Samsung Electronics has unveiled two new portable SSD models featuring the next-generation USB4 interface, delivering data transfer speeds approximately twice as fast as previous products. The launch is a strategic response to the rapidly growing data demands driven by ultra-high-resolution video, AI content, and large-capacity games.
Samsung Electronics showcased the flagship P9 and the consumer-oriented P7 at Gamescom 2026, the world’s largest gaming exhibition, held in Cologne, Germany on the 26th (local time). The key feature of both products is the adoption of USB4, the next-generation connectivity standard.
The P9 is a high-performance product targeting professional creators and video producers. It supports maximum sequential read speeds of 4,000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of 3,800 MB/s. Compared to the T9, released in 2023 with read and write speeds of 2,000 MB/s, the P9 delivers roughly twice the performance.
Notably, the P9 supports direct recording of 12K resolution video. Large RAW photo files and ultra-high-resolution footage can be written directly to the SSD during capture without any separate storage process, significantly improving workflow efficiency on professional production sets.
Samsung Electronics stated that the P9’s 8TB model is the world’s first 8TB USB4 portable SSD to support 4,000 MB/s speeds. In recognition of this technological achievement, the product received a CES 2026 Innovation Award.
The P7, unveiled alongside the P9, focuses on everyday file storage and backup. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, game consoles, and cameras. As a portable product, durability has been reinforced — it has passed a 2-meter drop impact test as well as vibration and shock endurance verification.
Samsung Electronics’ decision to segment its portable SSD lineup into professional and everyday categories reflects the rapid growth in individual data volumes driven by the proliferation of AI content and ultra-high-resolution video. With the spread of generative AI, data volumes have surged not only for final outputs but also for intermediate files generated during the content creation process, making fast and reliable storage solutions that can move data seamlessly across multiple devices increasingly critical.
Kwon Hyung-seok, Senior Vice President of the Brand Product Biz Team at Samsung Electronics’ Memory Business, said, “As AI-based content creation and ultra-high-resolution video become part of everyday life, users expect faster and more reliable storage experiences. We will deliver the optimal working environment for professionals as well as a wide range of everyday users.”
Market growth prospects are also positive. According to market research firm Industry Research, the global portable SSD market is projected to grow from approximately $2.8 billion (around 3.9 trillion won) in 2026 to approximately $5 billion (around 6.9 trillion won) by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% over the period.
The P9 and P7 will each be available in four capacities — 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB — with sequential launches across global markets, including South Korea, beginning in September.
Recommended retail prices vary by capacity. The P9 is priced at 505,000 won (approximately $360) for 1TB, 966,000 won (approximately $700) for 2TB, 2 million won (approximately $1,400) for 4TB, and 4.01 million won (approximately $2,900) for 8TB. The P7 is set at 431,000 won (approximately $310) for 1TB, 817,000 won (approximately $590) for 2TB, 1.71 million won (approximately $1,200) for 4TB, and 3.4 million won (approximately $2,500) for 8TB.
Through the new P series, Samsung Electronics plans to expand the use cases for portable SSDs, from high-resolution content creation by professional creators to everyday data applications such as photos, gaming, and work for general users. The strategy is interpreted as a response to the evolving role of portable SSDs, which are transitioning from simple file storage and transfer devices to active working storage solutions.