Samsung's new portable SSDs are blazing fast over USB4, but will torch your wallet

Samsung has introduced its latest line of portable SSDs, the P Series, at Gamescom 2026 in Germany. These external drives utilize USB4 connectivity to deliver exceptional performance, although the premium models come with steep price tags that may be out of reach for many consumers.

The P Series comprises two models: the P9, aimed at professional users, and the P7, designed for everyday consumers. The P9 boasts remarkable sequential read speeds of up to 4,000MBps and write speeds of up to 3,800MBps, roughly twice as fast as its predecessor. Samsung compares the P9's capabilities to a 4TB T9 drive, which offers similar speeds over a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface.

The P9 has already been honored with an Innovation Award at CES, showcasing its ability to sustain 12K real-time recording, making it suitable for professional workflows involving video capture, RAW image files, and high-definition video editing. The P7 model also takes advantage of the USB4 interface, offering versatility and compatibility with a wide range of devices, including desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and USB-compatible cameras.

It has also passed rigorous durability tests, including a 2-meter drop test and additional shock and vibration tests.

Samsung Electronics Vice President Tommy Kwon emphasizes that the P Series can provide significant performance benefits for AI-powered content creation, video production, and more. However, the most significant drawback of this impressive technology is its cost. The P9 will be available in four capacities (1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB), with suggested prices ranging from $340 to $2,700.

On the other hand, the P7 models will be priced between $290 for the 1TB version and $2,290 for the 8TB option. These high-end portable SSDs are expected to start shipping on August 31.