▲ The four men behind the development of Samsung Electronics’ T7 Shield Portable SSD: Minseok Kim, the circuit designer, Hanhong Lee, the mechanical designer, Sangjin Jung, the product planner, and Gyejin Jun, the product designer.

As video creation has become a sought-after profession, and high-resolution cameras and high-definition video have become the norm, storing data safely, easily and conveniently has become more important than ever.

In the past, external hard disk drives (HDDs), also known as hard drives, were the main type of storage device used for saving data. Nowadays, solid-state drives (SSDs) have become the preferred device for external storage due to their fast speeds, increased security, as well as their small size and light weight compared to HDDs.

Samsung Electronics, the world’s No.1 NAND flash manufacturer, has set a new standard for portable SSDs with the launch of the T7 Shield: the company’s newest portable SSD with exceptional performance, reliability and security.

To get the inside story on the development of the product, Samsung Newsroom met with the four developers of the T7 Shield: Minseok Kim, the circuit designer, Hanhong Lee, the mechanical designer, Sangjin Jung, the product planner, and Gyejin Jun, the product designer.

An SSD Above All: A Device Boasting the Industry’s Highest Level of Performance

The T7 Shield Portable SSD is equipped with the latest V-NAND technology and ultra-fast interface Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) controller. The main part of SSDs is the memory semiconductor, and more specifically, NAND flash memory. NAND flash is a type of non-volatile memory in which saved data is not lost even if the electricity is cut off. Since the T7 Shield is an SSD product made by Samsung, the top NAND flash manufacturer in the world, consumers can be confident in the product.

The T7 Shield is a follow-up to the T7 Touch, which was an honoree at the 2020 CES Innovation Awards. Not only does it support USB 3.2 Gen2 interface, the most commonly used interface, but it also boasts the best performance in the industry. The 2TB model’s read speed is 1,050 megabytes per second (MB/s). Similarly, the device’s Turbo Write technology provides sequential write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s, delivering fast transfer speeds all in a device the size of a business card. “These fast speeds enable 1GB of data to be transferred in a second, so transferring a full movie file, around 4GB, with full HD picture quality only takes 4 seconds,” Jung explained.

The T7 Shield securely protects data even if the device is lost thanks to its 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware encryption. In addition, the T7 Shield comes with Samsung’s Magician software, giving users the ability to manage their device settings. This software allows users to check the performance and status of their device (such as the amount of storage used and temperature), conduct firmware updates, initialize the device and more.

Taking Durability One Step Further With Samsung’s First Waterproof and Dustproof SSD

One of the characteristics that sets the T7 Shield apart from others is that it’s waterproof and dustproof. The T7 Shield is a portable device, built to be taken wherever the user may need it. Due to potential exposure to outside elements in different environments, it’s important that the user can take their data anywhere without fear of it being lost or damaged. The T7 Shield is the first Samsung SSD that is IP65-certified as waterproof and dustproof. “An IP65 rating means that the device has an IPX5 waterproof level and an IP6X dustproof level,” Jung explained. “This means you don’t have to worry when using the T7 Shield, even if you accidentally spill water on it or if you are outside on a rainy day.”

“We were able to increase its level of waterproofing by designing the device to have silicon rubber on the exterior with a separate seal,” said Lee. “In order to provide an equal level of performance compared to our previously released products, we conduct total inspections using air pressure. The unique features of the T7 Shield will be even more noticeable in different environments.”

Even though portable SSD products are meant to be carried around, when dropped, data can sometimes be lost from the shock of the fall. However, the T7 Shield is durable enough to withstand a drop shock of up to 3 meters, 1 meter higher than the previous model. “All 4 corners of the T7 Shield have been designed to be protected with rubber, so it is more resistant to external shocks,” Lee said. “There’s no need to be afraid of your data being damaged even if you accidentally drop it while using it in your daily life.”

Power Optimization Designed To Achieve Unprecedented Performance

When using an SSD, there are two issues that may go unnoticed by most users, but pose an inconvenience for heavy users who often transfer large files: lowered performance and overheating. “Consumers were inconvenienced by the lowered performance when working with large files, but the T7 Shield has addressed this through power optimization,” Kim said. “Now, consumers can use the device without experiencing much difference in performance even when storage is full.”

