One of the big challenges for iPhone and older iPad users has remained device storage and moving files seamlessly to other devices. While this is not a major dealbreaker for Apple die-hards who have chosen to go ‘all in’ with the ecosystem and therefore are also invested in iCloud storage, it’s an issue for users who have to flit between an iPad with a lighting port, an Android smartphone and a Windows laptop. It’s also a challenge for users who don’t want to let go of older iPhones with limited device storage. This is where SanDisk’s iXpand Flash Drive Luxe comes into the picture.

It delivers a simple solution – a dual drive with a lighting port and a USB-C port that allows easy transfer of files between iPhones and other gadgets. It’s finished in all-metal casing, that’s quite typical of these devices; we dig the elegant charcoal grey finish. It certainly looks premium but we’re not sure if that merits a ‘Luxe’ suffix for this drive. We also approve of the swivel design and the keyring hole that makes it easy to take it with you on the go. You really have no excuse to misplace this drive thanks to the handy keyring design.

Set up is easy. You need to grab the SanDisk iXpand drive app on the Apple App Store. It’s easy to set up and comes with a fairly clean user interface – the menu offers you the choice to  copy, view or back-up and restore files. I tried it out with a few pictures on an iPhone 12 Pro and it was mighty quick. The App offers you the option to back up your files and also delete the images that you’ve moved to the drive from your iPhone or iPad. This is useful for users who are keen to free onboard storage. The other useful touch is the ability to password-protect your files and photos.

Transfer speeds were impressive (we checked out the 128GB storage option) on the iPhone and when I switched to the USB Type-C mode on my MacBook as well as a Samsung Galaxy device.

So, who’s this device for? I you’re already using iCloud and have opted for Apple’s expanded storage plans or back up your images on Google Photos, you may not need this device. The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe is for you if you shoot heaps of images and videos that you constantly need to keep moving to a data storage device. There are few products that offer this functionality that are currently available in India. This is particularly useful for users with older iPhones or iPads with limited storage. It boasts of a refined, sturdy form factor and a convenient portable design and is lighting quick.

The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe comes in three storage variants – 64GB / Rs 4449, 128GB / Rs 5919 and 256GB / Rs 8999.