Samsung unveiled two new external SSDs at gamescom 2026 in Cologne: the Portable SSD P9 and the Portable SSD P7. Both are the first Samsung models to feature USB4 with 40 Gbit/s; the P9 achieves read speeds of up to 4,000 MB/s, replacing the previous T9 as the fastest model in the series. They go on sale August 31, 2026, with prices starting at 287.99 euros.
In a nutshell:
- The Samsung P9 and P7 are the manufacturer’s first portable SSDs with USB4 (40 Gbit/s)
- P9: up to 4,000 MB/s read / 3,800 MB/s write, 1–8 TB, certified for 12K video recording
- P7: more rugged, more affordable, same interface, drop-tested up to 2 meters
- Launch date: August 31, 2026; P9 starting at €340.99, P7 starting at €287.99 (1 TB each)
- Important: Full speeds are only available via a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4/5 port—the SSD slows down significantly when connected to a standard USB-C port
Samsung Portable SSD P9: Speed for Photo and Video Professionals
The P9 is the new top model in the series and, according to Samsung, twice as fast as its direct predecessor, the T9. Samsung’s Portable SSD series actually dates back much further, as our review of the Portable SSD T3 from the series’ early days shows. Via USB4, the P9 reads at up to 4,000 MB/s and writes at up to 3,800 MB/s. According to Samsung, this is fast enough to record 12K video directly to the SSD, rather than first saving it to a memory card and then copying it over—which is convenient for video crews who need to quickly back up footage at trade shows or on the go.
Visually, Samsung has opted for a dark, angular metal casing for the P9, which deliberately looks more premium than its rather plain predecessors. The SSD weighs 96 grams and is available in four capacities: 1, 2, 4, and 8 TB. For security, it features AES-256-bit hardware encryption, and Samsung offers a 5-year warranty. The drive had already won an Innovation Award at CES 2026 before it was officially unveiled at gamescom.
Samsung Portable SSD P7: The Rugged, More Affordable All-Rounder
While the P9 is designed for peak performance, Samsung positions the P7 as the more rugged and affordable model for everyday use. The speed specifications match those of the top-of-the-line model, since both use the same USB4 interface; however, Samsung emphasizes durability with the P7: According to the manufacturer, the case—with its rounded edges and simple, monochromatic design—is designed to withstand drops from heights of up to 2 meters, as well as shock and vibration. Weighing 98 grams, it remains compact and, according to Samsung, is compatible with a wide range of devices, from laptops and game consoles to smartphones with the appropriate connector.
The P7 is also available in 1, 2, 4, and 8 TB capacities, and comes with AES-256 encryption and a 5-year warranty. If you don’t need 4,000 MB/s but are primarily looking for a reliable, portable external hard drive for photos, game libraries, or backups, the P7 is likely a better choice than the P9.
USB4 at 40 Gbit/s: What the New Interface Really Offers
The real advancement in both drives lies less in the SSD itself than in the connectivity technology. USB4 at 40 Gbit/s doubles the theoretical bandwidth compared to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which was still used in the T9, for example, and enabled speeds of around 2,000 MB/s there. With a standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, you’ll only get about 1,000 MB/s.
| Connection | Max. Transfer Rate |
|---|---|
| USB4 (40 Gbit/s) / Thunderbolt 4 / Thunderbolt 5 | up to 4,000 MB/s (P9) |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | approx. 2,000 MB/s |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 | approx. 1,000 MB/s |
Here’s the catch: To actually take full advantage of the P9’s speed, the computer on the other end needs a true USB4 port with 40 Gbit/s or a Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 port. However, these are still the exception among mainstream laptops and are primarily found in premium devices and newer desktop motherboards. If you connect the SSD to an older USB-C port without USB4, you’ll experience noticeably slower speeds—and in some cases, no faster than with the older T9. So before buying, it’s worth checking your laptop’s specifications; otherwise, you’ll end up paying for speed you won’t actually be able to use.
Prices and Availability
Both models will be available worldwide starting August 31, 2026; the 4 TB and 8 TB versions are expected to follow later this year. The suggested retail prices for Germany:
| Model | 1 TB | 2 TB |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Portable SSD P9 | €340.99 | €646.99 |
| Samsung Portable SSD P7 | 287.99 | €548.99 |
Context: Why the Timing Is No Coincidence
The launch comes at a time when memory chips are becoming scarcer and more expensive overall, as a growing portion of global memory production is being diverted to AI data centers. Samsung itself has hinted on several occasions in recent months that price increases for memory products are virtually inevitable. Against this backdrop, the P9 makes sense as a premium model with higher margins: Instead of focusing on volume, Samsung is clearly positioning it in the high-end price segment for professionals, while the P7 caters to the more price-conscious segment of the target audience.
Conclusion
With the P9 and P7, Samsung is introducing USB4 to its portable SSD lineup for the first time, marking a significant leap forward on paper: double the bandwidth, greater capacity, one model with a clear focus on performance and another on durability. Whether the switch is worth it, however, depends heavily on what kind of port your computer has. If you already have a USB4 or Thunderbolt port—for example, on a recent laptop or Mac—the P9 offers noticeably faster speeds than the older T9. Without a compatible port, the P7 remains a solid, rugged external SSD—though its speed advantage goes to waste.
