Fresh food in the field of external SSDs from Samsung. After we already took a look at the 8 terabyte T5 EVO, the new model in the form of the T9 is significantly faster. Compared to the almost legendary T7 from 2020 (our test), the Koreans have doubled the speed to up to 2,000 MB/s. Our Samsung Portable SSD T9 test clarifies whether the external SSD can play at the top.
Technical data
| The product | Samsung T9 |
| Storage capacity | 1 TB; 2 TB (test model); 4 TB |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps, Type-C); |
| Max. Read/write speed (MB/s) | 2.000 / 2.000 |
| Special features |
AES 256-bit hardware encryption; shock-resistant from a drop height of up to 3 m |
| Scope of delivery | external SSD, USB-C to USB-C cable (0.30 m), USB-C to USB-A cable (0.30 m) |
| Dimensions | 88 mm x 60 mm x 14 mm ( W x H x D) |
| Weight | 122 g |
| Warranty period | 5 years |
| Price |
€ 192.00 * |
Samsung Portable SSD T9 review: design and workmanship
- Compact, handy design
- Robust and good workmanship
- Attracts dust and dirt
In terms of design, the Samsung Portable SSD T9 is based on the T7. The manufacturer has also opted for a rectangular and comparatively slim housing. The difference is that the T9 comes with a rubberized surface, which not only makes it non-slip, but should also cushion falls from a height of up to three meters.
In terms of design accents, the rubber coating is reminiscent of a fabric pattern, while a wave shape provides additional grip. Disadvantage: The external SSD attracts dust and dirt particles like there’s no tomorrow.
But back to the design. As with the other external SSDs from Samsung, the manufacturer and type designation can be read on the front and back. At the bottom there are some indications of the model and size, while the USB-C port and status LED are located at the top.
Overall, the Samsung Portable SSD T9 measures 88 mm x 60 mm x 14 mm and weighs 122 grams. As the comparison shows, it is therefore slightly larger, a good deal wider and noticeably heavier than the T7, but also feels correspondingly robust and high-quality.
Samsung not only includes a USB-C to USB-C cable with the T9, but also a corresponding USB-A cable. Very commendable.
Further equipment and features
- Broad compatibility
- Hardware encryption
- 5-year warranty
The Samsung Portable SSD T9 is a real all-rounder. It works with PCs, laptops, Android smartphones and tablets, games consoles, smart TVs, cameras and even the iPhone 15 model series, which now finally uses USB-C. Practical for transferring many or large files from a smartphone.
Accordingly, the external SSD is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Another advantage: Samsung also relies on AES 256-bit hardware encryption in this case and offers a full five-year warranty on the T9.
The SSD operates at temperatures between -40 degrees Celsius and 85 degrees Celsius and features Dynamic Thermal Guard, which is designed to keep temperatures in check even under continuous load and protect against overheating.
It can optionally be managed with software solutions such as Samsung Magician Software and Samsung Portable SSD Software. The Samsung Portable SSD T9 comes with a choice of 1 terabyte, 2 TB or 4 TB storage capacity.
All models are based on the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 standard and therefore transfer data at up to 20 Gbps. We already know this from the Crucial X10 Pro, for example (our test).
Important to know for laypeople: The external SSD cannot reach its full potential on a “normal” USB-C port. Here, it achieves a maximum of half the advertised speeds. On a Thunderbolt or USB 4 port, on the other hand, it delivers the highest possible speed.
Performance test of the Samsung Portable SSD T9
- Very good performance values
- Weak in 4K reading
The Samsung Portable SSD T9 is said to be able to achieve up to 2,000 MB/s for sequential reading and sequential writing. We can confirm this on a correspondingly fast USB-C port (with Thunderbolt) in the test.
The CrystalDiskMark benchmark attests the external SSD 2033.21 MB/s reading and 1,822.81 MB/s writing. AS-SSD, on the other hand, achieved 1,810.15 MB/s read and 1,697.06 MB/s write.
This puts the T9 roughly on a par with the aforementioned Crucial X10 Pro, not only in terms of speed, but also in terms of price.
Like the aforementioned Crucial counterpart, however, the Samsung SSD is also a little weaker in terms of 4K read performance. the result is 30.74 MB/s and 68.19 MB/s for 4K writing (CrytalDiskMark: 34.09 MB/s and 77.38 MB/s).
In the end, however, the Samsung Portable SSD T9 is ahead in all other areas and, with an overall score of 1,260 points, positions itself ahead of the competition and among the best external SSDs that we have tested to date. In short: The T9 delivers convincing performance values across the board and maintains its performance even under constant load.
When connected via a normal USB-C port, the performance drops to 1,051.75 MB/s read and 949.25 MB/s write, or 952.08 MB/s and 841.31 MB/s (AS SSD) according to CrystalDiskMark.
Samsung Portable SSD T9 via USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2:
Samsung Portable SSD T9 via USB-C 3.2 Gen 1:
Gaming performance
The T9 achieves an average memory bandwidth of 4.21 GB/s in the DirectStorageBenchmark (Avocados), which is interesting for gaming applications. (For comparison: The Crucial X10 Pro achieves 6.32 Gbps here, the internal NVMe SSD Samsung 980 Pro around 22 GB/s).
The test uses Microsoft’s DirectStorage API to load data from mass storage (in this case the external SSD) directly to the graphics card bypassing the CPU. This should reduce loading times.
Under continuous load, the Samsung Portable SSD T9 gets quite warm at around 62 degrees Celsius, although the casing does not heat up noticeably. At the same time, there is no temperature-related reduction in performance.
Samsung Portable SSD T9 test: Conclusion
With the Samsung Portable SSD T9, the manufacturer launches a worthy big sibling of the almost legendary T7, which is not convincing in terms of performance across the board. The price of the external SSD is also on a par with the competition at the same performance level.
Only in the reading 4K test does the T9 weaken a little and is inferior to the Crucial X10 Pro in terms of gaming performance, for example. On the other hand, the Samsung model clearly delivers the better values when writing.
Especially those who can make full use of a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port will get their money’s worth with the Samsung Portable SSD T9.
Samsung Portable SSD T9
Access times
Transfer rate (read)
Transfer rate (write)
Value for money
91/100
High performance at a fair price makes the Samsung Portable SSD T9 a convincing and recommendable external SSD if you can benefit from USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
