A portable M.2 solution that's useful even without an iPhone

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On the surface, you might think that the Dockcase MagSafe SSD Enclosure is only intended for iPhone users. You can stick it on the back of any of the best iPhones, connect the two devices with a USB-C cable, and record high-quality ProRes videos directly to an SSD. To make the most of your phone's recording capabilities, a supported SSD is required, as iPhones require one to record 4K ProRes videos at 60 frames per second. Dockcase's new puck-shaped, MagSafe-equipped USB-C enclosure allows you to use an internal 2230 or 2242 SSD for this purpose.




It's true that with a fast enough SSD, you can record videos directly on the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure. That's exactly what I did with this accessory and my iPhone 16 Pro. However, I couldn't help but think of other creative use cases for this product. If you keep an open mind, the possibilities for how you can use this SSD enclosure are endless.

About this review: For this test, Dockcase provided a MagSafe SSD enclosure and an SSD. The company had no influence on this article and did not see its contents before publication.


Dockcase MagSafe SSD product tag

Tiny SSD enclosure

Dockcase Smart Magsafe M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure

$79 $99 Save $20

The Dockcase MagSafe SSD Enclosure is a tiny, round device that holds M.2 2230/2242 drives up to 2TB in size. It connects to the back of your phone using MagSafe and transfers data via a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-C port and an included braided cable.

Advantages

  • Fast enough to record iPhone videos directly in the case
  • The screen can display the drive health and read/write speed
  • Power loss protection protects your data in the event of an unexpected power outage
Disadvantages

  • Expensive and you have to buy your own SSD
  • The screen could display more useful information

Prices, specifications and availability

Dockcase is selling the Smart MagSafe M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure as a Kickstarter that runs until November 8, 2024. There are two variants, one with a 15W USB-C power input and another with a 100W PD port that can deliver 90W to your host device. The former costs $79 and the latter costs $99. However, you can save up to 20% by backing early on Kickstarter. Note that no SSD is included in any of the cases – you'll need to bring your own. Dockcase tested its case with the following drives: Western Digital PC SN530/SN740, Kioxia BG4, Hynix BC711, Samsung PM991/PM991a and HikVision DK4000.

The Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure is currently only available as a Kickstarter. Dockcase has successfully delivered several Kickstarter products, but there is always a risk that the Kickstarter may not be successful.


What I like

I think the possibilities for a MagSafe-equipped SSD enclosure are endless

There are two unique things about the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure, the first is in the name: it supports MagSafe. This is really just for convenience, as you still need a USB-C cable to connect the case to a host device. Still it is Is Handy, especially if you're shooting from an iPhone directly to an internal SSD. The second special feature of this SSD case is that it is really small – the thing easily fits in the palm of my hand. It's just the right size to support internal M.2 NVMe 2230 and 2242 SSDs without adding much additional size and weight.


If you're not part of the Apple ecosystem, you probably know that it's pretty easy to use MagSafe accessories with third-party devices. Cases with built-in magnets ensure MagSafe compatibility with the best Android phones, and sticker rings are available to literally spin them anything into a MagSafe compatible device. In addition, the Qi2 standard is compatible with MagSafe, so future Qi2 devices will also work with the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure.

I can stick a MagSafe sticker ring on anything and attach the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure to it easily, quickly and securely.


That's why I'm excited about the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure. I can stick a MagSafe sticker ring on anything and attach the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure to it easily, quickly and securely. I'm primarily a Mac user, and you probably know that the best Macs these days don't have internal memory upgrades. Once it's full, you'll need to use an external drive. Some people use Velcro or tape to arbitrarily attach an external drive to their computer, but now that's no longer necessary. I already have ideas on how to install the MagSafe SSD dock case on my Asus ROG Ally


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The hardware and technical data are also solid

The internal parts of the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure.

Compared to a great portable SSD, the advantage of the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure is that you can easily bring your own SSD and swap it out when needed. All you need to do is remove two screws to reveal the M.2 slot. You can take a quick look at the tight tolerances of the internals, swap or install an SSD, and slide in the wrist strap.

The advantage of using the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure is that you can easily bring your own SSD and swap it out when needed.


With a screen on the front, the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure is truly a product with impressive technology. I would recommend choosing the 100W version as it can deliver 90W of power to the host device via a separate USB-C port. The main USB-C host port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) transfer speeds, which is a bit unfortunate. It's fast enough for my needs and I was able to easily record ProRes videos to the drive without any frame drops. However, USB/Thunderbolt 4 would have been desirable at this price.


The screen is cool and serves multiple purposes. It shows you the status of power failure protection, which serves as protection for your data and drive in the event of a power failure. It can also show you read and write speeds, drive health, and a few other things.

Which I don't like

It's pretty expensive for a non-Thunderbolt SSD enclosure, and the screen could be more useful

The read and write speeds of the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure


As I mentioned earlier, I would like the SSD enclosure to support slightly faster speeds and higher specs. It would have been nice considering that the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure I would recommend – the 100W variant – costs $99. I have used SSD cases that cost less than $30 and that means the price of the dock case case is high. That's true even if you like MagSafe, the screen, and the Power Delivery support.

I have used SSD cases that cost less than $30 and that means the price of the dock case case is high.

In addition, I consider the everyday use of the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure's screen to be minimal. It's nice to see drive health, PLP status and read/write speeds when using the dock case as a diagnostic tool. However, you can't see things like remaining drive capacity, and that would have been more useful. If you're familiar with other Dockcase products like the Dockcase Studio, you can expect slightly more limited screen functionality here.


Related

Dockcase Studio review: A versatile 8-in-1 USB-C hub with a hidden talent

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Should you buy the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure?

The Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure leans against a turntable.

You should buy the Dockcase MagSafe SSD Enclosure if:

  • You want to record ProRes videos from your iPhone to an internal SSD
  • You want a clean and convenient way to mount an external SSD
  • You want a diagnostic screen

You should NOT purchase the Dockcase MagSafe SSD Enclosure if:

  • You're not willing to pay $100 for an SSD enclosure
  • You want a chassis that supports full-size drives
  • You want to wait until the Kickstarter ends


The Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure is an expensive purchase, but it opens up a whole range of possibilities. MagSafe is a really great way to mount accessories, and with this case you can easily mount an external SSD anywhere – provided you have a sticker ring adapter, supported phone or case. I'd say the Dockcase MagSafe SSD enclosure is a worthwhile purchase if you really care about MagSafe, but it doesn't offer that much value for the screen alone. If you want to save on this accessory, you'll need to purchase it on Kickstarter before the campaign ends.

Dockcase MagSafe SSD product tag

Tiny SSD enclosure

Dockcase Smart Magsafe M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure

$79 $99 Save $20

The Dockcase MagSafe SSD Enclosure is a tiny, round device that holds M.2 2230/2242 drives up to 2TB in size. It connects to the back of your phone using MagSafe and transfers data via a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-C port and an included braided cable.

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