Samsung T7 Portable SSD Review

Build Quality and Design

The T7 is notably thin: 8mm is the kind of thin that actually disappears in a pocket.

At 58 grams it weighs less than most smartphones.

The aluminum body feels solid without the cold-to-the-touch feel you might expect from an all-metal device, the sandblasted surface provides grip.

The USB-C connector on the drive is recessed slightly in the body, which protects the port during drops.

Real-World Transfer Speeds

Samsung rates the T7 at 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write on USB 3.2 Gen 2.

Sequential reads (CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4): 1,047 MB/s, within margin of advertised spec.

Sequential writes (CrystalDiskMark): 988 MB/s, within margin of advertised spec.

Sustained write, 100GB video folder (mixed 4K H.265 and ProRes files): averaged 951 MB/s over the full transfer duration.

Encryption: Setup and Performance

Hardware AES-256 encryption is a meaningful feature for a portable drive that travels with you.

Setup requires Samsung Magician software (Windows and Mac only, not Linux).

The process: install Magician, set a password in the Security section, and the drive requires the password every time it is connected.

Important: encryption formatted through Samsung Magician creates a separate encrypted volume.

2-Meter Drop Protection: Real or Marketing?

Samsung rates the T7 as resistant to drops from 2 meters.

The drive survived without damage, with no data loss confirmed by a verification transfer immediately after.

The 2-meter claim is more conservative than some competitors at the same price.

The lack of an IP rating means a 2-meter drop into a puddle is a different story, the T7 is not waterproof.

Who Should Not Buy the T7

The Samsung T7 is the wrong choice if: You work in rain, near water, or in dusty environments: the T7 has no IP rating.

Dust ingress or water contact can damage the drive.

Choose the SanDisk Extreme (IP55) or Samsung T7 Shield (IP65) instead.

You need Linux encryption support: Samsung Magician is Windows and Mac only.

The 1TB vs 2TB Decision

For most users, 1TB is adequate.

If you regularly carry large video projects or raw photo libraries, the 2TB prevents swapping drives.

If your primary use is backup and occasional file transfer, 1TB is sufficient.

Conclusion

It is fast, compact, cool-running, and reliable.

The only cases where alternatives beat it are rugged field use (SanDisk Extreme, T7 Shield) and price-only purchases where average sustained write performance is acceptable.

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