The Beetle X31 SSD from SK Hynix is their first portable product. This sleek and lightweight item is ideal if you want a discreet tool or if you commute for work. Furthermore, its USB 3.2 Gen 2 Speed port ensures that it is compatible with modern PCs and laptops. As such, if you invest in one of these drives, you needn’t worry about unfortunate compatibility issues.
Alongside this, the device is undeniably attractive and extremely well-built. Accordingly, the manufacturer claims that it can be dropped from a height of 6 ft and survive unscathed. I have to say I will not be testing this theory and I’m going to have to take their word as gospel. However, with a 3-year warranty, you may wish to be bold and test this out for yourself.
What’s in the box of the Beetle X31 SSD?
- The packaging is fantastic! The stunning imagery captures your imagination whilst delivering a professional finish. Moreover, the contents are well-protected and the packaging can be recycled.
- The Beetle X31 SSD is glorious to look at. The golden tint and aluminium finish are wonderful. Furthermore, the USB-C port is flanked by a simple LED status light.
- Protect your drive with the rubberised protective case.
- Power the SSD with either a USB-C to USB-A cable or a USB-C to USB-C cable.
- Learn the fundamentals with the user instructions.
Technical aspects.
An SSD is only as good as its storage capacity and its read and write speeds. As such, I was interested to see how this drive compares with its peers. First, you may choose from a 512 GB or a maximum 1 TB drive. This may seem quite restrictive, but I found the 1 TB option more than enough for my needs. However, if you need a monstrous drive, you will have to look at one of its peers.
This to one side, the excellent USB 3.2 Gen 2 Speed connectivity delivers impressive speeds! You’ll enjoy up to 1,050 MBps sequential read and 1,000 MBps sequential write speeds. Now, this may seem like I’m talking gibberish, but let’s see how it compares. According to test data, the Beetle X31 SSD outperforms many of its peers. However, it falls slightly behind some big-name players such as SanDisk and WD. Yet, this shouldn’t put you off as the difference in performance is negligible.
Build quality.
The aforementioned 3-year warranty is standard for this product. Yet, it would be remiss of me to ignore the 5-year guarantee with both SanDisk and WD. As such, this is something to consider when you invest. On the plus side, the excellent build quality, rubberised case, and rubber strips should last longer than the guarantee. Accordingly, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about.
The Beetle X31 SSD feels great to hold. The sleek metal case and lightweight nature ensure that you won’t be disappointed. Furthermore, the handy LED highlights whenever the device is being powered. Alongside this, I liked the rubberised strips that prevented it from moving and the handy well-positioned product information. As such, the manufacturer has delivered an attractive and professional device that ticks many boxes.
Is the Beetle X31 SSD worth it?
Though the Beetle X31 SSD is restricted to 1 TB, this shouldn’t put you off. This fashionable SSD is robust, lightweight, and perfect for commuters. Moreover, its read and write speed is impressive and I believe that the 3-year warranty is more than adequate. Accordingly, if you want a striking SSD, then I recommend that you buy it here!
(More information on SK Hynix can be found here!)
