Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD (MU-PC1T0T): features, specs and who it suits

The Samsung T7 is a small external solid-state drive for carrying large files between computers, phones and cameras. This 1TB model (MU-PC1T0T) weighs about 0.1 lb and measures roughly 3.3 by 2.2 inches, so it fits in a shirt pocket. Here is what its speed, durability and compatibility figures mean.

What 1,050 MB/s means in practice

Samsung rates the T7 at read and write speeds of up to 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s. It uses PCIe NVMe technology inside and connects over USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Samsung describes it as almost twice as fast as the earlier T5. For comparison, a typical external hard drive manages far less, so large folders of photos, video clips or game files move much more quickly.

Those maximum figures come with conditions. Samsung notes that the host device and the cable must both support USB 3.2 Gen 2, and that UASP mode must be enabled. Plug the drive into an older or slower port and it will still work, but at a lower speed.

Built for travel

The body is a solid aluminium unibody. Samsung says it has shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet, based on an internal free-fall test under controlled conditions. There are no moving parts, which is the general reason SSDs tolerate bumps better than spinning drives, though a drop can still damage any electronics.

Working with video and creative files

Samsung says you can record 4K video at 60 fps directly onto the drive from a compatible camera or mobile device, and that it supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60 fps. It recommends the included cable for this. Recording straight to an external drive keeps a phone's own storage free, and editors often use a fast external drive as a working disk for projects.

Capacity and compatibility

The T7 line goes up to 4TB, and this version has 1TB. Samsung says it works with PCs, Macs and mobile phones, though it also notes that host compatibility can vary. As a rough guide, 1TB holds a large photo library or a few dozen modern games, depending on file sizes.

Who it suits

It suits people who regularly move big files: photographers backing up shoots, students carrying projects between machines, and anyone who wants extra storage for a laptop or console without opening anything up. It is an external drive, so it isn't a replacement for an internal one.

What to check before you buy

• Ports: confirm your computer or phone has a USB port that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 if you want the top speeds, and check whether the included cable suits your port type.
• Capacity: work out how much you need now and allow room to grow. SSDs lose useful speed and usable space as they fill.
• Compatibility: check your device's operating system and any format requirements. Drives sometimes need reformatting to work across different systems.
• Backups: one drive is not a backup plan. Keep important files in a second place.
• Software: Samsung offers companion software for some of its drives; check what is available for your system.

The short version

• Pocket-sized 1TB external SSD with an aluminium body.
• Rated by Samsung at up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s read/write over USB 3.2 Gen 2.
• Fall protection up to 6 feet in Samsung's test conditions.
• Supports 4K 60 fps recording to the drive from compatible devices.
• Top speeds need a compatible host, cable and UASP mode.

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