iPhone 15 Pro: External SSD VS Thumb Drive

After testing out recording ProRes LOG on my new iPhone 15 Pro, I discovered that the original setup I had with the Samsung T7 SSD still needed some reworking. In this video I talk about the setup that I recommend that may work for you in run and gun scenarios. We also dive into a short history about USB-A and USB-C.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:20 Magnets and SSDs
01:36 MagSafe ring for SSD
03:00 Alternative options
03:43 USB speeds and transfer rates
09:30 Three options for external recording
10:45 My overall choice (that works for me)
11:37 Conclusion
WHAT I USED IN THIS VIDEO
- iPhone 15 Pro: geni.us/M65JBL9
STORAGE
- Samsung T7 2TB SSD: geni.us/xu4NPvu
- SanDisk SSD: geni.us/6Gow
- 256 Samsung Thumb Drive: geni.us/KmWyG4
ACCESSORIES
- Rixmie Short USB-C Cable: geni.us/9h0nNjK
- 20 Gb/s USB-C 3ft. Cable: geni.us/DrwAG
- Magnetic Ring (Not the same one I used in the video but better and stronger): geni.us/Cmdx9M
- MagSafe Tripod Adapter (Has original ring I used): geni.us/P6UQaQZ
Original video I was setting up the Samsung T7 SSD for iPhone 15 Pro:
• External SSD + iPhone ...
#iphone15pro

[@rogerseng]

CORRECTION: iPhone 15 Pro requires writing speed of 220 MegaBytes (220 MB/s) for external drives. Not Megabits or Mb as I mentioned in the later part of the video. All of the options I introduced pass for writing at minimum speed of 220 MB/s.

[@jordangarside]

That flash drive will only do ~110MB/s writes (I have one and benchmarked it) the 400MB/s rating is only for the reads. You should try recording 4k60 prores log with it, you'll immediately see frames being dropped in the playback. At most you can safely do 1080p60 (edit: 4k24 looks safe) with it, 4k30 will also drop some frames (assuming you're recording in prores log).

[@toxotis70]

You can write in 4k 60p 422 LT… it’s fast enough for this.

[@jordangarside]

I agree that would be possible, but is Prores LT even an option on the iPhone 15 Pro? I don't see it. Also anyone interested should take note that only the 256GB variant of the flash drive will do over 110MB/s, the 128GB looks to do closer to 60MB/s based on reviews.

[@toxotis70]

@@jordangarside with BM app it is... even lower.

[@longpvo]

It’s worth paying attention to the SLC cache (or its pseudo capacity) of any SSD drive and the write speed after that has saturated!

[@tanjack31]

I was just diving into this topic recently and this has been the most interesting / informative video I’ve found. Keep up the good work dude!

[@f1remandg]

Excellent thought provoking practical options!

[@MichaelBlanksonGolf]

Brilliant video, so much key important details regarding the write and read speeds.

[@ckhicks]

Beautifully done, especially with the visuals. Thanks much!

[@Roadmaster3]

Hi, first of all thanks a lot for putting effort to make this beautiful informative video.I just got my 15 pro and I was planning my honeymoon to thailand. I was searching all the options to record video in prores with my tiny storage 256gb iphone using an external storage device. You answered all my questions❤

[@rahulshakya6376]

appriciate the work you done here, learned few things i did,t knew and i needed that.

[@thebrazilshow]

Great video! I like the solution you came up with the higher speed cable SSD in your pocket and MagSafe charger. That will work great with my workflow.

[@fungja005]

Very practical and close to reality! Thanks man!

[@theonlydiego1]

Excellent video! I was just looking for videos to off load concert videos off my phone. Decided to buy a Samsung T7 SSD

[@WeiweiGaoVideo]

Thank you for providing such useful information.

[@fantaabutt1552]

Thank you so much for making this great knowledgeable detail video ! ❤👍

[@mariog1441]

Very informative article. Keep them coming!

[@ReginaldoKono]

Smart solutions, as we still haven't an ideal gadget. Thanks so answers some of my doubts.

[@pawelliao1553]

This is the most logical choice I've seen for recording on the iPhone 16 Pro Max! Thank you!

[@RealLagu]

Wait a minute, are you a time traveler?

[@pawelliao1553]

@@RealLagu 😝lol

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Great review Roger and love your channel, regards from UK.

[@rogerseng]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joelmadison7952]

Thanks for making this video! I've been trying find a solution for this. I'm going to use the Shield version of the Samsung S7 drive.

