SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD
Bottom line: The SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD ($179.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 06:15 UTC): Up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 2; main trade-off: 500GB fills fast if you shoot 4K video regularly.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 2
- ✓ Roughly 2x the rated speed of the older Samsung T5
- ✓ Rated for drops up to 6 feet in testing
- ✓ Solid aluminum unibody, not plastic
- ✓ Records 4K 60fps video directly from supported cameras and phones
Cons
- ✗ 500GB fills fast if you shoot 4K video regularly
- ✗ Needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and UASP enabled to hit rated speeds
- ✗ Host device compatibility varies, so check your phone or tablet first
- ✗ Samsung recommends the included cable, limiting third-party swaps
Manufacturer description
Samsung's T7 Portable SSD packs NVMe speed into an aluminum shell small enough to disappear into a jacket pocket, and this 500GB model is the entry point into that lineup. Over USB 3.2 Gen 2, the T7 reaches sequential reads up to 1,050MB/s and writes up to 1,000MB/s, roughly twice the throughput Samsung rates for the older T5, so pulling a 4K project file off the drive stops being the slow part of your edit. That headroom also means you can record Ultra High Resolution 4K 60fps video straight to the drive from a supported camera or phone, including iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps. The unibody…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Samsung's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Samsung T7 500GB really?
Samsung rates it at up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write. Hitting those numbers requires a host device and cable that support USB 3.2 Gen 2 with UASP mode enabled; slower ports will cap throughput.
Is the T7 faster than the Samsung T5?
Yes. Samsung states the T7's PCIe NVMe design makes it almost twice as fast as the T5, moving from the T5's SATA-class ceiling to up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s.
Can I record video directly to the T7?
Yes. The T7 supports recording Ultra High Resolution 4K 60fps video directly from compatible cameras and mobile devices, including iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps. Samsung recommends using the included cable.
Will the T7 survive being dropped?
It has a solid aluminum unibody and is rated for shock resistance with fall protection up to 6 feet, based on Samsung's internal free-fall shock testing.
Does the T7 work with my phone or console?
The T7 is designed for broad compatibility across PCs and mobile devices, but Samsung notes host compatibility varies. Check the product listing and your device's USB specification before buying.
Key Features
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
- ALL FOR THE SHOT This strong, sturdy sidekick will help you see it through with shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet⁴; With its solid aluminum unibody construction, it’s made to withstand any adventure
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0874YS2N7 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Color | Titan Gray |
| Item Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
| Model Number | MU-PC500T/AM |
| Special Feature | 256-Bit AES Hardware Encryption, Read Speeds up to 1050 MB/s, Shock Resistant, Thermal Control, Write Speeds up to 1000 MB/sSee more |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | MU-PC500T/AM |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Laptop, Smartphone, Television, iPhone 15 |
| Product Dimensions | 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Date First Available | May 19, 2020 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.2 Inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB 3.2 (Gen2, 10Gbps) Backwards Compatible |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 500 GB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Full listing title | SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 500GB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC500T/AM, Gray |
Ready to buy?
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 500GB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC500T/AM, Gray is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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