When buying a Samsung SSD, the first thing to consider is the type—are you looking for the budget-friendly QVO? Or will you choose top-notch performance with PRO? Maybe something in between, like EVO, will suit your needs.

Samsung QVO vs. EVO vs. PRO: Explaining the Differences

Samsung provides three SSD lines: PRO, EVO, and QVO. All three utilize NAND flash memory for data storage but differ in performance, endurance, and price. Because of this, you must understand the differences between each line to decide which SSD to buy.

The EVO series sits between QVO and PRO in price and performance.

TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings are higher in the PRO series, then EVO, and finally QVO.

The PRO line delivers the highest performance, endurance, and price among the three.

Both EVO and PRO come with a 5-year warranty, whereas QVO is limited to 3 years.

However, these are far from the only differences between Samsung's SSD lines.

Lifespan and Memory

Like other electronic devices, SSDs have a limited lifespan. However, due to their lack of moving parts, they generally outlast HDDs. SSD longevity is measured in terabytes written (TBW) rather than hours of use. This means the more data you write to an SSD, the shorter its lifespan.

Among the three Samsung SSD series, the PRO has the longest lifespan. EVO comes in second, and QVO has the shortest lifespan. This difference in longevity is due to the type of NAND flash memory used in each series. So, what exactly is NAND flash memory?

NAND memory is a type of non-volatile storage; it retains data even when the power supply is turned off. This quality makes NAND flash an ideal choice for long-term storage. It's typically used in SSDs, USB drives, and other portable devices.

NAND flash memory comes in four main types, with different storage capacities and longevity.

Single-Level Cell (SLC): SLC is the most expensive but has the longest lifespan. It stores one bit of data per memory cell and is often used in high-end SSDs for its performance and durability.

Multi-Level Cell (MLC): With two bits of data stored per cell, MLC is more affordable than SLC but has a shorter lifespan. It is commonly used in consumer-grade SSDs and USB flash drives.

Triple-Level Cell (TLC): TLC stores three bits of data per cell and offers a good balance between cost and performance. However, it has a shorter lifespan than SLC and MLC; thus, it is often used in low-cost SSDs.

Quad-Level Cell (QLC): The newest addition to the NAND family, QLC stores four bits of data per cell. It offers the highest storage density but the shortest lifespan.

It's also worth noting that Samsung's ultra-fast LPDDR5X is likely to feature in these SSDs in the future.

Speed and Performance

SSD speed and performance are essential aspects to consider when choosing a solid-state drive. These drives are known for their lightning-fast read and write speeds, but they are not all the same.

The PRO model uses Multi-Level Cell (MLC) technology and provides high performance and reliability. It stores two bits of data—00, 01, 10, or 11—which makes the NAND flash memory more efficient. According to reports, the PRO model reads up to 560MBps and writes up to 550MBps.

Compared to the PRO model, the EVO uses Triple Level Cell (TLC) technology and is slightly slower. It stores three bits of data—000, 001, 010, 011, 100, 101, 110, or 111—and can read/write up to 550MBps and 520MBps, respectively.

The QVO model, which uses Quad-Level Cell (QLC) technology, is the slowest of the three. It stores four bits of data, which leads to longer write times. On paper, it may have the same read and write speeds as the EVO model, but it isn't impressive in real-world use.

When SSDs store more data, they need higher threshold voltages to identify voltage signals, which reduces read and write speeds.

Form Factor and Interface

The form factor and interface you select for your Samsung SSD should align with your specific needs and preferences. The PRO series, available in a 2.5-inch SATA III form factor, is compatible with most desktops and laptops. It uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface, which also supports older interfaces such as SATA 3 Gb/s and SATA 1.5 Gb/s.

EVO, on the other hand, is more flexible with its additional support for M.2 and mSATA interfaces. This makes it an ideal choice for Ultrabooks and other slim devices. Like the PRO series, it also uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface compatible with older models. The QVO series, similar to the PRO, comes in the 2.5-inch SATA III form factor and uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface.

Storage Size and Prices

PRO is the clearer winner for those looking for the fastest SSD speeds. However, if you need more storage without a hefty price tag, the QVO series is an excellent choice. With capacities of up to 8TB, it offers the largest storage option in Samsung's SSD lineup.

The cost of each Samsung SSD varies by size and type. You'll pay more for a top-tier 4TB 990 Samsung PRO than a older, mid-tier 1TB 870 Samsung EVO. As you've read, Samsung's PRO SSD range brings has the most features, and as such, you'll pay accordingly.

Which Samsung SSD is Right for You?

After reviewing the different types of SSDs, you might wonder which one is right for you. Here are some scenarios:

If you prioritize endurance and high performance, the PRO model is the best option. Its MLC technology and superior read/write speeds are perfect for high-performance tasks like gaming and video editing.

For everyday tasks such as web browsing and document editing, EVO delivers a strong balance between performance and price.

The QVO series, on the other hand, is a good option if you have a tight budget and need a lot of storage.

So, whether you need blazing-fast speeds or large storage capacity, Samsung has a model that meets your requirements. Think about your needs and budget when choosing, and pick the right Samsung SSD for the best results.