Samsung Portable SSD T5 EVO
Unprecedented 8TB Capacity | Enhanced Physical Durability | Cross-Platform Encryption
Introduction
The Samsung Portable SSD T5 EVO represents a strategic entry in the high-capacity external storage market, targeting users requiring expansive portable storage without compromising durability. Launched in late 2023, this drive leverages QLC NAND flash and SATA-based architecture to deliver up to 8TB of storage—a first for portable SSDs—while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy USB systems. Its positioning as a hard drive replacement for creative professionals and data hoarders reflects evolving demands for shock-resistant, high-density storage solutions in content creation and field work environments.
Product Overview
Designed as a successor to mechanical portable hard drives, the T5 EVO combines Samsung’s QLC NAND technology with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) interface. The drive targets:
Photographers/videographers managing 4K-8K raw media
IT professionals requiring encrypted backups
Gamers storing large libraries on external drives
Raspberry Pi/Steam Deck users needing expandable storage
The rubberized enclosure (102g weight, 40x95x17mm dimensions) incorporates a carabiner loop for physical security during transport, while AES 256-bit hardware encryption protects data integrity.
Key Features
Feature One: Unprecedented 8TB Capacity
As the first portable SSD breaking the 4TB barrier, the T5 EVO’s 8TB model provides 60% more storage than largest portable HDDs while eliminating mechanical fragility. This enables direct editing of 400+ hour 1080p video libraries or 1.6 million RAW photos without cloud dependencies.
Feature Two: Enhanced Physical Durability
The shock-resistant rubber shell withstands 2-meter drops onto metal surfaces—a critical advantage over platter-based drives in mobile use cases. Samsung’s dynamic SLC caching ("Intelligent TurboWrite") maintains consistent performance across 80%+ capacity utilization.
Feature Three: Cross-Platform Encryption
Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption works natively across Windows (BitLocker), macOS (FileVault), and Linux (LUKS) without requiring proprietary software. The security implementation meets TCG Opal 2.0 standards for enterprise-grade data protection.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
Benchmarks confirm sustained 460MB/s reads/writes across all capacities—matching SATA III limits. While slower than NVMe-based portables (e.g., T7 Shield’s 1,050MB/s), this outperforms 5,400RPM HDDs by 4x in sustained transfers. Large file workflows (8K video editing, disk imaging) benefit most from the consistent throughput.
Random Performance
4KB random performance reaches 12,000 IOPS (read) and 35,000 IOPS (write) in CrystalDiskMark tests. The QLC architecture shows moderate latency spikes (1.8ms to 4.2ms) during sustained write bursts exceeding 150GB, though typical office/document workloads remain unaffected.
Thermal Management
Passive cooling maintains surface temperatures below 45°C during continuous operation. The aluminum unibody construction dissipates heat effectively, avoiding the throttling issues common in compact NVMe solutions. Ambient temperature operation range: 0°C to 60°C.
Compatibility
Steam Deck and Handheld PCs
The T5 EVO’s USB-C interface works natively with Steam Deck’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Formatting as exFAT allows direct game library storage, though 4K random read limitations may affect loading times in AAA titles compared to internal NVMe storage.
Raspberry Pi
Fully compatible with Raspberry Pi 4/5 via USB 3.0. The drive’s low power draw (1.8W active) makes it suitable for headless NAS builds using samba or NFS shares. Users should implement UASP-enabled controllers for optimal IOPS performance.
Desktops and Laptops
Universal compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. The included 40cm USB-C to C cable supports direct motherboard connections, while USB-A adapters enable legacy port integration. NTFS/exFAT formatting recommended for cross-platform use.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
Capacity Scaling: 8TB model stores 40% more data than largest competing portable SSDs
Physical Security: IP68-equivalent dust/water resistance when paired with aftermarket enclosures
Constraints
Interface Bottleneck: USB 3.2 Gen 1 limits throughput versus modern NVMe solutions
QLC Endurance: 600TBW rating for 8TB model trails TLC-based competitors by 35%
Conclusion
The T5 EVO establishes itself as the premier solution for capacity-focused portable storage, particularly for media professionals requiring terabytes of secure, durable storage. While not ideal for high-intensity database or gaming applications due to interface limitations, it excels in archival, backup, and large media workflows. Recommended for:
DITs managing on-location video dailies
Photographers requiring encrypted client galleries
Retro gaming enthusiasts building portable ROM libraries
Works Cited
"Samsung Portable SSD T5 EVO Data Sheet." Samsung Semiconductor. semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/support/documents.
"Samsung T5 Evo Portable SSD Review: QLC Sets Sane Expectations." AnandTech. www.anandtech.com/show/21135/samsung-t5-evo-portable-ssd-review-qlc.
"Samsung’s T5 Evo Portable SSD Review: Spacious but Slow." Tom’s Hardware. www.tomshardware.com/reviews/samsung-t50-evo.
