TECH – The Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch is reshaping expectations for ultra-portable storage by combining impressive speed, compact size, and biometric security into a sleek device that’s built to fit in a top-pocket. While TechRadar’s recent overview spotlights the very compact iKlips S, many of its insights apply broadly to this class of drives, including the T7 Touch.
Ultra-compact but powerful
The device measures roughly 14 × 26 × 17 mm and weighs only 5.2 g (as per the iKlips S example) highlighting just how tiny the form-factor has become, making it truly portable for mobile professionals and creatives. Despite its size, the drive offers read speeds up to ~450 MB/s and write speeds around ~400 MB/s. That performance allows transfers on the order of 1 GB in just a few seconds vastly outperforming typical USB flash drives.
Security meets convenience
What sets this SSD apart is its built-in fingerprint scanner, enabling up to 20 registered fingerprints and providing a handy method to secure sensitive files without typing passwords. The convenience is widely appreciated among users moving between Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms. That said, it’s worth noting that the hardware encryption (such as AES-256) is absent, meaning users handling regulatory-sensitive data might have to consider additional safeguards.
Cross-platform workflow ready
With USB-C connectivity and plug-and-play compatibility, this SSD is geared for professionals working across devices and operating systems. Whether it’s editing video on a laptop or transferring large files between mobile devices, the speed and portability make it well-suited for workflows that demand flexibility and speed.
Weaknesses and trade-offs
Despite its strengths, some limitations persist. The compact design and passive cooling may lead to thermal throttling during sustained heavy transfers. Its storage capacities are lower (e.g., 256 GB) than many full-size portable SSDs, which may limit its role for large-scale archival or high-volume editing workflows. Because budget trade-offs were made, it may function better as a “working” drive rather than long-term primary storage.
Use cases and audience
This SSD is ideal for creators, professionals on the move, students, or anyone needing secure, high-speed transfers on-the-go. If you routinely shuttle large project files, footage, or datasets between locations and devices and want biometric convenience, this drive fits well. For heavy duty storage (multi-terabyte archives, prolonged 4K/8K editing, proactive cooling), a larger form-factor SSD may still make sense.
The fusion of rapid performance, ultra-compact size, and biometric security makes this class of SSD compelling. While it may not satisfy every heavy-duty user’s storage appetite, for many workflows it offers a formidable balance of convenience and capability.
