Portable SSD Speed and Durability: Novachips vs Lexar
By District Camera | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Lexar ARMOR 700 and Novachips portable SSDs on speed, durability, and capacity to find the best fit for your workflow.
Quick answer
If you need maximum speed and ruggedness, the Lexar ARMOR 700 is your drive. For a balance of high capacity and solid performance at a lower price, go with the Novachips 4TB USB-C Portable SSD.
Speed vs. durability trade-off
The Lexar ARMOR 700 leads on raw transfer speed with up to 2000MB/s read and write, making it ideal for moving large video files or high-res photo sets in seconds. It also carries an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance plus 3-meter drop protection, so it can survive field use and travel.
The Novachips drives offer read speeds up to 1800MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s. That is still fast enough for most editing and backup tasks, but the trade-off is a lower durability rating. They lack an IP ingress rating and are not advertised as drop-resistant, so they are better suited for desk or bag use where physical abuse is unlikely.
Capacity and value considerations
The Lexar ARMOR 700 is available in a 1TB size, which covers most portable storage needs. The Novachips line offers both 1TB and 4TB options. If you need to store large libraries or archive footage, the 4TB Novachips gives you four times the capacity for roughly double the price of the 1TB Lexar.
For budget-conscious buyers who do not need the extra ruggedness, the Novachips 1TB is the most affordable entry point. The Lexar ARMOR 700 carries a premium that reflects its speed and protection, not just capacity.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Speed king: Lexar ARMOR 700: 2000MB/s reads and writes, IP66 rated, drop-proof. Best for professionals who move big files and work in unpredictable environments.
- Capacity value: Novachips 4TB: 1800MB/s reads, 1000MB/s writes, 4TB storage. Best for archiving large libraries or when you need lots of space without paying a premium for ruggedness.
- Budget pick: Novachips 1TB: Same speed as the 4TB version but with 1TB capacity at the lowest price. Best if you want fast transfers on a budget and do not need extreme durability.
Product facts at a glance
- Lexar 1TB ARMOR 700 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD (Black): Up to 2000MB/s max read/write speeds; IP66 dust/water resistance; drop-resistant up to 3 meters. You can transfer 4K footage in seconds and use the drive confidently outdoors or in rough conditions.
Lexar 1TB ARMOR 700 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD (Black) - Novachips 1TB USB-C Portable SSD Hard Drive: Read speeds up to 1800MB/s, write speeds up to 1000MB/s; 1TB capacity. It handles everyday file transfers and backups quickly, but you sacrifice top speed and ruggedness for a lower price.
Novachips 1TB USB-C Portable SSD Hard Drive
Which one should you choose?
Best for
- Field photographers and videographers who need speed and ruggedness
- Anyone moving large files daily and working outdoors or on location
Not ideal for
- Budget-focused users who need maximum capacity per dollar
- Desk-based workflows where physical abuse is unlikely
