The drive is brand new and has the latest firmware installed. We used the included TypeC cable and connected it to a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, the drive supports only a USB3.0 connection (5GBit/sec).

Starting with the AJA System test, the benchmark software reports around 131MB/sec reading and 128MB/sec writing performance with the new Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB.

The CrystalDiskMark software also offers a good indication of the drive's possible performance. The drive seems to introduce around 155MB/sec reading and 140MB/sec writing speed with sequential files, while random 4K speed isn't high, something that was expected from a 5400rpm HDD.

The ATTO Disk benchmark gives us more details with different file sizes, we see that 32kb file size has good performance, something that is expected from a 5400rpm HDD.

Using TxBENCH gives us lower scores than the above benchmark software.

Using life real testing, writing performance is very stable around 143MB/s when writing single files with no slowdown:

Working temperatures are also great, no issue here with a max around 37 Celsius under constant load.

- Conclusion

The "new" Toshiba Canvio Flex series comes with an external re-design and slightly different overall dimensions compared with the previous Canvio Flex models. The retail price for the 2TB model is around 88 Euro, while the 1TB model sits at 66 Euro and the top capacity 4TB model at 126 Euro. Retail prices are more or less with the previous series and as the connection mode, (micro B) this product can connect either with TypeA or TypeC since it includes both cables inside the box making it a truly universal product.

The previous Toshiba Canvio Flex impressed us with its great reading/writing sequential speeds (around 150MB/Sec). The new series seems to have improved a bit the reading performance, and lower the writing performance, results vary among benchmarks. The used 5400rpm HDD offers a low working noise level and good working temperatures even at full load (37 Celsius max temp). The product also comes with a 3-year warranty. The device due to its exFAT file system is compatible with Windows, MAC and even Android devices so don't worry, provided you have the "correct" connection cable (that is included) since the device as many other manufacturers do as well, still has the MicroB connection port as standard. Overall we can suggest the Toshiba Canvio Flex series, either the previous or the new updated model, since both have similar performance and proper retail price.