Samsung vs INLAND: Nvme SSDs Compared by Specs
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This samsung vs INLAND nvme SSD comparison clarifies a common confusion. Both drives are actually SATA III models, not NVMe. They share the 2.5-inch form factor, making them compatible with most laptops and desktops. The main difference lies in capacity and NAND technology. Samsung uses V-NAND for larger storage options, while INLAND offers 3D TLC NAND in smaller sizes. You need to check your interface support before buying.
Key differences
| Aspect | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | INLAND Pro 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA III | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | 2.5" 7mm |
| NAND Type | V-NAND | 3D TLC NAND |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | 520MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | 410MB/s |
| Security | AES 256-bit hardware encryption | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD if
- You need higher sequential write speeds for large file transfers.
- You require hardware-based encryption for data security.
- You want a larger capacity option like 1TB or 2TB.
Choose INLAND Pro 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD if
- You are upgrading an older system with limited storage needs.
- You prefer 3D TLC NAND technology for cost efficiency.
- You need a drive that fits in a 7mm bay.
Verdict: Choose the Samsung 860 EVO if you need faster write speeds and built-in encryption for professional or heavy use. The INLAND Pro is a practical choice for basic computing tasks where lower capacity and cost are priorities. Both drives will significantly improve boot times on SATA-enabled systems.
Samsung vs INLAND Spec Comparison
Transfer Speed
Sequential performance defines how fast large files move. Samsung 860 EVO reaches 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write. INLAND Pro offers 520MB/s read and 410MB/s write. Samsung holds a clear advantage in both metrics. The 30MB/s read gap and 110MB/s write gap matter for video editing or large backups. INLAND still provides solid SATA III speeds for general tasks. You will notice the difference when copying multi-gigabyte datasets. For everyday office work, both drives feel responsive. The Samsung specs suggest better sustained throughput for heavy workloads.
NAND Type
NAND technology affects endurance and consistency. INLAND Pro explicitly uses 3D TLC NAND. Samsung 860 EVO uses V-NAND technology. Samsung does not specify the cell type in the provided data. V-NAND is Samsung’s proprietary architecture, often associated with high reliability. INLAND’s 3D TLC is a standard consumer grade. This makes a tie in terms of known specs. You get different engineering approaches. Samsung focuses on proprietary optimization. INLAND relies on established 3D stacking methods. Both aim for reliable storage. Without more data on Samsung’s cell type, we cannot declare a winner. Both are standard choices for SATA drives.
Storage Capacity
Capacity options vary between the two brands. Samsung 860 EVO is listed at 500GB in this comparison. It also comes in 250GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants. INLAND Pro is listed at 120GB. It offers 240GB, 1TB, and multi-packs. Samsung provides higher maximum capacity options. INLAND focuses on entry-level storage. If you need more than 500GB, Samsung has larger options. INLAND’s 120GB is small by modern standards. It suits basic OS installations. Samsung’s 500GB offers more room for applications and files. Choose based on your total storage needs.
Security
Data protection features differ in specification. Samsung 860 EVO includes AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption. It is compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670 standards. This allows secure drive erasure and full disk encryption. INLAND Pro does not list any encryption features in the data. It focuses on physical durability like shock resistance. Samsung provides a software-level security advantage. You get enterprise-grade encryption standards. INLAND leaves security to your operating system. If you handle sensitive data, Samsung’s built-in encryption is valuable. For casual users, this may not matter.
Reliability
Long-term durability metrics are listed differently. Samsung 860 EVO specifies 1.5 Million Hours Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF). INLAND Pro does not provide an MTBF figure in the data. Samsung’s rating indicates high reliability for continuous operation. INLAND mentions resistance to shock, vibration, and movement. This is good for laptop use. However, Samsung’s numeric MTBF offers a quantifiable measure. You can trust the Samsung rating more. INLAND’s warranty is 3 years. Samsung offers 5 years. The warranty length aligns with the reliability claims.
Form Factor
Physical dimensions determine compatibility. Both drives use the 2.5-inch form factor. Samsung 860 EVO is 7mm thick. INLAND Pro is also 7mm thick. They fit in the same drive bays. Samsung measures 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.27 inches. INLAND measures 3.94 x 2.75 x 0.28 inches. The differences are negligible. You can swap them in most laptops and desktops. Both use SATA III 6Gb/s interface. This ensures backward compatibility with older systems. There is no advantage here. Both are standard SATA SSDs. You will not face installation issues with either drive.
Which SSD matches your needs
Users needing high capacity storage
Choose the Samsung 860 EVO if you require more space. It offers a 500GB capacity, which is significantly larger than the INLAND Pro's 120GB. This drive also features faster sequential write speeds of 520MB/s compared to INLAND's 410MB/s. The higher capacity and speed make it better for storing large files and applications.
Budget-conscious buyers with low storage needs
Select the INLAND Pro if you only need a small amount of storage. It provides 120GB, which is sufficient for basic operating system installation and essential applications. The drive uses 3D NAND flash technology and delivers 520MB/s read speeds. This option is ideal for users who do not require large capacity or the highest write speeds.
