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SanDisk

SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive for iPhone 256GB

  • 256 GB of storage
  • Lightning plus USB 3.0 connectors on one drive
  • 80 MB/s write speed
  • iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6 and 6s listed as compatible
  • Encryption software for password-protected files
  • 2-year warranty, 4.54 g

Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A dual-plug drive for clearing photos and videos off an older iPhone and onto a computer. Its compatibility list stops at older Lightning models, so owners of newer phones should confirm support first.

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ASIN: B01MUH9BETModel: SDIX30N-256G-GN6NECategory: USB Flash Drives

Overview

An iPhone owner short on storage gets a flash drive with a flexible Lightning plug on one end and a full-size USB plug on the other for a PC or Mac. It can back up the camera roll automatically, play common video formats straight from the drive and lock private files with encryption software.

Moving photos off a full phone without a cloud account is what it does well, and the camera roll backup runs on its own. Listed phone support covers only older Lightning iPhones, and read speed is not published.

Who it's for

Travelers and parents filling an older iPhone with photos and video can empty it straight to the drive, then copy everything to a computer. Owners of USB-C devices need a different connector entirely.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Lightning and USB plugs on one drive
  • Automatic camera roll backup
  • Plays videos straight from the drive
  • Encryption software for password-protected files
Cons
  • Compatibility list ends at older iPhones
  • Lightning plug, no USB-C
  • Read speed not listed

Performance notes

Speed on the computer side depends on the USB port it plugs into, with the listed write rate as the ceiling. Phone-side transfers run through the Lightning plug, and its flexible neck lets it reach the port through most cases. Large video libraries take longest because every clip is copied in full.

Specifications

BrandSanDisk
ModelSDIX30N-256G-GN6NE
Dimensions & fit
Item weight0.01 pounds
Capacity & performance
Memory Storage Capacity256 GB
Construction & materials
ColorBlack Silver
Compatibility & installation
Hardware InterfaceUSB 3.0 And Lightning
Hardware Connectivity TechnologyUSB Type A
Compatible DevicesMobile, Tablet
Warranty & support
Warranty Description2 years
Other details
Builtin mediaFlash Drive, Manual

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect the SanDisk iXpand to my iPhone?

Plug the flexible Lightning connector into the iPhone. The listing says it works with most cases, so the case can usually stay on. The other end is a USB 3.0 plug for a PC or Mac.

Does the SanDisk iXpand back up the camera roll automatically?

Yes. The listing says it automatically backs up the iPhone camera roll.

Can I watch videos from the iXpand without copying them to the phone?

Yes. The listing says popular-format videos can be played straight from the drive.

Can the iXpand drive protect private files?

It includes encryption software that lets you password-protect files.