The MagSafe-attached SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is a boon for iPhone videographers, who just need more space to shoot high-quality video.
Since Apple introduced the ability to record high-resolution video from an iPhone to an external drive, a bunch of drives have arrived on the market specifically for the task. Nearly all of them, as you'd expect, are compact 10 gigabit per second drives that clip into the base of the iPhone or use MagSafe to hang off the back.
SanDisk's route with its Creator Phone SSD isn't what you would call small. But it does what it says, from a reliable vendor, and adds a color splash to the back of the iPhone.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: Design
Measuring 3.25 inches by 2.69 inches and 0.43 inches thick, the Creator Phone SSD is not the smallest MagSafe drive on the block. At 1.9 ounces, it's also not going to be the lightest either.
It resembles a really small external drive that could be used with a Mac, rather than something you slap onto the back of your iPhone.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: It's thin but not as small as some other iPhone-centric drives.
MagSafe doesn't carry data, so the drive comes with a cable. It's a bit too long for the iPhone, we'd have liked to see something a bit shorter. It's serviceable when you want to attach it to your Mac, though.
SanDisk also made the Creator Phone SSD durable, with its silicone shell capable of surviving a three-meter drop (9.8 feet). There's also IP65 water and dust resistance, too.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: MagSafe attachment
As we've said already, rather than relying on the friction of the USB-C port to stay put, it instead attaches with MagSafe to the back of the iPhone. In use, even with a case, the iPhone doesn't feel too thick while filming handheld footage.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: It's MagSafe compatible, and even ships with a magnetic ring accessory.
SanDisk also leans into MagSafe support more by including an adhesive magnetic ring with the drive. The intention is to attach it to a non-MagSafe device, such as the back of a MacBook Pro, so you can anchor the drive to other items.
This is a clever addition to the package, and could be an attractive option for iPhone-based content creators who don't use their smartphone to edit.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: Storage
SanDisk includes 1TB and 2TB storage options for the Creator Phone SSD, with each able to hold quite a bit of footage for later editing. SanDisk provided us the 1TB version for review.
In terms of bandwidth, SanDisk claims that the USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection provides sequential read performance of up to 1,000MB/s, and up to 950MB/s for writes.
We didn't see this on the Mac, but that's pretty normal. We got about 760 megabytes per second read and write, which is in-line with what's expected.
The drive itself is shipped formatted in exFAT to maximize support with other devices. Those in the Apple ecosystem can reformat it to APFS, and frankly, we recommend that.
It may not be Thunderbolt-quick, but with its quoted speeds, and pricing, it doesn't really need it.
The USB-C connection is the only one on the unit, with no pass-through power available. With it attached via MagSafe, this basically blocks any opportunity to recharge the iPhone.
This may be a concern for filmmakers, who may spend many hours recording footage and severely drain the iPhone battery in the process. Some other solutions include a hub-type system in the mix, enabling power and other devices to connect, but that's not an option here unless you do it yourself.
There is an app, but we don't recommend it. It got in the way more often than not. If you use it, it doesn't really add anything notable that you don't already have, and you'll have to give permission to the app to access storage every time you plug in the drive.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: Handy, but not essential
The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is iPhone first, and Mac second. It certainly does the job.
From the viewpoint of iPhone-only usage, it's not perfect. If used as intended, occupying both USB-C and MagSafe connections, it does prevent you from using an external battery pack on video shoots, unless you are smart about your setup and add a hub or some kind of shooting frame.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: It ships with a USB-C cable to connect to your iPhone.
While this is a downside, the MagSafe connectivity element is also a plus. The supplied magnetic ring will, if used on a notebook lid, give some users a much-needed place to put a drive without leaving it on a desk.
The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD isn't perfect users with a great need for both power and connectivity. But, as a storage device that can stick to a MacBook Pro if you want, it's not a bad option.
And, it's by a well-known and well-funded brand that doesn't have too many adjacent consonants to pronounce, with a support system.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review — Pros
- MagSafe connectivity with magnetic ring for other applications
- exFAT, but formattable to APFS.
- Good pricing for what you get
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review — Cons
- The electric blue isn't exactly stealthy
- App is unnecessary and doesn't provide any real functionality
- Using MagSafe and USB-C means you can't charge the iPhone
Rating 3.5 out of 5
Where to buy the SanDisk Creator Phone SSD
The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is available from SanDisk directly, starting from $113.99 for 1TB, $176.99 for 2TB. It is also available on Amazon, at $109.99 for 1TB, $169.99 for 2TB.
