SanDisk Creator Phone SSD review: Practical MagSafe storage solution for smartphones

"The storage is getting full" -- It is pretty comment comment from people who love to capture content on their smartphone and while there have been several solutions for that -- like using a hard drive, pen drive, etc. However, all of them were designed not mainly for the smartphones -- they all are designed to become an all-in-one solution and in the process they work better with one type of device and not so better with the other kind. However, SanDisk has come up with a solution -- rather a unique device -- called Creator Phone SSD and it is custom-designed keep smartphone usage in mind. Why is that? Well, it comes with a MagSafe support that helps it stick at the back of the phone on its own and that's something pretty convenient as there's nothing hanging around when using an external drive.  Not only that, it also supports Apple's ProRes format recording. Also, it is slim enough -- not to make the phone look bulky while holding it.

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

I have spent some time with the new Creator Phone SSD from SanDisk and have used it with the iPhone Air as well as the Galaxy Z Fold7 to record and shoot videos but also to take complete back up of the phone to keep my data safe and secure and here are my thoughts.

Design and build

SanDisk is not new to experiments. The company keeps asthetics and practically in mind with most of its products and SanDisk’s Creator Phone SSD is no different. It looks more like an outdoor gadget than a professional drive with gives it a refreshing look and feels and without being too boring to look at. The curved rubberised edges give it a rugged feel, and its IP65 rating means it can handle dust and light splashes, though it isn’t fully waterproof. It weighs 54 grams and measures 82.5 x 68.4 x 11 mm, so it remains light enough to stay comfortably attached to the back of a phone.

The MagSafe connection feels sturdy, with a reassuring magnetic hold when attached to an iPhone. The included ribbon-style USB-C cable ensures a flat, flexible connection, though its slightly longer length can feel awkward during handheld use. SanDisk includes a Velcro strap that helps secure the cable — a small but thoughtful touch that improves handling.

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

The drive currently has just one -- Blue -- colour option. I wish that SanDisk introduces more colour options here. Having said that, it does makes much difference to me. However, that may just give buyers more options to choose from. But, SanDisk being SanDisk, it has offered options which matters to users far more than colours -- the storage options -- Creator Phone SSD comes with 1TB and 2TB options -- price starts at Rs 12,999 which is pretty decent for what it offers.

The magnet's performance is apt and does a good job of holding the drive at the back of the phone. Interestingly, for Android users, SanDisk has included an additional magnetic ring in the box. As I said before -- well thought out product for smartphone users. Then there's the small Type-C to Type-C port which also comes with a latch that can hold the cable together when folded an attached to the drive and the phone. Overall, the solution is pretty practical and functional.

It’s plug-and-play — no setup required — and recognised immediately by iOS as external storage for ProRes video capture or file management via the Files app.

The Creator SSD can also be used as a standard portable SSD with laptops or tablets via USB-C. This makes it a flexible device that doubles as both an external smartphone expansion and a regular SSD for PC work. The IP65 dust and splash resistance, curved rubberised housing, and cable management system give it a practical advantage for field use. However, the lack of full waterproofing might limit use in more extreme outdoor shoots.

Performance and specifications

The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard, allowing transfer speeds up to 1000MB/s. In benchmarks, it delivers read and write speeds close to its rated performance — roughly 950MB/s in both directions.

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

During extended use, including continuous video recording, the drive stays warm but avoids thermal throttling. When tested for ProRes recording, it sustained write speeds high enough for 4K 60fps footage without frame drops or lag. The drive’s real-world stability makes it a strong option for professional capture overall. Not only that, I also felt that the drive manages to keep with with the vast variety of workloads without breaking a sweat. To test it, I started editing a 4K video on my phone stored on the drive and then also recorded a video from the camera and the drive handled both without any issue. Yes, the editing and rendering speed reduced a little bit -- that's expected, but it did not crashed or stuttered at all. Which is the sign that how capable the drive is.

PC transfer

Creator Phone SSD also works with PCs and it shouldn't be a surprise. You can simply connect the drive to the USB port and transfer files and data and process it as per the requirement. The transfer speeds are fast and the drive works as any other external SSD drive would work on PCs or Macs.

Verdict

The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is one of the most practical external storage options for creators who shoot on iPhone. It delivers the sustained speeds necessary for ProRes video, connects securely with MagSafe, and feels reliable in everyday use. While its bright design may divide opinions and the long cable could be more compact, its overall execution is strong.

SanDisk Creator Phone SSD

For iPhone videographers or hybrid Android users who need high-speed, on-the-go storage, the Creator Phone SSD makes sense. It’s a focused product that delivers on performance and usability — a reliable extension of your phone’s storage rather than an accessory you have to manage.