Usually, when a device provides high speeds, it heats up as a result. Some may think that in order to maintain performance when transferring large files, the device needs to generate more heat. However, this is not the case with the T7 Shield. “We’ve minimized heat generation through an optimized power design,” said Kim.

Additionally, the surface of the device is made of a rubber material that has low thermal conductivity, helping users to comfortably handle the device with minimal heat transfer. “We’ve designed the device in line with safety standards so that the amount of heat the device produces is safe even when transferring very large files,” Kim said.

The T7 Shield is compatible with a variety of devices, including PC, Mac, Android smartphones and gaming consoles. It also comes with the two types of USB-C cables (C-to-C and C-to-A), allowing users to connect it to other devices. “Older device specifications, like USB 2.0, support lower electricity, so it was difficult to achieve compatibility across these devices,” said Kim. “But the T7 Shield detects the connected USB accessory and adjusts the device’s power accordingly.”

A Robust, Sophisticated Design and Various Colors for All Customer Preferences

The main eye-catching feature of the T7 Shield is its robust and sophisticated design. In particular, the curves of the exterior and its detailed texture display a modern vibe, while the rubber surface makes holding the device feel more secure. Unlike other SSD products that are rough and hard to handle, the T7 Shield provides users with comfort and stability.

“Since SSDs are always used in connection with other devices, achieving harmony is important,” Jun said. “We tried to make the T7 series adaptable to any environment while maintaining the identity of the series. We tried to strike the right balance in order to make the unique charm of the T7 Shield stand out even more,” he explained.

The T7 Shield comes in two sizes, 1TB and 2TB, and in three colors. “We offer the basic color black to represent the unique waterproof and dustproof qualities of the T7 Shield,” said Jun. “We also offer blue as it represents water, and we also offer beige, which represents soft sand. Users have these options to choose from according to their preference.” The product is also more eco-conscious. The amount of packaging materials used has been reduced by a third compared to those of the T5, the predecessor to the T7 Shield, and greenhouse gas emissions have been minimized during the manufacturing process.

Providing an Enhanced and Ultra-Fast External Storage Experience Based on Reliability

When asked to describe the T7 Shield in one word, Lee chose “reliability.” He explained that the device is “reliable both in terms of convenience and durability, as it can be easily connected to other devices through its high performance and compatibility, and its shock-resistant design safely protects precious data.”

What kind of consumers is the T7 Shield best for? “It can be the best option for all kinds of consumers, including experts who often engage in outdoor activities, such as video producers and photographers, gamers who play the latest large-scale games, as well as consumers who deal with high-definition videos,” said Jung. “Personally, rather than singling out a certain consumer group, I’d like to strongly recommend the T7 Shield to all consumers who are very serious about data storage.”

Safely storing data is the main function of portable SSDs, meaning the level of trust and confidence in the device among users is crucial. Samsung has built consumer confidence in its products in the global market and has led the portable SSD market. Stay tuned to see how Samsung continues to develop industry leading innovations going forward.

“Creative professionals and consumers want durable, high-performance and reliable SSDs with the assurance their data will remain safeguarded, even when dropped, exposed to water or used outdoors,” said KyuYoung Lee, Vice President of Memory Brand Product Biz Team at Samsung Electronics. “The T7 Shield offers extensive compatibility, enabling consumers to use the new SSD on multiple devices including PC, android smartphone and game console.”

IP65-Rated Durability

The T7 Shield is Samsung’s most durable PSSD to date, making it ideal for outdoor content creators or travelers who need data-rich experience without having to worry about data loss from exposure to the elements or life’s mishaps. Carefully engineered by Samsung from the inside out, the T7 Shield is shock-resistant from drops of up to three meters,² while being IP65-certified as dustproof and water resistant.³ Despite the new rugged design, the T7 Shield is compact and lightweight, weighing a mere 98 grams.

Exceptional Performance

The T7 Shield delivers a read speed of 1,050 megabytes per second (MB/s) and a write speed of 1,000 MB/s,⁴ which are the fastest transfer speeds currently available based on the USB 3.2 Gen2 standard.⁵ It is approximately twice as fast as its predecessor, the T5, and up to 9.5 times faster than external hard disk drives (HDDs),⁶ saving consumers, digital creators and professionals valuable time.

