Since the iPhone switched to USB C, accessory and SSD manufacturers have been ramping up their offerings to add some extra storage to Apple’s smartphone.
• Purchase the MSI Datamag 20Gbps 2TB
We’ve already reviewed Dockcase and Lexar solutions specifically designed for the iPhone, featuring screens, extra ports… but also some drawbacks (overheating, bulkiness…)
MSI MagSafe SSD for iPhone
MSI takes a more pragmatic approach: the SSD looks… like an SSD, albeit in a rather compact form and includes a loop for the most mobile users.
At just 81g and with compact dimensions (66x66x13mm), it easily slips into a pocket and is almost unnoticeable, even when attached to the iPhone.
Its fully metallic casing dissipates heat better than plastic coatings. However, during intensive use (4K120 ProRes), we still reached temperatures of 47 degrees Celsius, which is quite high, though not necessarily dangerous for the electronics or the user.
It magnetically clips onto the back of the iPhone via the MagSafe wireless connector, and it’s quite secure. The back of the SSD is rubber-coated, which prevents scratching the iPhone, a nice touch.
During our weeks of testing, the casing remained in good condition, not picking up many scratches or fingerprints. The unit seemed quite durable, although I might have preferred a bit of rubber on the sides to prevent damage in case of a fall – we did not test this scenario, being very careful with the gear!
USB C, but…
Like its competitors, the SSD hence offers a standard USB C connection, with a single USB C port.
A rather flexible ribbon cable is included in the box, but you can use any USB C cable. The one provided by MSI is quite long, which is surprising as it extends quite a bit beyond the side of the iPhone: almost annoying! Why not opt for a more compact angled model? Probably to also use it on the Mac without needing two separate cables.
Another issue, once the SSD is connected, forget about charging the iPhone or plugging in a mic: the MagSafe blocks inductive charging and the single USB C port is also monopolized.
Unlike others, which have integrated a second USB C port or offered a dock attached to the SSD, here, there’s nothing of the sort! You can obviously attach your own dock to the device, but good luck finding a model that doesn’t turn the whole setup into a bulky mess!
Speeds, Capacities, and Limitations
The Datamag 20Gbps uses a 1, 2, or 4TB SSD with a PHISON PS2251-U18 controller supporting 20Gbps USB (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).
As you might know, this standard is not supported by Apple, which is limited to 10Gbps USB 3, even on the latest Mac M4 Pro/Max. So, we can’t enjoy the 1.6GB/s read and 1.5GB/s write speeds promised by the manufacturer.
During our tests, we thus capped at 1GB/s read (a bit less depending on file size) and 800MB/s write, which is still quite suitable for video use – it’s about 7 to 10x faster than an SD card.
4K120 in ProRes Log?
This SSD is therefore typically aimed at videographers fond of LOG formats and less compressed files.
The default Camera
app on the iPhone supports SSDs natively when recording in 10bit ProRes Log and you can shoot in 4K 120FPS in this demanding format (1.7GB/min) without issue. To my knowledge, there isn’t currently a format that challenges our SSD’s bandwidth on the iPhone.
However, to use it with standard video formats (H264, HEVC…), you’ll need to use apps like BlackMagic Camera, where it’s possible to select the output medium – it’s a wonder why Apple doesn’t offer this by default! Clearly, if you’re filming in 4K60 HEVC, it’s impossible to record to the SSD with the default app, at least for now.
Final Thoughts: Too Many Limitations!
In conclusion, this SSD left us somewhat underwhelmed. Although it’s MagSafe, compact, and robust, offering throughput that’s more than adequate for demanding users, it wasn’t really designed for professional video use on iPhone
To use it during shoots, you need to install an external dock, and thus, a system of cages or attachments that make use complicated. We would have also liked a USB C angled cable, which wouldn’t interfere with shooting. Ultimately, it’s more practical to use on a Mac… than on an iPhone.
Priced around $100 for 1TB and $177 for 2TB, it will soon be available in 4TB for over $600! It’s not particularly competitive, especially if you need to add a cage, docks, and another USB C cable.
• Buy the MSI Datamag 20Gbps 2TB