottlenecks. This feature alone sets the T7 apart from many competing drives and makes it a top choice for videographers, vloggers, and filmmakers.

Design-wise, the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is a marvel of engineering. Measuring just 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches and weighing only 2.2 ounces, it’s compact enough to fit in your pocket, backpack, or camera bag. Its solid aluminum unibody construction not only gives it a premium look and feel but also enhances durability. Samsung claims the T7 can withstand drops from up to 6 feet, making it ideal for outdoor shoots, travel, or everyday use where accidental drops are a risk. The anodized finish resists scratches and fingerprints, ensuring it stays looking new even after months of use.

Performance is further boosted by the use of PCIe NVMe technology, which is a significant upgrade over the SATA-based architecture used in older models like the T5. This allows the T7 to take full advantage of the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, which supports data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps. Whether you’re connecting to a Windows PC, Mac, Android device, or even a gaming console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, the T7 delivers consistent, high-speed performance. It also comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter, ensuring broad compatibility across devices.

Storage capacity is another strong suit. The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options, catering to users with different needs. The 4TB model is particularly appealing for professionals who work with large media files, such as raw video, high-resolution photos, or extensive game libraries. With 4TB of space, you can store hundreds of hours of 4K video, thousands of RAW images, or dozens of AAA games—all in a device smaller than a credit card.

Samsung also emphasizes security and reliability. The T7 comes with password protection via Samsung Magician software, allowing you to encrypt your data and protect it from unauthorized access. It also includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption, which ensures your files remain secure even if the drive is lost or stolen. As the world’s #1 flash memory brand since 2003, Samsung produces all firmware and components in-house, including their renowned DRAM and NAND chips, which contributes to long-term reliability and performance consistency.

Another advantage of the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is its cross-platform compatibility. It works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. For iPhone users, you can use it with the Files app or third-party apps to offload photos, videos, and documents. For Android users, it’s plug-and-play with most modern smartphones and tablets. Gamers can use it to expand storage on consoles like the PS5 or Xbox, and even run games directly from the SSD (though performance may vary depending on the game and console).

Despite its many strengths, the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD does have a few limitations. First, it maxes out at 4TB, which may not be enough for users who need extreme storage. Second, while it’s fast, it requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port to achieve peak speeds. Older devices with USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 ports will see significantly reduced performance. Additionally, the drive can get warm during sustained transfers, though it’s designed with thermal management to prevent overheating.

Pros:

• Blazing-fast speeds up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write
• PCIe NVMe technology for superior performance
• Supports direct 4K 60fps video recording from iPhone 15 Pro and cameras
• Durable aluminum unibody with 6-foot drop protection
• Broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and gaming consoles
• Password protection and AES 256-bit encryption
• Compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly design
• Comes with USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables

Cons:

• Max capacity limited to 4TB (no 8TB option)
• Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2 for full speed performance
• Can get warm during heavy use (though thermal protection is built-in)
• Slightly higher price point compared to older models

Best For: The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is ideal for content creators, video editors, photographers, gamers, and professionals who need fast, reliable, and portable storage. If you work with large media files, shoot 4K video, or need to transfer data quickly, this SSD is a top-tier choice. It’s also excellent for students and remote workers who want a fast, secure backup solution. Check Price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget and needs.

In-Depth Look: SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable

The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable is a compelling option for users who prioritize storage capacity and affordability over raw speed. While it doesn’t match the T7’s performance, it makes up for it with an 8TB capacity option, making it one of the few portable SSDs to offer such massive storage in such a compact form. With sequential read and write speeds up to 460 MB/s, it’s significantly slower than the T7, but still far faster than traditional external hard drives, which typically max out around 100-150 MB/s.

One of the key selling points of the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable is its Intelligent TurboWrite technology, which optimizes performance during large file transfers. This feature helps maintain consistent speeds when copying large files like game installers, video projects, or software libraries. It uses a dynamic buffer to accelerate write operations, reducing the risk of slowdowns during prolonged transfers. This makes the T5 EVO particularly useful for users who frequently move large datasets, such as game developers, data analysts, or media archivists.

