Planck SSD Review: A Small Drive Perfect for iPhone Video Makers | Cult of Mac

The Planck SSD was created specifically for the iPhone and is so small and well-designed that it slips into the USB-C port of the handset and practically disappears. But there’s still room for up to 2 terabytes of storage.

Even better, it’s lightning fast. So fast that it can record high-resolution/high-frame ProRes video from iPhone Pro models, making the Planck SSD the ideal tool for creators and professional video makers.

I tried the disc and was very impressed. It even comes with a useful collection of accessories.

Planck SSD review

Apple created ProRes as a high-quality video codec with visually lossless compression, so it maintains excellent image quality while significantly reducing file size compared to uncompressed video. ProRes supports various resolutions, including 4K. Any iPhone Pro or Pro Max going back to the iPhone 13 series can record in this format.

Even with compression, file sizes can be large. You almost certainly need an SSD attached to your iPhone to record any useful amount of 4K ProRes at 60fps or 4K at 120fps. The Planck SSD is ideal for this. Just perfect.

Contents: Planck SSD review

SSD designed for iPhone

While you can connect any SSD that supports USB-C to your iPhone, most are too bulky to be practical for creators and professional videographers. But the Planck SSD is tiny. Even better, the USB-C connector is in the middle of one side, rather than the typical short edge, so the drive fits along the bottom edge of the phone so it doesn’t get in the way.

I have no problem using my iPhone with the Planck SSD inserted. It’s not intrusive in any way. More importantly, the disc is small enough that it shouldn’t interfere with the mount you’re using to record video, not even a ring light.

You have to remove the accessory to connect the charging cable, but the MagSafe wireless charging mount is easier and will keep your phone charged all the time.

That said, I recommend removing the unit when not in use. Not because it’s in your way, but because the iPhone’s USB-C port can’t withstand long-term stress. Placing the combo in your pocket or purse will put a twisting pressure on the accessory that will eventually damage the drive port or connector or both. Luckily, there’s a snug sleeve in the box for this product.

Cases plus USB-C adapter

My first look at the Planck SSD with the USB-C connector sticking out of one side made me worry that it would be easily damaged in a camera bag. That’s what the developers at Planck Gear thought of too, and a rubber sleeve comes in the box to protect the drive. The connector gets a lot of extra protection.

There is also a bumper case for the connector in the box. Put it on when you’re using an SSD.

Cases are not the only accessories. If you are using a thick case, you may need an adapter. I keep my iPhone in an OtterBox case, and the USB-C connector on the Planck SSD is long enough that I don’t have to remove the case to plug in the drive. However, if your iPhone case is quite hefty, you may need to use the USB-C adapter that comes with the product. It is 0.8 inches long.

iPhone SSD performance is perfect for ProRes video

If you think you can plug any flash drive into your iPad and record ProRes video, think again. Your external storage device must support data transfers of at least 220 MB/s for 4K at 60fps ProRes and at least 440 MB/s for 4K at 120fps ProRes. These are requirements that the Planck SSD easily meets.

In my testing, I consistently hit 873MB/s when transferring a 10.74GB test file to disk. A double-sized test file reached 943 MB/s.

Terabytes of storage capacity

The Planck SSD comes with a capacity of 1 TB or 2 TB. However, depending on your requirements, you may need multiple 2TB drives as ProRes files can be huge.

When recording at 4K/120 ProRes 422 HQ – the highest quality available on iPhone – five minutes of video takes up around 220GB. So 2TB will give you maybe 45 minutes of video.

Not just for iPhone

To avoid confusion, nothing limits the Planck SSD to iPhones only. Stop on the contrary. Since it connects via USB-C, you can plug it into any Apple computer as well as Windows and Android devices. And your Mac and iPad also take advantage of the high-speed data transfers that the drive offers.

A professional video setup can include two of these SSDs – one used to record video while the other downloads previously recorded ProRes files to a MacBook with very large storage capacity.

Planck SSD Review: Final Thoughts

Creators and video creators, this SSD is made for you. Plug it into your iPhone Pro or Pro Max and you’re ready to record the high-resolution/high-frame ProRes video you need. Then easily transfer the files to your Mac for editing.

It’s better than built-in storage for the job. And certainly much more affordable.

★★★★★

Prices

The 1TB Planck SSD costs $169. The 2TB variant costs $299. You can get SSDs that are cheaper, but they won’t be as convenient to use.

Equipped with Planck Gear Cult of Mac with the evaluation unit for this article. See our review policy for more detailed reviews of Apple-related items.