The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is positioned as a compact, creator-friendly external drive designed for mobile workflows. I’ve been testing the 1 TB variant with my base iPhone 17, and the idea is simple. Attach it magnetically, record directly to the SSD, edit on the go, and offload quickly to a Mac or PC. In practice, it hits most of those goals, but it also comes with a few limitations you need to keep in mind. Let’s dive in.
Price and Availability
The 1 TB model is priced at ₹15,899 in India. A 2 TB variant also exists, though pricing for that capacity is not confirmed yet. Both storage variants support Apple and Android.
Design
The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD keeps things minimal. It’s a small slab with a magnetic back meant to latch onto compatible iPhones. The attachment system works, but the magnets aren’t as strong as Apple’s own MagSafe accessories.
If your phone doesn’t have MagSafe, SanDisk includes a ring that you can stick inside a case, which improves grip and makes the SSD usable with Android phones as well.
The included USB-C cable attaches firmly, supports full-speed transfers, and can also be used for charging other devices, which is convenient during field work. It’s not a rugged design, but it’s sturdy enough for typical creator-oriented use. It’s also IP65 rated, meaning you get basic protection from water splashes.
Usability
In day-to-day shooting, the SSD works exactly the way creators expect. Apps like Blackmagic Camera detect it instantly, and you can record directly to the drive in ProRes, ProRes HQ, or even OpenGate, which is impressive given that I tested it on the base iPhone 17.
For handheld shooting, the magnetic mount is fine. For tripod setups or gimbals, I would recommend using the ring attachment inside a case because slight bumps can detach the drive.
This is not a ruggedized SSD, and I would not use it as my long-term storage solution, but it works extremely well as an active capture drive.
The SanDisk Memory Zone app adds a nice layer of functionality. You can browse files, monitor storage, eject safely, and view instructions for direct recording workflows. But you don’t need the app. The SSD appears in the iOS Files app and behaves like a native external drive, which is the ideal implementation.
Performance
In my testing, the SanDisk Creator Phone SSD achieved ~1,000 MB/s read speeds and ~900 MB/s write speeds, which is in line with SanDisk’s advertised numbers.
Recording ProRes or OpenGate directly to the SSD worked without dropped frames at 60 fps, overheating warnings, or corruption issues. Regular 4K60 video also worked fine. Transfers from the SSD to my Mac were consistently quick, and the internal controller does not throttle heavily during longer copy operations.
For short-to-medium shoots, it works perfectly. For storing important footage long-term, I’d prefer a more secure, rugged dedicated SSD.
Review Verdict: Should You Buy the SanDisk Creator Phone SSD?
Pros
- Direct recording support even in third-party apps
- Works with 4K60 videos
- Fast read and write speeds (~1,000 MB/s and ~900 MB/s in my testing)
- Included USB-C cable supports data + charging
- MagSafe compatible, and the ring adapter allows use with Android phones and cases
- Compact form factor and lightweight build
- IP65 rated
Cons
- Magnets are not very strong
- No physical locking mechanism
The SanDisk Creator Phone SSD is a practical tool for mobile creators, especially for those who shoot high-bitrate footage on the iPhone or Android. The magnetic mount needs to be stronger, and it’s not meant for archival use, but as a fast capture-and-transfer SSD, it does its job well.
The performance numbers are solid, the workflow is smooth, and the price feels reasonable for what you’re getting. If you want a compact SSD that lets you record ProRes, OpenGate, and other heavy formats directly from your phone without relying on cloud storage, this is an easy recommendation.
First reviewed in November 2025.
