Samsung is launching the new Portable SSD T5 EVO with no less than 8 TB of capacity. The T5 EVO 8TB delivers up to 3.8 times the transfer speed of an external hard drive and offers drop protection from up to two meters thanks to its compact, sturdy design.
Samsung is perhaps the biggest name in the field of SSDs and that is partly why PC-Active regularly tests Samsung SSDs. For example, the external SSD Samsung T9 2 TB Portable SSD and the internal SSD Samsung 990 Pro 4TB have been tested in recent months. Now Samsung has released the T5 EVO, a lightweight, portable solid state drive (SSD) with up to 8 terabytes (TB) of storage space. This is the largest capacity of any portable SSD on the market today.
Design: Enhanced portability and ergonomic design
The T5 EVO has a ‘compact and light ergonomic’ design. For the first time, the size deviates from that of a business card, while the SSD remains compact and light. Measuring 95mm wide, 40mm long and 17mm thick, it offers 8TB of portable storage in a size that fits in one hand. Compared to an external hard drive (HDD), the T5 EVO offers faster speeds, comparable capacity and a smaller, lighter chassis. The SSD weighs 102 grams and feels sturdy and reliable.
The T5 EVO has a black housing and a titanium gray ring for a luxurious and sleek appearance. Thanks to the metal ring, the T5 EVO can be easily attached to bags or luggage. In addition, the metal housing and rubber surface provide additional protection against shocks and falls from up to two meters.
“The T5 EVO is an innovative external storage option for consumers looking for an alternative to the traditional hard disk drive (HDD). It offers capacity, speed and durability in a compact design that fits in the palm of your hand,” says Roderick Niehorster, Marketing Manager Memory Business at Samsung Benelux. “The T5 EVO is suitable for a variety of lifestyles. The new features make it ideal for users who want access to their data anywhere, anytime.”
Capacity and speed
The convenient design of the T5 EVO makes no compromises on capacity and is suitable for large files, high-resolution videos, photos and games. An 8TB T5 EVO can store more than 2 million 3.5 megabyte (MB) photos, 1.8 million 4 MB music files, or 3,500 2 gigabyte (GB) videos.
Thanks to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, the T5 EVO transfers data up to 3.8 times faster than external HDDs, with sequential read and write speeds of up to 460 megabytes per second (MB/s).
Thermal protection and compatibility
The new Portable SSD T5 EVO is equipped with thermal protection technology and hardware data encryption. Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard technology protects against overheating and maintains optimal operating temperatures, in accordance with the international safety standard IEC 62368-1. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit hardware data encryption gives users security and confidence when storing their data.
The T5 EVO is compatible with a variety of operating systems and devices, such as macOS, Windows, smartphones/tablets and gaming consoles. Samsung’s Magician software provides comprehensive drive management functionality, including real-time drive health monitoring, authentication checking, performance benchmarks and firmware updates.
Specifications

1) 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes, 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. The computer may show a lower capacity due to the use of a different measurement standard.
2) The actual weight and size of the product may vary depending on the capacity and measurement method.
3) The maximum data transfer speed is measured based on Samsung’s internal testing standards with the supplied cable. Performance may vary depending on user’s host configuration, cable and system environment.
4) Based on an internal free fall shock test conducted under controlled conditions. Drop resistance may vary depending on actual environmental conditions. Damage caused by a fall is not covered by the warranty.
*Test conditions: The device fell in free fall onto a metal plate from a height of two meters.
**No warranty is given for physical damage to the product, including bending or deformation of the ring.
5) Samsung Magician software is available in Windows, macOS and Android. It requires Windows 7 and higher, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) and higher, or Android 5.1 (Lollipop) and higher. Older versions of the Windows, macOS, and Android operating systems may not be supported.
6) Compatibility with host devices may vary. Some operating systems may require reformatting of the T5 EVO. T5 EVO is backward compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
7) The case temperature (Tc) is measured at the hottest point of the case. Sufficient airflow is recommended for proper operation under heavier workloads within the operating temperature of the device.
8) For more information about the warranty, please visit https://semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/support/warranty
Price and availability
The T5 EVO is available in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB versions and comes with a USB-C to C cable and a three-year limited warranty. The T5 EVO will be available worldwide in early December. The Benelux prices are not yet known.
