Is a pocket SSD worth buying? See 1TB Lexar E6P review

The SSD market has developed rapidly over the last decade and has become increasingly competitive. proof of this Lexar E6PThe new device of the Chinese brand that combines portability, robust design and cutting-edge features.

E6P, which has a compact metal body that you can carry in your pocket, comes to compete with models that offer multiple device support and portability. But ultimately is it worth buying a portable SSD? Is this type of device suitable for me?

Next, check out our 1TB Lexar E6P review, where we test the device’s power and try to answer whether it’s worth having a powerful storage device that fits in your pocket.

Unboxing and technical specifications

Like most modern SSDs, the Lexar E6P comes in a compact paper box containing the product, manual, and connecting cables. It is worth highlighting here the content, which is quite complete.

In addition to the model with a metal structure that seems to be resistant to impacts, the product also has an external silicone cover and rope in case you want to attach it somewhere. The manufacturer has also taken care of the cables and offers a USB-C and a USB-A model in the box, ensuring broad compatibility.

As for technical details, Lexar’s SSD has 1TB of storage with speeds of up to 1050MB/s, and data is transferred via a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port ready for use on Mac and Windows, without giving further details . about the device.

When connecting the product to the computer, the SSD is listed as Lexar SSD in CrystalDiskInfo 1TB NM610 ProA model of the NVMe 1.4 standard, which follows the M.2 2280 format and has a price of R$ 362 on sale on AliExpress. Apparently, the E6P uses a modified version of this model using the Lexar E6 external cover with USB. C normally costs About R$93 in China.

In other words, you can assemble your Lexar E6P basically by purchasing the parts separately from AliExpress. But the company is offering a “complete” out-of-the-box experience with two cable options in a new product.

Tests

So how does the Lexar E6P perform? To test the SSD’s range, we used the CrystalDiskMark 8 benchmark in two different scenarios: peak performance and daily use.

The maximum performance test shows how much the SSD performs at its maximum performance, and the model delivers what it promises. In tests performed with a USB-C connection, the product provided 1054 MB/s reading and 1003 MB/s writing speed.

As expected, performance varied in daily use benchmarks. In this test model, both read and write speeds were around 870 MB/s.

So how do these numbers translate to real life? SSD file transfers are quite fast, as expected from a device that can exceed the 1000 MB/s mark.

For example, a 600 MB video file can be transferred from a computer with an SSD to the Lexar E6P in just six seconds. Speed ​​combined with portability and 1 TB of storage make the product an interesting choice for those working with multimedia.

The model also performed well when running games directly from storage. I tested the new Kingdom Hearts collection for Steam on PC directly from the Lexar E6P and experienced no lag or loading issues. It’s also worth emphasizing that Square Enix is ​​not an example of a company that pays much attention to PC ports, and yet I had no problems running franchise games on external storage.

Design and usability

When it comes to visuals, the Lexar E6P can be described in two words: portability and convenience. The model has a reinforced body and comes with a rubber cover that provides a certain resistance in case of drops. In addition to the USB-C connection, the device also features a hidden LED that indicates the device is working without creating “too much noise” in the illumination.

Although the external SSD is larger than other products in the segment, it is quite compact and easy to carry in your pocket, offers a compact experience and has certain protections against drops. For those who travel a lot or work outdoors, the device may be an interesting choice due to these factors.

The presence of two cables in the package allows the user to use the product on any device right out of the box. The product is ready for use on PC, Mac, Android mobile phones and consoles such as PS5 and Xbox Series S and X.

Here I tested the model as a media device on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but the product can also be configured as extended external storage. In this case, the SSD can be used to run older generation games on new products, resulting in faster loading screens.

Software

Finally, it is worth emphasizing that Lexar E6P also has encryption software. The program, called Lexar DataShield, is included with PDF manuals in the product’s internal storage.

Using Lexar DataShield is described by the company as a simple solution for creating secure folders on SSDs. When opening the Mac and Windows compatible program, the user sets a password to access the software.

Then open the program and create folders to be password protected. DataShield allows you to manage directories and easily add files to locations by copying and pasting or using “drag and drop.”

The use of the program is completely optional and can be discarded by people who will use the product for gaming purposes only. On the other hand, the tool becomes more meaningful for those who work with confidential files or media that need to be protected.

Worth it?

My experience using the Lexar E6P was very similar to using the Lexar E6P. Kingston XS1000It is smaller in size but comes with only one cable in the box. Lexar’s new model promises speeds of up to 1000 MB/s and a compact, pocket-friendly structure, and it delivers.

However, the product does not yet have an official price in Brazil, which can be a determining factor when purchasing. Since the company offers individual components for “building E6P” through AliExpress, more experienced users may prefer to make a homemade version of the product if the price of the ready-made version is too high.

Models such as the Kingston XS1000 mentioned above are currently available in Brazilian e-commerce at prices around R$ 600 for the 1 TB version. With this in mind, if the model comes at a price above this figure, it’s worth considering whether the more robust design would really make a difference in your routine.

On the other hand, if the Lexar E6P comes to the country at an interesting price point, it’s worth keeping it on your shopping radar, especially if you travel a lot or need an SSD fast enough to fit in your pocket.