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SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB Review: A Game-Changer for Storage Needs
The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB is a powerhouse of storage, designed to cater to gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand both speed and reliability. With its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, this SSD offers sequential read speeds of up to 460MB/s, making it a top choice for handling large files and demanding tasks. Its 4TB capacity ensures you have ample space for everything from high-resolution videos to extensive game libraries. Plus, its rugged design and AES 256-bit hardware encryption make it a secure and durable option for on-the-go use.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
1. Speed and Performance
The SAMSUNG T5 EVO shines when it comes to speed. Many users have praised its ability to handle large file transfers with ease. One customer noted, "I reached an average of 250-260 MB/s speed when writing big video files onto my T5 EVO." This makes it ideal for tasks like video editing, gaming, and backing up large datasets.
However, some users have reported slowdowns during prolonged transfers. One reviewer mentioned, "It slows down to ridiculous paces when pushing large amounts of data, after about 600-700GB." This suggests that while the SSD performs well for short bursts, it may struggle with sustained, high-intensity usage.
2. Build Quality and Durability
The T5 EVO is built to last. Its drop-resistant design (up to 6 feet) and shock resistance make it a reliable choice for those who need a portable storage solution. One user shared, "I have put many such devices through the wash and dry cycles when I left them in a pocket, and they still work!" While this SSD is more compact and less likely to be left in a pocket, its durability is a standout feature.
That said, there have been isolated reports of reliability issues. One customer experienced a sudden crash, stating, "It unfortunately crashed yesterday all of a sudden and required formatting. I lost all of my data." While this seems to be an exception rather than the rule, it’s a reminder to always keep backups of critical files.
3. Portability and Design
The T5 EVO is a winner in terms of portability. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around. One user raved, "It’s so small compared to the memory size of other external drives. It fits easily into my pocket." This makes it a great option for professionals who need to transport large files between locations.
The design also includes a blue indicator light that shows when the drive is in use, adding a touch of convenience. However, some users have noted occasional disconnects when using front USB ports, though this may be more of a port issue than a fault of the SSD itself.
4. Compatibility and Ease of Use
The T5 EVO is highly versatile, working seamlessly with PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, tablets, and smartphones. One user shared, "I can easily plug it into any of my devices, like my phone or tablet, to use media or share large files." This broad compatibility makes it a great choice for multi-device users.
However, some users have found the native software to be less than ideal. One reviewer suggested, "Reformatting and using the encryption scheme native to the operating system seems to improve performance." This indicates that while the SSD works well out of the box, tweaking settings can enhance its functionality.
Conclusion: Is the SAMSUNG T5 EVO Worth It?
The SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB is a solid choice for anyone in need of fast, reliable, and portable storage. Its blazing speeds, massive capacity, and rugged design make it a standout in the crowded SSD market. However, it’s not without its flaws. Some users have reported slowdowns during prolonged transfers and isolated reliability issues, so it’s important to keep backups of your data.
For gamers, content creators, and professionals who need a dependable storage solution, the T5 EVO is a great investment. While it may not be perfect for high-intensity, sustained usage, it excels in most everyday scenarios. If you’re looking to upgrade from traditional hard drives, the SAMSUNG T5 EVO is a worthy contender.
Final Verdict
Highly recommended for its speed, portability, and durability, but keep backups handy for peace of mind.
Specification SAMSUNG T5 EVO Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 460MB/s for Gaming and Content Creation, MU-PH4T0S/AM, Black:
Comments from Amazon:
I use an external computer drive to store media files for use with my iTunes music and video library. This SSD, at the new price point, is great value for so much storage with the amazing access speed and reliability advantages over any hard disk device, which is what I am replacing. I also like that I can easily plug it into any of my other devices, such as phone or tablet, to use the media or to share very large files between the devices. SSDs are clearly now at a price-storage point where fully abandoning hard disks is easy. The fact that I have put many such devices through the wash and dry cycles when I left them in a pocket is just the cherry on top (but I would note that although pretty small compared to disks, it seems unlikely I would leave this one in a pocket).
It seems to me when using the native software for various operating systems. You tend to have more challenges. I have found by reformatting and using the encryption scheme native to the operating system. The performance seems to be much better. I am one month in to my 8 TB drive and use it for a back up every few days and so far it’s definitely slower than a T9 but it seems to be functioning with no challenges.
Very reliable, SSD so it doesn't heat up, very easy to use and the size is great. The design is great also. Just plug in and you're ready to go. I have over 2000 movies and pictures on my drive with room to spare.
Adequate for occasional retrieval, not so much for intense usage. Will slow down to ridiculous paces when pushing large amounts of data, after about 600-700GB. You'll need to stop your transfer and give it a while (a few hours) for its firmware to move data blocks through its buffer. Then you can do the next chunk quickly. Read speeds are just fine. For this reason, Would only use this for archival storage with few large (or frequent small) writes needed. I pack it with movies and take it with my laptop. Works great for that scenario.
I am very happy with this USB, its performance is extremely great. It is grip to hold, it is small compared to the memory size with other external drive. In summary it's value for the money
Update: It unfortunately crashed yesterday all of a sudden and required formatting. I could access it, therefore had to format. Lost all of my data BUT was fortunate enough that I had a second 8TB Samsung Evo. Took me all night to copy all files again from one SSD into another. Be careful and try to keep 3 copies of your files on different devices for such occasions. Taking my words back regarding that SSD being awesome. Appears to be not reliable at all. --------------- I was not sure whether to buy it or not since I saw a lot of negative feedbacks here. I am happy that I decided to go with it and purchased it. I have attached a 13 sec. video without any blurring where you can see openly that I reached an average of 250-260 MB/S speed when I was writing big video files onto my T5 EVO, 8 TB. Take into account that I have been copying from T7 Shield, 4 TB. connected directly to Type-C input on my laptop to T5 EVO, 8 TB connected to docking station through Type-A, USB 3.0. Nevertheless, I have got the mentioned speed of writing. For the small files, the speeds of writing get slower and be sometimes around 15-20 MB/S, but it happens with all drives of such type. For me, it is NOT a decisive factor since I use T7 Shield SSDs (I have 4 of them, 4 TB. each) and T5 EVO, 8 TB. to backup my files and do not constantly erase and write new files. Also, plays smoothly on my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone. Highly recommend this product since it is small and can easily accommodate into anybody's pocket and it is so convenient to carry it with yourself at any times.
I recently switched from my external hard drives to a couple of these SSD's and I have been thoroughly impressed. The size is extremely small for an 8TB storage. I get pretty good read and write speeds and it is so quiet of course. There is a blue indicator light thst lights up when it's being used. It's made to be rugged and taken on the go but I'm using mine for Steam game storage and backups for my photos/videos. I am using Type C cables and I sometimes get disconnects. I believe this is just an issue with my front ports when they get bumped and I have a Type C hub on order there should hopefully solve that issue. It is quite expensive but the life expectancy over a hard drive is significant and so much quieter.