One, two or four terabytes of storage space on the go is not enough for you? Until now, storage capacities of 8 terabytes were mainly reserved for external hard disks, which – compared to external SSDs – have a rather slow read and write speed and are rarely really handy. Samsung now wants to change this and is launching the T5 EVO, not the first external SSD with up to 8 TByte storage, but the most affordable. Our Samsung T5 EVO test clarifies whether and for whom the purchase is worthwhile.
Technical data
| The product | Samsung T5 EVO |
| Storage capacity | 2 TB; 4 TB; 8 TB (test model) |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps, Type-C); |
| Max. Read/write speed (MB/s) | 460 / 460 |
| Special features |
AES 256-bit hardware encryption; shock-resistant from a drop height of up to 2 m |
| Scope of delivery | external SSD, USB-C to USB-C cable (0.30 m) |
| Dimensions | 40 x 95 x 17 mm ( W x H x D) |
| Weight | 102 g |
| Warranty period | 3 years |
| Price |
€ 504.99 * |
Samsung T5 EVO test: design and workmanship
- Compact design
- Non-slip, but vulnerable surface
- Robust construction
The Samsung T5 EVO has a robust design with a black, rubberized exterior. At the top we find a metal handle to attach the external SSD to a key ring or rucksack, for example.
Although the design is obviously not weatherproof, it should be able to withstand falls from a height of two meters without any problems. Due to the rubber coating, the T5 EVO is of course comparatively susceptible to dust and dirt, but has a very comfortable grip in the hand. And on the table.
The device itself is 95 mm long, 40 mm deep and 17 mm high, making it definitely pocket-friendly. However, a direct comparison with the Samsung T7 and the Crucial X9 Pro (our test) shows that it can of course be much smaller.
And lighter, because at 102 grams, the T5 EVO is comparatively heavy – for an external SSD, of course. On the underside we find the USB-C port and a status LED. The manufacturer includes a suitable USB-C to USB-C cable.
Further features of the Samsung T5 EVO
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Wide compatibility
The Samsung T5 EVO is compatible with PCs, laptops, Android smartphones and tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and cameras. In terms of operating system compatibility, Windows, macOS and Android are supported.
However, the core area of application is of course primarily PC and notebook systems, although creators with the large memory who produce their content on their (Android) smartphone also get their money’s worth.
The content has AES 256-bit hardware encryption, the external SSD communicates in the USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard with a maximum of 5 Gbps, but is also backwards compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. Samsung offers a three-year manufacturer’s warranty on the storage solution.
Performance test of the Samsung T5 EVO
- Up to 460 MB/s read and write speeds
- Good access times
The flagship of the Samsung T5 EVO is undoubtedly its huge memory. 8 terabytes in an external SSD is (still) a rarity. However, the storage solution is also available with 2 TB and 4 TB of storage space.
However, you have to accept compromises in terms of speed. According to the manufacturer, up to 460 MB/s are possible for sequential reading and writing. Although this is higher than the fastest external hard disks, it is still rather slow for an external SSD.
Even the Samsung T7 achieves more than twice the speed with 1,050 MB/s, and external SSDs now even achieve up to 3,000 MB/s. The Samsung T5 EVO is therefore particularly suitable for particularly large files if you have enough time.
The AS-SSD benchmark attests the T5 EVO 429.15 MB/s for sequential reading and 414.29 MB/s for writing. In CrystalDiskMark, on the other hand, we are very close to the manufacturer’s specification with 459.22 MB/s read and 450.35 MB/s write.
The write and read access times are also at a good level. The T5 EVO is therefore very well suited for most everyday tasks and performs read and write operations flawlessly. It also moves smaller files at a decent speed.
However, the biggest advantage is probably the sheer storage size – which makes the 8 TB version the most attractive in my eyes. After all, there are plenty of external SSDs with 2 terabytes or even 4 TB and higher speeds.
The heat development is impeccable, which is kept in check thanks to Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard technology. Even under continuous load, the casing hardly heats up at all; we measured a maximum of around 43 degrees Celsius.
Samsung T5 EVO test: Conclusion
The Samsung T5 EVO certainly doesn’t set a speed record, but rather sets a leisurely pace at the start. However, it does outperform external hard disks. The biggest advantage of the external SSD is the huge memory – 8 terabytes are still a rarity these days and if they are, they are usually very expensive.
Although the T5 EVO is certainly no bargain, it is certainly cheaper than the direct competition. On the other hand, you can also get two 4 TB SSDs with significantly higher speeds for considerably less money, which is why it is difficult for us to recommend the T5 EVO unconditionally at the moment.
If you want to back up large amounts of data externally in one place and don’t value high speed, you can go for it. However, it becomes more interesting when the price has fallen a little.
Samsung T5 EVO
Access times
Transfer rate (read)
Transfer rate (write)
Value for money
84/100
The Samsung T5 EVO scores with a huge capacity of up to 8 terabytes and a robust design, but is only slightly faster than external hard drives in terms of speed.
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