Samsung Portable SSD P9 and P7: USB4 up to 4.000 MB/s
Samsung has announced the Portable SSD P9 and P7, a new generation of external storage drives built around the USB4 interface. Both models are available in 1, 2, 4, and 8 TB capacities, with the P9 targeting sequential read speeds of up to 4,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3,800 MB/s.
The P9 is positioned as the performance leader of the pair. According to Samsung, it achieves roughly double the transfer performance of the previous T9 model, which was limited to approximately 2,000 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. To reach its maximum throughput, the P9 requires a host device with a USB4 or Thunderbolt port. While the drive remains functional when connected to a standard USB-C port, the slower interface will naturally cap its speed. Samsung markets the P9 as the first portable USB4 SSD to combine 8 TB of capacity with speeds up to 4,000 MB/s. The company also claims that the sustained write performance is sufficient for direct video recording at 12K resolution, targeting professional workflows in video, photography, and AI.
The P7 also utilizes USB4 but is positioned as a more versatile option for everyday use. Samsung states that it is compatible with desktop PCs, notebooks, smartphones, consoles, and cameras. The manufacturer highlights the drive’s durability, noting that it has been tested for drops from up to two meters, as well as resistance to shocks and vibrations. However, Samsung did not provide specific sequential transfer rates for the P7 in its announcement. The 4,000 MB/s figure applies specifically to the P9 and should not be assumed for the P7.
Global availability begins in September 2026. Based on US recommended retail prices, the P9 is priced at $339.99 for 1 TB, $649.99 for 2 TB, $1,349.99 for 4 TB, and $2,699.99 for 8 TB. The P7 starts at $289.99 for 1 TB, with the 8 TB model costing $2,289.99. Prices and available capacities may vary by region.