Technology Blog

Biwin Mini SSD: smaller than a microSD and three times faster

In a world where portable storage tends to vary between slow microSDs and large M.2 modules, Biwin bursts forth with a revolutionary solution: the Mini SSD . This device, also known internally as the “1517,” measures just 15 × 17 × 1.4 mm , making it smaller than a coin or a microSD card, but considerably more powerful.

A perfect blend of size and performance

Thanks to its ultra-compact design, the Mini SSD maintains top-of-the-line performance. It uses PCIe 4.0 x2 and the NVMe 1.4 protocol, achieving sequential read speeds of up to 3,700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3,400 MB/s. To put that into perspective, microSD Express cards only reach ~985 MB/s , so the Mini SSD is over three times faster.

By comparison, full-size SD Express cards can achieve similar speeds (~3,940 MB/s), but take up more than three times the space.

Superior strength in a tiny package

Despite its tiny size, the Mini SSD offers no shortage of ruggedness. It's IP68 certified for dust and water protection and can withstand drops of up to 3 meters.

Capabilities and insertion format

Available in 512GB , 1TB , and 2TB capacities, the Mini SSD offers a wide range of storage options. Inserting it is as simple as inserting a SIM card: it uses a removable tray for easy tool-free replacement, ideal for mobile devices.

First applications: portable gaming and beyond

While it's not yet a universal standard, it has already been adopted by some portable gaming rigs. GPD Win 5 and OneXPlayer Super X include dedicated Mini SSD slots, highlighting their potential for ultra-compact, high-performance devices.

BIWIN also targets use in laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, NAS , even smart albums or portable SSDs, offering multi-device flexibility.

A format to be defined: a promising future?

So far, the Mini SSD is not defined as a standard by bodies like JEDEC, which could slow down its wider adoption. Furthermore, pricing information and mass availability have not yet been revealed.

Conclusion

The Biwin Mini SSD represents a new era in portable storage: it combines up to 2TB of capacity, impressive speeds, and durability in a smaller footprint than a microSD card. Its SIM-like design makes it ideal for devices where every millimeter counts.

While it's currently limited to a few Chinese handheld gamers, its innovative form factor could redefine how storage is thought of in phones, cameras, tablets, and other ultra-compact gadgets.

Would you like me to go deeper into the technical aspects, compare it with other formats, or how it might work for your device? I'm here to help.