[@Jimmyjam241]

Great info. I just ran into this situation last night while filming extra footage at a wedding on my new 15 pro. I think going with a FireWire cable will help not only for speed but charging\power transfer.

[@rafaelmolina5751]

Awesome video, thank you so much!

[@tatsuyahirano5601]

I came across this video while searching for solutions to deal with bulky SSDs. Putting an SSD in the pocket or bag makes sense to get a smaller setup. Perhaps adding a 90-degree L-shaped adapter to the connector at the phone side makes your life easier while holding the phone. Anyway, thanks for sharing the brilliant idea.

[@Coatsey007]

A great video, I'm glad I watched it all before I made the comment I was originally going to make, which was, everybody's over complicating things, just get us slightly longer cable and do it the way you're doing it.

[@jamalnasir526]

Thanks for the video again i find your videos very helpful and i have just subscribed to your channel

[@holytheodore6338]

This video is so good. Subscribed!

[@gaborvarro4520]

Congratulations, it's clear and understandable! Thank

[@rogerseng]

You are welcome!

[@flipout50]

Thanks for this. I have been using a fast SD card and reader with great success.

[@rogerseng]

You're welcome!

[@littlepotatofilms]

Which SD card did you use? My 250MB/s SD card is too slow for 4K60

[@DennisMathias]

I couldn't help myself. I copied some of your graphics to keep handy. Really good!

[@rogerseng]

Love it. Thanks bro!

[@wallstreetcrash1]

I like this… thanks KCB 🇬🇧

[@feilivlog]

My plan is to use the Black Magic App and film Prores Log 4K 60p internally on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and then save the file to the Flash Drive since it won't take any space in the pocket. You can have 2 or 3 of them if 256GB is not enough, it does not matter what the writing speed is. I also have the T7 paired with a 180-degree USB C to C adapter, it also solves your problem. I am looking for a 180-degree USB adapter splitter which supports data transfer and audio output at the same time.

[@feilivlog]

The plan didn't work, mainly because the Black Magic App works horribly, it kept freezing and crashing after filming a few clips. Also, the image quality is lower than the original camera app since the file size is significantly smaller. Now I am sticking with the original camera app for Prores Log but 30p, and then increasing to 60p when editing.

[@vijitpugalia]

Very informative vid

[@UnmeshBanerjee]

great research!!!

[@hummersd]

Having the ssd in your pocket also gives you practice for when you need to put the battery pack of the Apple Vision Pro in your pocket! 😜

[@rtyler1869]

The only issue is the use of the physically bigger SSD and its cable with an iPhone cable. I do use a thumb drive, and found one that the transfer speeds are acceptable and it works well for me.

[@bilici]

Actually that thumb drive has a 400 MB read / 110 MB write speed as far as I can see on specifications section of Amazon product page (no write speed info on official Samsung page though). I don't have the Type-C version yet but I have the USB-A version and it is awesome. And also Samsung has a new SSD (T9) which has the same speed as Sandisk. Thanks for this great video!

[@ColorOfTheDay]

Yeah I bought the thumbdrive, I get the "Drive isn't fast enough" error. So I returned it.

[@rolasiki]

Great video!! Can u do a video with USB C hub with Samsung SSD, powerbank and your dji wireless mic attached ? That would be epic!

[@alanplatt888]

Awesome, thanks

[@002codename]

nice. this is how i am going to do. i have 15 pro max 512 GB. I shoot internally then take a pause and transfer the content to external media like flash. advantage i get - no cable dangling around + external storage speed is not the concern + iphone cab be used easily with gimbals.

[@johnhuron5989]

Good solid info. Thanks. Any recommendations for shooting Pro Rez footage with a DJI Mobile 6 gimbal and external SSD?

[@motionactivated]

I haven't gotten the phone yet myself (so thanks for the video) but have you tested using SD cards and a fast reader, for swappable media scenarios?

[@dukedevaiah]

the perfect video for my doubts. beautifully done but i am a little confused with the flash drive since its a little slower do we get frame drops in the video.

[@naujsebas]

Thank you for your video. What would be your setup if you want to use a DJI mics and record in an external hard drive?

[@bobcat6653]

Very Nice!

[@graphguy]

Really appreciate the discourse. For me Size is everything, that is for travel recordings. I really don't care about how slow getting the videos (not really slow - that is relative) off the storage drive and onto my computer when I am back home. So if the Samsung can hang with the write speeds... I am good.

