This smartphone SSD was originally going to be part of my next Amazon haul, but its unique features made it worth a dedicated look in a standalone video.
This SSD, from a company called Twopan (compensated affiliate link), offers some interesting functionality. It connects directly to an iPhone or Android phone via USB-C and includes a built-in real-time diagnostic display. That means users can monitor power consumption, read and write speeds, and even temperature in real-time. The drive also features a single port built-in USB 2.0 hub, allowing additional devices to be plugged in, as well as MagSafe compatibility for easy attachment to the back of an iPhone.
However, one drawback is that plugging in power to that USB port to charge the phone causes the drive to reset, potentially disrupting ongoing work. So be sure to plug in power before recording.
One of the most crucial aspects of using an external SSD with an iPhone is power consumption. iPhones cut off devices that draw more than 4.5 watts through the USB-C port, but this SSD consistently operates at around 2 watts, making it a safe option for pro-res video recording. In testing, it handled recording ProRes 4K video at 60 frames per second without issue, maintaining a steady data rate of about 180MB per second.
One of the standout features is the ability to plug in a USB microphone while recording into its USB 2.0 port. When testing with a DJI wireless microphone, the SSD continued to function smoothly, though power consumption increased slightly. This could be particularly useful for mobile video creators who need external storage and high-quality audio input simultaneously.
The drive’s MagSafe compatibility is another convenient feature. With the included angled USB-C cables, it attaches magnetically to the back of an iPhone, providing a more secure connection than just the SSD hanging off the port. However, the package does not include a cable for connecting the SSD to a computer. When plugged directly into a MacBook, it blocked all other ports, making a USB-C extension cable necessary for practical use.
Performance testing on a MacBook using Blackmagic Disk Speed Test showed read speeds close to advertised numbers but write speeds that fell short, averaging around 600MB per second instead of the promised 960MB per second. While this may be due to power-saving measures, it still delivers sufficient performance for ProRes video recording.
Overall, this SSD presents an interesting solution for those looking to record high-quality video on an iPhone. It addresses several pain points associated with external drives, including power management, real-time performance monitoring, and USB accessory support. While having two USB ports—one for power and one for peripherals—would have been ideal, the drive still manages to offer a solid, functional experience. A niche product, but one that solves a very specific problem effectively.
Disclosure: This product came in free of charge through the Amazon Vine program. However, nobody reviewed or approved this content before it was uploaded and no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.