Samsung Unveils World First 8TB USB4 Portable SSDs With Doubled Speeds at Gamescom

Samsung unveiled the P9 and P7 at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, highlighting the new USB4 portable SSD lineup at the world’s largest gaming expo.
The rollout will begin next month as part of a phased global launch, with initial availability including South Korea.
The P9 delivers up to 4,000 MB/s read and 3,800 MB/s write speeds over USB4, representing roughly a twofold increase over the prior T9/T7 USB generation.
Samsung unveiled two new portable SSDs at Gamescom 2026 that roughly double storage speeds using USB4 technology. The P9 and P7 reach up to 4,000 MB/s read and 3,800 MB/s write speeds, with the P9 marking the world's first 8TB USB4 SSD, according to Samsung Guru. Both drives target different users — the P9 for professional creators handling 12K video and RAW photos, the P7 for everyday computing.
The drives earned durability credentials by passing 2-meter drop tests and surviving shock and vibration tests, protecting data in mobile settings. The Tech Outlook reports that Samsung's "Peace of Mind" vision emphasizes reliability as data volumes surge with AI content and ultra-high-definition video. Phased global rollout begins next month in capacities from 1TB to 8TB.
The P9 targets professionals recording 12K video and handling massive RAW photo files. Samsung Daily notes it won a CES 2026 Innovation Award for sustained write performance. With 3,800 MB/s sustained writes, creators can offload footage without waiting for drives to slow down during lengthy capture sessions.
Speed matters for workflow efficiency. At 4,000 MB/s reads, transferring a 400GB footage file takes roughly 100 seconds. Previous USB 3.2 drives maxed out around 1,000 MB/s, making the P9 four times faster. The 8TB capacity eliminates frequent swaps between drives.
While the P9 targets professionals, the P7 serves students, office workers, and gamers seeking faster everyday storage. Samsung Fans reports broad device compatibility — desktops, laptops, smartphones, game consoles, and cameras all connect via USB4 ports. Even at lower capacities, 4,000 MB/s transfers cut backup times dramatically.
The P7 ships in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB options. Same durability specs apply: 2-meter drops and shock resistance. BigGo Finance notes the rollout begins next month from South Korea, with global availability following. Price details remain unannounced.
The jump from USB 3.2 to USB4 represents a generational leap. Samsung Daily confirms USB4 enables 4,000 MB/s reads — roughly double the prior T9 and T7 drives. This isn't just incremental — it fundamentally changes how creators work with large files and how gamers install massive titles.
Backward compatibility matters too. Both drives work with existing USB-C ports, though older devices won't access the full 4,000 MB/s. Users with USB4 ports on newer laptops and desktops unlock the full speed advantage. The phased rollout allows Samsung to manage inventory while demand ramps up.
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