[@Windsurfingaddict]

Enjoyed watching, did you consider Micro ssd cards as the card holder and cables are small, not tried myself as do not have this phone yet and would they work 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@m89hu]

Samsung has a tiny pendrive with 256gb the only problem is it’s not using the usb-c connector, but worth keeping an eye on it for the future, perhaps next gen will get it

[@evullo]

Thanks for the great video. Quick question, can you access the video saved on the external hard drive to edit / create a movie in the iMovie app on the phone?

[@SupertechUSA]

Thanks! I wonder how your setup is doing now. Is the magsafe charger overheating the phone while recording?

[@djediguy2156]

Very good vid, as I do shoot some videos on my phone but mainly pics there’s no way if important would I even look for phone to do either, good mirrorless camera can be got far cheaper than top tier phone which I have to do job needed, go for mid tier on both if needing a good balance Sony A7R2, Sony A9 & iPhone 15 pro max is my setup currently I like your style & thanks for sharing

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

Very interesting video. I was planing to use my Apple Card reader with SD cards as I have so many and they are are lady in my work flow- but now I'm wondering if the card reader is fast enough. Thanks for the heads up.

[@creativetaco]

was it?

[@khoifoto]

Please try the Crucial X10. It's way smaller and easier to wrap the cable around.

[@ThatCho]

Thanks for the video. What do you do about also wanting to use a microphone?

[@ericfulmer2546]

Great Video👍🏼 have you seen the OWC Envoy Pro mini?

[@AdianRodriguez]

Excelente ☑️

[@pushkarindora3770]

Thanks for the info, quick question if we don't care about drive to laptop transfer speed, is the 3.1 Thumb drive still Okay to record?

[@mailsriva]

Good video ... Great 👍

[@travelanddrones]

Very good video; which is the model of MagSafe Power Bank you show in your video? (Anker) Rgds

[@DanZimmerli]

I agree the best is the SSD in pocket with MagSafe battery

[@Boblannister]

Great video! I haven’t tried this yet but my idea was that since I carry a backpack, I’d get a USB C hub with an SSD and power bank attached to it, then just have a single wire from the backpack to the iPhone. Not sure if that’ll work but it’d be my ideal setup

[@TheMacroshock]

That’s my plan too ! I also want to add a dji mic to the hub but so far I haven’t been able to find a hub that can both charge and support ssd + mic

[@e7en1]

If you're going to record in 4k 60 via SSD and also charge your phone via magsafe your phone is going to overheat like crazy.

[@yamahaevo]

Then you could buy a Cooler from razor haha

[@FriedChairs]

My 15 Pro Max gets hotter when wireless charging than I remember with the 14 Pro.

[@mohamedismail6521]

@@FriedChairsI phone 15 pro max heats up when just open camera or charging, can u imagine doing both things with 15 pro max iOS 17 bull shit u hate yr phone I hate mine right now.

[@mikeenslin3009]

For sure. A lot of cameras even overheat while recording.. Can't imagine how a phone can do that while wireless charging, seems absolutely impossible. But I guess if it's cold enough or if the charger is cooled that could help...

[@PrematureDILF]

@@yamahaevothe cooler doesn’t charge tho right?

[@omairkk]

regardless of which drive you use with the iphone 15 pro, would the drive still be recognized by a windows device after? or does it get formatted to some apple/mac-only format ?

[@swiftdetecting]

did you do version with 14 pro as well ? and is there cable to lighting to usbc so can use same drive with 14 pro ? to either record direct or just to take content off ?

[@Nietzman]

Love the drawn out USB speed explanation when it turns out it doesn't really matter since they all work fine.

[@littlepotatofilms]

It doesn't however. The Samsung 256 flash drive is actually too slow to shoot in 4K60 and will experience dropped frames.

[@federicochang3249]

@robertseng In order to record on the SSD without using a battery pack, is there an usb-c thunderbolt adapter that will allow to connect the SSD but also pass AC power directly from an outlet? (Something kind of a USB-C or Thunderbolt hub - 1 male and at least 2 females)… what would u recommend? It doesnt need to be “portable”… but needs to have been homologated (somehow) by Apple…

[@HelloThere-lo3qi]

The last one definitely more simple, now i dont need to spend more on mag case/the mag wallet/sticker, i just need to use my ssd and buy the cable😂

[@TTUTTOpaez]

In my opinion, USB C flash drive 3.2 should be the option if you use a Gimbal. Thanks for the video

[@Handle1969]

Yikes! Never even thought about it. Got. DSI from last year.

