With the introduction of iPhone 15 and USB-C connectivity, it’s now possible to record video footage directly onto an external SSD. To support this, DigiEra introduced a compact, lightweight SSD that is MagSafe compatible. DigiEra provided me with a black 1TB version for review.
The iPhone 15 series is the first iPhone model featuring a USB-C connection, allowing direct access to external SSD drives from the file manager. It’s also possible to record video directly onto an external SSD. This also unlocks 4K 60p resolution with ProRes enabled.
I’m not certain about the regular iPhone 15, but the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can record video in ProRes with LOG enabled. Using 4K resolution at 60 frames per second requires approximately 400 MB per minute, limiting recording time with onboard storage unless you use an external SSD.
Using a regular SSD usually requires a long USB-C cable if you’re keeping the drive in your pocket. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a more convenient solution? DigiEra has introduced an SSD designed to attach to the MagSafe rings inside an iPhone, allowing a user-friendly setup with an external SSD.
Just attach the DigiEra LPS2000M SSD with its built-in magnets to the back of the iPhone and connect the drive with the short, flat USB-C cable. It’s fast, easy, and user-friendly.
Specifications
- ProRes capture with iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series, up to 4K60p
- Magnetic attachment (MagSafe compatible)
- 58.0 x 11.8mm (diameter x height)
- Weighs only 46 grams
- Shock resistance: 1500G @ 0.5 ms and vibration resistance: 10 - 2000Hz, 15G
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 with maximum 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write speeds
- Downward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen2, Gen1, and USB 3.0/2.0 with reduced read and write speeds
- Available in 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB storage
- Color options: white, black, gray, and pink
- Aluminum build with illuminated brand name on the back when connected
- Includes a short, flat USB-C cable
- Compatible with Windows 7 and up, macOS X10.6 and up, Linux Ubuntu 16/18/20, iOS, HarmonyOS, and Android 9 and up
- Can also be used as a regular USB-C SSD drive
- 3-year warranty
Unboxing and First Use
The DigiEra LPS2000M comes in a small box containing the drive, a 13 cm flat USB-C cable, a simple user manual, and a magnetic adapter ring. The drive feels premium, with a glossy surface and branded logo.
The cable is of high-quality as well, with attention to detail. The slim connectors make it possible to connect to the iPhone without removing the OtterBox casing I use. The drive itself connects magnetically to the back of the iPhone, thanks to the MagSafe system.
Connecting the DigiEra LPS2000M activates the drive, and the branded logo lights up — a nice touch. The only remaining step is adjusting the video settings to record directly onto the external drive. For 4K 60p, when ProRes is enabled, this happens automatically.
Connecting an SSD drive will have an effect on the iPhone's battery life. The DigiEra LPS2000M 1TB power consumption is less than the maximum of 4,5W. However, keeping it connected when not in use will drain the battery slowly. In three hours, the iPhone battery dropped from 60% to 25% without active use.
Speed Test
Recording in ProRes requires a fast data transfer rate. In 4K 60p, you need about 400 MB per minute. Lower frame rates will require a lower data transfer, of course.
I tested the DigiEra LPS2000M 1TB version connected to an M2 MacBook Pro with Blackmagic’s Disk Speed Test software. Write speeds for H.265 reached just below 1000 MB per second, while ProRes 422 HQ topped at 281 MB per second write speed. When connected to the iPhone 15 Pro, the Disk Speed Test software from LateNiteSoft S.L. measured a speed of 317 MB per second.
While these tests provide a rough estimate, the read and writing speeds can differ from real-life use. The performance of the DigiEra 1TB SSD has to be tested during normal use.
Using the Drive in Real Life
I used the DigiEra LPS2000M during my masterclass in photography in France and while visiting the World War II memorial at the village of Oradour-sur-Glane. I recorded some footage in ProRes 4K 25p with LOG enabled, which offers over three hours of recording time on the 1TB storage in this format.
The drive performed flawlessly, recording video footage without issue. The drive does get quite warm, which is expected due to the amount of data being recorded. However, it cools down quickly when idle, indicating good heat dissipation.
I disconnected the DigiEra LPS2000M every time I stopped recording to save battery life. The drive is small enough to keep in your pocket or leave attached to the iPhone via MagSafe with the USB-C cable disconnected.
Testing the DigiEra 1TB SSD with ProRes 4K 60p worked perfectly as well, with no frame drops, proving the drive is up to the task it’s designed for. Shooting over half an hour of footage during a few hours time span used almost 60% of a full battery charge. This is something to be aware of. I would advise to keep a power bank at hand.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about the DigiEra LPS2000M 1TB SSD. Thanks to its design, the drive is easy to use without needing long cables and an SSD in your pocket. The drive is fast enough to record in the highest video resolution supported by the iPhone 15 and 16. The small size makes it easy to take with you.
If you don’t use video, this SSD also serves well as a standard external SSD. It attaches to any metal surface or other surfaces using the adhesive metal adapter ring.
The drive does get warm with use but cools down quickly. It has a premium build with a good finish, though the glossy surface shows fingerprints.
Using the DigiEra LPS2000M SSD has a downside. When connected to MagSafe, the iPhone can’t be used with a regular gimbal or selfie stick. The design points towards handheld use.
Aside from a few minor issues, I like this SSD. It’s designed for a specific purpose but versatile enough for other uses. I can recommend it for everyone that wants to record video on an iPhone 15 or 16 in the highest possible quality.
What I Like
- Small form factor and lightweight
- MagSafe compatible
- Good build quality for both drive and cable
- Minimalist design
- Write and read speeds sufficient for ProRes 4K 60p video
- Power consumption is well within the 4,5W recommendation by Apple
- Cools down quickly after use
- Pricing
What Could Be Improved
- When connected, most gimbals or selfie sticks can’t be used
- MagSafe use prevents other MagSafe devices, like a power bank
- Brand name light can be obtrusive
The DigiEra LPS2000M SSD is available in 512GB for $89.99, 1TB for $149.99, and 2TB for $239.99. For transparency, DigiEra provided the 1TB drive for this review. However, my findings are not influenced by this—it’s my own honest opinion.
