Content creators have a new best friend. Lexar has officially released the ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD, a revolutionary external storage device that magnetically attaches to your iPhone. This isn’t just another portable drive – it’s specifically designed to unlock the full potential of iPhone video recording.
The magnetic attachment changes everything
The ES5 uses MagSafe technology to snap directly onto the back of compatible iPhones. No more fumbling with cables or worrying about your storage drive falling off during a shoot. The magnetic connection is strong enough to keep the drive securely attached while you move around, but easy enough to remove when you need to.
For non-MagSafe devices, Lexar includes a thin metal ring that you can attach to any phone or laptop. This means virtually any device can benefit from the magnetic mounting system. The ring is slim enough that it won’t interfere with wireless charging or other accessories.
“By giving creators up to 4TB of additional storage, they have the space they need to capture, edit, and export an entire day’s shoot from a single device”, said Joey Lopez, Director of Brand Marketing at Lexar.
Impressive performance specifications
The ES5 delivers blazing-fast speeds of up to 2,000MB/s for both reading and writing. This puts it among the fastest portable SSDs available today. The drive uses USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, which provides double the bandwidth of standard USB 3.2 connections.
These speeds aren’t just for bragging rights. Fast performance is essential for recording high-quality video directly to the drive. When you’re shooting 4K ProRes footage at high frame rates, the storage device needs to keep up with the massive data streams your phone is generating.
The ES5 supports Apple ProRes recording at impressive specifications. iPhone 15 Pro users can record 4K video at 60 frames per second directly to the drive. iPhone 16 and newer models can push this even further to 4K at 120 frames per second – that’s professional cinema camera territory.
Built tough for real-world use
Lexar designed the ES5 to survive the challenges of mobile content creation. The drive features IP65 water and dust resistance, meaning it can handle splashes and dusty environments without breaking. This isn’t full waterproofing, but it’s enough protection for most outdoor shooting situations.
Drop protection is equally impressive. The ES5 can survive falls from up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) onto hard surfaces. The liquid silicone shell provides both grip and shock absorption. Content creators who work in challenging environments will appreciate this rugged construction.
The compact form factor helps with portability. At just 49 grams, the ES5 weighs less than most smartphones. The slim profile measures 85 x 54 x 11mm, making it easy to slip into a pocket or camera bag alongside other equipment.
Pricing and capacity options
The ES5 launches with two capacity options that hit different price points. The 1TB model costs $119.99, while the 2TB version is priced at $199.99. Both capacities are available now through major retailers including Amazon and Newegg.
A larger 4TB model is planned for early 2026, though Lexar hasn’t announced pricing for this higher-capacity version yet. For most content creators, 1TB or 2TB provides plenty of space for a full day’s shooting. These capacities can store hours of 4K ProRes footage before needing to offload files.
The pricing positions the ES5 competitively against other high-performance portable SSDs. When you factor in the magnetic mounting system and specialized features for mobile recording, the ES5 offers good value for its target audience.
How it compares to the competition
The ES5 isn’t the only MagSafe-compatible SSD on the market. SanDisk released the Creator Phone SSD earlier this year with similar magnetic attachment and ProRes recording capabilities. The SanDisk drive offers slightly slower speeds at 1,000MB/s read and 950MB/s write, but costs about $10 less per terabyte.
Both drives target the same audience of mobile content creators who need reliable external storage for high-quality video recording. The key difference is performance – the Lexar ES5’s 2,000MB/s speeds provide more headroom for demanding recording scenarios.
Traditional portable SSDs from Samsung, Crucial, and others offer similar storage capacities and speeds. However, they lack the magnetic mounting system that makes the ES5 so convenient for mobile use. For creators who primarily work from desks, a standard SSD might make more sense. For mobile shooting, the magnetic attachment is a game-changer.
