Have you ever run out of phone storage and needed to move large files off your phone? Or how about not wanting to buy a phone with a massive storage because it costs a lot more? What about if you don’t want to use or trust a cloud backup service?

This is where the SanDisk Extreme SSD comes in. I was sent one for review, but full disclaimer that it will not be returned. SanDisk sent me the 500GB version and when I received it, was astounded by how light it was.

I initially thought that they forgot to put the hard drive in the package when I received it because it felt empty but this solid-state hard drive (SSD) is not called “Extreme” for no reason. It is extremely lightweight and portable that you won’t feel it on your bags.

And what better way to show you its weight than putting it straight onto a scale? It weighs a mere 55g.

The model I have is the Extreme Portable, and not the Extreme Pro Portable, however, I am fully aware and have read that others abroad have had issues on the Pro range where they lost data.

The local Western Digital website, who purchased SanDisk in 2016, has put up this disclaimer on the listing of the SSDs: “Western Digital has addressed a firmware issue in the manufacturing process and can confirm that the issue is not impacting the current shipping of SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD storage devices.” 

I received this product to review on 20 September, exactly three weeks ago from the date of this review. I think it is sufficient time for me to have used it between my multiple devices and to share my thoughts.

SanDisk Extreme SSD Quick Look

  • Available in 500GB to 1/2/4TB capacity
  • Reads at up to 1050MB/s and writes at up to 1000MB/s speeds
  • Supports a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
  • Cross compatible: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
  • Work on laptops, tablets, phones
  • 5 Year Warranty

SanDisk

The hard drive comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, but includes a USB-A adaptor for your laptop as most phones now have a USB-C interface to connect to. It also includes a safety and warranty guide.

It won’t work on an iPhone with a Lighting port. More on compatibility below.

SanDisk Extreme compatibility 

The local website lists the product as compatible with your smartphones – Android and iPhone 15 upwards because of the USB-C port that was introduced on the iPhone 15.

SanDisk

But for a more detailed list of operating system versions, this includes from Android 11, iOS 13, macOS 11 and Windows 10 upwards. And this will cover USB-C devices like laptops, desktops, tablets and smartphones.

I’ve used it on devices like a MacBook, iPhone, Oppo, Samsung and Honor so far. I’ve had no issues accessing my data, you simply go into “My Files” or “Files” from your device to access it.

Password protection

When you are setting up the device and connect it to your Mac or Windows machine, you will see preloaded install files on the drive. Once you open and run it, you can choose to set a password to protect your data. Assuming you deal with sensitive info.

It will keep your private content private with its 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.

When I created a password on my MacBook and connected it to my phones, I found that I couldn’t access it on other platforms because of the password protection. When I turned it off, I could once again use it freely between my devices.

Of course, if you want to use the password, this is probably going to be a corporate thing where you deal with sensitive info and the SSD can only be plugged into work machines. I don’t see the need to use a password otherwise for my own personal stuff.

Final thoughts 

The SanDisk Extreme portable SSD is an excellent option if you don’t want to spend more money on extra phone storage, if you are already running out of space on your existing devices, if you’re a content creator who needs to back up content, or if you’re a photographer.

Think about it, you can now buy that 128GB storage phone because it’s cheaper, and carry this SSD around, which should last over multiple devices that you will own.

I find it to be the quickest way to transfer content between devices as it does not require an internet connection and my current go to is either AirDrop between Apple devices otherwise I email stuff from Android to Mac or iPhone. Which also eats into my Gmail storage that I have to periodically delete.

The copying between phones and hard drive is quick, you’re not going to be sitting and waiting for ages for large files to move over. I copied videos over and it was almost instantaneous.

The SSD is also lightweight, you won’t feel it in your bags. I’ve also travelled abroad with mine and it was not a bother. The main reason I don’t use headphones is because of space when I travel so this fits right into my wanting to pack light where possible.

I’ve not used it long term enough to vouch that the previous issues experienced by others is still a thing, but so far, I’ve not had issues + SanDisk says they’ve fixed the issue. I think it’s also important to remove it “safely” from your laptop.

All of this convenience does come at a price of R2 399, listed on iStore. It is available from other retailers like Incredible, Takealot and Loot for a slightly higher price point. If you find it cheaper, make sure it is the new one, which you can tell by the read and write speeds.

8.0
Score

Pros

  • Extremely portable and lightweight
  • Copies large files over really quickly
  • Compatible with Mac, Windows, Android and iPhone 15 upwards

Cons

  • Cannot vouch for reliability in the long-term based on past issue
  • It is pricey
Design
9
Ease of use
8
Privacy features
9
Value for money
6

Final Verdict

The SanDisk Extreme SSD is an excellent companion if you have limited storage. It copies content extremely fast and is portable at 55g, plus comes with the cables you need. It is on the pricey side but you won't need to pay for extra phone storage.