Design-wise, the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable is compact and lightweight, measuring 2.9 x 2.2 x 0.4 inches and weighing just 2.1 ounces. It features a sleek black plastic shell with a textured finish that provides a good grip and resists fingerprints. While not as premium-looking as the aluminum T7, it’s still well-built and durable. Like the T7, it offers 6-foot drop protection and is shock-resistant, making it suitable for travel, outdoor use, or everyday handling. The drive is also resistant to vibrations, which is important for maintaining data integrity during transport.

The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable uses a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which supports up to 5 Gbps data transfer—half the speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2. This explains the lower read/write speeds compared to the T7. However, for many users, 460 MB/s is more than sufficient. For example, transferring a 100GB game file would take about 3.5 minutes on the T5 EVO, versus about 1.5 minutes on the T7. While the difference is noticeable, it’s not a dealbreaker for users who aren’t constantly moving terabytes of data.

Storage capacity is where the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable truly shines. It’s available in 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB options, with the 8TB model being a standout feature. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers, streamers, and content creators who need to store large libraries of games, videos, or raw footage. For example, the average AAA game takes up 50-100GB, so an 8TB drive can hold 80-160 games. For 4K video editors, 8TB can store over 100 hours of footage at high bitrates.

Despite its lower speed, the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable maintains Samsung’s reputation for reliability and security. It includes password protection and AES 256-bit encryption via Samsung Magician software, ensuring your data stays safe. It’s also compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and gaming consoles. The package includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you can connect it to nearly any modern device.

Another advantage of the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable is its energy efficiency. It draws less power than the T7, which means it’s easier on your laptop battery and generates less heat during use. This makes it a great choice for users who need to work on the go without access to power outlets. It’s also quieter and runs cooler, which is a plus for long-term reliability.

However, the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable does have some drawbacks. First, it does not support direct 4K video recording like the T7. If you’re a content creator who wants to record 4K video directly to the drive, you’ll need to use the T7 instead. Second, the plastic build, while durable, doesn’t feel as premium as the T7’s aluminum body. Third, the slower speeds mean it’s not ideal for real-time video editing or high-bandwidth applications like 8K workflows.

Pros:

• Massive 8TB storage capacity option
• Affordable price point compared to high-speed SSDs
• Intelligent TurboWrite for optimized large file transfers
• Compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly
• 6-foot drop protection and shock resistance
• Broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and consoles
• Password protection and AES 256-bit encryption
• Energy-efficient and runs cool

Cons:

• Slower speeds (max 460 MB/s) compared to T7
• No direct 4K video recording support
• Plastic body feels less premium than aluminum
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 limits maximum bandwidth

Best For: The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable is perfect for gamers, content creators, students, and professionals who need large storage capacity at a reasonable price. If you’re building a game library, archiving media, or need a reliable backup drive, this SSD offers excellent value. It’s also a great secondary drive for storing files you don’t need to access frequently. Check Price on Amazon to see if it fits your storage and budget needs.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Performance: Speed and Real-World Usage

When it comes to raw performance, the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is the clear winner. With read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, it’s more than twice as fast as the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable, which maxes out at 460 MB/s. This difference is most noticeable in tasks that involve large file transfers, such as copying 4K video, backing up photo libraries, or installing games.

For example, transferring a 500GB folder of video files would take approximately 8-10 minutes on the T7, but 18-20 minutes on the T5 EVO. While both are much faster than traditional HDDs (which would take 50+ minutes), the T7’s speed advantage is significant for professionals who work under tight deadlines.

The T7’s use of PCIe NVMe technology and USB 3.2 Gen 2 gives it a major edge in high-bandwidth applications. It’s ideal for real-time 4K editing, where low latency and high throughput are essential. The T5 EVO, on the other hand, is better suited for archival storage and bulk transfers where speed is less critical.

