SSD is very different from HDD. It is important to understand the difference before buying.

HDD is like plain empty space where you keep filling data in FIFO manner.(First In First Out).
SSD on the other hand is like a “mini-computer” in itself. It is not just an empty space to fill. There is hundreds of operations that happens when writing and reading the data. There is a dedicated micro-computer/processor inside an SSD. It has it’s own cache, it’s own programming etc. So, it is like having a small computer within your computer that allocates space, manages read/write operations. You even have firmware upgrades to your SSD.

That is why just “Price/GB = Value” formula won’t work on SSD.

Now, every company has their way of programming their product. There are various types of NAND modes in SSD like SLC, MLC, TLC, eMLC, QLC.. where SLC is most expensive but very durable and suitable for enterprise/business. QLC being cheapest but less durable.

I have both Samsung 860EVO and Crucial MX500. Below is my analysis:

When you compare it Samsung 860EVO, refer the images that I’ve attached. From the first test,(less memory written for less number of times] it seems Samsung is clear winner.. but hold on…
If you see the next set of images, where more memory is written more number of times, you’ll see there is a significant drop in Samsung’s performance. This is what I mentioned about internal programming of SSD. Where as you’ll see Crucial MX500’s speed is almost same in both cases. (Consistency).

Ofcourse, I’ve also attached HDD performance, clearly it’ll show why you should upgrade to SSD from HDD.

So, my conclusion, –> Samsung SSD are suited for smaller amount memory which are written less frequently.
Crucial MX500 –> Suited for steady, long term, non spiking performance.
Even you can go for ADATA SSDs they are reliable but the cheaper ones will be little slower because of QLC type.

FINAL VERDICT:- For a difference of 1000+ Rupees, if you are a home user with normal gaming and storage stuffs, go for Crucial MX500 SSD. It is actually of high quality and serves the purpose very well.
I have been using both Samsung and Crucial and I didn’t notice any practical difference when copying, reading, writing, gaming etc on both. They are identical in performance for human perception. Crucial is actually better in some aspects.

What to be aware of?
Package comes with a small square shaped extra metal. It was of no use to me.
The firmware on my SSD was already updated and latest.
You can download Crucial SSD software for authentication, future firmware upgrade etc.
You buy 500GB but only get 465GB usable. Well, this is the case with all memory devices and the 7% loss actually helps for random file operations.

For first time buyers, I hope this was helpful. 🙂