SanDisk iXpand Mini Flash Drive review: Extra storage for iOS devices

SanDisk iXpand Mini Flash Drive

We got the 32GB version of the SanDisk iXpand Mini Flash Drive for review. Compared to the earlier versions this is much smaller and sleeker. It comes with a regular USB 3.1 port on one side, and a lightning port on the other. As soon as you plug it into an iOS device, it prompts you to download the SanDisk iXpand app from the app store.

The popular use case for this device will be to help free up space on an iPhone or iPad. The app lets you do that with ease and even backs up contacts. Once the backup is done, there is the option to delete these files from the iPhone or iPad. You can do this without worrying as the drive lets you play the files seamlessly from the drive itself.

Compared to the earlier versions, this SanDisk iXpand Mini is much smaller and sleeker.

The other main use for the drive is to copy files from a laptop to an iPhone or iPad. A lot of iOS users struggle here as they try to manage the multiple worlds of iOS and Windows. However, with the iXpand drive this is as simple as drag and drop. I copied video files from the my laptop to this drive and played them with ease within the app on the iPhone. Now, if you are planning a long trip, just copy your videos on this drive to play on your iPhone or iPad wherever you are.

Interestingly, the app offers the option to backup your social media files directly onto the drive, like some old Western Digital hard drives. Also, if you want to save something from another app, it is as easy as going to share sheet and clicking on the iXpand app.

The other main use for the drive is to copy files from a laptop to an iPhone or iPad. A lot of iOS users struggle here as they try to manage the multiple worlds of iOS and Windows.

Even when the files are being read directly from the drive there is no lag or stutter. The copy speeds are also very fast with a 1GB file being moved in well under a minute.

Should you buy?

Yes, if you are one of those stuck with a 8GB or 16GB iOS devices, and constantly deleting stuff to make space for now photos or Whatsapp messages. These drives are priced between Rs 2,750 and Rs 7,050 based on the storage. The 32GB version we reviewed is priced at Rs 3,599 on Flipkart making it a good value for money deal.