SK hynix

SK hynix Beetle X31

Expert rating7 / 10

Model:: SK hynix Beetle X31
Interface:: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Sequential Read:: Up to 1,050 MB/s
Form Factor:: Portable

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Manufacturer: SK hynix Last updated: September 12, 2026

SK hynix Beetle X31 Review

The SK hynix Beetle X31 is SK hynix's compact portable SSD, built around the same in-house NAND that backs the well-regarded Gold P31 we already cover, just packaged for external everyday use rather than internal installation.

It hits the standard full-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 ceiling other portables in this bracket reach, and the main draw is SK hynix's own NAND and controller pedigree rather than any headline feature the drive itself adds.

Performance and Speed

Up to 1,050 MB/s read matches the practical ceiling of the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, putting the Beetle X31 in line with other mainstream portable SSDs rather than standing out on raw speed.

In-House NAND and Controller

SK hynix builds its own NAND and controllers rather than sourcing them, the same vertical integration that made the internal Gold P31 well-regarded for efficiency. That background carries over here, even though the portable form factor doesn't showcase it as directly.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against the Kingston XS1000, also covered on this site, both are compact, similarly priced portables at the same interface speed, with the choice usually decided by price or brand loyalty. Against the Samsung T7 Shield, also covered on this site, that drive adds genuine IP65 rugged protection for a modest premium, worth it for anyone who travels with their storage.

Who This SSD Is Actually For

Everyday backup and file-transfer use where a compact, dependable portable at standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 speed is enough.

Buyers who specifically want SK hynix's own NAND and controller in a portable form factor.

Not for anyone needing rugged water or dust resistance. The Samsung T7 Shield, covered elsewhere on this site, is the better pick for travel and outdoor use.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating7 / 10

A dependable everyday portable backed by SK hynix's own NAND, without much to distinguish it beyond that pedigree.

Best for

Everyday backup and file-transfer use where a compact, dependable portable at standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 speed is enough.
Buyers who specifically want SK hynix's own NAND and controller in a portable form factor.
Simple external storage for laptops without discrete graphics or heavy workloads.

Not for

Not for anyone needing rugged water or dust resistance. The Samsung T7 Shield, covered elsewhere on this site, is the better pick for travel and outdoor use.
Not for professional video workflows needing sustained speeds above USB 3.2 Gen 2's ceiling.
Not for buyers who specifically want a name-brand portable with wider retail availability than SK hynix's external lineup.

Specifications

What these specs mean

Speed Score

5.5/10

How fast this drive is among portable SSDs, rated from its read and write speeds.

Identity

Brand	SK hynix
Model Number	Beetle X31
Series	Beetle X31

Interface and form

Bus Interface	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Form Factor	Compact Portable

Sequential performance

Sequential Read	1050 MB/s
Sequential Write	1000 MB/s

NAND

NAND Type	TLC

Physical and commercial

Warranty	3 Years

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the SK hynix Beetle X31 (Portable SSD/USB 3.2 Gen 2/1,050 MB/s/Compact Everyday Portable)?

The SK hynix Beetle X31 (Portable SSD/USB 3.2 Gen 2/1,050 MB/s/Compact Everyday Portable) is a component from SK hynix. Key specs: Interface USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), Sequential Read 1050, Sequential Write 1000, NAND Type TLC, Capacity Options 500GB, 1TB, 2TB.

Who is the SK hynix Beetle X31 (Portable SSD/USB 3.2 Gen 2/1,050 MB/s/Compact Everyday Portable) best suited to?

Best suited to: Everyday backup and file-transfer use where a compact, dependable portable at standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 speed is enough; Buyers who specifically want SK hynix's own NAND and controller in a portable form factor; Simple external storage for laptops without discrete graphics or heavy workloads.

What are the drawbacks of the SK hynix Beetle X31 (Portable SSD/USB 3.2 Gen 2/1,050 MB/s/Compact Everyday Portable)?

Not the best fit for: Not for anyone needing rugged water or dust resistance. The Samsung T7 Shield, covered elsewhere on this site, is the better pick for travel and outdoor use; Not for professional video workflows needing sustained speeds above USB 3.2 Gen 2's ceiling; Not for buyers who specifically want a name-brand portable with wider retail availability than SK hynix's external lineup.