[@jimbospuckley5979]

I bought the flash drive specifically to record pro res 4k 60fps in my gimbal and the video is choppier than a karate tournament :(

[@TheYearOfJerome]

@@jimbospuckley5979the exact flash drive from this video?

[@Spyzilla1850]

@@jimbospuckley5979I appreciate this comment, was thinking about going with the flash drive. Looks like SSD it is

[@jimbospuckley5979]

@@Spyzilla1850 the only “flash drive” I found that might work was the Kingston data traveler max. But the max power draw the 15 pro can support is 4.5 watt and the Kingston said it peaked at 5 watt so I didn’t risk another flop. And it’s almost the size of an ssd sticking straight out the end of the phone anyway so what’s the point

[@carlix8035]

Well, I’ve already bought the exact same short cable. Don’t think it’ll be an issue with clothes (I wear stuff with multiple pockets and the weather here in the UK is colder than say Florida or LA. Still think it’s a better solution for recording to an ssd with a long cable in a pocket.

[@Coatsey007]

Thank you, through your links, I bought the two cables but couldn't see one for the MagSafe charger?

[@wavecheck8882]

Hello what wireless mic are you using is it DJI? what setup would you recommend when using wireless mic and iPhone

[@himsxoxo]

thanks bro

[@souless9]

@rogerseng i found this SHARGE Disk M.2 enclosure and it look quite small enough. Want to know what is your thought on using this in compare with Samsung T7 SSD.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

so the samsung thumbdrive is fast enough for 4k60? without dropping frames? Also, I have a Samsung T7 SSD and I could use it the way you suggest-do you know of a phone case with a SSD holder built in? I'm sure they will come out soon...thanks

[@OkayDip]

I want to keep MagSafe free coz I need a solution to be used with OM6 gimbal. Is there a faster flash drive. Also if can be used with a case on the phone will be great

[@alferdauzer]

Have you research about 180 degree USB-C adapter, to connect the ssd to the iphone?

[@dirtypp]

Just ordered (Amazon prime day deal) the SSK 1TB USB Drive (SSD with both USB-A and USB-C duo heads, come with a little leather? porch too). USB 3.2 Gen2. Let's see if it work well with my new iphone 15pm 1T...

[@chestervelasquez7452]

is this working? please update.

[@errtex]

….. They 3D printed a couple of different case style options that hold the SSD & the iPhone together, and it looks like one HELLUVA start to something really cool. When I have the funds to do so, I plan to purchase one of their cases and a drive… the SSD being the more expensive piece of the puzzle, obviously. Maybe sometime after Thanksgiving.

[@jocknarn3225]

I like the thumb-drive option; should b ok 4 short films. U could edit into a tablet (mine's iPad Pro 12.9" M2) via a Hyper hub. That hub has HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, card reader slots & audio 1/8". Shoot o/t phone/edit into the tablet with more real estate.

[@drnimish333]

Good video

[@kimberlymaetuisieng1695]

Is this for Videos only? Or i can capture pictures and directly save it to the External Storage? 😊

[@GroupIII]

This is great info. I doubt you will film that long that your iPhone will need more juice. I do like the longer cable setup. It’s more discrete and unobtrusive. Personally I haven’t purchased the 15 yet because I don’t like the cable management. Regardless your video was well done.

[@josephcox1772]

Have you thought about trying the new SAMSUNG T-9 (which goes up yo 4 TB)?

[@NiGHTSaturn]

There were a lot of concerns with the SanDisk Extreme SSD series, has anybody tested the drives after the firmware updates? No data loss?

[@grimcity]

Great video, mate! I already have the thumb drive and a case, at the time of this writing I'll be receiving my phone tomorrow... I like your preferred kit a lot for walkabouts, I might look into something like that. I got the thumb because I'll have my phone mounted on an X-grip camcorder handle (recording skateboarders doing tricks while following closely on my own skateboard). We usually record super close and pretty low with the wide angle, so the lighter the better. Having a dedicated walkabout/cinematic rig would be sweet though. Sorry for babbling, I'm just thinking out loud, lol. Cheers!

[@xRav3n]

Hi man, I'm thinking about getting that thumb drive too but I've heard that it looks choppy with 4k 60Fps on Log Footage, did u tried it?

[@grimcity]

@@xRav3n - Not yet! Literally just got the phone!