That said, the T5 EVO’s Intelligent TurboWrite helps maintain consistent speeds during large transfers, reducing the risk of slowdowns. This makes it more reliable than older SATA-based SSDs, which often throttle after the cache is exhausted.

In real-world usage, the T7 is better for:

• 4K/8K video editing and rendering
• Direct 4K recording from cameras or smartphones
• Fast game loading and installation
• Large software transfers (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)

The T5 EVO is better for:

• Long-term media storage (photos, videos, music)
• Game libraries and backups
• Everyday file transfers and backups
• Users who don’t need ultra-high speeds

Storage Capacity: Who Needs What?

This is where the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable pulls ahead. With an 8TB option, it offers twice the maximum capacity of the T7 (4TB). For users who need to store massive amounts of data—such as game developers, video producers, or data analysts—the 8TB T5 EVO is a game-changer.

Consider this: the average AAA game is 75GB, so 8TB can store over 100 games. For 4K video, 8TB can hold over 100 hours of footage at 100 Mbps bitrate. For photographers, it can store over 1.5 million RAW images.

The T7, while limited to 4TB, is still impressive. For most users, 4TB is more than enough. It’s ideal for:

• Content creators with moderate storage needs
• Gamers with 20-30 AAA titles
• Professionals who work with large but not extreme datasets

The T5 EVO is better for:

• Users with extensive game libraries
• Video editors with years of footage
• Archivists and data hoarders
• Anyone who wants future-proof storage

Design and Durability: Build Quality Matters

Both drives are compact and lightweight, but their build quality differs significantly. The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD features a solid aluminum unibody, which gives it a premium, rugged feel. The anodized finish resists scratches and fingerprints, and the overall design feels more modern and sleek.

The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable, while durable, uses a plastic shell. It’s still shock-resistant and offers 6-foot drop protection, but it lacks the premium look and feel of the T7. The textured finish helps with grip, but it’s more prone to scuffs and wear over time.

In terms of portability, both are excellent. The T7 is slightly thinner (0.3″ vs 0.4″), but the difference is negligible. Both fit easily in pockets, bags, or camera cases.

Durability-wise, both are built to last. They’re both shock-resistant, vibration-resistant, and designed for travel. However, the T7’s aluminum body offers better heat dissipation and a more professional appearance, which may matter to some users.

Compatibility and Use Cases

Both drives offer excellent cross-platform compatibility. They work with:

• Windows and macOS
• Android and iOS (with appropriate apps)
• PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S (for storage expansion)
• Cameras and drones (especially the T7 for 4K recording)

The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD has a clear advantage for content creators due to its support for direct 4K video recording. If you use an iPhone 15 Pro, a mirrorless camera, or a drone, the T7 lets you record directly to the drive, bypassing internal storage limits.

The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable is better for gamers and general users who want to store large libraries without spending a fortune. It’s also great for backup and archival purposes, where speed is less important than capacity.

Value and Price: Which Offers Better ROI?

The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable offers better value for users who prioritize capacity per dollar. The 8TB model is significantly cheaper per terabyte than the T7’s 4TB model. For example, if the T5 EVO 8TB costs $400, that’s $50 per TB. The T7 4TB at $300 is $75 per TB.

However, the T7 offers better value for users who need speed and performance. The faster speeds, PCIe NVMe tech, and 4K recording support justify the higher price for professionals.

Ultimately, the best value depends on your needs:

• Need speed and features? Choose the T7.
• Need capacity and affordability? Choose the T5 EVO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD for 4K video editing?

A: Yes, the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD is excellent for 4K video editing. Its high read/write speeds (up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s) ensure smooth playback and fast rendering, even for high-bitrate 4K footage. It also supports direct 4K recording from cameras and smartphones, making it a complete workflow solution. Buy the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD on Amazon for professional-grade performance.

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