Understanding ProRes recording requirements
Not all external drives can handle direct ProRes recording from iPhones. Apple has specific performance requirements that storage devices must meet. For 4K ProRes at 60fps, the drive needs sustained write speeds of at least 220MB/s. For 4K ProRes at 120fps, that requirement jumps to 440MB/s.
The ES5’s 2,000MB/s performance provides massive headroom above these minimums. This ensures smooth recording even in challenging scenarios where other factors might slow down performance. The extra speed also helps with file transfers when you’re moving footage to editing systems.
Drive formatting matters too. The ES5 works with exFAT formatting, which is compatible across iPhone, Mac, and Windows systems. This cross-platform compatibility makes it easy to move files between different devices during post-production workflows.
The broader MagSafe SSD trend
The ES5 represents a growing trend toward MagSafe-compatible accessories for content creators. As iPhone cameras become more capable, creators need better tools to unlock that potential. Magnetic mounting eliminates the cable management hassles that often plague mobile video setups.
This trend extends beyond storage. Companies are developing MagSafe-compatible camera grips, lighting accessories, and even small monitors. The magnetic ecosystem makes it easier to build professional mobile filming rigs without complicated mounting systems.
The convenience factor can’t be overstated. Being able to attach external storage with a simple magnetic snap makes the difference between getting the shot and missing it. In fast-moving content creation scenarios, every second counts.
Software integration and backup features
Lexar includes a mobile app that adds automatic backup functionality to the ES5. The app can automatically copy photos and videos from your phone to the external drive, providing instant backup protection. This is especially valuable for content creators who can’t afford to lose footage.
The drive also supports AES 256-bit encryption through Lexar’s DataShield software. This hardware-level security protects sensitive content even if the drive gets lost or stolen. Professional creators working with confidential material will appreciate this security layer.
Cross-platform compatibility extends to the software features. The ES5 works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even gaming consoles like PlayStation 5. This versatility makes it useful beyond just iPhone recording applications.
Real-world performance testing
Independent reviews confirm that the ES5 delivers on its performance promises. StorageReview tested the drive and achieved 1,823MB/s read speeds and 1,797MB/s write speeds in real-world scenarios. These numbers fall slightly short of the maximum 2,000MB/s specification, but still provide excellent performance.
The performance varies depending on your device’s capabilities. Older computers with USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports will see lower speeds due to interface limitations. However, the latest MacBooks and high-end Windows laptops can take full advantage of the ES5’s speed potential.
Battery life impact is minimal when using the ES5 with iPhones. The drive draws less than the 4.5-watt power limit that Apple requires for ProRes recording accessories. You can record for extended periods without dramatically affecting your phone’s battery life.
Who should consider the ES5
The ES5 makes the most sense for mobile content creators who regularly shoot high-quality video. YouTubers, Instagram creators, and professional videographers who work on location will find the magnetic mounting system invaluable. The ability to record 4K ProRes directly to external storage opens up professional workflow possibilities.
Casual users probably don’t need the ES5’s specialized features. If you mainly take photos and occasional videos, your iPhone’s internal storage is likely sufficient. The ES5’s premium pricing and professional focus make it overkill for basic smartphone use.
The drive also appeals to laptop users who want convenient external storage. The magnetic mounting system works great for attaching the ES5 to laptop screens during file transfers. Content creators who work between mobile and desktop setups will appreciate this flexibility.
Looking ahead to 4TB capacity
The upcoming 4TB model will target users with the most demanding storage needs. Multi-day shoots, 8K recording, and extensive content libraries can quickly fill smaller drives. Having 4TB available in such a compact, portable package will be appealing for professional creators.
Pricing for the 4TB model remains unknown, but it will likely follow Lexar’s current pricing structure. If the cost per gigabyte stays consistent, expect the 4TB ES5 to cost around $400-450. That’s a significant investment, but reasonable for the performance and convenience it provides.
The staggered release schedule suggests Lexar wants to gauge market demand before committing to higher-capacity production. If the 1TB and 2TB models sell well, the 4TB version could arrive sooner than the projected early 2026 timeframe.
