SanDisk iXpand, we tested this external memory for the iPhone

Along with autonomy, The memory of the iPhone is one of the great problems of the Apple mobile. In neither of the two cases can we replace those components with others or use microSD cards, therefore, our initial decision will mark everything.

Although the battery means opening the terminal, for the issue of memory, more and more affordable and useful solutions such as the SanDisk iXpand, an accessory that has been in the market for quite some time but recently announced a new version with 128GB capacity. A 32 GB drive has passed through our hands so we are going to show you how it works.

SanDisk iXpand, more memory for the iPhone

What's so special about the SanDisk iXpand? Basically it all boils down to your Lightning connection for iOS devices, something that very few units currently offer. On paper, this product is just another pendrive and behaves as such, therefore, it has the classic USB connection to connect it to our computer and make a file transfer.

This has two main advantages. On the one hand, we can use it as memory not only for the iPhone but also for any computer, television, etc. The second advantage is the ease with which we can save files that we will later access from the iPhone.

iOS doesn't have a file explorer so SanDisk has had to develop its own application to make all the content stored in the iXpand memory visible. Of course, the application is free and has implemented a viewer for the main formats of video, music, images, documents, etc.

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A question that you often ask me is whether we can install applications in this memory. No, you can't because iOS doesn't have access to it other than through the SanDisk app. It is the limitation that iPhone or iPad users have and it does not look like it will change in the future. What you can do is leave the device memory for apps and the rest of the content (photos, videos, music, etc.) save it in the iXpand.

The application that manages the SanDisk iXpand also has a series of very interesting functions such as the Automatic backup of contacts and photo library. 

When we finish using the SanDisk iXpand memory, we disconnect it from the iPhone, keep its Lightning connector and until next time.

One detail to keep in mind is that memory has a small internal battery for power when we have it connected to the iPhone. This battery recharges automatically every time we connect it to a computer or any conventional USB port, but it is important to know that if we run out of autonomy, we will not be able to use it.

SanDisk has taken this detail into account and has provided the aluminum housing of its product with a small LED, a light that, while it is green, promises us more than enough autonomy.

SanDisk iXpand, conclusions

The SanDisk iXpand becomes a perfect product for those who need more space or for those who do not want to depend on cloud services and the like to have access to their photos, documents and other important files.

Depending on the version that interests us, it will cost us more or less depending on the capacity chosen. Here are the official prices although you can already get something cheaper online:

• 16GB SanDisk iXpand: 54,99 euros
• 32GB SanDisk iXpand: 74,99 euros
• 64GB SanDisk iXpand: 109,99 euros
• 128GB SanDisk iXpand: 169,99 euros