Today, content is ubiquitous. From instant vertical videos to high-resolution podcasts to cinematic Reels shot on smartphones. Since the line between professional and casual creative pursuits has blurred more than ever, creators need to be dynamic and efficient. Be it filming a 4K clip outdoors or editing on a tablet on the go, packing the right hardware is imperative.
Even though I am not a creator, I value the mobility that comes with portable storage. An extra set of storage is greatly handy during travels for me. Today, most storage devices offer fast connectivity and seamless compatibility. I recently got to try my hands on SanDisk’s new Creator Phone SSD, and now I understand how these portable seamless devices have come to define creator workflows.
The Creator Phone SSD is a simple device that helps users capture, store, and transfer high-quality content without missing a beat. The latest offering from SanDisk, its Creator Series, is aimed at photographers, videographers, and digital artists who use their smartphones as their primary device. The handy SSD comes in the same blue hue and carries the Mad for Creator’s tag.
After trying it out for a while, here’s my take.
First Impressions
The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD comes in a minimal packaging. The box features essential details such as capacity (1 TB in my unit, with a 2 TB option available), read/write speeds, MagSafe compatibility, and a one-month complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
Inside the box are the SSD itself, the usual documentation, a QR code for Adobe redemption, a magnetic ring for non-MagSafe cases, and a short flat Thunderbolt 4 cable capable of 40 Gbps data transfer and 100 W charging.
Design-wise, the SSD feels practical, as it is light and attaches to your phone effortlessly. The front part is made of plastic, while the rest is coated with soft silicon that adds grip and prevents scratches on your phone. It also has a small lanyard loop, which adds a nice touch.
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The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is lightweight and comes in a stunning blue colour. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
Build, design, and compatibility
Based on the design, it seems the company wants to make it as seamless as possible for iPhone users who shoot in 4K or ProRes footage to store directly on the drive. The magnetic attachment on the SSD works neatly on MagSafe-compatible iPhones. I used it on my iPhone 16 Pro, where the SSD snapped to the back just above the camera bump.
With instant connection to the iPhone, users can record straight to the SSD through camera settings. For those shooting long-form high-bitrate videos, this offers huge relief, as you no longer need to worry about internal storage.
SanDisk Creator Phone SSD Review
The SanDisk Memory app shows users how to start recording directly to the drive from iPhone camera.
Conversely, non-creators like me may never hit such file sizes. But even for casual users, the experience of transferring large batches of photos or app data to a PC or Mac is far faster than AirDrop or other wireless methods. The SSD is also compatible with Android devices, and I also used it on my MacBook Air M4.
What about performance?
SanDisk’s Creator Phone SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) connectivity. This is still a high-speed interface, though most smartphones and tablets today don’t fully use even Gen 2 bandwidth.
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During my use, I found that the SSD achieved its rated speeds easily in real-world transfers, quick enough for high-resolution video, backups, and app data. It showed stable read and write performance. In simple words, while the protocol may sound fancy, you are not missing out even if your device does not support Gen 2. For most use cases, it performs as fast as other high-end portable SSDs.
What is striking about the SanDisk Creator SSD is convenience rather than raw power. It is compact and most importantly, easy to attach and detach. For iPhone users shooting video, it is clearly an asset. For everyone else, it’s a sleek external drive that transfers data at top speed without needing an adapter or extra power.
SanDisk also includes an Adobe Creative Cloud trial (or Lightroom, depending on the variant) as a small bonus, especially if you already use Adobe’s suite. At its core, the SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is a niche product that happens to work well for everyone. Although it is designed for creators, it offers genuine value even if you’re not one. Transferring large videos, backing up files, or freeing up space on your phone becomes quick and painless.
If you are someone who regularly shoots 4K content or simply wants a fast, phone-friendly SSD that doesn’t require a load of cables, this product is easy to recommend. But if you just need a general external drive for your laptop, there are cheaper options.
