ORICO K10 1TB Magnetic SSD Review: Portable Storage for iPhone Filmmakers

Need more storage for shooting ProRes video on your iPhone? The ORICO K10 1TB Magnetic SSD offers an interesting solution: a portable solid-state drive that snaps directly onto the back of your phone via MagSafe.

I’ve been testing this magnetic SSD with my iPhone to see if it lives up to the promise of hassle-free expanded storage. The K10 combines USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity with a strong magnetic attachment, allowing you to record 4K ProRes HDR footage without eating into your phone’s internal storage.

The bottom line? It’s a solid option for iPhone filmmakers who need external storage on the go, though it comes with some trade-offs. Let me break down what I found.

What I Liked

Strong Magnetic Attachment

The magnetic attachment is the K10’s standout feature. Once you place it on the back of your iPhone, it stays put. I found it sturdy enough that it won’t fall off during handheld recording, which is essential when you’re shooting video on the move.

The included metal adhesive ring extends compatibility to phones without built-in MagSafe. This magnetic design enables one-handed operation, freeing up your other hand for stabilization or adjusting settings.

4K ProRes Recording Support

This is the main reason to consider a magnetic SSD for your iPhone. The K10 supports 4K ProRes HDR recording directly from your iPhone 16 Pro or 15 Pro. In testing, this expanded recording time from roughly 44 minutes on internal storage to over 290 minutes on the 1TB drive.

You cannot record in log format without an external drive connected, so for professional video work, this capability is essential rather than optional.

PD 100W Pass-Through Charging

The K10 includes a USB-C Power Delivery port that supports up to 100W charging. This means you can charge your phone or tablet while simultaneously using the SSD for storage or recording. For content creators shooting extended sessions, this eliminates the need to choose between power and storage.

Compact and Lightweight Design

The drive weighs just 3.84 ounces and doesn’t add significant bulk to your phone. I found it easy to slip into a pocket when not mounted, and the aluminum alloy construction gives it a premium feel without excessive weight.

Aluminum Alloy Build Quality

ORICO built the K10 with an aluminum alloy shell that provides dust and drop resistance. While it’s not rated for extreme conditions like some rugged competitors, it feels solid enough for everyday carry and light outdoor use.

What Needs Improvement

Limited iPhone Compatibility

The K10 only works with iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models that have USB-C ports. If you have an iPhone 14 or earlier with a Lightning connector, this drive won’t work without additional adapters. This significantly limits the potential audience for what is otherwise a compelling product.

Advertised vs Real-World Speeds

ORICO advertises transfer speeds up to 1000MB/s, but real-world testing shows more modest results. In file transfer tests, I observed effective speeds in the 287-330MB/s range. That’s still faster than most memory cards and traditional portable drives, but falls short of the marketing claims. For ProRes recording, the speeds are adequate, though you may notice the gap when transferring large files to your computer.

Heat During Extended Recording

During prolonged recording sessions at higher frame rates, the K10 can get warm. While it handled standard 4K 30fps recording without issues, some users have reported thermal limitations when pushing 4K 120fps for extended periods. For casual video recording, this isn’t a concern, but professional users with demanding workflows should be aware of this limitation.

How It Compares

The ORICO K10 enters a competitive market for portable storage, but its magnetic attachment sets it apart for iPhone users.

Samsung T7: The Samsung T7 has become the benchmark for portable SSDs, offering proven reliability and similar 1000MB/s transfer speeds. However, it lacks any magnetic attachment option. If you don’t need the MagSafe convenience, the T7 offers a more established track record and widespread availability.

Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD: The Lexar ES5 is the K10’s most direct competitor, offering magnetic attachment for iPhone along with faster 2000MB/s speeds. TechRadar noted the ES5 has stronger magnetic attachment and a more premium build. The Lexar commands a higher price but delivers superior performance for professional workflows.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD: The SanDisk Extreme offers IP55 water and dust resistance for rugged outdoor use. It’s a better choice if you need protection against the elements, but the lack of magnetic mounting makes it less convenient for phone-mounted recording.

For iPhone filmmakers on a budget who value the magnetic convenience, the K10 offers solid value. Those needing maximum speed or ruggedness should consider the alternatives.

Final Verdict

The ORICO K10 earns a 4.0 out of 5 rating. It delivers on its core promise: a portable SSD that magnetically attaches to your iPhone for convenient ProRes recording.

The magnetic attachment works well, the build quality is solid, and the pass-through charging is a thoughtful addition. Real-world transfer speeds fall short of marketing claims, and the iPhone 15/16 requirement limits the audience. But for mobile filmmakers who need external storage without the cable clutter, the K10 offers genuine value at its $139.99 price point.

It’s a worthwhile investment for iPhone content creators who want the magnetic convenience.