Samsung has also optimized the inside and outside of the product, by changing the surface material and improving the software in the T7 Shield, to solve the performance degradation and overheating that occur when transferring large files. Due to this change, there is no performance degradation even when files of 2TB are moved at once, and heat generation is minimized, which help solve the inconvenience that consumers may experience. Through this, it is possible to transmit data stably without performance drop,⁷ even when performing data-heavy, continuous tasks such as high-quality video recording, editing, encoding and rendering. This alleviates concerns over inconsistent drive performance.

Wide Compatibility and Strong Security

Designed to work across multiple devices, Samsung’s T7 Shield can store large numbers of pictures, games as well as 4K and 8K videos whether on a PC, Mac, Smartphone (Android), or game console.⁸ Additionally, the T7 Shield has strengthened security (*256-bit AES, Advanced Encryption Standard) with hardware encryption so that consumer data can be safely protected even if the T7 shield is lost. Plus, it provides access to Samsung’s Magician Software⁹ which lets users to conveniently manage the drive.

Eco-Conscious Packaging

As with Samsung’s other portable SSD lineups, the T7 Shield uses one-third of the tray packaging compared to prior generations, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions during its production through production efficiency.

Available in beige, black and blue to satisfy user preferences, the T7 Shield is offered in 1TB and 2TB sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases. The drive comes with a USB Type-C-to-C cable and a USB Type-C-to-A cable, and includes a three-year limited warranty with the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) of $159.99 for the 1TB and $289.99 for the 2TB. The T7 Shield is available worldwide starting today. For more information, please visit https://samsung.com/portable-ssd.

Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield Product Specifications

¹ CES 2020 Innovation Awards honoree

² The drop test was conducted under controlled conditions. Drop resistance may vary depending on the actual environmental conditions. Damage caused by drop is not covered under warranty.
*Test condition: Device was dropped free-fall to a metal plate from 3-meter height.

³ IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define degrees of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against water and dust. T7 Shield has a IP65 rating based on internal testing conducted under controlled conditions. Water and dust resistance capabilities may vary depending on the actual environmental conditions. Damage caused by liquid and dust are not covered under warranty.
**IPX5 Test condition: Device was exposed to fresh water projected from a nozzle (Φ6.3mm) 3 meters away at 12.5 l/min for 3 minutes.
**IP6X Test condition: Device was exposed to 2kg/m³ of active dust with a pressure under 2kPa for 8 hours in a vacuum chamber.

⁴ Test system configuration: ASUS Z270 ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO (USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C), Intel (R) Core (TM) i7-7700K CPU @ 4.20GHz, OS- Windows 10 19H2.

⁵ USB 3.2 Gen2 is the standard protocol offered on most consumer and pro model laptops. Throughput is limited due to device ports, not the SSD. Performance may vary depending on host configuration. To reach maximum read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000MB/s, respectively, the host device and connection cables must support USB 3.2 Gen2, and the UASP mode must be enabled.

⁶ Based on internal test results compared to a Samsung external HDD 1TB (HX-MTD10EA)

⁷ The T7 Shield maintains above 900MB/s of sequential write speed with the 1TB model and 1,000MB/s with the 2TB in ambient temperature (25℃).

⁸ Compatibility with host devices may vary. Some operating systems may require reformatting of the T7 Shield.
Please find the compatible devices list on https://samsung.com/samsungssd.

⁹ For further information, visit https://semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/magician.

¹⁰ 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes, 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Lower capacity may be demonstrated by computers due to use of a different measurement standard.

¹¹ Exact weight of product may vary by capacity.

¹² Max data transfer speed is measured based on Samsung’s internal testing standards with the enclosed cable. Performance may vary depending on host configuration, cable and user system environment.

¹³ T7 Shield has a IP65 rating based on internal testing conducted under controlled conditions. Water and dust resistance capabilities may vary depending on the actual environmental conditions. Damage caused by liquid and dust are not covered under warranty.
*IPX5 Test condition: Device was exposed to fresh water projected from a nozzle (Φ6.3mm) 3 meters away at 12.5 l/min for 3 minutes.
**IP6X Test condition: Device was exposed to 2kg/m³ of active dust with a pressure under 2kPa for 8 hours in a vacuum chamber.

