SAMSUNG T9 1TB / SSD PORTABLE

Pros

• Compact and lightweight: Frequently described as small, easily portable, and fitting in a pocket or bag. Dimensions are approximately 9cm x 6cm x 1.5cm, weighing around 116-122 grams.
• High speed: Generally delivers fast read and write speeds, though actual speeds vary depending on the connection (USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) and device. Reported speeds range from around 400 MB/s to over 1600 MB/s. Some users noted that real-world speed improvements over the T7 were less noticeable than advertised.
• Durable: The rubberized casing is frequently praised for its grip and shock resistance (withstanding drops from up to 3 meters).
• Versatile connectivity: Includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables, allowing connection to a wide range of devices including PCs, laptops, smartphones (with USB-C), and potentially tablets.
• Password protection: Features password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption for data security. However, password entry is not streamlined, with a maximum length of 16 characters and no copy-paste functionality.
• Includes Samsung software: The SSD comes with Samsung Portable SSD software and supports Samsung Magician software for firmware updates and performance monitoring. Some users experienced software crashes (particularly with Samsung Magician on Windows 11).

Cons

• Dust and lint accumulation: The rubberized casing tends to attract dust and lint.
• Short cables: Some users found the included cables to be too short.
• Inconsistent iOS compatibility: One user reported incompatibility with iOS devices (iPad, iPod), while others experienced no issues, indicating possible inconsistencies.
• Software incompatibility: Some users reported issues with the Samsung software, specifically with the inability for the software to detect the drive on macOS, and crashes in Windows 11.
• Advertised speeds not always reached: While the SSD is generally fast, several reviews mention that advertised speeds (up to 2000 MB/s) were not always achieved. Speeds varied depending on the testing method and connection used. Real-world speed difference between T7 and T9 was minimal for some users.
• Android App functionality issues: A user experienced issues with the Samsung app intended for use with Android smartphones. The app did not function correctly to lock the SSD on their Samsung S23 Ultra.

Comments

The Samsung Portable SSD T9 is a small, fast, and generally reliable drive with a durable casing. While the advertised speeds are not always reached, the actual speeds are still considered high by most users. The rubber casing, while providing good grip and protection, tends to attract dust. Compatibility with iOS devices appears inconsistent, while compatibility with Android may also have some caveats (app functionality). The software provided with the drive may be prone to occasional crashes on certain operating systems.