Samsung T7 Portable SSD 4TB (MU-PC4T0T): features, specs and who it suits

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a pocket-sized external drive that connects over USB and carries up to 4TB of data. This version, model MU-PC4T0T/AM, is intended for people who move large files between devices: photographers, video editors, students, gamers and anyone who wants a fast backup drive.

USB 3.2 Gen 2 and NVMe speed

Samsung rates the T7 at sequential read and write speeds of up to 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s. It uses USB 3.2 Gen 2, which has a 10 Gbps link, together with NVMe technology inside the drive. Samsung describes it as almost twice as fast as the T5.

The fine print matters. Samsung says that to reach these speeds, the host device and the cable must support USB 3.2 Gen 2, and UASP mode must be enabled. UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is a transfer method that reduces overhead. On a slower port, such as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 2.0, the drive works but at a lower speed. Samsung also notes that performance varies with the host configuration.

4TB capacity

At 4TB, the drive can hold large photo libraries, many hours of high-resolution footage or a big game collection. Samsung says capacities go up to 4TB, so you can pick the amount you need. As a rough guide, capacity is counted in decimal units, so a computer will show slightly less usable space than the label.

Recording straight to the drive

Samsung says you can record 4K footage at 60 frames per second directly onto the T7 from a compatible camera or mobile device, and it lists support for iPhone 15 Pro ProRes 4K at 60fps. ProRes files are large, which is why external storage matters for this use. Samsung recommends using the cable supplied with the drive. As always, check that your camera or phone supports recording to an external drive.

Build and drop protection

The T7 has a solid aluminium unibody. Samsung rates it for shock resistance and falls of up to 6 feet (about 1.8 m), based on an internal free-fall test under controlled conditions. It measures about 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches (8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 cm) and weighs around 0.2 lb (about 90 g), light enough to carry in a pocket.

Solid state drives have no moving parts, which is the general reason they cope with movement better than spinning hard drives. That said, any drive can fail, so important data should exist in at least two places.

Compatibility

Samsung says the drive works with PCs and mobile phones, and notes that host compatibility varies. The listing does not detail operating systems, so check Samsung's current specifications for your computer, phone or console. Samsung also supplies a cable for the connection, and USB-C to USB-A adapters can help older computers.

Who it suits

It suits creators who need to move footage between a camera and an editing computer, students who carry project files between machines, and gamers who want to extend a console or laptop. It is also a straightforward way to keep a full backup of a laptop.

What to check before you buy

• Port type: check that your computer has USB-C or a suitable adapter, and that the port supports Gen 2 speed.
• Device support: confirm your phone, camera or console can use an external SSD.
• File system: a drive may need formatting for your system, and some formats do not work across Windows, macOS and consoles.
• Heat: sustained transfers can warm a small drive, and speed may drop to manage it.
• Backups: keep a second copy of anything important.

The short version

• A 4TB portable SSD, model MU-PC4T0T/AM, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and NVMe inside.
• Rated for up to 1,050 MB/s reads and 1,000 MB/s writes with a compatible host, cable and UASP.
• Aluminium unibody, with protection against falls of up to 6 feet from Samsung's own test.
• Supports direct 4K 60fps recording on compatible cameras and phones.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.