¹⁴ The drop test was conducted under controlled conditions. Drop resistance may vary depending on the actual environmental conditions. Damage caused by drop is not covered under warranty.

¹⁵ T7 Series Software’s minimum System Requirements: Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.10 or higher, Android Lollipop or higher.

¹⁶ Case Temperature is measured at the hottest point on the case. Sufficient airflow is recommended to be operated properly on heavier workload within device operating temperature.

¹⁷ Samsung Electronics shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data or other information contained in Samsung Electronics products and in storage devices, or loss of profit or revenue which may be incurred by user. For more information on warranty, please visit https://samsung.com/portable-ssd.

In the past, a ‘storage’ was akin to an immovable object that required users to store data at a designated location and access it only within the bounds. Nowadays, the value of storage is defined by safety and its capacity to be ‘fast and organic’. In an age when users have countless options for storage, the Samsung Portable SSD T Series best embodies this very value through foolproof function and design. The SSD is smaller than the size of your palm, which makes it utterly lightweight, and the comfortable UX design gives life to incredible functionality. On top of that, it has technical stability. We can now carry in our pockets the epitome of all that is required for storing and recording data in this day and age.

All New External Storage

The Samsung Portable SSD T Series is a portable SSD storage device that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It is also sturdier and faster than external storage devices that have been previously widely in use. The device has been manufactured using flash memory that can keep the data safe even when the device is dropped on the floor, and also boasts a high level of data security due to a hardware-based encryption module.

As the first pioneers to envision the category of the ‘portable SSD’ itself, Samsung Electronics further established this unique brand by once again setting the bar with state-of-the-art design for the ‘T Series’.

T1: My Own Portable Portfolio

The T1 focuses on the value of being ‘portable’, and has been designed to be lightweight and pocket-size using plastic material. This storage device showcases a sturdy and fashionable look with its cone-shaped exterior, three-dimensional pattern, and Black Chrome two-toned design.

T3: Pocket Mobility

The T3 exudes an aura of toughness and strength from its exterior by using metal and plastic that has been applied with rubber spray. We ran countless tests to find the ideal size (74*58*10.5mm, 51g) that can provide a sense of trust and compactness at the same time. We made it slightly bigger than the T1 to eventually find the perfect ‘Pocket Mobility’ size that can effortlessly fit into your handkerchief pocket

T5: Metal Minimalism

The T5 uses metal materials to boost its premium image and wears a blue coat that gives off a bright and cool vibe. Colors for the 250GB and 500GB devices are in blue, and large capacity devices that go over 1TB are colored in black. The device has been developed to be faster, and is also able to eliminate any emission of heat even after utilizing metal materials. Furthermore, a USB Type C port has been implemented to ramp up usability and gives the option to connect to the latest devices.

T5, A Storage Device Imbued with Uniformity and Comfort

When users purchase external storage devices or portable SSDs, they base their purchases on a device’s data capacity, speed, and durability. However, just as the hardware technology for portable SSDs advanced greatly over the years, the software technology in the form of UX design has become an important factor for evaluating a user’s heightened brand experience when using the device, not purchasing it.

Samsung Electronics completely renewed the uniform UI and usability that comes from the exterior of the T5 to provide comfort through high product quality and stability.

Straightforwardness that Comes from Simplicity

Since information security is crucial for a storage device, it must provide an easy and straightforward UI to its users. Complicated interfaces and unnecessary screens only serve to obstruct and hinder a user from understanding the product. The T5’s UX design moves away from the previous conversational interface type and has simplified the interface flow by decreasing the page numbers. All pages of the UI have been unified into a single format, which allows for better understanding even after the screen switches to another page. Descriptions for each function have been added on the top to enhance clarity in conveying information.

A Consistent Design Identity

A unified design instills peace and comfort for a user and also increases product familiarity. The all-new T5’s UX also carries a single analogous tone and manner for its design. We deviated from a monotonous look by adding a touch of blue to the trustworthy shade of dark gray. We also included a sense of movement that reacts to user input in the UX, and lastly, maintained the central identity of a Samsung product by incorporating the SamsungOne Font. The icons have also been newly developed with the Samsung Portable SSD brand identity in mind so that they can be used again in next generation products in the future.

