Finding it difficult to choose between Samsung T5 and T7? It’s not surprising. Truth be told, both portable SSD models are excellent choices for your extra external storage needs. They can store large files, which you can transfer in seconds. But which of the two portable storage devices should you get? For your convenience, this article provides more information about T5 and T7, comparing them both based on size, connection, speed, price, and other specifications.
Main Differences
The Samsung T7 is almost twice as fast as the Samsung T5. This is also the biggest difference between the two models. Otherwise, the SSDs are almost identical in terms of security, certifications, etc. except for color differences and small differences in size.
Comparison – Samsung T5 vs T7
Samsung T5 | Samsung T7 | |
 |  | |
Size Options | 250 GB, 2 TB | 500 GB, 2 TB |
Sequential Read Speed | up to 540 MB/s | up to 1,050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed | up to 520 MB/s | up to 1,000 MB/s |
USB Interface | up to 10 Gbps | up to 10 Gbps |
RoHS Compliance | RoHS2 | RoHS2 |
Password Protection | AES 256-bit hardware encryption | AES 256-bit hardware encryption |
Fingerprint Recognition | ||
Certifications | BSMI, CB, C-trick, | BSMI, CB, C-trick, |
Waterproof | ||
Shock resistant | up to 2 meters | height not stated |
Dimensions | 2.9" x 2.3" x 0.4" / | 3.4" x 2.2" x 0.3" / |
Weight | 0.112 lbs / 51 g | 0.126 lbs / 57 g |
Color Options | Alluring Blue, Metallic Red, | Blue, |
Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Samsung T5 | Samsung T7 |
| | |
Size Options 250 GB, 2 TB | Size Options 500 GB, 2 TB |
Sequential Read Speed up to 540 MB/s | Sequential Read Speed up to 1,050 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed up to 520 MB/s | Sequential Write Speed up to 1,000 MB/s |
USB Interface up to 10 Gbps | USB Interface up to 10 Gbps |
RoHS Compliance RoHS2 | RoHS Compliance RoHS2 |
Password Protection AES 256-bit hardware encryption | Password Protection AES 256-bit hardware encryption |
Fingerprint Recognition | Fingerprint Recognition |
Certifications BSMI, CB, C-trick, | Certifications BSMI, CB, C-trick, |
Waterproof | Waterproof |
Shock resistant up to 2 meters | Shock resistant height not stated |
Dimensions 2.9" x 2.3" x 0.4" / | Dimensions 3.4" x 2.2" x 0.3" / |
Weight 0.112 lbs / 51 g | Weight 0.126 lbs / 57 g |
Color Options Alluring Blue, Metallic Red, | Color Options Blue, |
Warranty 3-year limited warranty | Warranty 3-year limited warranty |
Size Options
Samsung T5 and T7 are available in different size options. But between the two, T5 has more choices than T7. It comes in 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. The storage capacity also varies in colors. The T5 portable SSD with a 250 GB storage capacity is available in alluring blue, while the 500 GB comes in alluring blue, metallic red, and rose gold. The 1 TB T5 has deep black, metallic red, and rose gold color options. But if you want to get the T5 with a 2 TB storage capacity, you will only have it in deep black.
Meanwhile, the Samsung T7 only has three size options: 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. It’s not included in this review, but the Samsung T7 Touch also has similar size options as the T7. When it comes to the device’s colors, all size options are available in Indigo Blue, Titan Gray, and Metallic Red.
Dimensions and Weight
When it comes to dimensions and weight, the T7 is longer and heavier than the T5. For the measurements, the T5 is 2.91 inches in length, 2.26 inches in width, and 0.41 inches in height. The T7, on the other hand, has a length of 3.35 inches, a width of 2.24 inches, and a height of 0.31 inches.
Because it’s smaller in size, the weight of T5 is only 1.80 ounces, while the T7 weighs 2.05 ounces. If you look at the devices’ respective weights, there is not much difference like the dimensions of both portable SSDS.
Connection
Let’s talk about the connection of both portable SSD devices. To experience the best performance, the host devices and cables should support the USB 3.1 Gen 2 for Samsung T5 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Samsung T7. When they are connected to their respective USB specifications, the USB interface can support a maximum of 10 Gbps.
Moreover, both SSD models feature backward compatibility, which means that they still support older USB versions. But the downside is that connecting the SSD devices to older USB versions slows the speed because of the limited bandwidth. If you don’t want to experience a long wait, connect the portable SSD with the advanced USB versions.
Speed
Of course, the transfer speed is an important factor in choosing a portable SSD. It’s satisfying to transfer files within a few seconds or minutes, especially if they are big files. With that said, let’s compare the read and write speeds of Samsung T5 and T7.
The maximum transfer read speed of T5 is 540 Mbps, while the T7 has a maximum transfer speed of 1,050 Mbps. Evidently, Samsung T7 is much faster than T5. But it’s important to note that you can only enjoy the fast transfer speeds if the host devices and cables are connected to advanced USB versions.
Meanwhile, the write speed, which refers to the rate of saving the files in the SSD, is almost similar to the read speed. The maximum write of T5 is 520 Mbps and 1,050 Mbps for the T7. There is a slight difference, but they are still much faster than typical external storage drives.
Security
This comparison will not be complete if we don’t discuss the security features of portable storage devices. Both Samsung T5 and T7 are made with the company’s security software. But let’s get into specific details to know more about the devices.
Encryption
To ensure that your files stay protected all the time, T5 and T7 are built with AES 256-bit hardware encryption. You also have the option to create a password, keeping your data more secure and protected. And if something happens to the external storage devices, you can use the 3-year limited warranty for the necessary repairs or replacements.
Certifications
Both portable external drives also have several certifications that ensure their compliance with standard usage, environment, and security regulations. These certifications include:
- KC (Korea Certification)
- FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
- CE (Conformity European)
- WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
- ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) – an additional certification for Samsung T7
Fingerprint Recognition
Because they don’t have touch screens, the Samsung T5 and T7 don’t feature fingerprint recognition. The SSD model that has this advanced feature is the Samsung T7 Touch.
Drop Protection
If you look at the external hard drives closely, they are intact and have no moving parts. The internal parts are also built inside a sturdy yet sleek metal body, holding them tightly together. Best of all, they can survive a drop of up to two meters.
Dust and Waterproof Rating
There don’t have dust and waterproof rating. But according to their user manuals, You have to keep the devices away from water, detergent, and other chemical substances.
Price
Based on the specifications and features aforementioned, we can already say the Samsung T5 is cheaper than T7. But the price difference is only a few dollars. The Samsung T5 costs around $110, while the Samsung T7 is around $112. The price may also vary, depending on the storage capacity.
Conclusion – Samsung T5 vs T7
So, after all, that has been said, which one is the best? Well, the simplest answer is both Samsung T5 and T7 are great, and they are worth it. They are similar to each other. The only difference is that T5 has four size options, while T7 only has three. Also, the T7 is way faster than the T5. If you want the least storage capacity, you can go for a 250 GB T5. Otherwise, T7 is the best option. The price isn’t a big deal-breaker either, as they cost almost the same.
