When you're looking at the Samsung T7 Shield compared to the regular Samsung T7, there are a few things that might sway your decision, especially if you're pairing it with a MacBook Pro.
Here's what we've found from our research and info from the manufacturer:
Performance
Both the T7 Shield and the regular T7 are pretty fast. They both offer read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s, which makes them great for stuff like video editing, big file transfers, and other heavy-duty tasks.
So, in terms of speed, they're nearly identical.
Durability and Design
The T7 Shield really shines when it comes to durability. It has an IP65 rating, which means it's dustproof and can handle low-pressure water jets. This can be a big selling point if you're often moving around or working in less-than-ideal conditions.
The regular T7 is also durable, but it doesn't have this level of protection. So, if you need something rugged, the T7 Shield is the better pick.
Compatibility and Setup
Both SSDs work with macOS and Windows, connecting via USB-C. For Mac users, there's a little extra setup involved.
Our research indicates that you might need to tweak some security settings in macOS to get everything running smoothly, especially with the T7 Shield. You might need to adjust settings in the Security & Privacy section of System Preferences to start using it.
Cables and Accessories
They both come with USB-C cables, but if you want the best performance, making sure you're using a high-quality cable is important.
Sometimes the included cables might not be top-notch, so investing in a good one might be worth it.
Summary
To sum it up, both the Samsung T7 Shield and the regular T7 are solid performers and work well with both macOS and Windows. The T7 Shield is tougher, thanks to its IP65 rating.
If you need an SSD that can handle rough conditions, go with the T7 Shield. If you're just looking for fast storage for everyday use, the regular T7 should do the job.
Once you've got either of them set up, they should both deliver the high performance you'd expect from Samsung.
So really, it comes down to what you need more: extra durability or straightforward, high-speed storage.
