SK Hynix Launches Beetle X31 External SSD: A Comprehensive Review
South Korean flash-memory giant SK Hynix recently launched a new external SSD called the Beetle X31. This new SSD model boasts impressive speed benchmark scores, especially at its price point. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, the SSD features a stylish design and a mesmerizing color appearance, which is truly impressive.
Although slightly pricier than most competing models, the Beetle X31’s capacity maxes out at 1TB. Its compact form factor makes it highly portable. Sent to us by SK Hynix for review, the Beetle X31 1TB SSD has been put to the test to evaluate its performance.
After using the Beetle X31 1TB SSD for the last two weeks, I must say that this SSD has greatly impressed me with its excellent performance. However, there are some aspects you should be aware of before considering it as your storage companion. Continue reading for our in-depth Beetle X31 review.
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Stylish lightweight design
- Solid benchmark scores
Cons
- 1TB maximum capacity
- Slightly pricier than the competition
Unboxing
Price and availability
SK Hynix Beetle X31 starts at $69.99 for the 512GB option and $94 for the 1TB storage. It is available only in the pale gold color. The SSD is now available for purchase on Amazon. The Beetle X31 is a new player in the external SSD market, and we hope the brand will introduce 2TB or even 4TB versions similar to its competitors.
SK Hynix offers a three-year warranty for the Beetle X31 SSD, which is impressive. There are other brands that also offer a three-year warranty for their external SSDs, such as OWC Envoy Pro Elektron, Samsung Portable SSD T7, and many others.
Design and Build
SK Hynix’s Beetle X31 has the best packaging I have ever seen on any SSD box. When I took the X31 SSD out of the box, its beetle-like appearance enticed me a lot. It has rounded corners and a curved top. The X31 has a sturdy aluminum build that looks quite premium and feels very rugged, able to survive drops of up to 2 meters. Despite the aluminum casing, the SSD weighs just 53 grams and feels very lightweight in the hand. There is also a protective rubberized case included in the box, providing extra protection to the SSD.
Speaking of dimensions, the Beetle X31 is 1.8 inches wide, 0.57 inches thick, and 2.9 inches long. The X31’s compact design makes it highly portable; you can even carry it easily in your pocket or bag. The Beetle X31 is considerably smaller and lighter than other SSDs available on the market. Finished in a metallic Champagne gold color, the X31 is an eye-catcher.
Two rubberized protective strips at the base give the SSD a steady foundation even on slippery surfaces. The X31 has a USB-C port and a status light at the bottom. SK Hynix also offers USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 cables with the SSD for seamless and fast connectivity with the latest laptops and computers.
SK Hynix Beetle X31 Performance
The X31 uses the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, which offers faster transfer speeds – up to 1,050 MB/s for sequential read and 1,000 MB/s for sequential write speeds.
I put the Beetle X31 SSD to the benchmark test with well-known disk speed tools such as CrystalDiskMark Blackmagic’s disk speed test, and the file transfer test to see its performance.
For the speed test of the Beetle X31 external SSD, I used its native 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen port. The BlackMagic disk speed tests measure and certify the drive’s performance for working with high-quality video while Crystal DiskMark’s sequential speed tests provide a measure of drive throughput and straight-line transfers of large files.
The Beetle X31 performed solidly in benchmark test results. The X31 managed to achieve 969 sequential read and 951 sequential write speeds in a Crystal DiskMark speed test. While, on the BlackMagic Disk Speed test, the SSD drive scored an 849 sequential write and 821 sequential read speed.
Overall, the SK Hynix did live up to its claimed speed for the X31. There was a slight difference in SK Hynix’s claimed speed - up to 1,050 MB/s sequential read and 1,000 MB/s sequential write speeds, but that’s not a big deal.
Lastly, when it comes to the file transfer test, I used my Windows Lenovo Legion series gaming laptop to transfer the 11.5GB folder to the Beetle X31. It took around 35 seconds to complete the file transfer, which is quite fast.
Awarded to products with an average rating of 3.75 stars or higher, the AndroidGuys Smart Pick recognizes a balance of quality, performance, and value.
Products with this distinction deserve to be on your short list of purchase candidates.
Should I buy the SK Hynix Beetle X31?
You should buy this if..
- You want a portable, lightweight SSD with a stylish design
- You want an SSD with a maximum 1TB capacity
- You want a fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface
You shouldn’t buy this if..
- You are looking for an affordable SSD
- You want a 2TB or 4TB capacity SSD
Final Thoughts
Overall, SK Hynix did a fantastic job with its first external Beetle X31 SSD. The tiny and lightweight Beetle X31, with its eye-catching curved gold-color finish and faster transfer speed, makes it an ideal SSD for content creators. The only quibble is that the X31 is slightly pricier than other renowned SSD competitors, and its capacity maxes out at 1TB.
Flaws aside, the X31’s speed results were totally impressive, especially on the Crystal DiskMark benchmark test, and it was really fast at copying larger files. That said, the Beetle X31’s compact design and solid speed performance make it the most charming portable SSD, but it does come with a steeper price tag.
