Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Lexar’s ES5 is a magnetic portable SSD designed for phones and cameras, with direct Apple ProRes and Samsung Pro Video recording on supported devices. Lexar advertises up to 2,000MB/s sequential read and write, but that ceiling requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 host; an iPhone or computer with a slower USB interface will not reach it. The drive attaches to MagSafe-compatible phones, includes a metal ring for other devices, and comes in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities.
What Lexar announced
Lexar announced the ES5 globally on July 1, 2025, followed by an Americas launch notice on October 6, 2025. The product is positioned as external storage for filming, transferring and organizing high-bitrate mobile video rather than as a general-purpose phone accessory alone.
Lexar’s Americas notice listed Amazon as a sales channel. Its launch MSRPs were $119.99 for 1TB and $199.99 for 2TB. The notice said a 4TB model was planned for North America in the first quarter of 2026; current inventory, pricing and the exact regional model should be checked before purchase.
How fast is the ES5?
Lexar claims sequential speeds of up to 2,000MB/s for both reading and writing when the ES5 is connected to a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 host. That is a manufacturer maximum, not a guaranteed phone result. Lexar says actual performance varies with the host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors.
#1 Best Overall
- Up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write to transfer files fast for a smooth workflow (Performance on Mac and other systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 may be lower)
- The drive's MagSafe-compatible design makes it easy to attach to your compatible smartphone. An additional metal ring accessory gives any device a magnetic surface to attach to
- Supports recording in Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS, and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
- Includes free access to the Lexar App to easily auto back up your media and expand the storage of your mobile device
- Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, and is drop resistant up to 3M
USB 3.2 names are easy to confuse. A device connected through a slower USB generation, a hub, an adapter or a phone port with a lower bandwidth limit will operate below the 2,000MB/s claim. For mobile recording, sustained write behavior and the phone’s camera software matter more than a short benchmark peak. Confirm the port and cable specification of the particular phone, tablet or computer before buying the ES5 for speed-critical work.
MagSafe attachment and non-MagSafe use
MagSafe-compatible iPhones
The ES5 magnetically attaches to MagSafe-compatible phones, allowing the SSD to sit against the back of the phone while a USB cable connects it to the device. Lexar specifically lists iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series or later as compatible families, subject to the model and software requirements for recording.
Rank #2
- Up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write to transfer files fast for a smooth workflow (Performance on Mac and other systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 may be lower)
- The drive's MagSafe-compatible design makes it easy to attach to your compatible smartphone. An additional metal ring accessory gives any device a magnetic surface to attach to
- Supports recording in Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS, and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
- Includes free access to the Lexar App to easily auto back up your media and expand the storage of your mobile device
- Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, and is drop resistant up to 3M
Other phones and devices
Lexar includes a magnetic metal ring so the drive can be mounted on devices without a built-in MagSafe system. The ring changes the attachment method, not the phone’s USB data capability: recording support still depends on the device, operating system, camera app and cable.
The product page lists compatibility with macOS 10.6 or later, Windows 7/8/10/11, iOS and Android 4.4 or later, as well as PCs, Macs, tablets, iPads, cameras and gaming consoles. Those broad operating-system listings indicate storage connectivity; they do not mean every device supports direct ProRes or Pro Video capture.
Rank #3
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
Direct video recording support
Apple ProRes
Lexar says compatible iPhones can record Apple ProRes directly to the ES5 at 4K 60 or 120 frames per second. The exact iPhone model, iOS version, camera settings and available storage determine which modes appear. A compatible phone and a suitable USB connection are required; MagSafe attachment by itself does not enable ProRes.
Samsung Pro Video
Lexar’s global announcement says supported Samsung devices can record Samsung Pro Video at 8K 30 frames per second to the drive. Samsung model and software requirements apply, and the available format can vary by camera mode and region.
Rank #4
- BLAZING FAST TRANSFERS - Experience rapid data access with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, leveraging USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology for ultimate efficiency.
- EXPANSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - Store your essential files, photos, and videos with available capacities up to 2TB, providing ample space for all your digital content needs.
- RUGGED DURABILITY - Benefit from IP65 dust- and water-resistance, plus 3.3' (1m) anti-drop protection, ensuring your data remains safe in challenging environments.
- ULTRA-COMPACT DESIGN - Take your data anywhere with dimensions of just 1.71 x 0.98 x 0.32" and a weight of 0.5 oz, making it the perfect portable storage solution.
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY - Seamlessly connect to a wide range of devices, including iPhone 15 series, smartphones, PCs, Macs, tablets, iPads, cameras, and more.
Before a shoot, format the drive as recommended by the phone maker, connect it directly rather than through an unpowered hub, and make a short test clip. Check that the camera app shows external storage as the recording destination and that the clip can be played back from the SSD.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSpecifications at a glance
| Specification | Lexar ES5 information |
|---|---|
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| Advertised maximum | Up to 2,000MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write on a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 host |
| Capacities | 1TB, 2TB and 4TB |
| Dimensions | 85mm × 54mm × 11mm |
| Weight | 80g |
| Attachment | MagSafe-compatible magnetic mount; included metal ring for other devices |
| Durability rating | IP65 dust and water resistance; drop resistance up to 3m, based on Lexar’s controlled internal testing |
| Warranty | Five-year limited warranty |
Durability and capacity limitations
Lexar rates the ES5 IP65 and says it withstands drops of up to 3 meters. These are manufacturer ratings from controlled internal testing. Lexar cautions that real-world resistance can differ and that liquid, dust or drop damage may not be covered by the warranty. Treat the rating as protection against accidental exposure, not permission to submerge or deliberately drop the drive.
Best Value
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
Lexar’s regional product information warns that some systems can have compatibility problems with capacities above 2TB. In some regions, the 4TB model may ship as two 2TB partitions. Check how the target phone, camera or operating system recognizes the 4TB version before relying on it as a single volume.
Is the ES5 worth it for iPhone ProRes?
It is a sensible option if you have a supported iPhone, want storage mounted directly to the phone, and can use the external-recording workflow. The 1TB and 2TB launch prices are lower than buying equivalent internal phone storage, while the magnetic design avoids holding a loose SSD during a shoot. The five-year limited warranty and 3-meter internal drop rating add practical reassurance.
Do not buy it solely for the 2,000MB/s number. iPhone port and software limits, cable quality, sustained heat and the camera app can all reduce throughput. If your phone cannot record ProRes to external storage, the ES5 remains a file-transfer drive but will not add that camera feature.
Quick Recap
What to verify before ordering
- Confirm that your exact phone model and operating-system version support external ProRes or Samsung Pro Video recording.
- Check the device’s USB port, cable and any adapter; USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is required for Lexar’s 2,000MB/s maximum.
- Choose 1TB or 2TB if the target system has known issues with volumes larger than 2TB.
- Verify the current regional price, 4TB availability and whether the listing includes the magnetic ring and the correct cable.
- Run a short recording and playback test before an important production.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