Users prioritizing write performance
Pick the Samsung 860 EVO for better write performance. It achieves 520MB/s in sequential writes, which is 110MB/s faster than the INLAND Pro. Faster write speeds help when moving large files or installing games. The Samsung drive also includes hardware encryption for added security. These specs make it the stronger choice for performance-focused tasks.
The products compared
Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: Standard 2.5-inch SATA drive bays
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA III
- Form Factor
- 2.5 Inch
- Max Read Speed
- 550MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 520MB/s
- Dimensions
- 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches
View on Amazon: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD Affiliate link
The Samsung 860 EVO 500GB is a 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s. It uses Samsung V-NAND technology for reliable everyday computing and 4K video rendering. The drive includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption. It fits standard 2.5-inch drive bays in desktops and laptops.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s
- Sequential write speeds up to 520MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- SATA III interface limits speed compared to NVMe drives
- 2.5-inch form factor requires more space than M.2
- 500GB capacity is modest for large media libraries
Good fit if
- You need a reliable upgrade for a 2.5-inch SATA bay
- You want hardware encryption for data security
- You prefer established V-NAND technology
Skip if
- You require NVMe PCIe speeds
- You only have M.2 slots available
- You need more than 500GB in a single drive
Verdict: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD offers solid SATA speeds and strong security for users with standard 2.5-inch drive bays who do not need NVMe performance.
INLAND Pro 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: basic storage upgrades in older systems
- Storage Capacity
- 120GB
- Interface
- SATA III 6Gb/s
- Form Factor
- 2.5" 7mm
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 520MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 410MB/s
- Compatibility
- Laptop, Desktop
View on Amazon: INLAND Pro 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD Affiliate link
The INLAND Pro 120GB SSD uses 2.5-inch 7mm form factor with SATA III 6Gb/s interface. It offers sequential read speeds up to 520MB/s and write speeds up to 410MB/s. The drive uses 3D TLC NAND flash for shock resistance. This small capacity suits users needing basic storage upgrades for mainstream PCs or laptops where space is limited.
Pros
- SATA III 6Gb/s interface for standard compatibility
- Sequential read speed up to 520MB/s
- 3D TLC NAND flash for durability
- Compact 2.5-inch 7mm form factor
Cons
- Small 120GB storage capacity
- Lower write speed of 410MB/s compared to newer NVMe drives
- Limited to SATA III interface bandwidth
Good fit if
- You need a basic upgrade for an older laptop
- You require a secondary drive for light storage
- You want a shock-resistant drive for mobile use
Skip if
- You need large storage for media files
- You require high-speed data transfer for heavy workloads
- You want the fastest possible SSD performance
Verdict: INLAND Pro 120GB SATA SSD is a practical option for users needing basic storage expansion in standard 2.5-inch bays. It fits those prioritizing compatibility and durability over speed and capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | INLAND Pro 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 120GB |
| Interface | SATA III | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | 2.5" 7mm |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | Up to 520MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | Up to 410MB/s |
| Compatibility | not stated | Laptop, Desktop |
| NAND Type | not stated | 3D NAND, TLC |
| Size | 500GB | 120GB |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches | 3.94 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Black | 120GB |
| Model | MZ-76E500B/AM | 4335233676 |
Frequently asked questions
Are these Samsung and INLAND drives NVMe or SATA?
Both drives use the SATA III interface, not NVMe. The Samsung 860 EVO and INLAND Pro connect via standard SATA cables. This means they rely on the motherboard’s SATA ports rather than the faster PCIe lanes used by NVMe drives. You will need a standard SATA connection to use them.
What is the difference in storage capacity?
The Samsung 860 EVO provides 500GB of space, while the INLAND Pro offers 120GB. The Samsung drive holds more than four times the data of the INLAND model. If you need room for large files or multiple programs, the Samsung option delivers significantly more storage capacity for your system.
Do these SSDs fit in standard laptop bays?
Yes, both models use the 2.5-inch form factor. This is the standard size for most desktop and laptop drive bays. The Samsung measures 3.94 by 2.76 inches, and the INLAND is 3.94 by 2.75 inches. They are designed to slot directly into existing 2.5-inch drive cages without modification.
Which drive uses 3D NAND technology?
The INLAND Pro explicitly lists 3D NAND in its attributes. The Samsung 860 EVO data does not specify the NAND type. Both are solid-state drives, but the INLAND model highlights this specific memory architecture. This detail may matter if you prioritize that specific storage layer technology in your purchase decision.
How do the physical dimensions compare?
The drives are nearly identical in size. The Samsung 860 EVO is 0.27 inches thick, while the INLAND Pro is 0.28 inches thick. Both share a length of 3.94 inches. The slight width difference is negligible for most cases. You can treat them as interchangeable in terms of physical fit within standard chassis.
Is the Samsung drive heavier than the INLAND one?
The Samsung 860 EVO weighs 1.76 ounces. The INLAND Pro weight is not listed in the provided data. The Samsung model includes specific weight information, indicating a standard build for its class. Without the INLAND weight, you cannot directly compare mass, but both are lightweight solid-state devices.

