The ADATA SD820: A Tough, Tiny Storage Solution with a Premium Price Tag
The ADATA SD820 is a compact, rugged external SSD that packs a punch, but is it worth the price? This little powerhouse starts at $189.99 for 1TB and goes up to $349.99 for the 2TB version, offering impressive performance and durability. But here's where it gets interesting: it's very similar to the Editors' Choice-winning ADATA SD810, yet it's priced higher. And this is the part most people miss—the SD820 is a stylish, ruggedized SSD, but is it just a pretty face, or does it offer something more?
Design-wise, the SD820 takes cues from ADATA's DashDrive Durable HD710, but in a much smaller package. Measuring just 0.5 by 1.5 by 2.8 inches and weighing less than an ounce, it's a tiny powerhouse. The blue version sports a unique look with rubbery blue diagonal stripes, made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), creating a striking contrast against the black drive casing. This design not only looks cool but also provides a better grip. If you prefer a more subtle look, the black version offers a sleek alternative with alternating black and dark gray stripes.
But it's not just about looks. The SD820 packs a USB-C port supporting the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 spec, delivering blazing-fast sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000MBps. However, to unlock this speed, you'll need a compatible computer or a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 expansion card for your desktop. Without it, you'll be limited to USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds of around 1,000MBps. The included USB-C-to-USB-C cable ensures you're ready to go right out of the box.
And when it comes to durability, the SD820 shines. A plastic port cover seals the USB-C port, ensuring water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating. This means it's dustproof and can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 3 feet. It can even survive drops of up to 4 feet! Only a few external drives, including ADATA's own SD800 and SD810, and the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5, can match this level of protection.
But let's talk numbers. The SD820 is available for pre-order in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, but it doesn't come cheap. SSD prices have been on the rise due to a shortage of NAND flash memory chips, and the SD820's prices are on the higher end compared to similar USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SSDs. For instance, the ADATA SD810, a rugged SSD with a more conventional design, retails for $124.99 for 1TB, while the Crucial X10, with an IP65 rating, goes for $129.99 for 1TB and $427.99 for 4TB. The SD820's pricing seems premium, but is it justified?
ADATA provides a standard five-year warranty for the SD820, which is common for SSDs from major manufacturers. However, it lacks hardware-based AES encryption and backup software, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Performance-wise, the SD820 excels. Our tests using PC Labs storage testbeds revealed impressive results. The drive performed exceptionally well in the PCMark 10 Storage Data Drive Test, ranking second among our comparison SSDs, and it also shone in the 3DMark Storage gaming test. In the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test on a Mac, it had the second-best write speeds but the lowest read speed.
So, is the ADATA SD820 worth the premium price? It's a tough call. While it offers excellent performance and durability, the high price might be a deterrent for some. But for field workers and outdoor enthusiasts, the SD820 could be a reliable companion. What do you think? Is the ADATA SD820 a must-have or a luxury? Share your thoughts in the comments!
