The SK Hynix Beetle X31: A Review of a Portable SSD
Design and Build Quality
The SK Hynix Beetle X31 stands out from the crowd of boxy external SSDs with its unique, flowing design. Available in gold and grey, the drive feels premium thanks to its aluminum chassis and smooth finish, reminiscent of the OnePlus Nord 4. The grey model reviewed here feels good in the hand, but the gold option offers a slightly more sophisticated appearance. Its compact size makes it easily pocketable, ideal for carrying on the go.
The bottom features rubber feet to prevent slippage on flat surfaces. SK Hynix includes a silicone protective case in the package, adding an extra layer of protection against drops and minor impacts. While not explicitly waterproof or dustproof, the case significantly enhances the drive’s resilience. The manufacturer claims the case allows the drive to survive two-meter drops.
The design is minimalist. The USB-C port is neatly positioned on one side, accompanied by a small LED indicator that illuminates during use. The package includes both a USB-C to USB-C and a USB-C to USB-A cable, ensuring broad compatibility with various devices.
Performance
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Beetle X31 truly shines in its data transfer speeds. This is thanks to its internal components: a custom M.2 2242 SSD (a variation of the BC711) and an AsMedia ASM2362 controller. Unusually for external SSDs in this price range, it also incorporates embedded DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), contributing to its performance.
Benchmarks reveal impressive sequential write speeds of 965MB/s and read speeds reaching 1,006MB/s. Crucially, these speeds are sustained for extended periods, exceeding the performance of many competing external SSDs. This consistent performance is a significant advantage.
Compatibility and Usage
During testing, the Beetle X31 demonstrated excellent compatibility with a range of devices, including:
- Honor Magic 7 Pro
- Vivo X200 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- A custom-built Windows PC
The drive maintained stable connectivity throughout prolonged data transfers, proving reliable across different operating systems and devices. While it does warm slightly under heavy usage, this is common among external SSDs.
Specifications Summary
Here’s a quick summary of the key features:
- Storage Capacity: Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB options.
- Interface: USB-C
- Included Cables: USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A
- Materials: Aluminum chassis, silicone protective case
- Color Options: Grey and Gold
Price and Value
The 2TB model retails for $169 on Amazon, a competitive price point, especially considering its performance. SK Hynix also offers a 1TB version for $89 and a 512GB option at $49
Conclusion
The SK Hynix Beetle X31 is a strong contender in the portable SSD market. Its compact and stylish design, combined with remarkably fast and consistent data transfer speeds thanks to its internal components including the embedded DRAM, makes it an excellent choice for anyone needing reliable external storage. The availability of a 2TB model further enhances its appeal for users with substantial storage needs. The included protective case is a welcome addition, offering increased durability. Overall, the Beetle X31 represents an excellent balance of aesthetics, performance, and affordability.