Any Device You Want

The UX of the T5 has been designed with the expansion of the device and its surrounding user environments in mind. An identical UX is supported through various platforms from Windows, MacOS, to Android, and this UX also provides a consistent experience in many different user environments such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc. Therefore users can comfortably make use of the T5 anytime, anywhere.

A Vessel for Living Information

We are living in an era where information storage devices have moved its location from within the PC to the surface of your desk, and then again to the outside world wherever users go. A vessel that stores such living and breathing information must also carry the same vigor of life. This is a vault that alleviates all the hardware and software discomforts of existing external storage devices and can also be entrusted with valuable information. The Samsung Portable SSD T Series has been designed to be this very device that stores more than just data, but also the future of storage itself.

Samsung Electronics today announced the introduction of the Samsung Portable SSD T5 – the newest portable solid state drive (PSSD) that raises the bar for the performance of external memory products. The T5, built with Samsung’s latest 64-layer V-NAND technology, delivers industry-leading transfer speeds with encrypted data security in a compact and durable design, making it easier than ever for consumers to access their most valuable data anywhere, at any time.

“Samsung has been pushing the envelope of what is possible in portable storage and solid state drives for years, and the Portable SSD T5 continues our legacy of leadership and innovation,” said Un-Soo Kim, Senior Vice President of Brand Product Marketing, Memory Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are confident that the T5 will exceed consumers’ expectations for external storage by offering faster speeds and a solid design that is lightweight and conveniently pocket-sized. It is the ideal portable storage product for consumers and professionals who are in search of a fast, durable and secure device.”

Delivering stunning speeds of up to 540 MB/s¹ – up to 4.9 times faster² than external HDD products – the new T5 is designed especially for content creators, business and IT professionals as well as mainstream consumers to give instant, easy access to data. Also, the T5 is smaller than an average business card at 74 x 57.3 x 10.5 millimeters (3.0 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches) and incredibly lightweight at a mere 51 grams, comfortably fitting in the palm of your hand. The aluminum exterior comes in two distinct metal finishes – Deep Black (1TB and 2TB models) and Alluring Blue (250GB and 500GB models).

With no moving parts and a shock-resistant internal frame, the T5 offers users peace of mind as it can withstand accidental drops of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet)³. The Samsung Portable SSD Software⁴ for PCs and Macs based on the AES 256-bit hardware data encryption makes it easy to configure security settings and receive the latest firmware and software updates. A mobile app⁵ is also available for Android smartphones and tablets for even further convenience. In addition, the T5 includes two connection cables – USB-C to C and USB-C to A – for enhanced compatibility across numerous devices.⁶

The T5 comes with a three-year limited warranty and will be available globally Aug. 15 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $129.99 for the 250GB model. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/T5.

Key Specifications

¹Performance may vary depending on host configuration. To reach maximum transfer speeds of 540 MB/s, the host device and connection cables must support USB 3.1 Gen 2 and UASP mode must be enabled.

²Based on internal test results compared to an external HDD 500GB. Test system configuration: Asus® Strix Z270E Gaming motherboard, Intel® Core i5-7600 @3.5 GHz, DDR4 1066 MHz 4 GB, OS-Windows® 10 x64, Performance measurements based on CrystalDiskMark 5.2.1.

³The internal free fall shock test was conducted under controlled conditions.

⁴Software requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher. Older versions of the Windows, Mac, and Android operating systems may not be supported. Firmware update requires PC or Mac connection.

⁵Android app available on Google Play.

⁶Compatibility with host devices may vary. Some operating systems may require T5 reformatting. Please find the compatible devices list on www.samsung.com/portable-ssd.

⁷1 GB=1,000,000,000 bytes, 1 TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Lower capacity may be demonstrated by your computer due to its use of a different measurement standard.

⁸Exact weight of product may vary by capacity.

⁹Software requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher. Older versions of Windows, Mac and Android operating systems may not be supported. Firmware update requires PC or Mac connection. Available on Google Play.

¹⁰Samsung Electronics shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data or other information contained on Samsung Electronics product or loss of profit or revenue which may be incurred by user. For more information on the warranty, please visit www.samsung.com/portable-ssd.

Learn more about how Samsung enhanced its latest PSSD in the infographic below.