[@carlix8035]

Alright for some. I’ve still got at least another 2 weeks to wait till my 15 pro max arrives.

[@grimcity]

@@xRav3n - hey Raven, I've had good luck so far (recording Pro/Log at 60 fps)! One thing of note, everything gets hot! Not uncommon though, my GoPro gets hot when shooting like this. Also, I found out if you use the Blackmagic camera app, you can record internally, then just use the drive to move files!

[@xRav3n]

@@grimcity heeey, thank you so much for keeping me updated! Really happy that it's working for you and thank you again, I'll buy it

[@yahir03c]

Kingston DataTraveler Max has USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds 1000mb read and up to 900mb write, its also usb type c. The only problem is that the max size is 1tb not 4/8tb options

[@ArjenJongeling]

I’m using my phone to film for customers on a daily basis (believe it or not). With a cage, you have many more mounting options. But when you want to keep it in your pocket for casual shooting, charging and shooting ProRes at the same time is a problem. Brainwave, why not keep the battery in your pocket and only charge when you don’t film? And then use one of those 180 degree connectors to attach the drive with. You’ll keep swapping your drive and your battery but you’re ok with a little fiddling apparently with the drive cable sticking out of your pocket. Would that work for you?

[@kenh733]

I have not got my phone yet but I ordered it, but I got the Crucial x10 2 tb Supposed to be fast and its small, and I also got the Samsung thumbdrive but I heard people say they get dropped frames

[@RizwanPervaiz-tf3en]

can we use Samsung T7 SSD 1 TB with stock iPhone 15 pro max cable for 4k 60 fps log recording?

[@bharathreddy971]

Does the iPhone 15 pro support the latest type c usb 4.0 spigen cable and the upcoming type c usb 5.o? I just wanted confirm this!

[@ALochOnTheWildSide]

Hi, any way to attach an external wireless mic and the ssd at the same time? Thanks!

[@michaelchang8977]

so if you're going to be recording in raw footage (ProRes of any kind), you're likely using iPhone 15 (Pro / Pro Max) on a mount or on a tripod somewhere. Hanging a long cable there is just not really the case. I would highly recommend some DIY to put another set of MagSafe on top of the battery pack. So the battery pack can go onto the iPhone, and the SSD can go on top of the battery pack.

[@AdriDwitomo]

I'm getting a small 2230 ssd enclosure and 2tb storage. Will be best case scenario I think

[@ErikBlair]

Wouldn't the Samsung T9 Portable SSD T9 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 4TB with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s be a better option?

[@CR-rb1fx]

Recording Pro Res and charging with a MagSafe Power Bank will stop your recording pretty quickly due to over heating issue - especially in hot weather.

[@nekohfr]

Hello, I have the Iphone 14 Pro, it's possible to use the same SSD with USB C to Lightning cable ?

[@alexv8203]

Have you tried a setup that includes an external storage and external microphone simultaneously? If so can you provide the details of that setup?

[@luantruongproduction]

I didnt figure out how to use them at the same time so I connect it to external ssd and record external mic on its own transmiter (rode wireless go, dji mic, or anker M650 can do that) , then sync them in post.

[@robin81]

Can’t you use a USB split cable to connect both power and esternal drive at the same time?

[@srinjaysaha4061]

For iphone 15 pro max should i buy sandisk extreme pro or samsung ssd(1tb) .plse help ke out

[@bonsaratbu8498]

Which is best when it comes to warranty for all those ssd’s???

[@james.a]

Made my own USB hub case that has HDMI out, Audio, USB-C Charging, and holds an SSD all at once: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGGwaKKep5aXa5o

[@Bijay.Kumar.Behera]

Having a USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 with 2000MB/S file transfer speed the hardware will produce way lower heat when compared to USB 3.2 Gen2x1 with 1050MB/s of transfer speed. Thus having exact compatibility will also create quick thermal throttling as the buffer will fill up quickly. It's better to stick with the recommended requirements than the minimum requirement.

[@MihoNightwalker]

funny how most people are trying to stick the ssd on the back of their phones. I've been running and shooting with the drive in my pocket since day one I got the phone :D I find this solution working better for me. Also the T5 and T7 are not the only good drives out there, crucial also make decent ssds and they're even smaller than samsung. Got both the X9 Pro and T7 and usually take the X9 with me.

[@natemissin3893]

If I take a photo with one of those things on will it send directly to the storage device?