Lexar Professional Go SL400 portable SSD with Hub review

Lexar Professional Go SL400: 30-second review

We first caught sight of the Lexar Professional Go (or Lexar Professional Go SL400 portable SSD with Hub, to give the device it's full title) back at IFA 2024. After a brief demonstration, and a short hands-on, we were impressed with the overall feel and operation of the device. 

And while it's chiefly designed for videographers and content creators using the the iPhone 15, it's fully compatible with any USB-C phone (we know, we checked). But, how does it stack up under our full and extensive testing? We put it to the test. 

At first, this small modular device just looks like any other mobile SSD that enables you to unlock your iPhone's full potential to film the ProRes video format. But it actually enables far more than just boosting storage by enabling video accessories to be directly attached. Something that will appeal to professional users.

The difference between this and our usual pick of the best portable SSDs is the hub section. Essentially, this device is made up of three integral parts: the main SSD, hub, and the small coupling. There's an extra USB cable along with a case in the box. While the drive can be used as a standard plug-and-play expansion drive, it really comes into its own when all units are used together.

In the box, there are two coupling connectors, which essentially enable you to use the SL400 Go with an iPhone case. To set-up the small USB coupling of choice can be plugged into the base of the phone, followed by the hub and then the SSD. It all sits neatly and snugly at the back of the phone, with the best fit being when the phone has its own case. The other coupling can be used when you want to mount the SSD elsewhere and enables you to connect to a USB cable. While that would be it for most SSDs here, the hub then offers two additional USB Type-C ports for attaching other devices, such as a RODE Go, DJI Mic 2 or power supply, before everything is connected to a larger rig.

The design is solid when used with a larger rig system and will appeal to all content creators looking for a pro-level video option that remains small and lightweight. At present, there is no other system that does this. While other SSDs cater to the additional storage needs, no other system also enables a power bank and mic to be attached to enhance audio quality as well as boost battery life.

As a professional solution for iPhone videography, the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is on another level compared to anything else currently available. It's one of those products you'll only realise you need once you start to film and evaluate your video's production values. On its own, it offers greater flexibility, but when partnered with a wireless mic, lights, and power, it will help improve your iPhone video productions to a professional level.

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Price & availability

The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is available from retailers and can be purchased directly through the Lexar website, Amazon.com, and many other retail sites.

• Score: 4/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Design & build

The Lexar Professional Go with Hub has a quirky design with two parts, with increased functionality as the SSD and Hub are combined. Straight out of the box, the small SSD can be plugged directly into the base of your iPhone and will be instantly recognised and available for use. As is normal with any SSD or mic system that plugs into the base of an iPhone, any existing protective case needs to be removed first. This functionality is much like the bulk of other mobile SSDs on the market, but the size of the SSD does already set it apart, especially considering the huge 2TB capacity.

Where this small device really comes into its own is when it's coupled with the hub. The hub is a slightly larger block that uses a small adapter, which plugs directly into the hub, the SSD and then into the base of your iPhone. This is, again, a bit of a bolt-on, but it all starts to make sense as part of a far larger and more professional rig.

The size and weight of the modules are compact, with the SSD measuring 25.5 x 43.5 x 8.25mm and weighing 13g, while the slightly larger hub comes in at 43 x 43.5 x 8.25mm and weighs 23g. Altogether, along with the coupling, the entire unit weighs 42g with the SSD's rubber case and 38g without. It's worth keeping the rubber case on as it provides a better grip against the phone when everything is in position.

The design means that the hub and SSD are held in place by the USB port, and while this might not seem like the best solution, Lexar has included two small USB couplings that enable you to fit the hub snugly or connect in a USB cable when the SSD is mounted elsewhere. In this review, we used a Mous iPhone 15 case, and when in place, the hub sits snugly and securely. Once the SSD is plugged in, it creates a solid connection that makes everything feel firmly together when handheld.

• Design & build: 4/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Features

This device is essentially a very compact SSD with a USB Type-C hub that has been designed modularly so you can adapt it to suit your filming needs. The SSD is available in 1TB or 2TB versions, and once connected, it will enable you to unlock and record ProRes-quality video footage.

While the SSD is small, it's also designed to be robust with IP65 certification, which means it's both water- and dust-resistant. The drive isn't just tough against environmental elements but also comes with 256-AES encryption software to keep the files on the drive secure.

When it comes to connecting to the iPhone, it utilises the standard USB Type-C connector, which enables ultra-fast transfer rates with quoted read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s. While the device has been designed for use with Apple iPhones, it's also equally compatible with Android devices as long as they're USB Type-C (3.0 or above) and the phone has OTG functionality with a USB load capacity of above 4.5W.

The hub is where the feature set really gets interesting, with four USB ports—one for the SSD, one for the coupling to the phone and the other two spare for connecting other devices. This includes up to a 30W charging rate if you need longer shooting times.

• Features: 5/5

Lexar Professional Go SL400: Performance

Setting up the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is straightforward, as Lexar has provided everything you need in a soft zip case. This case is a nice touch as it keeps everything together and makes it ultra-portable and easy to slip into a backpack easily.

Assembling the components and connecting to the phone takes less than a minute, with the coupling and hub plugging in along with the SSD. During testing, we generally used the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub with the iPhone 15 Pro, using a Mous case. This ensured that the SSD and Hub sat flush against the case, although we found it odd that the SSD features a rubber case while the hub does not.

In use, with or without the rubber case the units sat against the phone snuggly, with the rubber case just giving a little additional purchase when handheld. The connection between the phone and the unit is solely through the USB Type-C connection, and this can feel like a weak point.

In use, it's apparent that the Lexar drive and hub have been designed as a professional piece of kit, and with the right accessories, such as cage, mics, light and power, it certainly feels like a far more substantial rig than the phone alone. Adding in a Neewer cage, a small LED light, and a Rode Go Mic alongside the SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub provided an instant boost in quality—the phone goes from being something you can snapshot a quick recording with to something altogether far more professional.

Then, there's the potential to add in a wireless mic system, such as the DJI Mic 2. With the hub in place, this can easily be wired in, and if an additional battery is needed, it can also be added, along with the mic. 

Overall, the performance and speed of the small SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub are impressive, and the fact that it offers so much additional potential makes it a valuable accessory for anyone looking to boost the quality of their video.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar Professional Go SL400?

The Lexar Professional Go with Hub enables you to shoot professional-grade video on your iPhone and unlocks features like ProRes video recording. The hub also enables you to connect pro-level microphones and other accessories that essentially transform your iPhone into a fully-fledged production rig. 

If you need your iPhone's video to take a step up for business and professional video, then this is a great solution and simple to use. Ultimately, there's no other mobile SSD that packs in a hub that enables this level of expandability and performance. If you need your iPhone for professional video, then the Lexar SL400 Go Portable SSD with Hub is an essential choice. 

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