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Gone are the days when you had to carry chunky boxes around in the name of storage devices. With advances in storage technology and an industry-wide transition from HDD to SSD storage, portable SSDs are now the standard.
With loads of options available online, we bring you a comparison of two of the highest-selling portable SSDs available online: the Samsung T7 and Sandisk Extreme.
These solid-state drives have similar read and write speeds and feature a compact body. Password protection features and varying storage options are also provided in the SSDs.
Keep reading to find out whether the solid-state drive Samsung T7 Vs Sandisk Extreme is best for you.
What are the storage capacities of Samsung T7 and Sandisk Extreme?
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD Official Video
Portable SSD Samsung T7
Brand Overview
Samsung
In terms of brand value, Samsung has got an edge over Sandisk. Their T-series SSDs are probably the best data migration software on the market. They have garnered significant market share in all domains, whether smartphones or electronic devices.
The Samsung T7 was also voted Amazon’s Choice in the “External Storage and Hard Drives” category on Amazon. They also offer these hard drives in multiple color options and are known to have excellent customer support.
If you are on the lookout for a compact yet elegant-looking storage solution, then you can’t go wrong with the Samsung T-series SSD.
Sandisk
Unlike Samsung, Sandisk primarily makes card readers and solid-state drives. They are among the top three brands in their domain (the other two being Samsung and Intel). They are also known for their SD cards.
The one we have in focus has a rugged look and also comes with an IP55 rating, something which is a rare sighting in a product like hard drives. If you want a device that can easily outdo dust, rough usage, and some accidental splashes in the water, then going with a hard drive by Sandisk wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Winner: Samsung
In-depth review
Durability
Both the Samsung T7 and Sandisk Extreme SSDs are highly durable portable storage devices.
The Samsung T7 has been drop tested for up to 6 feet.
The Sandisk Extreme has drop protection for up to a two-meter or 6.56168 foot drop.
Winner: Sandisk
Design
Kicking things off with the design, this is an extremely crucial aspect, especially for professionals who are looking for a portable device to carry on the go. The Sandisk Extreme drive features a plastic body with a hardened rubber exterior. The grippy texture makes it easy to hold.
The brand claims that it should still work if dropped from a height of 2 meters or less. This drive also comes with an IP rating and has rounded corners with a cutout inside to be coupled with a carabiner.
On the other hand, the Samsung T7 has a rectangular shape and features an LED indicator, which is dearly missed in the Sandisk drive. It comes in three colors but does not have any official IP rating. However, the aluminum casing helps it hold its own against occasional drops and scratches.
Winner: Samsung
Speed Test
Both hard drives are pretty much neck and neck when it came to filing transfer speeds. To give you a rough idea, both the drives transferred a 10GB file from a MacBook Pro in 10.3 (Sandisk) and 11 (Samsung) seconds.
The Gen 2 USB3.2 permits a maximum speed of up to 10GB/s. These speeds should be achievable with all the devices which feature thunderbolt three or later.
Since both these SSDs feature password protection, you can also input a password after installing the software that comes bundled within the drive. As for mobile devices, you can download their respective applications from the Playstore and AppStore.
As for sustained write performance, thermal throttling, and cache recovery statistics, the Sandisk drive takes another win. After 15 minutes of sustained usage, the temperatures on both the drives remained below 45 degrees Celsius.
Winner: Sandisk
Warranty
Samsung offers a comprehensive three-year warranty, whereas Sandisk covers repairs for five years. That said, both the SSDs can easily last around 7-10 years if handled properly.
Winner: Sandisk
SSD Vs HDD
This is a dilemma that many buyers face when buying external storage. An HDD storage option of the same capacity might cost you significantly less in most cases. You might even have noticed that only a subset of machines available these days feature an HDD drive.
This is because it compromises on speeds, not just by a small margin but tens of minutes; this is mainly because an HDD stores all your data on a non-volatile storage chip, which doesn’t need to be refreshed when you reboot your computer. It retains all the information, unlike RAM. SSD offers the same functionality but rather stores your data on an interconnected flash-memory which helps increase transfer speeds significantly.
If you need more information on popular HHD models read our review for WD Elements vs My Book Hard Drive.
Benefits of SSDs over HDDs
- Less noisy
- Less likely to break because they are resistant to drops and bumps
- Smaller, lighter and therefore more portable
- Much faster
Conclusion
Both the SSDs are one of the best in their price segment, but the Sandisk drive takes the edge in performance and durability. If you want something that can take a few splashes and does not malfunction post-exposure to dust and accidental drops, then you can easily go with the Sandisk Extreme.
On the other hand, if looks and a compact body matter more to you, you can go with the Samsung drive; this doesn’t mean that it is sub-par when it comes to performance. The difference is hardly noticeable in day-to-day usage. This is slightly suited for a professional setting due to its minimalistic design and sleek body.
You can also look into Samsung’s T7 touch and SanDisk’s Extreme Pro if you want higher speeds and fingerprint-enabled encryption.
We hope that this Samsung T7 vs SanDisk Extreme guide helped you make the right decision. Thanks for reading!
Amazon Best Selling Portable SSDs
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5)
- PORTABLE STORAGE ON THE GO: The light, pocket-sized Portable SSD T7 delivers fast speeds with easy and reliable data storage for transferring large files, including crucial business documents, games, or movies
- TRANSFER IN A FLASH: Transfer massive files with the incredible speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2; PCIe NVMe technology delivers blazing fast sequential read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s1, making the T7 2x as fast as the previous T5 model2
- STRONG & SECURE: Unlike HDDs, the Portable SSD T7 has no moving parts so it's more resistant to shock; Plus, its solid aluminum unibody adds more protection, keeping it safe from falls of up to 6 ft3 and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty4
- RELIABLE THERMAL SOLUTION: The T7’s advanced thermal solution uses the Dynamic Thermal Guard to withstand and control heat, so the portable SSD stays at an optimal temperature even at fast speeds5
- SLEEK & COMPACT STYLE: Roughly the size of a credit card and only weighing 2 ounces, the T7 fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is light enough to take your files on the go
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From SanDisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
- GO THE DISTANCE: Withstand whatever adventure with the wildly reliable T7 Shield; It’s designed for the elements with water1, dust2 and drop3 resistance—all, of course, at lightning speeds
- YOUR CONTENT CAPTURED: Take on the project, then transfer all your heavy files within seconds with the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable Solid-State Drive; Compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles and more
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVME technology that brings you fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s4, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- MAKE ROOM FOR MEMORIES: Forge your own path with a full range of storage capacities; Keep all your prized files in one place with options from 1TB to 4TB; Pack in more personal content or store your biggest tasks on this palm-sized SSD
- BRAVE THE ELEMENTS: Get it done, rain or shine. With an IP65 rating for water1 and dust2 resistance, this SSD is ready to rough it; So even when you’ve got a dreary-day deadline, you can keep your projects in perfect condition
- Powerful NVMe solid state performance featuring up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- A forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink to deliver higher sustained speeds in a portable drive that’s tough enough to take on any adventure.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance(4), and a handy carabiner loop. (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5) (Download and installation required.)
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API