Is there any big difference between 2.5" and 3.5" Hard Drives?

[Adorable Cat]

Besides physical size, is there any real difference? Just asking out of pure curiosity.

[Vandorlot]

SSDs are usually 2.5 inch and a lot faster. HDDs are usually 3.5 inch and a really slow. There are occasionally hdd's that are 2.5 inch. Laptops only support 2.5 inch and m.2. No real difference.

[WereCatf]

In practice from an end-user's point-of-view: no. Technically, 2.5" drives are more expensive per gigabyte, but usually can handle slightly bigger g-forces from shocks, require less power to run and operate, and produce less heat -- all very important details, but, as mentioned, for most people not very important.

[KarathKasun]

2.5" HDDs are, in general, quite a bit slower than 3.5" HDDs.  Any SSD will likely be faster than either size mechanical drive.

[Drak3]

3.5" HDDs come in larger capacities and are typically lower cost per gigabyte. You'll also find that 7200RPM models are also typically cheaper.

2.5" HDDs fit in both 2.5" bays, and can be adapted to 3.5" bays.

 

Beyond that, any differences come down to the specific model of HDD.

[DeScruff]

In my experience 2.5" HDDs are slower, and the noise they make is higher pitched which I personally find more annoying.
I want to say 2.5" drives fail a lot more often as well... but most 2.5" drives Ive dealt with were in laptops and other devices that might be moved around, or get dropped. So its not exactly the fairest comparison.