CONCLUSION

    Last time I had a portable hard drive by Toshiba was exactly 2 years ago and it was also an 4TB model based on their MQ04UBB400 drive, just like with the Canvio Flex. So, as it’s crystal clear from the charts (and as expected really) performance is more or less the same between these two drives. The issue however is not with the drive’s performance since it’s around the levels you’d expect from one such model, the problem is with its capacity. Now I’m no engineer but with technologies like HAMR (Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording) by Seagate and MAMR (Microwave-Assisted Magnetic Recording) by Toshiba I was honestly expecting 2.5" hard disk drive capacity to have increased by now to well over 10TB but that’s clearly not the case (and I have no idea when that will happen). Also, the new Canvio Flex lineup still uses the outdated Micro-B port but since this is a hard disk drive and not an SSD, I really see no issue with that. The lack of available colors may turn some potential buyers away from the Canvio Flex line, but you can always look at one of the other PHD models available by Toshiba.

    Currently the Canvio Flex 4TB USB 3.2 Gen 1 PHD (HDTX240ESCCA) by Toshiba retails for USD189.80 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 142.06Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). Pricing is not bad, but you can get your hands on Canvio Gaming 4TB model (which seems to be identical, just different in color) for just 110.45Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) so it’s a far better option. At the end of the day the Canvio Flex 4TB model delivers as advertised and that’s why I strongly recommend both the Canvio Flex and Canvio Gaming models.

PROS

- Overall Quality
- 4TB Capacity
- Good Performance
- Smartphone & Tablet Compatibility (For Some)

CONS

- 4TB Max Capacity Available
- Only In Silver Color
- Price (Compared To The Gaming Model)