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Samsung T7 1TB (₹8,999) is the best all-rounder for most users. It offers excellent 1,050MB/s speeds, proven reliability, AES 256-bit encryption, and compact design. For budget-conscious users, Crucial X8 1TB (₹8,799) provides similar performance at lower cost. Choose Samsung for brand trust and security, Crucial for maximum value.

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The Kingston XS2000 reaches its maximum 2,000MB/s speed only with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) ports, found in latest 2023+ laptops/PCs. On standard Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports, it runs at ~1,050MB/s - still excellent but not its full potential. Check your device: Gen 2x2 ports are rare. If you don't have Gen 2x2, save money with Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme instead.

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Yes, if you store sensitive data. Hardware encryption (Samsung T7, SanDisk Extreme, WD My Passport) encrypts data automatically with no performance penalty, using AES 256-bit standard. If SSD is lost/stolen, data remains protected. Software encryption (BitLocker, FileVault) works but slows transfers. Essential for: business documents, financial records, personal photos. Skip if only storing movies or games.

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T7: Compact metal design, 2m drop protection, no IP rating. T7 Shield: Rubberized exterior, IP65 water/dust resistant, 3m drop protection. Both have identical 1,050MB/s speeds and encryption. Choose T7 for: everyday portable use, desk/office work (₹8,999 for 1TB). Choose T7 Shield for: outdoor photography, construction sites, travel (₹10,499 for 1TB). Worth the ₹1,500 premium only if you need extreme durability.

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Yes, with USB-C OTG support. Most Android phones (2020+) and iPads (USB-C models) support external storage. Requirements: USB-C port with OTG, sufficient power output. Samsung T7 and SanDisk Extreme work excellently with mobile devices. Useful for: backing up photos/videos directly from phone, expanding storage for 4K recording, file transfers without computer. Check your device OTG compatibility before purchase.

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SSDs last 5-10 years typically, outlasting HDDs. No moving parts means no mechanical failure - the main HDD weakness. SSDs handle 1,000-3,000 write cycles per cell (enough for 10+ years of normal use). HDDs fail from head crashes, motor burnout, usually within 3-5 years. SSD advantages: shock resistant (drops don't damage), silent operation, faster speeds. HDDs only win on ₹/GB for large capacities (4TB+). For portable use, SSDs are definitively superior.

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Minimum 1TB, recommend 2TB for 4K video editing. 1 hour of 4K 60fps footage = 80-120GB. For active projects: 1TB handles 2-3 concurrent projects. 2TB allows 5-7 projects with breathing room. Professionals with 8K or large archives need 4TB. Best choices: Kingston XS2000 2TB (fastest editing), Samsung T7 Shield 2TB (durability + speed), WD My Passport 2TB (reliability + warranty). Don't compromise on capacity for video work - insufficient space kills workflow.

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exFAT for cross-platform use. Works with Windows, Mac, Linux, PS5, Xbox, Android. No file size limits (NTFS has 4GB limit on FAT32). Use NTFS only if: Windows-only environment and need encryption/permissions. Use APFS only if: Mac-only with Time Machine backups. Most users should format as exFAT for maximum compatibility. Formatting doesn't affect speed - it's about file system features and compatibility.

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Normal behavior during sustained high-speed transfers. SSDs generate heat when writing at maximum speeds (1,000-2,000MB/s). Metal enclosures (Samsung T7, Crucial X8) act as heat sinks - warm to touch is expected, not harmful. Thermal throttling begins at 70-80°C, reducing speed by 10-30% to cool down. Solutions: Use in ventilated areas, avoid direct sunlight, take breaks during massive transfers, consider T7 Shield's larger surface area for better cooling. Overheating doesn't damage SSD - built-in protection prevents harm.

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Best warranty: SanDisk & WD (5 years), Samsung (3 years), Kingston & Crucial (3 years), Seagate (3 years + data recovery). Best India service: Samsung (pan-India centers, quick response), WD (established network), SanDisk (online RMA, courier pickup). Check warranty terms: covers manufacturing defects only, not accidental damage or data loss. Register products immediately after purchase for faster warranty claims. For peace of mind, Samsung + WD combination of brand trust and service accessibility is unbeatable.