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The original Samsung T5 remains a compact, lightweight portable SSD with optional hardware encryption and a manufacturer-stated maximum transfer speed of up to 540 MB/s. Its main drawback today is that Samsung has discontinued it: availability, condition, and warranty depend on the specific unit and seller. The 540 MB/s figure is conditional, not a guaranteed result for every computer or cable.
What the Samsung T5 does well
Small and light enough to carry easily
Samsung lists the original T5 at 74 × 57.3 × 10.5 mm and about 51 g. Those dimensions make it easy to pack with a laptop or keep in a bag. Samsung also describes a metal body and shock resistance, and its 2017 launch material notes that the SSD has no moving parts. These are manufacturer descriptions, not a guarantee against every drop, damage, or data loss. Samsung’s 2017 launch announcement provides the physical specifications and design details.
Broad USB connectivity
The T5 uses USB 3.1 Gen 2, specified at 10 Gbps, and Samsung says it is backward compatible with earlier USB connections. The original package included USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables. This flexibility can help when connecting to different computers, but the host port, cable, and operating-system support still matter. Samsung Semiconductor’s T5 product page lists its interface and cable details.
Optional hardware encryption
The T5 supports AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection through Samsung software. This can add a layer of protection if a drive is lost, but confirm that the software works with your current device and operating system before depending on it. Samsung’s listed software requirements are legacy minimums, not a guarantee of compatibility with every current release. Keep a safe recovery plan for the password: encrypted data may be inaccessible if you forget it.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
How fast is the Samsung T5?
Samsung advertises speeds of up to 540 MB/s, but says reaching that maximum requires a host device and connection cable that support USB 3.1 Gen 2, with UASP enabled. Actual performance varies with the host configuration, so slower ports, cables, or system conditions can reduce throughput. Treat 540 MB/s as a conditional manufacturer maximum, not a speed promise for your setup. Samsung’s product specifications state the conditions.
Samsung also describes the T5 as up to 4.9 times faster than an external hard drive. That is the company’s own comparison against a Samsung 500 GB external HDD using a specified older Windows test system and CrystalDiskMark 5.2.1—not an independent, current benchmark or a prediction of the difference you will see in everyday use.
Rank #2
- 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
What to consider before buying or continuing to use one
It is discontinued
Samsung’s original T5 product page says, “This product has been discontinued.” Some regional pages may continue to show specifications, but that does not establish local stock. If you find a unit, check whether it is new or used, the seller’s return terms, and what warranty—if any—applies to that particular drive. Samsung’s 2017 launch announcement described a three-year limited warranty at launch; that historical term should not be assumed to cover a current secondhand or discontinued unit.
Verify the connection path
For the advertised maximum, check the host port and cable specifications and whether UASP is enabled. A USB-C connector alone does not prove that a port or cable supports USB 3.1 Gen 2. If speeds are lower than expected, try the appropriate included cable, confirm the port’s capabilities, and check the host’s UASP support before concluding that the drive is faulty.
Rank #3
- Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540MB s (up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs); Ideal for transferring large-sized data including 4K videos, high-resolution photos, games and more
- Compact and portable design: Top to bottom shock resistant metal design fits in the palm of your hand and easily slides in your pocket or purse to take work and entertainment on the go
- Secure encryption: Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure
- Seamless connectivity: Includes USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables to connect to PCs, Macs, smartphones and other devices
Confirm security software compatibility before enabling it
Samsung’s listed operating-system requirements do not establish support for every recent computer or mobile device. Verify current software compatibility for the device you plan to use, and decide how you will retain or recover the password before turning on password protection.
Do not confuse the original T5 with the T5 EVO
The T5 EVO is a separate product, not a revision whose specifications can be applied to the original T5. Samsung identifies the EVO separately and specifies USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) for it. Check the exact model name when comparing a listing or reading product specifications. Samsung’s T5 EVO product page identifies that separate model.
Rank #4
- MASSIVE STORAGE. COMPACT CONVENIENCE: We went big and made it portable; It’s the T5 EVO—an ideal choice for gamers and content creators; This SSD is engineered to handle large file transfers while still small to take on the go
- CAPACITIES THAT KEEP UP: Make a big save wherever your projects take you with the small but mighty T5 EVO; It’s light enough to take anywhere and comes with capacities of 2TB to 8TB, making it an easy way to store more on-the-go
- PICK UP THE PACE: Forget external HDDs; The T5 EVO is optimized for large file transfers with improved Intelligent TurboWrite and speeds your hard drive will be jealous of; It’s supported by USB 3.2 Gen 1 for superb performance
- ALL FOR THE SHOT: Set your sights high; This strong, sturdy sidekick will help you see it through with shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet*
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console** count on the T5 EVO Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
Who should choose the T5?
The original T5 can still make sense if you already own one, or find a suitable unit with acceptable condition, return terms, and warranty coverage. Its size, low weight, USB compatibility, and optional encryption are useful features. It is a less straightforward purchase if you need a new drive with assured availability or current warranty coverage, or if you need verified performance for a specific workflow. Samsung’s specifications establish the T5’s advertised capabilities; they do not establish current prices, independent sustained speeds, or comparative value against drives available today.
At launch in 2017, Samsung offered the T5 in 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities. Check the capacity printed on the drive and verify it through the connected device before relying on a used unit.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
