Samsung Launches P9 and P7 USB4 Portable SSDs With Up to 4,000MB/s Speeds
Samsung has introduced two new portable SSDs, the P9 and P7, both built around USB4 connectivity and launched at gamescom 2026. The new Samsung portable SSD lineup is designed to split into two clear use cases: the P9 for higher-end creators and the P7 for fast everyday storage.
The headline feature is speed. Samsung says the P9 can reach sequential read speeds of up to 4,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 3,800MB/s, roughly twice the performance of the previous T9 portable SSD. The company also says the P9 is the world’s first 8TB USB4 portable SSD capable of reaching 4,000MB/s.
P9 Targets Heavy Workflows
The P9 is the more ambitious model in the new lineup. Samsung positions it for professional users who deal with large files, including ultra-high-resolution video and direct recording workflows.
That matters because portable SSDs are no longer just for file transfers. Samsung specifically says the P9 supports 12K direct recording, which points to creator workflows where sustained performance matters as much as peak speed.
For users who move between shooting, editing, and backing up on the go, that combination of USB4 and high capacity makes the P9 feel more like a mobile working drive than a simple external storage accessory.
P7 Focuses on Everyday Portability
The P7 takes a more practical route. Samsung says it is designed for fast and convenient storage across daily use cases, and it has been tested for 2-meter drop resistance, along with shock and vibration durability.
That makes the P7 easier to imagine as the drive you throw into a backpack, use with a laptop, or carry between home and work. It still gets USB4, but Samsung appears to be emphasizing reliability and convenience instead of raw creator performance.
Shared Sizes and Pricing
Both drives will be offered in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB capacities. Global sales are scheduled to begin on August 31, 2026.
Pricing starts at $339.99 for the P9 and $289.99 for the P7 in 1TB configurations. At the top end, the 8TB P9 is priced at $2,699.99, while the 8TB P7 comes in at $2,289.99.
That puts the new lineup firmly in premium territory, especially for the larger capacities. Samsung is clearly treating these as professional-grade portable SSDs rather than budget storage options.
What Samsung Is Really Selling Here
The interesting part of this launch is not just the speed bump. It is the way Samsung is segmenting portable storage into two clear stories.
The P9 is for users who need high sustained performance, large capacity, and creator-grade headroom. The P7 is for people who want a fast, durable, and simpler drive for everyday use. Both share USB4, but the product positioning is different enough that buyers can now choose based on workflow rather than just capacity.
For anyone watching the portable SSD market, Samsung’s message is clear: external storage is moving closer to the performance expectations of modern laptops, cameras, and high-end content workflows.
